Papers of Harry Clifton Byrd
Abstract
Harry Clifton Byrd (1889-1970) was president of the University of Maryland from 1935 to 1954. After his retirement he became chairman of the Tidewater Fisheries Commission and was involved with the revitalization of the Potomac River and the Chesapeake Bay. His papers relate mainly to the University of Maryland, its buildings, lands, governing bodies, and programs. Other subjects documented include the Defense Orientation Conference Association, Far East Command, and state elections. Byrd's papers are comprised of statistics, reports, minutes, correspondence, and newspaper clippings.
Important Information for Users of the Collection
Yes, some files in this collection are restricted. Please contact the Archives and Manuscripts Department for more information.
Papers of Harry Clifton Byrd, Special Collections, University of Maryland Libraries.
Photocopies of original materials may be provided for a fee and at the discretion of the curator. Please see our Duplication of Materials policy for more information. Queries regarding publication rights and copyright status of materials within this collection should be directed to the appropriate curator.
This collection is PROCESSED.
Historical Note
Harry Clifton Byrd, one of six children of oysterman and county commissioner William Franklin Byrd and Sallie May Byrd, was born on February 12, 1889, in Crisfield, Maryland. After graduating from Crisfield High School in 1905, he attended Maryland Agricultural College, starring on the football, baseball, and track teams. In 1908, Byrd graduated second in his class with a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering.
For three years after graduation, Byrd played football and did graduate work in law and journalism at Georgetown University, George Washington University, and Western Maryland College. He then covered sports for the Washington Star and coached high school football. In 1912, Byrd pitched for the San Francisco Seals, a semi-professional baseball team in the Pacific Coast League, but returned to Maryland that same year.
In 1913, Byrd married Katherine Dunlop Turnbull, although their marriage ended in divorce twenty years later. They had three sons, Harry, Sterling, and William, and one daughter, Evelyn.
After Byrd's return from playing for the San Francisco Seals, Maryland Agricultural College hired him as a football coach and an instructor in English and history. Because of his good sportsmanship and numerous victories, his reputation as a coach grew, and, in 1915, he became director of athletics. After he was appointed assistant to the president in 1918, Byrd became a leading spokesman for the unification of Maryland Agricultural College with the Baltimore schools to form the University of Maryland and helped plan the legislation that became the Consolidation Act of 1920. By 1932, he had risen to become vice president of the university.
Byrd remained an enthusiastic supporter of his alma mater as he moved upward through the administrative ranks. In 1921, he named the student newspaper the Diamondback and, in 1933, was directly involved in the adoption of the diamondback terrapin as the University of Maryland mascot.
Byrd became acting president of the university in July 1935 and was officially appointed president in February 1936. Despite criticisms that he was an authoritarian president, Byrd proved to be a popular and charismatic leader who facilitated the significant growth of the University of Maryland in the mid-twentieth century. During his tenure, the annual budget, the number of facilities, the faculty, and student enrollment expanded dramatically. Under Byrd's leadership, the University of Maryland also gained national attention as new educational programs such as American Studies were introduced. Byrd's successful efforts to secure funding for the university from the state and federal governments as well as from private sources supported this growth in size and reputation.
In January 1954, Byrd resigned from the presidency to run an unsuccessful campaign against Theodore McKeldin for governor of Maryland. In 1964, he lost his bid for the Democratic nomination for U. S. Senate and, in 1966, made an unsuccessful run for U. S. Congress. However, from 1958 into the 1960s, Byrd did hold several gubernatorial appointments: Chairman of the Maryland Tidewater Fisheries Commission, Maryland Commissioner to the Potomac River Fisheries Commission, and Chairman of the Commission on Chesapeake Bay Affairs.
In addition, Byrd was active in the business world as well as fraternal, civic, and international organizations. He was one of three men involved in the merger that resulted in the formation of the Suburban Trust Company, where he later served as vice president. He was also involved in real estate and construction businesses. A member of several fraternal organizations, Byrd served as Supreme Governor of the Loyal Order of the Moose in 1962. Additionally, he organized the College Park Rotary Club and became its first president. Lastly, Byrd was a member of the Defense Orientation Conference Association (D. O. C. A.), a national defense organization which facilitated his travels to other countries.
On October 2, 1970, Byrd died of a heart condition at University Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland.
Scope and Contents of the Collection
The Papers of Harry Clifton Byrd consist of correspondence, manuscripts, speeches, printed matter, certificates, memorabilia, photographs, and clippings, related to his involvement in the University of Maryland, political campaigns, commissions, and civic organizations. Topics cover a broad range, including campus matters, state politics, and international affairs. The papers span the period from 1909 to 1970, although the bulk of the material was created between 1923 and 1969.
Custodial History and Acquisition Information
The Papers of Harry Clifton Byrd were donated to the University of Maryland at College Park Libraries by his son, Sterling J. Byrd, in March 1972.
Processing Information
Processed November 1973. Revised by Meg Alessi, August 1996. Revised by Jennifer Evans, August 1999.
