Wade Hall Collection of American Letters: Edward J. Nordhoff papers

Abstract

The Edward J. Nordhoff papers (dated 1904-1942; 0.05 cubic feet; 3 folders) comprise log books, genealogy materials, and letters that document the youth and military service of Edward Nordhoff just before and during World War I.

Descriptive Summary

Title
Wade Hall Collection of American Letters: Edward J. Nordhoff papers
Date
1904-1942 (inclusive)
Creator
Nordhoff, Edward J. (Edward Joseph), 1893-1973
Extent
0.05 Cubic Feet
Subjects
Aeronautics -- History
Aeronautics, Military.
Genealogical correspondence.
Genealogy.
Letters.
Arrangement
Collection is arranged by subject. The Wade Hall Collection of American Letters has been processed into discrete collections based on provenance.
Finding Aid Author
Sarah Coblentz
Preferred Citation
2009ms132.0108: [identification of item], Wade Hall Collection of American Letters: Edward J. Nordhoff papers, 1904-1942, University of Kentucky Special Collections Research Center.
Repository
University of Kentucky

Collection Overview

Biography / History
Edward Joseph Nordhoff (1893-1973) was born in Seattle, Washington to Edward Nordhoff (1858-1899) and Josephine Brenan (1871-1920). He enlisted in the military in November 1917, and was a private first class in the 293rd Aero Squadron, and instructional flying squadron, in Riverside, California. Just prior to enlisting in 1917, Nordhoff married Ida Harriet Escalet (1887-1982), they did not have any children together and eventually divorced in 1972.
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 Edward J. Nordhoff papers (dated 1904-1942; 0.05 cubic feet; 3 folders) comprises log books, genealogy materials, and letters that document the youth and military service of Edward Nordhoff just before and during World War I. The log book details the practice flights taken by Nordhoff including their duration, engine, and aircraft used. The genealogy materials include a copy of Nordhoff's birth certificate, and a letter from a Washington state notary with a list of family births from the Nordhoff family Bible to receive an identification card from the Civil Aeronautics Administration. The letters discuss feelings about boarding school and preparation to attend Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.
The Edward J. Nordhoff papers are 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
The 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

Aeronautics, 1918, 1924-1935

  • Box 90, folder 1
To top

Nordhoff genealogy, 1942

  • Box 90, folder 2
To top

Letters to Mrs. McDermott, 1904, 1910

  • Box 90, folder 3
To top

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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.

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.