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Ralph Murray Havens papers

 Collection
Identifier: MSS-0650
  • No requestable containers

Scope and Contents

The collection contains diaries, letters, and other papers related to Havens's service in the European Theater of Operations, 1944-1945. The bulk of this collection consists of almost daily letters to his wife and sons while stationed in Europe, recounting his activities and observations on the people and places he had seen. The letters also contain insights into and comments on the European situation and Allied policy. Additional papers relate to his military service.

Dates

  • Creation: 1943-1946

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

None

Biographical / Historical

Subsequent to graduation from Baker College, Havens taught high school. He returned to college, this time Duke University, graduating with a Ph.D. in economics in 1941. In 1943, he was working in Atlanta for the U.S. Government when he accepted a commission in the United States Army, European Civil Affairs Division. A 1st Lieutenant, Havens served as an economics specialist in the 2nd European Civil Affairs Regiment and the 1st Military Government Battalion, reestablishing local governments in captured areas. He served in France, Belgium, and Germany, first with the British Second Army and later with the U. S. First Army. In Germany he was at Stoelberg, Montabaur, and Heidelberg. One of Havens' assignments was reopening the University of Heidelberg. After the war, he served as a professor of economics at the University of Alabama from 1946 to 1970, as department chairman from 1957 to 1968.

Extent

0.8 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

Diaries, letters, and other papers related to Havens's service in the European Theater of Operations, 1944-1945.

Provenance

Gift of R. M. Havens, 1995

Processed by

Clark Center, 1996; updated, Donnelly Lancaster, 2006; updated by Martha Bace, 2013

Title
Guide to the Ralph Murray Havens papers
Status
Completed
Date
September 2013
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
English

Repository Details

Part of the The University of Alabama Libraries Special Collections Repository

Contact:
Box 870266
Tuscaloosa AL 35487-0266
205.348.0513