Materials have been placed into acid-free folders and boxes and metal clips replaced with chemically inert clips. Newspaper clippings (except scrapbooks) have been photocopied onto acid-free paper, and oversize items have been placed in flat boxes or folders. Memorabilia and photographs were separated from the papers and placed in the Memorabilia and Photograph Collections, respectively.
EAD markup created using EAD database in Microsoft Access. Markup completed by Jennie A. Levine.
Arrangement of Collection
These materials have been divided into five series.
Detailed Description of the Collection
Series 1: University of Maryland, 1917-1969 (5.5 linear feet)
This series consists of material related to the University of Maryland and Byrd's career both as assistant to the president and as president. Though the materials date from 1917 to 1969, the bulk was produced in the period between the 1920s and 1954; the series contains items dated after Byrd's 1954 retirement as well because they specifically relate to the university. Included in the series are correspondence, speeches, reports, cartoons, minutes, pamphlets, financial statements, and university statistics. File headings range from individuals such as R. A. Pearson to organizations such as the Interfraternity Council to issues such as military training. Significant correspondents include Gordon Prange, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Alma Preinkert, William P. Cole, Wilson H. Elkins, and Millard Tydings; important topics covered are athletics, state politics, student organizations, and buildings.
Information regarding Byrd's career at the University of Maryland can also be found among the clippings in Series IV.
Files have been arranged alphabetically.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture, 1925 | series 1 | box 1 | folder 1 | |
| Alumni, 1917-1925 | series 1 | box 1 | folder 2 | |
| Banks, 1927-1932 | series 1 | box 1 | folder 3 | |
| Board of Regents, 1928-1967 | series 1 | box 1 | folder 4 | |
| Board of Regents, 1928-1967 | series 1 | box 1 | folder 5 | |
| Board of Regents, 1928-1967 | series 1 | box 1 | folder 6 | |
| Board of Regents, 1928-1967 | series 1 | box 1 | folder 7 | |
| Board of Regents, 1928-1967 | series 1 | box 1 | folder 8 | |
| Buildings, 1919-1963, 1933-1934 | series 1 | box 1 | folder 9 | |
| Buildings, 1919-1963 -- Dairy, 1933-1934 | series 1 | box 1 | folder 10 | |
| Buildings, 1919-1963 -- Dormitory, 1933-1935 | series 1 | box 2 | folder 1 | |
| Buildings, 1919-1963 -- Dormitory, 1933-1935 | series 1 | box 2 | folder 2 | |
| Buildings, 1919-1963 -- Engineering, 1931-1932 | series 1 | box 2 | folder 3 | |
| Bureau of Mines, 1930-1935 | series 1 | box 2 | folder 4 | |
| Byrd Biography, undated | series 1 | box 2 | folder 5 | |
| Cartoons, [1939-1944] and undated | series 1 | box 2 | folder 6 | |
| Chi Omega, 1923 | series 1 | box 2 | folder 7 | |
| Correspondence, 1918-1930 | series 1 | box 2 | folder 8 | |
| Correspondence, 1918-1930 | series 1 | box 2 | folder 9 | |
| Correspondence, 1918-1930 | series 1 | box 2 | folder 10 | |
| Correspondence, 1918-1930 | series 1 | box 2 | folder 11 | |
| Correspondence, 1918-1930 | series 1 | box 2 | folder 12 | |
| Correspondence, 1931-May 1933 | series 1 | box 3 | folder 1 | |
| Correspondence, 1931-May 1933 | series 1 | box 3 | folder 2 | |
| Correspondence, 1931-May 1933 | series 1 | box 3 | folder 3 | |
| Correspondence, 1931-May 1933 | series 1 | box 3 | folder 4 | |
| Correspondence, 1931-May 1933 | series 1 | box 3 | folder 5 | |
| Correspondence, 1931-May 1933 | series 1 | box 3 | folder 6 | |
| Correspondence, 1931-May 1933 | series 1 | box 3 | folder 7 | |
| Correspondence, June 1933-August 1934 | series 1 | box 4 | folder 1 | |
| Correspondence, June 1933-August 1934 | series 1 | box 4 | folder 2 | |
| Correspondence, June 1933-August 1934 | series 1 | box 4 | folder 3 | |
| Correspondence, June 1933-August 1934 | series 1 | box 4 | folder 4 | |
| Correspondence, June 1933-August 1934 | series 1 | box 4 | folder 5 | |
| Correspondence, June 1933-August 1934 | series 1 | box 4 | folder 6 | |
| Correspondence, June 1933-August 1934 | series 1 | box 4 | folder 7 | |
