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Roland F. Smith Collected Papers

 Collection
Identifier: SCPC-CDG-A-Smith, Roland F.

Scope and Contents

Papers were given to the SCPC by the daughter of Roland Smith. It was decided to name the collection after him, even though there are family papers included of his wives, parents, parents-in-law, brother-in-law (Charles Johnson), and Marcia Geiger. The diaries and letters of this collection provide a window into family relations and into the work and conditions existent at state mental hospitals and CPS camps in the 1940s.

Dates

  • 1939-1946, 1981,1987-1990
  • 1981
  • 1992

Creator

Language of Materials

Materials are in English.

Limitations on Accessing the Collection

None.

Copyright and Rights Information

None.

Biographical

Roland F. Smith was born on April 8, 1917 and died on April 21, 1992. Smith was from Milton, Massachuseets and belonged to the Congregational Christian Church. He was employed as a teacher. During WWII he was classified as a conscientious objector, and served in Civilian Public Service (CPS) at Buck Creek Camp (#19) in Marion, Marion, North Carolina, from November 25, 1941 to December 1942, at the Cheltenham School for Boys (#62) in Cheltenham, Maryland from January 1943 to May 30, 1943, at the Powelsville Camp (#52) in Powellsville, Maryland from May 31, 1943 to August 30, 1943, and at the Philadelphia State Hospital [Byberry] (#49) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania from September 6, 1943 to December 16, 1945. Smith married Ada Mary Johnson (born February 13, 1920) on March 28, 1945; On October 5, 1945 she was hit by a car and died the next day. Roland Smith married Ada Mary’s sister, Margaret Johnson the following year.

Extent

1.25 Linear Feet

Overview

Papers of Roland F. Smith documenting his service in Civilian Public Service as a conscientious objector during WWII, as well as family papers.

Other Finding Aids

For the catalog record for this collection, and to find materials on similar topics, search the library's online catalog

Custodial History

The Swarthmore College Peace Collection is the official repository for these papers/records.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift of family of Roland F. Smith, 2007.

Separated Materials

Photos removed to the Photograph Collection include snapshots of Roland Smith, and of the various CPS camps where he served.

Legal Status

Copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendents, as stipulated by United States copyright law.

Processing Information

Processed, and checklist created, by Anne M. Yoder, Archivist, August 2007; updated December 2012.

Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Find It at the Library

Most of the materials in this catalog are not digitized and can only be accessed in person. Please see our website for more information about visiting or requesting reproductions from Swarthmore College Peace Collection Library

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