Call Number:

AC007

Repository:

Princeton University Library: University Archives

Extent:

2 boxes

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Chalmers W. Alexander Letters; Box and Folder Number; Princeton University Archives, Special Collections, Princeton University Library.

Date:

1928-1932 (inclusive)

Creator:

Alexander, Chalmers W. (Chalmers Whitfield), 1908-

Form:

Examinations., Letters., and Report cards.

Abstract:

The Chalmers W. Alexander Letters contain correspondence from Chalmers Alexander (Princeton Class of 1932) to his mother during his attendance at Princeton University from 1928 to 1932. Approximately 500 letters were written during this time period; schedules, report cards, and church calendars are also included.

Chalmers W. Alexander, known as Alex, was born in Jackson, Mississippi to H. Chalmers Alexander, a lawyer, and Marina Whitfield. Alexander attended Princeton University from 1928 to 1932 and went on to acquire an L.L.B. at the Jackson School of Law. His various employment experiences included the United States Bureau of Internal Revenue, Income Tax division, commissioner of Jackson, Mississippi (which he won by a landslide), a lawyer, and vice president and trust officer of First National Bank in Jackson. He volunteered for the Army and later became a private and captain in the Air Corps. Besides his professional career, Alexander devoted much of his time to his Presbyterian church where, as an Elder, he taught a Bible Class for men. In addition to Alexander, several of his relatives, including James, Julian, and Henry Alexander attended Princeton University. After his 25th anniversary, he stated, "Twenty-five years after, I still believe the undergraduate training at Princeton is the best in the Ivy League." His impression of the best education can be seen firsthand throughout his letters home during his stay at Princeton.

Alexander passed away on June 29, 1996.

The correspondence written home during Alexander's first year at Princeton (1928) includes detailed information about his living conditions such as his room, classmates, and activities. In letters from 1929 Alexander expresses concern about his classes and upcoming exams. Also, religious activities seem very important. The issue of money is brought up and he does not want his father to send more money than is necessary. The third set of letters from 1930 deal with such issues as grades, classes, weather, and invitations to clubs. He sometimes corresponds with other people from home through his mother. Letters from 1931 continue along the same thought lines as the previous set of letters. Finally, the letters from 1932 address the same subjects as previous letters, but there are more tidbits of news about the town and schoolwork.

Church calendars and bulletins found after the letters give insight into Alexander's religious activities during his undergraduate years, and some report cards indicate his academic success.

The Chalmers W. Alexander Letters are arranged chronologically, with each year filling approximately three folders.