Richmond B. Williams papers, 1904-1987

Summary Information

At a Glance

Arrangement

• Series I: Richmond B. Williams papers, 1904-1987

Description

Summary

Correspondence, manuscripts, subject files, drawings, printed materials and memorabilia documenting the life of Richmond B. Williams. Many of the letters relate to Columbia University. The manuscripts are mainly concerned with the President's House, John Jay Hall and the Brander Matthews Dramatic Museum. There are several photographs of Williams during his college years and with other members of the Victorian Society. There are several drawings and both Williams' BLitt degree certification and his Distinguished Classmate Award.

• Series I: Richmond B. Williams papers, 1904-1987

Using the Collection

Rare Book and Manuscript Library

Restrictions on Access

You will need to make an appointment in advance to use this collection material in the Rare Book and Manuscript Library reading room. You can schedule an appointment once you've submitted your request through your Special Collections Research Account.

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 Governing Use and Reproduction

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); Richmond Barnes Williams papers; Box and Folder; Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.

Related Materials

There is file related to Williams in the Historical biographical files (UA#0004). There are some Class of 1925 donated from Williams' estate in the University Artifacts collection (UA#0046). Williams also donated Class of 1925 materials which can be found in the Alumni class records (UA#0259).

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Source of acquisition--Williams, Richmond B. via his executor Thomas Eyestone & Columbia College Dean's Office. Method of acquisition--Bequest; Date of acquisition--10/23/1989. Accession number--M-89-10-23.

About the Finding Aid / Processing Information

Columbia University Libraries, Rare Book and Manuscript Library

Processing Information

Processed JHR 02/05/1990.

Revision Description

2023-01-20 Finding aid published (JR)

Subject Headings

The subject headings listed below are found in this collection. Links below allow searches at Columbia University through the Archival Collections Portal and through CLIO, the catalog for Columbia University Libraries, as well as ArchiveGRID, a catalog that allows users to search the holdings of multiple research libraries and archives.

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Genre/Form

Subject

History / Biographical Note

Biographical Note

Richmond Barnes Williams was born in Brooklyn in 1903. He was a student at Columbia College and the School of Journalism (BLitt, 1925). As a student, Williams wrote for the student newspaper, the Spectator, and served as the Editor-in-Chief in his senior year. He also wrote for the Varsity magazine, was an editor of the Blue Book, wrote a history of Columbia for the 1925 Columbian yearbook, and was a member of the Debate Team.

Williams was very active in alumni organizations. He was a member of the Alumni Association of Columbia College and the Society of Older Graduates. He received the Alumni Federation Medal in 1942, the Columbia College Dean's Award in 1969 and 1974, and was the Classmate of the Year in 1975. He was an American Telephone and Telegraph executive, having worked for AT&T from 1926 to 1968. He also wrote articles for the Columbia alumni magazines, travel magazines and newspapers.