Collection context
Summary
- Title:
- Edward D. Clarkson Collection
- Dates:
- 1916-1969, bulk 1959-1962
- Creators:
- Clarkson, Edward D.
- Extent:
- 0.83 Linear Feet
- Language:
- English .
- Preferred citation:
-
Identification of item, folder title, box number, Edward D. Clarkson Collection, Special Collections and University Archives, San Diego State University Library.
Background
- Scope and content:
-
The Edward D. Clarkson Collection, in the form of an autograph collection, contains various correspondence, photographs, miscellaneous works, and ephemera of Clarkson's. The correspondence discusses a diverse array of contemporary issues, including U.S. relations with Cuba and race relations between whites and African Americans in the United States. In a recruitment type fashion, Clarkson attempts to enlist a variety of individuals in many causes. These individuals include both the political and artistic sphere of American life.
Clarkson spent the majority of his efforts lobbying for peace with foreign nations, mainly Cuba, in the decades of the 1950's and 60's. His main efforts were directed towards United States Senators and Congressmen. However, Clarkson did attempt to influence a number of United States Presidents, both retired and active. Among the Presidents were, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry Truman, Dwight Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, and Richard Nixon.
Included in Clarkson's political endeavors are a number of other prominent figures in American society. Among them are letters to Hubert Humphrey pertaining to peace efforts, yet directed toward the disarmament of the Soviet Union. Clarkson inquired of Eleanor Roosevelt on the possibility of creating separate societies for blacks and whites, not excluding the possibilities of migrating the African American to Africa.
Clarkson also corresponded with many well-known American social figures like Georgia O'Keefe, Robert Oppenheimer, Gregory Peck, and Upton Sinclair.
- Biographical / historical:
-
Born on November 22, 1890, Edward D. Clarkson spent many years actively campaigning for social progress towards his view of what United States government policies should be both at home and abroad. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1916 and served in both World War I and World War II. Later in life, Clarkson took up residency in Cuba, where he spent approximately ten years in a diplomatic fashion. Clarkson retired from the army in 1944 and earned a master's degree in history from San Diego State College in 1958.
Clarkson spent the remainder of his life in La Jolla, California. As a resident for more than 30 years, he was highly active not only as a correspondent but also through participation in organizations such as the American Legion, the Scottish Rite Masons, Phi Alpha Theta and even the La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club. Edward D. Clarkson died in October of 1969.
- Acquisition information:
- Edward D. Clarkson
- Arrangement:
-
I. Correspondence to and from Edward D. Clarkson (In alphabetical order)
II. Miscellaneous
III. Clarkson Family correspondence
- Accruals:
-
1964
- Rules or conventions:
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Indexed terms
About this collection guide
- Date Encoded:
- This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on 2020-11-10 17:31:39 -0800 .
Access and use
- Restrictions:
-
This collection is open for research.
- Terms of access:
-
The copyright interests in these materials have not been transferred to San Diego State University. Copyright resides with the creators of materials contained in the collection or their heirs. The nature of historical archival and manuscript collections is such that copyright status may be difficult or even impossible to determine. Requests for permission to publish must be submitted to the Head of Special Collections, San Diego State University, Library and Information Access. When granted, permission is given on behalf of Special Collections as the owner of the physical item and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder(s), which must also be obtained in order to publish. Materials from our collections are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study. The user must assume full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials.
- Preferred citation:
-
Identification of item, folder title, box number, Edward D. Clarkson Collection, Special Collections and University Archives, San Diego State University Library.
- Location of this collection:
-
Library and Information Access5500 Campanile DriveSan Diego, CA 92182-8050, US
- Contact:
- (619) 594-6791