| Correspondence, June 1933-August 1934 | series 1 | box 4 | folder 8 | |
| Correspondence, Sept. 1934-1954 and undated | series 1 | box 5 | folder 1 | |
| Correspondence, Sept. 1934-1954 and undated | series 1 | box 5 | folder 2 | |
| Correspondence, Sept. 1934-1954 and undated | series 1 | box 5 | folder 3 | |
| Correspondence, Sept. 1934-1954 and undated | series 1 | box 5 | folder 4 | |
| Correspondence, Sept. 1934-1954 and undated | series 1 | box 5 | folder 5 | |
| Correspondence, Sept. 1934-1954 and undated | series 1 | box 5 | folder 6 | |
| Correspondence, Sept. 1934-1954 and undated | series 1 | box 5 | folder 7 | |
| Correspondence, Sept. 1934-1954 and undated | series 1 | box 5 | folder 8 | |
| Council of Administration, 1920-1921 | series 1 | box 5 | folder 9 | |
| Charles Eliot, 1931-1932 | series 1 | box 5 | folder 10 | |
| Endowment Fund, 1926-1969 -- Asper Memorial, 1967-1969 | series 1 | box 6 | folder 1 | |
| Endowment Fund, 1926-1969 -- Bressler Reserve, 1964-1969 | series 1 | box 6 | folder 2 | |
| Geary Eppley, undated | series 1 | box 6 | folder 3 | |
| Far East Command, 1949-1951 | series 1 | box 6 | folder 4 | |
| Far East Command, 1949-1951 | series 1 | box 6 | folder 5 | |
| Financial Statements, 1920-1953 | series 1 | box 6 | folder 6 | |
| Financial Statements, 1920-1953 | series 1 | box 6 | folder 7 | |
| Fraternities, 1923-1929 | series 1 | box 6 | folder 8 | |
| Inter-Fraternity Council, 1922-1931 | series 1 | box 7 | folder 1 | |
| Land, 1932-1934 | series 1 | box 7 | folder 2 | |
| Law School, 1932-1933 | series 1 | box 7 | folder 3 | |
| Legislation, 1928-1959 | series 1 | box 7 | folder 4 | |
| Legislature, 1919-1924 | series 1 | box 7 | folder 5 | |
| Legislature, 1919-1924 | series 1 | box 7 | folder 6 | |
| "Maryland U's President" poster, [1941] | series 1 | box 7 | folder 7 | |
| Medical School, 1934-[1953] | series 1 | box 7 | folder 8 | |
| Middle States Accreditation Report, [c. 1959] | series 1 | box 7 | folder 9 | |
| Middle States Association of Colleges & Secondary Schools -- Correspondence, 1953-1959 | series 1 | box 7 | folder 10 | |
| Middle States Association of Colleges & Secondary Schools -- Pamphlets, 1954-1955 | series 1 | box 7 | folder 11 | |
| Middle States Association of Colleges & Secondary Schools -- Report, 1953 | series 1 | box 7 | folder 12 | |
| Middle States Association of Colleges & Secondary Schools -- Report, undated | series 1 | box 8 | folder 1 | |
| Military Training, 1932-1933 | series 1 | box 8 | folder 2 | |
| Military Training, 1932-1933 | series 1 | box 8 | folder 3 | |
| Montgomery County Schools, 1933 | series 1 | box 8 | folder 4 | |
| Negro Education, 1933-1935 | series 1 | box 8 | folder 5 | |
| Negro Education, 1947-1949 | series 1 | box 8 | folder 6 | |
| Notebook, undated | series 1 | box 8 | folder 7 | |
| R. A. Pearson, 1926-May 1931 | series 1 | box 8 | folder 8 | |
| R. A. Pearson, 1926-May 1931 | series 1 | box 8 | folder 9 | |
| R. A. Pearson, 1926-May 1931 | series 1 | box 8 | folder 10 | |
| R. A. Pearson, June 1931-1934 | series 1 | box 9 | folder 1 | |
| R. A. Pearson, June 1931-1934 | series 1 | box 9 | folder 2 | |
| R. A. Pearson, June 1931-1934 | series 1 | box 9 | folder 3 | |
| R. A. Pearson, June 1931-1934 | series 1 | box 9 | folder 4 | |
| R. A. Pearson, June 1931-1934 | series 1 | box 9 | folder 5 | |
| Phi Beta Kappa, 1948-1954 | series 1 | box 9 | folder 6 | |
| Politics, 1932-1935 | series 1 | box 9 | folder 7 | |
| Politics, 1932-1935 | series 1 | box 9 | folder 8 | |
| Politics, 1932-1935 | series 1 | box 9 | folder 9 | |
| Politics, 1932-1935 | series 1 | box 9 | folder 10 | |
| Public Works Administration, 1933-1935 | series 1 | box 10 | folder 1 | |
| Resolutions, 1924 | series 1 | box 10 | folder 2 | |
| Albert Ritchie, 1923-1934 | series 1 | box 10 | folder 3 | |
| Albert Ritchie, 1923-1934 | series 1 | box 10 | folder 4 | |
| Albert Ritchie, 1923-1934 | series 1 | box 10 | folder 5 | |
| Albert Ritchie, 1923-1934 | series 1 | box 10 | folder 6 | |
| Albert Ritchie, 1923-1934 | series 1 | box 10 | folder 7 | |
| Albert Ritchie, 1923-1934 | series 1 | box 10 | folder 8 | |
| Albert Ritchie, 1923-1934 | series 1 | box 10 | folder 9 | |
| Scholarships, 1933-1934 | series 1 | box 11 | folder 1 | |
