Ralph Murray Havens papers

Collection

Identifier: MSS-0650

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

1943-1946

Creator

Havens, Ralph Murray (Person)

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.