Partial inventory of the Peter Mellini papers
Finding aid prepared by Hoover Institution Library and Archives Staff
Hoover Institution Library and Archives
© 2016
434 Galvez Mall
Stanford University
Stanford, CA 94305-6003
hoover-library-archives@stanford.edu
Title: Peter Mellini papers
Date (inclusive): 1888-2005
Collection Number: 2010C2
Contributing Institution: Hoover Institution Library and Archives
Language of Material:
English
Physical Description:
3 manuscript boxes, 4 card file boxes
(2.9 Linear Feet)
Abstract: Correspondence, writings, and notes relating to Sir Eldon Gorst, British consul general in Egypt, used as research material
for the book by Peter Mellini,
Sir Eldon Gorst: The Overshadowed Proconsul (Stanford, 1977); and sound recordings of interviews of Theodore "Dutch" J. Van Kirk and Bernie Badler, American airmen during
World War II, relating to American aerial operations in Europe and to the dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima in 1945.
Includes ration books and other World War II miscellanea.
Creator:
Mellini, Peter
Creator:
Van Kirk, Theodore J.
Creator:
Badler, Bernie
Physical Location: Hoover Institution Library & Archives
Access
The collection is open for research; materials must be requested in advance via our reservation system. If there are audiovisual
or digital media material in the collection, they must be reformatted before providing access.
Use
For copyright status, please contact the Hoover Institution Library & Archives.
Acquisition Information
Acquired by the Hoover Institution Library & Archives between 2009 and 2011, with increments received in 2015 and 2016.
Preferred Citation
[Identification of item], Peter Mellini papers, [Box no., Folder no. or title], Hoover Institution Library & Archives.
Biographical Note
American historian.
Scope and Content of Collection
Correspondence, writings, and notes relating to Sir Eldon Gorst, British consul general in Egypt, used as research material
for the book by Peter Mellini,
Sir Eldon Gorst: The Overshadowed Proconsul (Stanford, 1977); and sound recordings of interviews of Theodore "Dutch" J. Van Kirk and Bernie Badler, American airmen during
World War II, relating to American aerial operations in Europe and to the dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima in 1945.
Includes ration books and other World War II miscellanea.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
World War, 1939-1945 -- Japan
Audiotapes
Diplomats -- Great Britain
World War, 1939-1945 -- Aerial operations
Atomic bomb
Egypt -- History -- British occupation, 1882-1936
United States. Army Air Forces
Gorst, Eldon, Sir, 1861-1911
Sound recordings
2000-2005
Scope and Contents note
Bernard (Bernie) Badler was a B-24 Liberator pilot in the U.S. Air Force during World War II. Theodore "Dutch" Van Kirk was
a navigator in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II and was the navigator for the
Enola Gay when it dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima.
box 1
Interview of Bernie Badler by Mellini
2005 March 17
Physical Description: 1.0 sound_cassettes
Access
Use copy reference number: 2010c2_a_0013283
box 1
Interview of Bernie Badler by Mellini
2005 May 16-17
Physical Description: 1.0 sound_cassettes
Access
Use copy reference number: 2010c2_a_0013287
Scope and Contents note
At the beginning of the recording, Mellini notes it is the second tape in a continuing interview. It is not clear if this
recording is a continuation of the 17 March 2005 interview noted above, or if this recording is missing its first part.
box 1
Interview of "Dutch" Van Kirk by Mellini
2005 January 31-February 5
Physical Description: 1.0 sound_cassettes
Access
Use copy reference number: 2010c2_a_0013282
Scope and Contents note
This recording is a one-on-one interview with Van Kirk about the dropping of the atomic bomb.
box 1
"Dutch" Van Kirk recounting the dropping of the atomic bomb over Hiroshima
2000 October 4
Physical Description: 2.0 sound_cassettes
Access
Use copy reference number: 2010c2_a_0013266
Scope and Contents note
The navigator of the
Enola Gay speaks to Mellini's class about the dropping of the atomic bomb.
box 1
"Dutch" Van Kirk recounting the dropping of the atomic bomb over Hiroshima
2001 October 3
Physical Description: 2.0 sound_cassettes
Access
Use copy reference number: 2010c2_a_0013275
Scope and Contents note
The navigator of the
Enola Gay speaks to Mellini's class about the dropping of the atomic bomb.
box 1
Ration books and other World War II collected materials
Incremental materials 2016
Arrangement
These materials have been maintained in their original order.
Scope and Contents
Research files and notes on index cards pertaining to Mellini's 1971 Stanford History Ph.D. thesis "Sir Eldon Gorst and British
Imperial Policy in Egypt, 1907-191l" and his 1977 publication, "Sir Eldon Gorst: The Overshadowed Proconsul." Mellini's notes
indicate that notes include material on the British role in Egypt during their occupation from 1882 on, information the social
life of the "upper classes" in Cairo and the British elites at the turn of the century, information on the secret services
in Egypt, and on relations with the Egyptian Khedives and Sultans sourced from Foreign Office files and the Archives of the
Times.