| Senate, 1919-1934 | series 1 | box 11 | folder 2 | |
| Senate, 1919-1934 | series 1 | box 11 | folder 3 | |
| Senate, 1919-1934 | series 1 | box 11 | folder 4 | |
| Senate, 1919-1934 | series 1 | box 11 | folder 5 | |
| S. M. Shoemaker, 1931-1933 | series 1 | box 11 | folder 6 | |
| Speeches -- Byrd, [1934]-1953 | series 1 | box 11 | folder 7 | |
| Speeches -- Byrd, [1934]-1953 | series 1 | box 11 | folder 8 | |
| Speeches -- Byrd, [1934]-1953 | series 1 | box 11 | folder 9 | |
| Speeches -- Byrd, 1959 and undated | series 1 | box 12 | folder 1 | |
| Speeches -- Byrd, 1959 and undated | series 1 | box 12 | folder 2 | |
| Speeches -- Byrd, 1959 and undated | series 1 | box 12 | folder 3 | |
| Speeches -- Other, 1932-1958 and undated | series 1 | box 12 | folder 4 | |
| Student Activities, 1954 and undated | series 1 | box 12 | folder 5 | |
| Student Government, 1930-1933 | series 1 | box 12 | folder 6 | |
| Student Publications, [c.1920s]-1935 | series 1 | box 12 | folder 7 | |
| University of Maryland, History of, 1946-1959, undated | series 1 | box 12 | folder 8 | |
| University Miscellaneous, [1928]-1962 | series 1 | box 12 | folder 9 | |
| University Statistics, [1920s]-1960 | series 1 | box 12 | folder 10 | |
| Bob Young, 1952 | series 1 | box 12 | folder 11 | |
Series 2: Political, 1910-1969 (1.5 linear feet)
Series II contains materials related to Byrd's involvement in politics. The two subseries which comprise this series cover Byrd's political campaigns and his involvement in state commissions dealing with the Chesapeake Bay. Because Byrd collected items which pre-date his retirement from the University of Maryland, materials in this series date from 1910 to 1969, but the bulk comes from 1954 and the 1960s. The clippings in Series IV also contain extensive coverage of Byrd's commission work and campaigns.
Subseries 2.1: Campaigns, 1950-1967 (0.5 linear feet)
This subseries, dating from 1950 to 1967, contains materials related to Byrd's unsuccessful political campaigns. Files include correspondence, speeches, and pamphlets. Materials on George P. Mahoney, whom Byrd defeated in the Democratic primary for the gubernatorial race, and Theodore R. McKeldin comprise part of this subseries as well, pre-dating Byrd's own campaign involvement. Files have been arranged alphabetically.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Campaign Expenses, 1954-1966 | series 2.1 | box 1 | folder 1 | |
| Campaign Expenses, 1954-1966 | series 2.1 | box 1 | folder 2 | |
| Correspondence, 1951-1967 | series 2.1 | box 1 | folder 3 | |
| Democratic Campaign Conference, 1966 | series 2.1 | box 1 | folder 4 | |
| George P. Mahoney, 1954, undated | series 2.1 | box 1 | folder 5 | |
| Mailing Lists, 1951-1953, undated | series 2.1 | box 1 | folder 6 | |
| Theodore R. McKeldin, 1951-1955, undated | series 2.1 | box 1 | folder 7 | |
| Miscellaneous, 1954, undated | series 2.1 | box 1 | folder 8 | |
| Pamphlets, 1950-1956, 1966-1967, undated | series 2.1 | box 1 | folder 9 | |
| Pamphlets, 1954, undated | series 2.1 | box 2 | folder 1 | |
| Speeches and Statements -- Byrd, 1954, undated | series 2.1 | box 2 | folder 2 | |
| Speeches and Statements -- Other, 1954-1965, undated | series 2.1 | box 2 | folder 3 | |
| Waldron, 1954 | series 2.1 | box 2 | folder 4 | |
Subseries 2.2: Gubernatorial Appointments, 1910-1969 (1 linear feet)
In 1958, Governor J. Millard Tawes appointed Byrd to chair the Tidewater Fisheries Commission. Five years later, Tawes reappointed him to the commission, which had been reorganized as the Commission on Chesapeake Bay Affairs. During the 1960s, Byrd also served on the Potomac River Fisheries Commission. Materials on such issues as licenses, audits, and shellfish, which relate to Byrd's activities on these commissions, comprise this subseries. Included are statistics on expenditures and licenses, reports, minutes, pamphlets, and correspondence with Millard Tawes, Joseph Manning, Mills Godwin, Eugene Cronin, and Robert Norris. Dates range from 1910 to 1969, though most of the material was created in the 1960s. Some of the printed material that Byrd collected pre-dates his own involvement in the commissions but deal with Chesapeake Bay issues.
