MenuPreliminary inventory of the James R. Hawkins Papers, ca. 1961-1980
Collection Overview
The subject files, correspondence, and published materials in the James R. Hawkins Papers span from ca.1961-1980, chiefly 1971-1975, and document Hawkins' role in civic life in Durham, North Carolina and provide evidence of the issues and concerns facing the citizens of Durham in the 1970s. The subject files retain Hawkins' original folder titles and alphabetical organization and provide an overview of the programs Hawkins was involved with as mayor as well as a view of the general issues Hawkins encountered while mayor of Durham. The correspondence series is arranged alphabetically and chiefly consists of letters to Hawkins from the citizens of Durham voicing their concerns over such civic issues as development, traffic safety, taxes, and various political issues. The correspondence also contains copies of Hawkins' responses to the letters he received from the citizens of Durham. This collection would be of value for scholars studying the recent history of the south or for those wishing to gain a clearer picture of the functioning of city government in the recent past. This collection is open to researchers and has received a minimal level of processing.
Descriptive Summary
- Title
- James R. Hawkins Papers, ca. 1961-1980
- Creator
- Hawkins, James R.
- Extent
- 15 Linear Feet, 7800 Items
- Repository
- David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University
- Location
- For current information on the location of these materials, please consult the Library's online catalog.
- Language
- English.
Administrative Information
Collections are on the move for the renovation of the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library. Contact Rubenstein Library staff before visiting. Read More »
Access Restrictions
Collection has recieved minimal processing and is open for research.
However, patrons must sign the Acknowledgment of Legal Responsibility and Privacy Rights form before using this collection.
Also, all or portions of this collection may be housed off-site in Duke University's Library Service Center. Consequently, there may be a 24-hour delay in obtaining these materials.
Please contact Research Services staff before visiting the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library to use this collection.
Use Restrictions
The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to Duke University. For more information, consult the copyright section of the Regulations and Procedures of the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library.
Contents of the Collection
Browse List of Series
Collapse All
Expand AllThe subject files, correspondence, published materials, and other miscellaneous items in this collection generally relate to city government and the history of Durham, North Carolina. The wide variety of subjects addressed by the files held by James R. Hawkins reflect the various issues that concerned the citizens of Durham, and Hawkins as its mayor, during the early1970s.
The material held in the Subject Files Series serves to document the issues facing James R. Hawkins while he was mayor of Durham form 1971-1975.These files hold a variety of material formats including correspondence, clippings, reports, studies, and proposals relating to city programs and issues that Hawkins dealt with as mayor. The Subject files are in alphabetical order.
The Publications Series includes reference works, general works of non-fiction, and governmental reports whose subject matter addresses the sorts of issues that Hawkins faced in the early1970s.
The Correspondence Series contains letters from constituents expressing concerned opinions about community issues, such as redevelopment plans, road repair, and tax. In many cases this series also includes copies of Hawkin's responses to the letters. The letters are filed in loosely chronological order.
Historical Note
| Date | Event(s) |
|---|---|
| 1925 | Mebane North Carolina |
| 1943-1946 | Served in the U.S. Marine Corps |
| 1951 | Graduated from Duke University |
| 1956 | President, Durham Junior Chamber of Commerce |
| 1959-1967 | Durham City Council Member |
| 1969-1970 | Chairman, Research Triangle Planning Commission |
| 1970 | Vice President, North Carolina Association of Realtors President, Durham Chamber of Commerce |
| 1971 | Mayor of Durham, North Carolina |
James R. Hawkins worked as a realtor in addition to being involved in municipal politics and service organizations in Durham, North Carolina. He served as a City Council Member in Durham from 1959-1967 and was Mayor of Durham in the 1970s.
Subject Headings
Preferred Citation
[Identification of item], James R. Hawkins Papers, ca. 1961-1980, David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University.
Provenance
Gift of James R. Hawkins, 1983.
Processing Information
Processed by Don Sechler
Completed August 8, 1998
Encoded by Don Sechler
This finding aid is NCEAD compliant.
This collection is unprocessed: materials may not have been ordered and described beyond their original condition.