Philadelphia Area Archives

Start Over Subject Pacifism -- United States -- History -- Sources Year 1940 to 1944

Edward W. Evans Quaker Concerns Papers, 1920, 1938-1951 (inclusive)

Extent:: 7 linear ft. (14 boxes and 1 volume)
Abstract:: Edward W. Evans (1882-1976) was a Quaker leader and lawyer active in the educational and peace concerns of the Society of Friends. The collection primarily contains papers compiled by Edward W. Evans during his time as Secretary of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting (Orthodox), from 1938-1946. Of particular interest are the materials concerning Civilian Public Service. The collection is significant in its documentation of pacifist attitudes and the ways in which the Society of Friends was active during the Second World War.

Held at: Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College [Contact Us]

Nelson Fuson Family Papers, 1909-1996 (inclusive)

Extent:: 5 linear ft. (10 boxes (includes 9 boxes manuscript, 1 box pictures))
Abstract:: Nelson Fuson was a physicist and educator, active in Quaker concerns. The collection contains extensive correspondence and papers concerning his service as a conscientious objector in Civilian Public Service during World War II. As the child of missionaries to China, his hope was to do relief service in China, and many of the papers deal with CPS China Units. However, the China Units were never activated and Fuson was assigned to camps in Maryland, Indiana, New York, and North Dakota. He also attended a seminar in international administration at Columbia University as part of a detached CPS unit, training intended to prepare military and civilians for post-war occupation. In addition to the CPS material, Nelson, a long time professor of physics at Fisk University, and his wife, Marian, were active in Quaker concerns including participation in international student seminars sponsored by the AFSC.

Held at: Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College [Contact Us]

William Macy Stanton Family Papers, 1937-1995 (inclusive)

Extent:: 1.25 linear ft. (2 boxes)
Abstract:: Contains the papers of William Macy and Lois V. Stanton, compiled by Lois V. Stanton. The Stantons were active Quakers, and William Macy Stanton, Jr., was a conscientious objector in WWII. Both Stantons served in the American Friends Service Committee reconstruction efforts in Europe after the war as well as other Quaker activities and organizations. William Stanton worked for Swarthmore College for over twenty-five years, serving as director of physical plant. Of particular interest are the transcribed and annotated correspondence (photocopies) concerning the Stantons' education, alternate service, and relief and reconstruction activities after World War II and especially William Stanton's participation in the University of Minnesota controlled starvation experiment in 1945.

Held at: Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College [Contact Us]

Consultative Peace Council Collected Records, 1930-1969 (bulk)

Extent:: 0.83 linear ft. (10 linear in.)
Abstract:: Includes correspondence, reports, financial records, administrative files, minutes of meetings, publicity materials, brochures, newspaper clippings. Correspondents include: Devere Allen, Dorothy Detzer, Alfred Hassler, Jessie Wallace Hughan, Abe Kaufman, Frederick J. Libby, A.J. Muste, Ray Newton, Mildred Scott Olmsted, John Swomley, E. Raymond Wilson, and M.R. Zigler.

Held at: Swarthmore College Peace Collection [Contact Us]

National Peace Conference (U.S.) Records, 1933-1951 (inclusive)

Extent:: 6.25 linear ft. (17 boxes)
Abstract:: The National Peace Conference was formed in 1933 to unify and coordinate the efforts of various organizations interested in world justice and peace. The organization was active until 1951.

Held at: Swarthmore College Peace Collection [Contact Us]

J. Stuart Innerst Papers, 1920-1975 (inclusive)

Extent:: 6.25 linear ft. (6.25 linear ft.)
Abstract:: J. Stuart Innerst was a United Brethren in Christ missionary to China in the 1920s. Innerst and his wife Marion Reachard Innerst left China in 1927 with great concerns about the influence of western imperialism in that country. J. Stuart Innerst served as pastor of several churches and joined the Society of Friends in 1943. In addition to his pastoral work, Innerst also served as the Director of the Quaker Friends in Washington Program (1960-1961, lobbied members of Congress regarding China, disarmament and peace, and other issues. His other involvements included participation in various Friends boards and committees, such as the Executive Committee of the Friends Committee on Legislation, the La Jolla Meeting Peace Committee, and the Friend in the Orient Committee of the Pacific Yearly Meeting. Innerst wrote Bible study helps and devotionals, articles and leaflets, and edited the Understanding China Newsletter, published by the American Friends Service Committee. He co-authored the...(see more)

Held at: Swarthmore College Peace Collection [Contact Us]

War Resisters League Records, 1923-2013 (inclusive)

Extent:: 35.4 linear ft. (series a = 37 boxes and 15.22 linear feet; series b = 49 boxes and 20.22 linear feet)
Abstract:: The War Resisters League is a pacifist organization whose members are against all war. Witnessing the establishment of the War Resisters' International in Europe in 1921, and sensing a need for a similar organization in the United States, Dr. Jessie Wallace Hughan established the War Resisters League as an independent organization. The War Resisters League membership pledge, which has remained essentially unchanged since its inception, reads: "The War Resisters League affirms that war is a crime against humanity. We therefore are determined not to support any kind of war, international or civil, and to strive non-violently for the removal of all causes of war." The League seeks to end war and social injustice through pacifist and nonviolent tactics.

Held at: Swarthmore College Peace Collection [Contact Us]

Keep America Out of War Congress Collected Records, 1938-1942 (inclusive)

Extent:: 1.25 linear ft. (1.25 linear ft.)
Abstract:: The Keep America Out of War Congress was founded in 1938 (as the Keep America Out of War Comittee), by several leading peace organizations. The Congress was to pursue a joint, minimum six-point peace program. The aims of this program included the removal of U.S. ships and nationals from belligerent zones, a war referendum, the abandonment of plans for conscription and industrial mobilization, and greater economic and social justice at home and abroad. The Keep America Out of War Congress was dissolved in 1942, and was reorganized as the Post War World Council.

Held at: Swarthmore College Peace Collection [Contact Us]