Files have been arranged alphabetically.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Correspondence, 1959-1968 | series 2.2 | box 1 | folder 1 | |
| Correspondence, 1959-1968 | series 2.2 | box 1 | folder 2 | |
| Correspondence, 1959-1968 | series 2.2 | box 1 | folder 3 | |
| Correspondence, 1959-1968 | series 2.2 | box 1 | folder 4 | |
| Potomac River Fisheries Commission -- Disbursements, 1965-1968 | series 2.2 | box 1 | folder 5 | |
| Potomac River Fisheries Commission -- Minutes, 1964-1969 | series 2.2 | box 1 | folder 6 | |
| Potomac River Fisheries Commission -- Minutes, 1964-1969 | series 2.2 | box 1 | folder 7 | |
| Potomac River Fisheries Commission -- Minutes, 1964-1969 | series 2.2 | box 1 | folder 8 | |
| Reports and Pamphlets, 1910-1946 | series 2.2 | box 1 | folder 9 | |
| Reports and Pamphlets, 1946-1968, undated | series 2.2 | box 2 | folder 1 | |
| Reports and Pamphlets, 1946-1968, undated | series 2.2 | box 2 | folder 2 | |
| Reports and Pamphlets, 1946-1968, undated | series 2.2 | box 2 | folder 3 | |
| Reports and Pamphlets, 1946-1968, undated | series 2.2 | box 2 | folder 4 | |
| Reports and Pamphlets, 1946-1968, undated | series 2.2 | box 2 | folder 5 | |
| Reports and Pamphlets, 1946-1968, undated | series 2.2 | box 2 | folder 6 | |
| Reports and Pamphlets, 1946-1968, undated | series 2.2 | box 2 | folder 7 | |
| Reports and Pamphlets, 1946-1968, undated | series 2.2 | box 2 | folder 8 | |
| Reports and Pamphlets, 1946-1968, undated | series 2.2 | box 2 | folder 9 | |
| Reports and Pamphlets, undated | series 2.2 | box 3 | folder 1 | |
| Reports and Pamphlets, undated | series 2.2 | box 3 | folder 2 | |
| Speeches -- Byrd, 1959-1965, undated | series 2.2 | box 3 | folder 3 | |
| Tidewater Fisheries -- Expenditures, 1961 | series 2.2 | box 3 | folder 4 | |
| Tidewater Fisheries -- Minutes, 1963 | series 2.2 | box 3 | folder 5 | |
| Watermen, 1960-1961, undated | series 2.2 | box 3 | folder 6 | |
Series 3: Private Life, 1909-1970 (3 linear feet)
This series contains materials documenting Byrd's personal life. While dates range from 1909 to 1970, the bulk originated between 1930 and 1935 and between 1950 and 1969. The materials in the three subseries primarily include correspondence, manuscripts, proofs of books, speeches, and pamphlets related to Byrd's personal affairs, involvement in fraternal organizations, and international interests. There is additional material on Byrd's personal life among the clippings of Series IV.
Subseries 3.1: Personal Affairs, 1927-1970 (1.5 linear feet)
This subseries contains correspondence, agreements, membership cards, and entrance passes. Also included are speeches and manuscripts written by Byrd and other individuals, clippings of poetry and quotations, pamphlets, and guest books apparently from Byrd's memorial service. Important topics include banking and construction business, property agreements, state politics, Byrd's relationship with President Wilson Elkins and the University of Maryland, civic organizations, and personal matters. Dates range from 1927 to 1970, but major portions come from the 1955 to 1969 period.
Files have been arranged alphabetically.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appointment Books, 1966 | series 3.1 | box 1 | folder 1 | |
| Christmas Card, Holy Name College Priests, undated | series 3.1 | box 1 | folder 2 | |
| Correspondence, 1954-1968 | series 3.1 | box 1 | folder 3 | |
| Correspondence, 1954-1968 | series 3.1 | box 1 | folder 4 | |
| Correspondence, 1954-1968 | series 3.1 | box 1 | folder 5 | |
| Correspondence, 1954-1968 | series 3.1 | box 1 | folder 6 | |
| Correspondence, 1954-1968 | series 3.1 | box 1 | folder 7 | |
| Correspondence, 1954-1968 | series 3.1 | box 1 | folder 8 | |
| Correspondence, 1969-1970 | series 3.1 | box 2 | folder 1 | |
| Correspondence, 1969-1970 | series 3.1 | box 2 | folder 2 | |
| Manuscripts, undated | series 3.1 | box 2 | folder 3 | |
| Maryland, History of, undated | series 3.1 | box 2 | folder 4 | |
| Membership Cards and Passes, 1927-1932 | series 3.1 | box 2 | folder 5 | |
| Memorial Guest Books, [1970] | series 3.1 | box 2 | folder 6 | |
| Memorial Guest Books, [1970] | series 3.1 | box 2 | folder 7 | |
| Miscellaneous Printed Matter, 1941, 1953-1968, undated | series 3.1 | box 2 | folder 8 | |
| My Country's Health, by H.C. Byrd and F. M. Walters, undated | series 3.1 | box 3 | folder 1 | |
| Notebook, undated | series 3.1 | box 3 | folder 2 | |
| Property, 1928-1968, undated | series 3.1 | box 3 | folder 3 | |
| Property, 1928-1968, undated | series 3.1 | box 3 | folder 4 | |
| Romance of Right Living, by F. M. Walters, undated | series 3.1 | box 3 | folder 5 | |
| Speeches -- Byrd, undated | series 3.1 | box 3 | folder 6 | |
| Speeches -- Other, 1933-[1954], undated | series 3.1 | box 3 | folder 7 | |
| "The Sports Staff of The Star Wishes You All A Merry Christmas!", 1933 | series 3.1 | box 3 | folder 8 | |
| "Williams' Job", 1952 | series 3.1 | box 3 | folder 9 | |
Subseries 3.2: Fraternal Organizations, 1930-1970 (0.5 linear feet)
Throughout his life, Byrd belonged to numerous fraternal organizations, such as the Masons, the Loyal Order of the Moose, and the Shriners. This subseries consists of correspondence, pamphlets, and reports relating to these organizations. Major topics include membership matters, meetings, conventions, and fund-raising. While the material covers the period between 1930 and 1970, the bulk dates from 1930 to 1935 and 1968 to 1969.
