Robert Staughton Lynd papers, 1933-1945, bulk 1933-1935

Creator:

Lynd, Robert Staughton, 1892-1970

Abstract:

Robert Staughton Lynd's papers consist primarily of correspondence, meetings' minutes, proposals, studies, and reports regarding the National Recovery Administration and the Consumers Advisory Board. In addition, there are newspaper and magazine clippings about consumer interests during the early 1930s.

Extent:

.42 linear feet 1 Document box

Language:

English .

Scope and content:

Lynd's papers primarily consist of letters, memos, proposals, meetings' minutes, studies, newspaper and magazine clippings, releases, and legal documents pertaining to the National Recovery Administration regulation and the Consumer Advisory Board during the early 1930s. In addition, the collection contains policies and reports on educational reform in Great Britain and of the National Maritime Union.

Biographical / historical:

Robert Staughton Lynd was born on September 26, 1892 in New Albany, Indiana. He was a professor of sociology at Columbia University for thirty years (1931-1961.) He married Helen Merrell in September, 1922. They had two children, a son, Staughton, in 1929, and a daughter, Andrea, in 1934.

Lynd is best known for the book, Middletown: A Study in Contemporary American Culture, that he and his wife wrote. The book was based on a landmark study of a typical American community in 1929 from a cultural anthropological standpoint. It was one of the first sociological analyses done in the country of a modern, urban community. The book proved to be a bestseller and was noted for its scientific perspective. Lynd and his wife followed up with a sequel titled, Middletown in Transition in 1937 by returning to the same community to observe the effects of the Great Depression on its people. Known as the Middletown studies, these analyses are still used and referred to by American sociologists.

Lynd died on November 1, 1970 in Warren, CT, at the age of seventy-eight.

Acquisition information:

Source of acquisition--Lynd, Robert S. Method of acquisition--Gift; Date of acquisition--1961. Accession number--M-61.

Processing information:

Cataloged Christina Hilton Fenn 08/--/89.

Papers processed Marilyn Chin, Queens College, 2011 2/--/2011.

Finding aid written Marilyn Chin, Queens College, 2011 2/--/2011.

Arrangement:

This collection is arranged in four 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

Related material:

Robert and Helen Lynd Family Papers, Staughton Lynd Collection Kent State University

Lynd Correspondence and Papers, 1922-1982, Ball State University Libraries

Middletown Studies Collection Ball State University

Access and use

Restrictions:

This collection is located off-site. You will need to request this material at least three business days in advance to use the collection in the Rare Book and Manuscript Library reading room.

This collection has no restrictions.

Terms of access:

Single photocopies 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 Staughton Lynd papers; Box and Folder; Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.

Location of this collection:: Rare Book & Manuscript Library

RBML Home Page
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Before you visit:: Researchers interested in viewing materials in the RBML reading room must must book an appointment at least 7 days in advance. To make the most of your visit, be sure to request your desired materials before booking your appointment, as researchers are limited to 5 items per day.

Contact:: rbml@library.columbia.edu

Collection