Ralph VanArnam Correspondence Collection

Collection

Identifier: SC MS 0316

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection comprises letters written by the VanArnam brothers, the bulk of which were sent between 1920 and 1955. Most of the letters are primarily letters written by one of the brothers, Ralph, to their parents. Ralph had been a professor of Mathematics and Astronomy at Lehigh from 1928-1967. Many of the letters were sent to their parents by his brother, Lewis. Ralph also corresponded with his future wife Elfriede Maim. There are letters sent to Ralph by the women who ran the boarding house he lived in with whom he was close.

In addition to discussing his personal life, Ralph’s letters also contain information about day-to-day life at Lehigh, other professors, Bethlehem, Allentown, the Lehigh Valley, and astronomy. He also touches on topics like illness, concerts, books, family and household matters, and the weather.

The brothers’ parents also kept copies of the letters, which were found in their estate.

Dates

Creation: Majority of material found within 1920 - 1955
Creation: 1920 - 1961

Conditions Governing Access

Collection housed remotely. Users need to contact 24 hours in advance.

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research.

Copyright Notice

Please inquire about copyright information.

Biographical / Historical

Ralph VanArnam (1902-1977) was a member of the faculty of Lehigh University in the Mathematics and Astronomy Department from 1928 until his retirement in 1967. Following his retirement from Lehigh he taught for three years at Muhlenberg College and a year at Moravian College. Before going to college at Cornell University, he attended Lowville Academy. He earned a BS in Electrical Engineering 1926 and a MS 1927 from Cornell. He worked for Westinghouse and Yerkes Observatory at University of Chicago before coming to Lehigh. During WWII, he worked for Bethlehem Steel Corporation in their Special Tests Laboratory making metallurgical calculations. He was married to Elfriede Maim with whom he exchanged many letters.

Extent

3 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

The majority of the collection is comprised of letters from Ralph VanArnam Lewis (1902-1977), the bulk of which were sent between 1920 and 1955. Ralph had been a professor in the d Mathematics and Astronomy Department from 1928 to 1967. Most of the letters are between Ralph and his parents and his future wife on topics like the Bethlehem area and Lehigh. The collection also includes letters written by his brother, Lewis.

Arrangement

The collection is arranged primarily chronologically among the individuals – 668 letters from Ralph to his parents and brother – 1920 to 1955 and 1961; 70 letters from Ralph to Elfriede Maim 1951, 1953 to 1958; 73 letters Lewis to parents – 1924 to 1937; 22 items from others to the Van Arnam family; one transparency.