Files have been arranged alphabetically.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boumi Temple, 1931-1935 | series 3.2 | box 1 | folder 1 | |
| Correspondence, 1930-1970 | series 3.2 | box 1 | folder 2 | |
| Correspondence, 1930-1970 | series 3.2 | box 1 | folder 3 | |
| Correspondence, 1930-1970 | series 3.2 | box 1 | folder 4 | |
| Correspondence, 1930-1970 | series 3.2 | box 1 | folder 5 | |
| Harmony Lodge, 1930-1935 | series 3.2 | box 1 | folder 6 | |
| Masons, 1931-1969, undated | series 3.2 | box 1 | folder 7 | |
| Miscellaneous, 1961-1968 | series 3.2 | box 1 | folder 8 | |
| Moose, 1933-1969, undated | series 3.2 | box 1 | folder 9 | |
| Moose, 1933-1969, undated | series 3.2 | box 1 | folder 10 | |
| Shriners, 1934-1968 | series 3.2 | box 1 | folder 11 | |
Subseries 3.3: International Affairs, 1938-1970 (1 linear feet)
Subseries 3 contains correspondence, pamphlets, proofs of books, and reports related to Byrd's international interests and membership in the Defense Orientation Conference Association (D.O.C.A.). Subjects include individual nations, regions, and international issues such as communism, war, and economics. Dates range from 1938 to 1970, though much of the material originates from the 1950 to 1968 period.
Files have been arranged alphabetically.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arms, 1958-1968, undated | series 3.3 | box 1 | folder 1 | |
| Berlin, 1967-1968, undated | series 3.3 | box 1 | folder 2 | |
| China, [1947-1951] | series 3.3 | box 1 | folder 3 | |
| Communism, 1944-1968, undated | series 3.3 | box 1 | folder 4 | |
| Communism, 1944-1968, undated | series 3.3 | box 1 | folder 5 | |
| Correspondence, 1944-1970 | series 3.3 | box 1 | folder 6 | |
| The Deadly Parallel, Hartley Grattan, 1939 | series 3.3 | box 1 | folder 7 | |
| Europe, 1945-1968, undated | series 3.3 | box 1 | folder 8 | |
| Foreign Policy, 1955-1965, undated | series 3.3 | box 2 | folder 1 | |
| International Economy, 1944-1968, undated | series 3.3 | box 2 | folder 2 | |
| International Economy, 1944-1968, undated | series 3.3 | box 2 | folder 3 | |
| Japan, 1962, undated | series 3.3 | box 2 | folder 4 | |
| Korea, 1950-1952, undated | series 3.3 | box 2 | folder 5 | |
| Middle East, 1954-1955 | series 3.3 | box 2 | folder 6 | |
| Miscellaneous, 1953-1961, undated | series 3.3 | box 2 | folder 7 | |
| South America, 1953-1956, undated | series 3.3 | box 2 | folder 8 | |
| South East Asia, 1954-1962, undated | series 3.3 | box 2 | folder 9 | |
| Through the Fog of War, Liddell Hart, 1938 | series 3.3 | box 2 | folder 10 | |
Series 4: Clippings, 1909-1969 (6 linear feet)
Series IV is comprised of loose newspaper clippings and scrapbooks that cover Byrd's life and career as coach, university administrator, political candidate, and commission chairman. In addition, some clippings do not relate directly to Byrd but instead cover news about international issues, regional interests, the University of Maryland, and his successor as university president, Wilson H. Elkins. The material in this subseries dates from 1909 to 1969, but the bulk covers his 1954 gubernatorial campaign.
