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Percival Chandler Norris World War I Collection

 Collection
Identifier: DC004

Scope and Contents

The bulk of the P.C. Norris World War I Collection consists of correspondence to and from Lawrenceville alumni serving in World War I. The correspondents include many notable Lawrentians of the period. The men often wrote about the experience of being away from home and in combat. Other items include photographs, newspaper clippings, and wedding announcements. The bulk of the documents date from immediately before the war to shortly after armistice.

Dates

  • 1911 - 1948
  • Majority of material found within 1917 - 1919

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for research use.

Conditions Governing Use

Single photocopies and digital photographs may be made for research purposes. Permission to publish materials from the collection must be requested from the Archivist. Researchers are responsible for determining any other copyright questions.

Biographical / Historical

Percival Chandler Norris was born in Woodstown, New Jersey on February 12, 1880. He graduated from Phillips-Exeter Academy in 1898 and went on to complete his undergraduate and graduate studies at Princeton University.

He joined the faculty at The Lawrenceville School in 1908. During his tenure, he taught Latin and served as a house master. Perhaps his most notable legacy was the creation and maintenance of files on Lawrentians serving in World War I. He corresponded with them and collected photos, newspaper clippings, and announcements of marriages and births. Norris also published his book, The Fundamental Principles of Latin, while at Lawrenceville. He left The Lawrenceville School in 1923 and co-founded the Providence Country Day School in Providence, Rhode Island. He passed away on July 13, 1938.

Extent

2.09 Linear Feet (5 boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Arrangement

This collection is arranged alphabetically by alumnus.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

This collection was transferred to the John Dixon Library in the 1960s. It was moved to the Bunn Library upon the completion of construction and relocation of the library and archives in 1996.

Appraisal

Appraisal has been conducted in accordance with The Lawrenceville School Stephan Archives guidelines.

Processing Information

This collection was processed by Casey Babcock in November-December of 2011. The collection was reprocessed by Isabel Monseau in Spring 2022.

Title
Percival Chandler Norris World War I Collection: Finding Aid
Status
Completed
Author
Casey Babcock
Date
December 2, 2011
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script
Language of description note
English

Repository Details

Part of the The Lawrenceville School Stephan Archives Repository

Contact:
Box 6128
2500 Main St.
Lawrenceville 08648 U.S.A. US