Series I: Correspondence, 1934-1992, 2004

Scope and content:

This series contains correspondence pertaining to J. Max Bond's career as a member of United States Agency for International Development (US AID) and the United States Foreign Service, Ruth Bond's affiliation and leadership of various women's organizations, letters from the immediate and extended family, and a few Bond family financial and legal materials.

General Correspondence includes letters to and from a wide variety of professional associates and Bond family members, as well as more occasional correspondents. Amongst the general correspondence can be found letters and cards from Ruth's brother, Rufus Clement, and sister, Abbie; Max's brothers Gilbert and Horace; and a number of nephews, nieces, and other extended family members, including Georgia State Senator Julian Bond. This correspondence has been arranged chronologically by decade, and runs from the 1930s through the 1990s.

Correspondence from the immediate family includes letters to and from sons Max Jr. and George, and daughter Jane. This material, the majority written during the late 1950s and 1960s, contains extensive correspondence pertaining to Max's and George's secondary and university education, and many of these letters are copies written by Max Sr. to his sons from his various USAID and Foreign Service postings. Because much of the correspondence is addressed to both George and Max, Jr., their correspondence has been generally kept together, with the exception of a large group of letters addresses specifically to Max Jr. The Jane Bond correspondence primarily contains letters to her parents from the 1950s through the 1990s. The Max Bond, Jr. and George Bond correspondence, as well as the Jane Bond correspondence has been organized chronologically by decade.

Note: Some correspondence, both professional and occasionally personal, can also be found in the Subseries II.1: Country and Regional, 1939-1990.

Contents

Access and use

Parent 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.

Two folders, Box 5, folder 11, and Box 33, folder 3, are restricted until 2032.

Parent 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.
Location of this collection:
6th Floor East Butler Library
535 West 114th Street
New York, NY 10027, USA
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