Files and scrapbooks are arranged chronologically.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clippings, 1896-1954 | series 4 | box 1 | folder 1 | |
| Clippings, 1896-1954 | series 4 | box 1 | folder 2 | |
| Clippings, 1896-1954 | series 4 | box 1 | folder 3 | |
| Clippings, 1896-1954 | series 4 | box 1 | folder 4 | |
| Clippings, 1896-1954 | series 4 | box 1 | folder 5 | |
| Clippings, 1896-1954 | series 4 | box 1 | folder 6 | |
| Clippings, 1896-1954 | series 4 | box 1 | folder 7 | |
| Clippings, 1896-1954 | series 4 | box 1 | folder 8 | |
| Clippings, 1896-1954 | series 4 | box 1 | folder 9 | |
| Clippings, 1896-1954 | series 4 | box 1 | folder 10 | |
| Clippings, 1954 | series 4 | box 2 | folder 1 | |
| Clippings, 1954 | series 4 | box 2 | folder 2 | |
| Clippings, 1954 | series 4 | box 2 | folder 3 | |
| Clippings, 1954 | series 4 | box 2 | folder 4 | |
| Clippings, 1954 | series 4 | box 2 | folder 5 | |
| Clippings, 1954 | series 4 | box 2 | folder 6 | |
| Clippings, 1954 | series 4 | box 2 | folder 7 | |
| Clippings, 1954 | series 4 | box 2 | folder 8 | |
| Clippings, 1954 | series 4 | box 2 | folder 9 | |
| Clippings, 1954 | series 4 | box 2 | folder 10 | |
| Clippings, 1954 | series 4 | box 2 | folder 11 | |
| Clippings, 1954-1968, undated | series 4 | box 3 | folder 1 | |
| Clippings, 1954-1968, undated | series 4 | box 3 | folder 2 | |
| Clippings, 1954-1968, undated | series 4 | box 3 | folder 3 | |
| Clippings, 1954-1968, undated | series 4 | box 3 | folder 4 | |
| Clippings, 1954-1968, undated | series 4 | box 3 | folder 5 | |
| Clippings, 1954-1968, undated | series 4 | box 3 | folder 6 | |
| Clippings, 1954-1968, undated | series 4 | box 3 | folder 7 | |
| Clippings, 1954-1968, undated | series 4 | box 3 | folder 8 | |
| Clippings, 1954-1968, undated | series 4 | box 3 | folder 9 | |
| Clippings, 1954-1968, undated | series 4 | box 3 | folder 10 | |
| Clippings, 1954-1968, undated | series 4 | box 3 | folder 11 | |
| Scrapbooks, 1909-1936, undated | series 4 | box 4 | folder 1 | |
| Scrapbooks, 1909-1936, undated | series 4 | box 4 | folder 2 | |
| Scrapbooks, 1936-1940 | series 4 | box 5 | folder 1 | |
| Scrapbooks, 1940-1954 | series 4 | box 6 | folder 1 | |
Series 5: Certificates, [1908]- 1968 (0.5 lin. ft)
Throughout his life, Byrd received numerous certificates of appreciation and awards from various fraternal, military, civic, athletic, and university organizations. Dating from approximately 1908 to 1968, a wide variety of certificates comprise this series: from diplomas for honorary degrees to memberships in fraternities to certificates of appreciation from Rotary Clubs.
Certificates are arranged alphabetically.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Administrative Board, 1947 | series 5 | box 1 | folder 1 | |
| Agricultural Alumni Association, 1951 | series 5 | box 1 | folder 2 | |
| Alpha Phi Omega, 1948 | series 5 | box 1 | folder 3 | |
| Athletic Association of Georgetown University, 1929 | series 5 | box 1 | folder 4 | |
| Baseball, [1908] | series 5 | box 1 | folder 5 | |
| Boumi, 1937-1949 | series 5 | box 1 | folder 6 | |
| Boumi, 1937-1949 | series 5 | box 1 | folder 7 | |
| Chatterbox Club, 1950 | series 5 | box 1 | folder 8 | |
| College Park, 1953 | series 5 | box 1 | folder 9 | |
| College Park Board of Trade, 1965 | series 5 | box 1 | folder 10 | |
| College Park Mayor and Council, 1959 | series 5 | box 1 | folder 11 | |
| Diplomas, [1937]-1938 | series 5 | box 1 | folder 12 | |
| Defense Orientation Conference Association, 1956-1965 | series 5 | box 1 | folder 13 | |
| Defense Orientation Conference Association, 1956-1965 | series 5 | box 1 | folder 14 | |
| El Paso County Sheriff's Reserve, [1962] | series 5 | box 1 | folder 15 | |
| El Paso Honorary Citizen, 1962 | series 5 | box 1 | folder 16 | |
| Football, 1908 | series 5 | box 1 | folder 17 | |
| Future Farmers of America, 1944 | series 5 | box 1 | folder 18 | |
| Georgetown University Athletic Hall of Fame, 1958 | series 5 | box 1 | folder 19 | |
| Helms Hall of Fame, 1955 | series 5 | box 1 | folder 20 | |
| Irish Mail, 1957 | series 5 | box 1 | folder 21 | |
| Kentucky Colonel, 1962 | series 5 | box 1 | folder 22 | |
| Knights of the Iron Table, 1962 | series 5 | box 1 | folder 23 | |
| M Club, 1961 | series 5 | box 1 | folder 24 | |
| Marine Corps Reserve Officers Association, 1950 | series 5 | box 1 | folder 25 | |
| Maryland Society of Pennsylvania, 1941 | series 5 | box 1 | folder 26 | |
| Masons, 1967 | series 5 | box 1 | folder 27 | |
| Metropolitan Washington Board of Trade, 1966 | series 5 | box 1 | folder 28 | |
| Mississippi, 1960 | series 5 | box 1 | folder 29 | |
