Robert Ross Alden papers, 1935-1973

Summary Information

Description

Scope and Content

Professional and personal papers containing correspondence, manuscripts (chiefly typescript versions, many with holograph corrections), documents, photographs, memorabilia, newspapers clippings, printed materials, and some art work. The letters cover his professional, personal and family life. Among the significant correspondents are Orvil E. Dryfoos, James B. Reston and the Sulzberger family. The majority of the papers consist of Alden's manuscripts for his articles and editorials written for the "New York Times." There are some articles that were submitted to various magazines, as well as copy under the pseudonym, Carlton (Tubby) Belmont, written for the Women's news Service. Alden's "Times" writings deal with the New York metropolitan area, the 1963-64 World's Fair, France, Cuba, Southeast Asia, Ships, and the United Nations. In addition there are manuscripts of his stories, novels and poetry. The stories and novels deal with reporters, politics, war and show business. Alden's personal papers and documents relate to his years at City College and in the Army and contain other personal items. Also included is a typescript copy of his autobiography. The newspaper clippings and printed matrerials are mostly of his writings. There are numerous photographs as well as more than one box of memorabilia.

The letters cover his professional, personal and family life. Among the significant correspondents are Orvil E. Dryfoos, James B. Reston and the Sulzberger family. The majority of the papers consist of Alden's manuscripts for his articles and editorials written for The New York Times.

There are some articles that were submitted to various magazines, as well as copy under the pseudonym, Carlton (Tubby) Belmont, written for the Women's News Service. Alden's Times writings deal with the New York metropolitan area, the 1963-64 World's Fair, France, Cuba, Southeast Asia, Ships, and the United Nations. In addition there are manuscripts of his stories, novels and poetry.

The stories and novels deal with reporters, politics, war and show business. Alden's personal papers and documents relate to his years at City College and in the army and contain other personal items.

Also included is a typescript copy of his autobiography. The newspaper clippings and printed matrerials are mostly of his writings. There are numerous photographs as well as more than one box of memorabilia.

Arrangement

This collection is arranged into 10 series.

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 has no restrictions.

The following boxes are located off-site: Boxes 2-23. You will need to request this material from the Rare Book and Manuscript Library at least three business days in advance to use the collection in the Rare Book and Manuscript Library reading room.

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);Robert Ross Alden papers; Box and Folder; Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.

Accruals

Materials may have been added to the collection since this finding aid was prepared. Contact rbml@columbia.edu for more information.

Ownership and Custodial History

Gift of Dion Alden (Mrs. Robert), 1977.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Papers: Source of acquisition--Alden, Dion. Method of acquisition--Gift; Date of acquisition--1977.

About the Finding Aid / Processing Information

Columbia University Libraries, Rare Book and Manuscript Library

Processing Information

Processed by Bernard Crystal and Henry Rowen 07/20/77.

Revision Description

2009/01/21 xml document instange created by Patrick Lawlor

2009-05-04 xml document instance edited by Carrie Hintz

2010-01-20 Legacy finding aid created from Pro Cite.

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

Biographical sketch

Robert Ross Alden, 1922-1973 (born Robert A. Rosenfeld) began working at the New York Times in 1941 as a messenger boy while he was still an undergraduate at City College. Except for his army service during World War II, his entire career was spent at the Times in a wide variety of positions including local reporter; war, diplomatic, and Southeast Asia correspondent; director of real estate news; assistant metropolitan editor; and at his death, United Nations Bureau Chief.

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.

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