Dwight D. Eisenhower: Letters to the President, 1949-1952

Summary Information

Abstract

This collection is comprised of letters sent to Eisenhower during his presidency at Columbia University.

At a Glance

Call No.:
UA#0167
Bib ID:
8040826 View CLIO record
Creator(s):
Columbia University. Office of the President
Repository:
Rare Book and Manuscript Library
Physical Description:
2 linear feet (4 document boxes)
Language(s):
English .
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.

Description

Summary

This collection is comprised of correspondence, mostly letters, with the inclusion of some packages in which individuals added photos, posters, notebooks, or other ephemera.

Arrangement

This collection is arranged alphabetically.

Using the Collection

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

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); Dwight D. Eisenhower: Letters to the President; Box and Folder; University Archives, Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.

Accrual

No additions are expected

Ownership and Custodial History

Columbia University. Office of the President.

About the Finding Aid / Processing Information

Columbia University Libraries, Rare Book and Manuscript Library

Processing Information

Papers processed Vanessa Cano, Pratt Institute SLIS 2011 5/2010.

Papers cataloged Lea Osborne 10/08/2010.

Revision Description

2010-10-09 File created.

2010-10-12 xml document instance created by Lea Osborne.

2019-05-20 EAD was imported spring 2019 as part of the ArchivesSpace Phase II migration.

Biographical / Historical

After World War II and before his terms as President of the United States, Dwight D. Eisenhower served as President of Columbia University. His prior roles as Supreme Allied Commander in Europe and General of the Army during World War II had made him a household name, a distinction that did not diminish during his tenure at the University.

This collection of correspondence was coined the "CP" file by Eisenhower's staff as an abbreviation for "Crazy People." The letters are characterized by assertions of conspiracy theories, fear of war, and opinions on a range of topics - homosexuality, ethnicity, and religion being only a few. There is no evidence that the letters were answered, but their existence gives voice to the anxieties that surrounded post World War II America, the Korean War, and societal change.

Some letters are from veterans or the mothers of soldiers, others are from individuals who firmly believe in peace or who believe they have important knowledge that would be helpful to Eisenhower with regard to military or government affairs.

Subject Headings

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

All links open new windows.

Genre/Form
Correspondence CLIO Catalog ArchiveGRID
Name
Eisenhower, Dwight D (Dwight David), 1890-1969 CLIO Catalog ArchiveGRID
Eisenhower, Dwight D (Dwight David), 1890-1969 CLIO Catalog ArchiveGRID
Subject
Presidents -- United States -- Correspondence CLIO Catalog ArchiveGRID