| Moose, Loyal Order of the, undated | series 5 | box 1 | folder 30 | |
| National Intercollegiate Championship Football Trophy, 1953 | series 5 | box 1 | folder 31 | |
| Phi Delta Kappa, 1957 | series 5 | box 1 | folder 32 | |
| Phi Eta Sigma, 1941 | series 5 | box 1 | folder 33 | |
| Phi Kappa Phi, 1954 | series 5 | box 1 | folder 34 | |
| Pi Delta Epsilon, 1930 | series 5 | box 1 | folder 35 | |
| Pi Sigma Alpha, 1938 | series 5 | box 1 | folder 36 | |
| Prince George's Chamber of Commerce, 1957 | series 5 | box 1 | folder 37 | |
| Reserve Officers Training Corps, 1942 | series 5 | box 1 | folder 38 | |
| Rotary Club, 1950 | series 5 | box 1 | folder 39 | |
| Rotary Club, 1965 | series 5 | box 1 | folder 40 | |
| Royal Order of the Jesters, 1962 | series 5 | box 1 | folder 41 | |
| School of the Americas, 1966 | series 5 | box 1 | folder 42 | |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon, 1943 | series 5 | box 1 | folder 43 | |
| S. M. A. Fathers of Perpetual Mass Association Rescript, undated | series 5 | box 1 | folder 44 | |
| South Regional Education Board, 1968 | series 5 | box 1 | folder 45 | |
| Strategic Air Command, 1964 | series 5 | box 1 | folder 46 | |
| Stubby, 1932 | series 5 | box 1 | folder 47 | |
| Takoma Park Volunteer Fire Department, 1952 | series 5 | box 1 | folder 48 | |
| Terrapin Club, 1956 | series 5 | box 1 | folder 49 | |
| Top Maryland Alumnus, 1956 | series 5 | box 1 | folder 50 | |
| Track, [1908] | series 5 | box 1 | folder 51 | |
| Tribute to Harry Clifton Byrd, 1954 | series 5 | box 1 | folder 52 | |
| U. S. Air Force, 1964 | series 5 | box 1 | folder 53 | |
| U. S. Army Forces Southern Command, 1966 | series 5 | box 1 | folder 54 | |
| U. S. Commander Berlin, 1965 | series 5 | box 1 | folder 55 | |
| U. S. Navy, 1943 | series 5 | box 1 | folder 56 | |
| West Texas Ranger, 1962 | series 5 | box 1 | folder 57 | |
| Women's Advertising Club of Baltimore, 1960 | series 5 | box 1 | folder 58 | |
Series 6: Memorabilia, 1909-1964 (10.5 linear feet.)
Byrd memorabilia include footballs, trophies, plaques, name plates, a mug, a clock, keys, a paperweight, a gavel, and an academic gown and hood. Byrd received many of these items from civic organizations and athletic groups. Dates range from 1909 to 1964, but the bulk originates from 1949 to 1962. The objects were transferred to the memorabilia collection (memorabilia #59-#88).
There is currently no box inventory available for this series. Please refer to the series description above for a broad description of the materials.
Series 7: Photographs, [c.1895]-1964 (1 linear feet)
The Byrd papers contain a significant number of photographs. Most depict Byrd at public events, such as dinners and football games. He appears with members of organizations and fraternal orders and with various individuals, such as J. Millard Tawes and Evelyn Byrd. There are several portraits of Byrd as well as class and team photographs from his childhood and college years. Lastly, included among the photographs are depictions of fishing boats and landscapes. Dates of the photographs span from approximately 1894 to 1964. Many are undated, but the bulk appears to have been taken during the 1950s and 1960s. These materials were transferred to the Photograph Collection.
There is currently no box inventory available for this series. Please refer to the series description above for a broad description of the materials.
Related Material
Byrd's official files comprise a significant portion of the University of Maryland System President's Office record group. Since Byrd also frequently interacted with the Board of Regents, records relating to him exist in the Regents' official files as well.
For other related archival and manuscript collections, please see the following subject guides.
Selected Search Terms
This collection is indexed under the following headings in the University of Maryland Libraries' Catalog. Researchers desiring related materials about these topics, names, or places may search the Catalog using these headings.
Subjects
- Byrd, Harry Clifton, -- 1889-1970 -- Archives.
- College presidents -- Maryland -- Archives.
- University of Maryland (System) -- History -- Sources.
Names (Added Entries)
- Elkins, Wilson H., -- 1908-
- McCormick, Charles Perry, -- 1896-
- Pearson, Robert, -- 1945-
- Prange, Gordon William, -- 1910-
- Preinkert, Alma Henrietta.
- Reckord, Milton A. -- (Milton Atchison), -- 1879-1975
- Ritchie, Albert C. -- (Albert Cabell), -- 1876-1936
- Roosevelt, Franklin D. -- (Franklin Delano), -- 1882-1945
- Tawes, J. Millard, -- 1894-
- Tydings, Millard E. -- (Millard Evelyn), -- 1890-1961