Robert Ross Alden papers, 1935-1973

Creator:

Extent:

10 linear feet 20 boxes 1 oversize folder

Language:

English .

Scope and content:

Professional and personal papers containing correspondence, manuscripts (chiefly typescript versions, many with holograph corrections), documents, photographs, memorabilia, newspapers clippings, printed materials, and some art work. The letters cover his professional, personal and family life. Among the significant correspondents are Orvil E. Dryfoos, James B. Reston and the Sulzberger family. The majority of the papers consist of Alden's manuscripts for his articles and editorials written for the "New York Times." There are some articles that were submitted to various magazines, as well as copy under the pseudonym, Carlton (Tubby) Belmont, written for the Women's news Service. Alden's "Times" writings deal with the New York metropolitan area, the 1963-64 World's Fair, France, Cuba, Southeast Asia, Ships, and the United Nations. In addition there are manuscripts of his stories, novels and poetry. The stories and novels deal with reporters, politics, war and show business. Alden's personal papers and documents relate to his years at City College and in the Army and contain other personal items. Also included is a typescript copy of his autobiography. The newspaper clippings and printed matrerials are mostly of his writings. There are numerous photographs as well as more than one box of memorabilia.

The letters cover his professional, personal and family life. Among the significant correspondents are Orvil E. Dryfoos, James B. Reston and the Sulzberger family. The majority of the papers consist of Alden's manuscripts for his articles and editorials written for The New York Times.

There are some articles that were submitted to various magazines, as well as copy under the pseudonym, Carlton (Tubby) Belmont, written for the Women's News Service. Alden's Times writings deal with the New York metropolitan area, the 1963-64 World's Fair, France, Cuba, Southeast Asia, Ships, and the United Nations. In addition there are manuscripts of his stories, novels and poetry.

The stories and novels deal with reporters, politics, war and show business. Alden's personal papers and documents relate to his years at City College and in the army and contain other personal items.

Also included is a typescript copy of his autobiography. The newspaper clippings and printed matrerials are mostly of his writings. There are numerous photographs as well as more than one box of memorabilia.

Biographical / historical:

Robert Ross Alden, 1922-1973 (born Robert A. Rosenfeld) began working at the New York Times in 1941 as a messenger boy while he was still an undergraduate at City College. Except for his army service during World War II, his entire career was spent at the Times in a wide variety of positions including local reporter; war, diplomatic, and Southeast Asia correspondent; director of real estate news; assistant metropolitan editor; and at his death, United Nations Bureau Chief.

Acquisition information:: Papers: Source of acquisition--Alden, Dion. Method of acquisition--Gift; Date of acquisition--1977.
Custodial history:: Gift of Dion Alden (Mrs. Robert), 1977.
Processing information:: Processed by Bernard Crystal and Henry Rowen 07/20/77.
Arrangement:: This collection is arranged into 10 series.
Accruals:: Materials may have been added to the collection since this finding aid was prepared. Contact rbml@columbia.edu for more information.
Rules or conventions:: Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

This collection has no restrictions.

The following boxes are located off-site: Boxes 2-23. You will need to request this material from the Rare Book and Manuscript Library at least three business days in advance to use the collection in the Rare Book and Manuscript Library reading room.

Terms of access:

Reproductions may be made for research purposes. The RBML maintains ownership of the physical material only. Copyright remains with the creator and his/her heirs. The responsibility to secure copyright permission rests with the patron.

Preferred citation:: Identification of specific item; Date (if known);Robert Ross Alden papers; Box and Folder; Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.

Location of this collection:: Rare Book & Manuscript Library

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Collection