Search Collection Guides

This collection contains committee minutes, self-studies, annual reports, correspondence, topical files, and accreditation information.

The Edward Baxter Billingsley Collection (1817-1819, 1938–1999, undated) consists of historical research materials, drafts, and a typescript copy (643 pages) of One Destroyer and World War II: A History of the U. S. S. Emmons (DD457-DM22), by Edward Baxter Billingsley, that he later published as The Emmons Saga: A History of the U. S. S. Emmons (DD457 – DM22). Also included are photographic prints, photocopied naval documents, and microfilm reels concerning his research, and correspondence (1817-1819) related to his dissertation on Chilean and Peruvian wars of Independence.

Yukon gold rush diary (1898 - 1899) (Photocopy [117 p.]) and typescript copy with introduction by Frank Moss [January 1998, 44 p.] and copies of photographic prints of Yukon gold rush [15 p.] Original diary withdrawn 5/9/2002, in possession of the donors.

Papers (1920-1953) including correspondence, membership lists, financial records, meetings, essay, newspapers, magazines, clippings, scrapbook, reports, Lee Jackson Day celebration, etc.

Diary compiled (8/19/1943 - 9/15/1945) while serving as a US Navy Electrician's Mate 2/c aboard the USS Essex (CV 9) during World War II, including diagrams of electrical equipment, descriptions of daily life at sea; defending against air and torpedo attacks; attacking the Japanese-held islands of Marcus, Wake, Rabaul, Tarawa, Marshalls (Roi, Kwajalein) Truk, Saipan, Bonin, Guam, Philippines (Mindanao, Luzon, Cebu), Okinawa, Formosa, Indo-China, Tokyo, Iwo Jima, and the Japanese main islands; the naval battles of the Marianas Islands, the Philippines Sea, the Philippines typhoon of 1944, and attacks by kamikazes.

The Jack Minges Papers include photographs, clippings, and memorabilia related to the Minges family's relationship with East Carolina, especially the dedication of Minges Coliseum.

Papers (1946-1948) obtained by Richard Dillard Dixon, Jr., while visiting his father Richard Dillard Dixon, Sr., who participated in the of International Military Tribunal (for Nazi war crimes) held in Nuremberg, Germany, as a member of the judges Secretariat and as a judge. Included are mimeographed transcripts of some of the trials and related manuscripts, press releases, and wall charts delineating the hierarchy of Nazi German government and military system. Other papers (1870-1970) concern the life of Edenton, N.C., attorney, insurance agent, wholesale oil salesman and civic activist Richard Dillard Dixon, Jr.

This collection consists of 48 deeds (1801-1907), legal documents and notes related to land ownership in Pitt County, North Carolina, in the area that became Ayden. The documents pertain mainly to the Harris, McGlohon/McLawhorn, and Cannon families, especially William Henry Harris, the founder of Ayden. Also included are a blueprint plat of Ayden (June 21, 1890) and copies of 2 clippings (1991-1992) about the founding of Ayden. Additional items which have been placed in the East Carolina University Archives are a 1915 yearbook for East Carolina Teachers Training School (now ECU), a 1915 folded card for the Junior-Senior Reception at ECTTS, and a calling card all belonging to ECTTS student Katherine (Kate or Katie) Eugenia Sawyer. This collection is donated by the family of John William Sawyer.

Copy of The Greatest Anti-Submarine Action of All wars (an account of the World War II action of the USS George (DE-697) and copies of supporting documents, including the USS George war diary for May 1944.

Papers (1922-1975) of U.S. Navy officer, USNA Class of 1938, including photograph albums, correspondence, speeches, clippings, reports and photographs.

Collection (1943-1945) of member of U.S. Naval Academy Class of 1941, including correspondence, typescript diary relating to the cruise of the USS BORUM (DE-790).

Collection (ca. 1990's, undated) of tobacco products and containers, including a John B. Swisher and Son, Inc. King Edward the Seventh Imperial cigar box (empty); American Tobacco Company Half and Half Burley and Bright tobacco box in original plastic wrapper; R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. Apple Sun Cured chewing tobacco in original plastic wrapper.

Papers (1782-1956, undated) related to the John Gideon Taylor family of Pitt County, North Carolina, including correspondence, legal papers, estate papers, financial papers, post cards, photographs, newspapers, advertising ephemera, genealogy information, Bible records, and miscellany.

Collection (1936-1985, undated) of programs (the majority published by Playbill), librettos and souvenir pamphlets documenting plays, theatrical dance and musical productions performed in New York City and Stockholm. The publications are printed in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish and Swedish languages.

Major WIlliam David Gattling Sr. Was born in 1922 in Murfreesboro, North Carolina. He served in the US Army Air Corps during World War II. This collection is from 1997 and includes the book "Critical Points" written by Gattling.