Stuart Mcguire Noblin Papers 1857-1977

Summary
Contents
Names/subjects
Using these materials
Please note that some historical materials may contain harmful content and/or descriptions. Learn how we’re addressing it.
Creator
Noblin, Stuart, 1913-1977
Size
4.5 linear feet (6 archival boxes, 1 legal sized archival box)
Call number
MC 00051

This collection contains the professional papers of Stuart McGuire Noblin, including those related to his professorship at North Carolina State University, and on topics of his research, including farmers' movements, the National Grange, and the role of churches in constructive race relations. Also contained in this collection are Noblin's personal papers from his involvement in the North Carolina Chess Association.

Stuart Noblin was a professor in the Departments of History and Political Science at North Carolina State University from 1947 to 1976. He also served as part-time University Archivist from 1957 to 1964, as well as chairman of the Committee on the History of the College, and was a member of the Faculty Senate from 1957 to 1961. Noblin was also active in the North Carolina Chess Association.

Biographical/historical note

Stuart McGuire Noblin was born in Radford, Virginia, in 1913. He received his bachelor's degree from Davidson College in Davidson, North Carolina, majoring in history, and graduating in 1933. He taught junior high school for a brief period in Durham, North Carolina, and then pursued graduate work in history at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. He was awarded a Masters of Arts degree in 1935 and a PhD in 1947. While working on the PhD, Noblin taught history at the College of Charleston in South Carolina, and at Davis and Elkins College in West Virginia. Noblin came to Raleigh in 1947 and began work as an assistant professor at North Carolina State College. In 1951, he became an associate professor, and in 1957, a full professor.

Noblin was an authority on the history of the National Grange and American agricultural movements. He authored numerous articles and three books on the subject. These include The Grange in North Carolina 1929 -1954: A Story In Agricultural Progress and Codification of Grange Policy. His most important work is a full length biography of the nationally known farm leader Colonel Leonidas La Fayette Polk, titled Leonidas Layfayette Polk: Agrarian Crusader. This is an account of the man who was North Carolina's first Commissioner of Agriculture, a leader in the establishment of North Carolina State University, and founder of the monthly farm publication, The Progressive Farmer.

As an educator and historian at North Carolina State University, Noblin served as an advisor to the Student Publications Board. He was also active in the American Historical Association, the Southern Historical Association, the Historical Society of North Carolina, the American Association of University Professors, the State Grange, the Raleigh Torch Club, Organization of American Historians, the History of Education Society, and the Wake Historical Society.

Noblin was a leader in Raleigh's Institute of Religion. He studied churches in the South and was active in the movement for the peaceful desegregation of Raleigh. His work in the area led to the publication of a case study on the United Church of Raleigh through the Southern Historical Association in Washington, D.C. As a member of the United Church of Christ in Raleigh, Noblin served as the chairman of the church's Board of Deacons. He was also the church historian.

An expert chess player, Noblin labored diligently to promote the game in North Carolina, and worked cooperatively with chess associations at the national level to stage tournaments and exhibitions for the benefit of local chess enthusiasts. Noblin was the treasurer for the North Carolina Chess Association for two decades, and was the organization's president from 1961 to 1964.

Stuart Noblin was married to Evelyn Blanchard Noblin. His wife worked as a librarian in North Carolina State University's D. H. Hill Library. The couple shared a love of literature and history. Stuart McGuire Noblin died on January 10, 1977, at the age of sixty-three.

Scope/content

This collection contains book manuscripts, scholarly writings, Fulbright and Guggenheim fellowship applications, speeches, encyclopedia articles, and correspondence generated by Stuart McGuire Noblin during his tenure as a professor of history at North Carolina State University. In addition to papers that were written by Professor Noblin, there are journal articles, reviews, and papers written by his colleagues. There are also a few photographs and a number of alumni publications, as well as course outlines, syllabi, reading lists, exams, class rolls, grade rolls, research and oral report topics, student exams, and term papers from Noblin's classes. Also included are material documenting Noblin's work for the Raleigh Institute of Religion and the United Church of Christ regarding race relations in Raleigh, and papers related to Noblin's participation in the North Carolina Chess Association (NCCA).

