Kenneth R. Hall collection

Collection

Identifier: GLMS-0101

Staff Only

Collection Overview

Abstract

Research material for study of the vessels owned by the shipping interests headed by Eber Brock Ward and his family. Events covered in the collection date from 1782-1987. Most information in the collection is concentrated between 1840 and 1910.

Dates

Creation: 1782-1987
Creation: Majority of material found within 1840-1910

Extent

2 Cubic Feet (2 record storage cartons)

Creator

Hall, Kenneth R. (Person)

Scope and Contents

The collection provides research material for study of the vessels owned by the shipping interests headed by Eber Brock Ward and his family. Events covered in the collection date from 1782-1987. Most information in the collection is concentrated between 1840 and 1910.

This collection was created from materials acquired by National Archives employee Kenneth R. Hall during three decades of research into the Ward family shipping business. A series with .75 cubic feet of research notes prepared by Hall cites numerous newspaper accounts from Great Lakes cities that describe activities of vessels owned by the Wards. Genealogical materials on the Wards are also included.

A one-half cubic foot set of clippings primarily from newspapers in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Detroit, Michigan offer examples of the types of sources Hall found in compiling his research notes. A small subject file broadens the collection focus into research sources on railroads and iron production.

The network of researchers with an interest in the Wards' venture can be viewed through a small correspondence series maintained by Hall with other scholars and reference personnel. Two copies of academic papers on the Ward interests provide further source material through their notes for study of this subject.

Kenneth R. Hall acquired microfilmed copies of papers on Eber Brock Ward at the Detroit Public Library. A three reels are with the collection.

Biographical Sketch

Kenneth R. Hall was born March 21, 1925 in Wyandotte, Michigan. During his childhood on the banks of the Detroit River, Hall developed an interest in the history of marine vessel design and the Great Lakes shipping industry. This childhood fascination developed into an adult's profession in researching the history of people, vessels, and companies associated with the maritime industry of the United States.

Hall's academic interest in marine history led him to complete undergraduate training at the Ohio College of Wooster. Graduate courses at the University of Pennsylvania earned him a master's degree and all the requirements for a doctorate, except the dissertation. In 1950-51 archival administration courses were completed at American University in Washington, DC. In November of 1951, Hall began his career with the National Archives and Records Service. A career of 33 years followed with retirement in 1985.

Kenneth Hall's efforts in assisting researchers using marine records in the Civil Archives Division, Industrial and Social Branch were frequently noted as exemplary due to his extensive knowledge of United States marine history and records sources.

The correspondence series in this collection introduces many researchers who worked with Hall over the years he spent honing his skills as a scholar and reference source.

Conditions Governing Access

No known access restrictions.

Conditions Governing Use

Researchers using this collection assume full responsibility for conforming to the laws of libel, privacy, and copyright, and are responsible for securing permissions necessary for publication or reproduction.

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Existence and Location of Originals

This collection contains three rolls of microfilm comprising the Eber Brock Ward Papers. The originals are held by the Burton Historical Library at the Detroit Public Library.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

This collection was donated to the Historical Collections of the Great Lakes by Kenneth R. Hall on August 15, 1992. An instrument of gift was signed at the time of transfer.