Wade Hall Collection of American Letters: Benjamin H. McClellan account book

Abstract

The Benjamin H. McClellan account book (dated 1929-1940; 0.05 cubic feet; 1 folder) comprises statements of various accounts held by Benjamin McClellan's dry goods store in Horse Cave, Kentucky in the mid-twentieth century.

Descriptive Summary

Title
Wade Hall Collection of American Letters: Benjamin H. McClellan account book
Date
1929-1940 (inclusive)
Creator
McClellan, Benjamin H.
Extent
0.05 Cubic Feet
Subjects
Merchants.
Dry-goods.
Arrangement
Collection retains its original order. The Wade Hall Collection of American Letters has been processed into discrete collections based on provenance.
Finding Aid Author
Sarah Coblentz
Preferred Citation
2009ms132.0918: [identification of item], Wade Hall Collection of American Letters: Benjamin H. McClellan account book, 1929-1940, University of Kentucky Special Collections Research Center.
Repository
University of Kentucky

Collection Overview

Biography / History
Benjamin H. McClellan (1888-1979) was born in Hiseville, Kentucky to John L. McClennan (1834-1890) [last name is spelled in multiple variations] and Nancy E. Hughes (1848-1929). He married Mau Belle (1892-1928) and together the couple have two surviving children, Minnie B. (b. 1913) and William N. (b. 1915). After May Belle's passing due to Pneumonia, Benjamin marries a second time to Bessie E. Green (1891-1977). Benjamin owned and operated his own dry goods and hardware store in Horse Cave, Kentucky.
American Letters collector Wade Hall (1934-2015) was a native of Union Springs, Alabama. Starting in 1962, he lived in Louisville, where he taught English and chaired the English and Humanities/Arts programs at Kentucky Southern College and Bellarmine University. He also taught at the University of Illinois and the University of Florida. He held degrees from Troy State University (B.S.), the University of Alabama (M.A.), and the University of Illinois (Ph.D.). He served for two years in the U.S. Army in the mid-fifties. Dr. Hall was the author of books, monographs, articles, plays, and reviews relating to Kentucky, Alabama, and Southern history and literature. His most recent books include A Visit with Harlan Hubbard; High Upon a Hill: A History of Bellarmine College; A Song in Native Pastures: Randy Atcher's Life in Country Music; and Waters of Life from Conecuh Ridge.
Scope and Content
The Benjamin H. McClellan account book (dated 1929-1940; 0.05 cubic feet; 1 folder) comprises statements of various accounts held by Benjamin McClellan's dry goods store in Horse Cave, Kentucky in the mid-twentieth century. The statement slips spell Benjamin's last name in a multitude of ways, however we are utilizing the spelling of his last name from his headstone. The statements show what goods were purchased by members of the surrounding community, costs of the goods purchased, and dates when items are purchased and statements paid off. Additionally, the statement slips show the evolution of the store from being owned and operated by a group, down to McClellan's sole ownership of the store.
The Benjamin H. McClellan account book collection is part of the Wade Hall Collection of American Letters, which includes correspondence and diaries from all over North America covering the time period of the Civil to Korean Wars. The materials were collected by Wade Hall and document everyday men and women.

Restrictions on Access and Use

Conditions Governing Access
Collection is open to researchers by appointment.
Use Restrictions
The physical rights to the materials in this collection are held by the University of Kentucky Special Collections Research Center.

Contents of the Collection

Benjamin H. McClellan account book, 1929-1940

  • Box WH-115, folder 6
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UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center is open Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm. Appointments are encouraged but not required. Schedule an appointment here.

Researchers must have an SCRC Researcher Account to request materials. View account set-up and use instructions here.

Questions? Contact SCRC via our Contact Form.

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You may come across language in UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center collections and online resources that you find harmful or offensive. SCRC collects materials from different cultures and time periods to preserve and make available the historical record. These materials document the time period when they were created and the view of their creator. As a result, some may demonstrate racist and offensive views that do not reflect the values of UK Libraries.

If you find description with problematic language that you think SCRC should review, please contact us at SCRC@uky.edu.