Series 1: Knowlton Durham papers
Scope and Contents
The bulk of this series consists of correspondence to and from Knowlton Durham, largely with relatives regarding family history or family business. Also included are materials related to Durham's work as a lawyer, his time at Columbia University, and his applications for membership in the Society of Colonial Wars and Sons of the Revolution. In addition, there is one folder of material relating to the genealogy of the family of his wife, Pauline "Polly" Crook Peck.
Biographical note
Knowlton Durham was born on August 29, 1880 in Chicago, Illinois. He was the youngest child of Caleb Wheeler Durham and Clarissa Safford Welles Durham. He attended Adelphi Academy in Brooklyn, graduating in 1897, and then Columbia University, graduating in 1901. He was a member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity. He completed law school, also at Columbia, in 1905. He enlisted in the army in 1912 and served in the first World War. In 1925, he married Pauline Crook Peck. Her son, Robert, became his stepson, but the couple never had children of their own. He was a president and founder of the Beta Theta Pi Club of New York and the Chelsea Neighborhood Association, as well as a member of the University Club, Columbia University Club, Army and Navy Club of Washington, and various professional and military organizations. He was twice awarded the Silver Star, as well as the Conspicuous Service Medal of New York State, the Army Commendation Ribbon and the Selective Service Medal.
Correspondence, 1910s, inclusive
Correspondence, 1920s, inclusive
Correspondence, 1930s, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Includes correspondence from 1934 regarding the death and estate of John Safford Fiske.
Correspondence, 1940s, inclusive
Correspondence, 1950s, inclusive
Work, 1907-1912, inclusive
Clippings and ephemera, 1915-1952, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Includes materials pertaining to Durham's military service, his work as a lawyer, and his work with the Chelsea Neighborhood Association.
