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Schermerhorn (Charles Maxton) papers
TSAK 2022/05
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Table of contents
Contributing Institution:
California State University, Sacramento Donald & Beverly Gerth Special Collections and University Archives
Title: Charles Maxton Schermerhorn papers
Identifier/Call Number: TSAK 2022/05
Physical Description:
5 Linear Feet
(4 Record Cartons)
Date (inclusive): 1924-2019
Abstract: Collection contains personal files and records, notes and reports, correspondence, indexed photographs, negatives, and slides,
contemporary military-issued maps, a diary from 1948, and a 200,000-word manuscript pertaining to Charles Maxton Schermerhorn's
experiences in Greece as a social worker and author. 1924-2019
Language of Material:
English
.
Container: 1
The Charles Maxton Schermerhorn collection documents five consecutive years (1946-1951) of direct field experience highlighting
food distribution efforts during and after the Greek Civil War. These materials add another chapter to the history of humanitarian
aid in Greece during the 20th century. The collection consists of 3 record cartons which include personal files and records,
notes and reports, correspondence, indexed photographs, negatives, and slides, contemporary military-issued maps, Schermerhorn's
diary from 1948, and a 200,000-word manuscript Schermerhorn wrote about his experiences in Greece. The materials are in English.
1924-2019
The collection is arranged into 5 series. Series 1 is Personal Materials which includes personal records, work records, and
diaries. Series 2 is Correspondence which contains correspondence to and from Schermerhorn with family, friends, and also
work-related correspondence. Series 3 is Notes, Research, and Other Writings which includes reports written by Schermerhorn
or by the organizations he was a part of, drafts and manuscript writings, and notes. Series 4 is Maps which includes maps
from different regions in Greece and the surrounding areas of Europe, along with an index of the included maps. Series 5
is Photos, Slides, and Negatives which has photos, slides, and negatives, as well as an index for the photographs.
This collection is part of the Tsakopoulos Hellenic Collection within the Donald & Beverly Gerth Special Collections & University
Archives.
The American Charles Maxton Schermerhorn (1901-1986) attended Princeton Theological Seminary in the early 1920s followed by
his work as a social worker during the 1930s in San Francisco, where he worked at an orphanage and as a juvenile probation
officer. In 1946, the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration (UNRRA) sent him to Greece, but he was shortly
thereafter employed by the Near East Foundation in Thessaloniki and by UNICEF, where he was the only civilian (native Greek
or foreigner) running humanitarian food distribution campaigns throughout 170 war-torn northern Greek towns and villages between
1948-1951, during and after the Greek Civil War. His interactions included associations with the renowned photographer David
Seymour and important journalists such as George Polk, Dana Adams Schmidt, Maynard Owen Williams, and Mark Gayn. Upon returning
to the US after 1951, Schermerhorn was reportedly blacklisted, which prevented his employment with the US State Department.
Subsequently, he pursued gainful employment as a social worker in California starting in East Los Angeles's Plaza Community
Center, then Bakersfield as a coordinator for the Job Corps, and finally at Friends Outside, a support organization for people
imprisoned in Tehachapi and their families, until his eventual death in 1986.
Collection is open for research. Some restrictions may apply.
No accruals are expected.
Copyright is protected by the copyright law, Chapter 17 of the U.S. Code. Requests for permission to publish, quote, or reproduce
from collections must be submitted in writing to the Head of the Department of the Donald & Beverly Gerth Special Collections
& University Archives. Permission for publication is given on the behalf of the Donald & Beverly Gerth Special Collections
& University Archives Department, California State University, Sacramento as the owner of the physical item and is not intended
to include permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained by the researcher.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
The Schermerhorn papers were acquired in 2022 from a donation by David Schermerhorn, one of Charles Schermerhorn's sons.
Thanks to Prof. Anthony Bernier of San Jose State University for his time and patience in seeing this donation come to fruition.
[Identification of item including date], [Folder Title], TSAK 2022/05, Charles Maxton Schermerhorn papers, Donald & Beverly
Gerth Special Collections & University Archives, California State University, Sacramento.