Hugh Gladney Grant papers, 1847-1939

Using These Materials Teaser

Using These Materials Links:

Using These Materials

Restrictions:
Collection is open for research.
More about accessing and using these materials...

Summary

Creator:
Grant, Hugh Gladney, 1888-1972
Abstract:
Hugh G. Grant was an American diplomat originally from Alabama. He served as U.S. Minister to Albania, 1935-1939. With the exception of his diary, these papers are largely Grant's correspondence and other records from his service as U.S. Minister to Albania, 1935-1939. His extensive diary covers this period, but most of it, as does some of his correspondence and other records, covers the period (1927-1933) while he was secretary to Sen. Hugo L. Black. Other topics covered in detail include the roles of Senators Heflin and Black, Alabama and National Democratic politics, the Depression, particularly in Alabama, the Bonus March on Washington in 1932, Albania and its King Zog, administration of the U.S. Legation in that country, and the rise of Mussolini and Hitler. In his diary, he gives opinions of many people, including Senator Black, Neville Chamberlain, King Zog, and Charles Lindbergh. Between 1933 and 1935, he was in the Division of Western European Affairs in the Department of State, and that service is also covered in this collection. A collection of photographs of Albania, various other places, and some family photos are included. There are a few clippings, and some personal correspondence of Grant and of Mrs. Hugh G. Grant.
Extent:
15 Linear Feet
Language:
Material in English and Albanian
Collection ID:
RL.00474

Background

Scope and content:

These papers are largely Grant's correspondence and other records from his service as U.S. Minister to Albania, 1935-1939. His extensive diary also includes this period, but most of it, as does some of his correspondence and other records, covers the period (1927-1933) while he was secretary to Sen. Hugo L. Black. Other topics covered in detail include the roles of Senators Heflin and Black; Alabama and National Democratic politics; the Depression, particularly in Alabama; the Bonus March on Washington in 1932; Albania and its King Zog; administration of the U.S. Legation in Albania; and the rise of Mussolini and Hitler in Europe. In his diary, he gives opinions of many people, including Senator Black, Neville Chamberlain, King Zog, and Charles Lindbergh. Between 1933 and 1935, he was in the Division of Western European Affairs in the Department of State, and that service is also covered in this collection. A collection of photographs of Albania, other places, and some family photos are included. There are a few clippings, and some personal correspondence of Grant and of Mrs. Hugh G. Grant.

Biographical / historical:

Hugh Gladney Grant was born in Birmingham, Alabama, September 2, 1888, the son of William Curtis Grant. Grant held an A.B. degree from Howard College, A.B., A.M., and LL.D. degrees from Harvard University, and A.M. from George Washington University. He also worked toward a doctorate in the latter institution, starting in the fall of 1928, but he did not complete the requirements for it. On Aug. 9, 1916, Grant married Cora Dean Hibbs, daughter of Dr. Henry H. Hibbs, a Baptist minister. After the Grants moved to Washington, Mrs. Grant also attended George Washington University and received an M.A. degree from that institution. The Grants' only child was Esther Louise, who was born on Aug. 26, 1917. Grant was a Baptist and a Mason.

Grant worked as a newspaper reporter and special correspondent on political subjects, engaged in educational work for the City of Birmingham, the state of Alabama, and the United States Government, and served in the United States Army in 1918. From 1919 to 1921 he worked for the Federal Board for Vocational Education, during 1921-1923 he worked for the Alabama State Board of Education, and from 1923-1927 he taught political science and journalism at Alabama Polytechnic Institute, Auburn, Ala. At the time he resigned in 1927 to go to Washington as the personal secretary of his longtime friend, newly-elected Senator Hugo L. Black, he was also secretary-treasurer of the API Alumni Association. There are a number of records relating to API during the time that Grant was with that institution, and Auburn friends kept in touch with him after he left. He was one of the opponents of President Speight Dowell of API who later became president of Mercer University.

In 1933, Grant was appointed to the Division of Western European Affairs in the Department of State. He was rewarded again in 1935 for his support of President Franklin D. Roosevelt by being appointed Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States to Albania. This collection ends with Grant leaving Albania in the fall of 1939 after Mussolini took over the country completely. Brief information about his life and career after that time may be found in Who's Who in America, 1976-1977, Vol. 1.

Acquisition information:
The Hugh Gladney Grant Papers were received by the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book Manuscript Library as a purchase in 1973, 1983, and 1985; and as a gift in 1999 and 2022.
Processing information:

Processed by Rubenstein Library Staff, 1998

Encoded by Colby Bogie and Meghan Lyon, June 2011

Accession 2022-0160 added by Meghan Lyon in November 2022.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Contents

Using These Materials

Using These Materials Links:

Using These Materials

Restrictions:

Collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

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.

Before you visit:
Please consult our up-to-date information for visitors page, as our services and guidelines periodically change.
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Hugh Gladney Grant Papers, David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University.

Permalink:
https://idn.duke.edu/ark:/87924/m1z334