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[Identification of item], Walter McGowan Upchurch Papers, David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University
The Walter McGowan Upchurch Papers were received by the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library as a gift from 1972-1979.
Processed by Rubenstein Library staff.
Encoded by Robert Carlson, April 2009
Accessions from 1972-1979 are described in this finding aid.
Descriptive sources and standards used to create this inventory:
This finding aid is NCEAD compliant.
The Walter McGowan Upchurch Papers span the years 1841-1977, with the bulk dating from 1930-1977. The collection contains personal correspondence among members of the Upchurch family, including correspondence between Upchurch and his brother during WWII, when they were both serving in the U.S. Navy; professional correspondence concerning Duke University administrative affairs; genealogical materials for the Upchurch, Daniel, and Meadows families of North Carolina; commemorative material on Upchurch's mother, Minnie Gertrude (Daniel) Upchurch; and photographs, clippings, programs, and school materials. Much of the personal materials reveals the life of a middle-class North Carolina family during the first half of the 20th century. One personal letter is from John Steinbeck's sister, Beth Ainsworthy, and contains comments on Steinbeck and relationships in the Steinbeck family. Another group of materials relates to the world premiere of Samuel Barber's opera, ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA, at the Lincoln Center in N.Y. on Sept. 16, 1966. Included are invitations, commemorative programs and booklets, and the opera libretto. Other materials include Shell Development Company records on personnel issues such as labor relations and salary administration, coming from the Emeryville Laboratories, seen as one of the most progressive work environments in the United States; and Shell Companies Foundation records (1963-1974), chiefly relating to the foundation's endowments, scholarships, and grants, as well as the company's donation budgets from 1969-1974.
These are searchable subject entries for this collection. Performing a search on these subjects in the Duke University Libraries online catalog will bring up other related research materials.
Focusing on Shell Development Laboratories at Emeryville, California. Known as progressive work envirnoment, includes salary studies, personnel evaluation templates; union relations, and development notes from 1928-1970. Decommissioned in 1972. Does not seem to contain individually identifiable personnel records.
Mementoes and other materials from Walter Upchurch's life and career.
Small pamphlets covering Walter Upchurch's participation or attendance in high school and Duke Unviersity events as well as local gatherings. Also contains 2 silk scrolls commemorating the opening of the Met Opera House, New York City, 1966.