Arrangement

This collection is organized into two series. The first series, Professional, is further divided into nine subseries: Writings, Letters Received, Book Reviews, Applications, Research Files, Colleagues' Papers, Photographs, Newsletters, and Mementos. The second series, North Carolina Chess Assoication, is divided into two subseries: Correspondence and Administrative Information.

Use of these materials

The nature of the NC State University Libraries' Special Collections means that copyright or other information about restrictions may be difficult or even impossible to determine despite reasonable efforts. The NC State University Libraries claims only physical ownership of most Special Collections materials.

The materials from our collections are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study, pursuant to U.S. Copyright law. The user must assume full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials. Any materials used for academic research or otherwise should be fully credited with the source.

This collection may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations. Researchers are advised that the disclosure of certain information pertaining to identifiable living individuals represented in this collection without the consent of those individuals may have legal ramifications (e.g., a cause of action under common law for invasion of privacy may arise if facts concerning an individual's private life are published that would be deemed highly offensive to a reasonable person) for which North Carolina State University assumes no responsibility.

Preferred Citation

[Identification of item], Stuart Mcguire Noblin Papers, MC 00051, Special Collections Research Center, North Carolina State University Libraries, Raleigh, NC

Source of acquisition

Material donated by Evelyn Blanchard Noblin in 1978 (Accession no. 1978-0003).

Processing information

Processed by Michael Watts, 2005 May

Encoded by Michael Watts, 2005 May; Updated by Cate Putirskis, February 2008

Please note that some historical materials may contain harmful content and/or descriptions. Learn how we’re addressing it.

The collection is organized into two principal series:

Professional 1857-1977 (Mc 00051 Series 1)
Size: 1.5 linear feet

This series contains items related to Noblin's work in the Departments of History and Political Science at NC State. Materials are arranged chronologically within each subseries.

3 archival boxes

Writings
M.A. Thesis 1935
Box 1, Folder 1
"North Carolina Grange" typescript 1954
Box 1, Folder 2
"The Grange of North Carolina: A Story of Agricultural Progress, 1929 - 1954" 1954
Box 1, Folder 3
"Gleanings From a College Archive" 1960
Box 1, Folder 4
"Codification of Grange Policy" 1961
Box 1, Folder 5
"A Voice of Agriculture: Recent Policies of the National Grange" 1962
Box 1, Folder 6
Encyclopedia Articles 1968
Box 1, Folder 7
"The United Church of Raleigh: A Case Study" 1969
Box 1, Folder 8
"The American Experiment" 1976
Box 1, Folder 9
Sketch from "Representative Men of the South," by Leonidas L. Polk undated
Box 1, Folder 10
Correspondence Received
1952 - 1962
Box 1, Folder 11
1962 - 1965
Box 1, Folder 12
1966 - 1969
Box 1, Folder 13
1970
Box 1, Folder 14
1971 - 1973
Box 1, Folder 15
1974 - 1975
Box 1, Folder 16
1976
Box 1, Folder 17
Book Reviews
North Carolina Historical Review : "Leonidas Polk" Apr. 1943
Box 1, Folder 18
North Carolina Historical Review : "Leonidas Polk" Jul. 1943
Box 1, Folder 19
Applications
Fulbright Application 1951
Box 1, Folder 20
Guggenheim Fellowship undated
Box 1, Folder 21
Research Files
Address and Newspaper Article on Leonidas Polk by Clarence Poe 1937
Box 2, Folder 1
"Topical Studies and References on the Farmer's Movement in the United States, 1650 - 1946" 1946
Box 2, Folder 2
Agricultural Course Descriptions (by state) 1948
Box 2, Folder 3
"John Simpson: The Southwest's Militant Farm Leader," by Gilbert C. Fite 1949
Box 2, Folder 4
Miscellaneous Grange Research Material 1954
Box 2, Folder 5
National Grange Pamphlets 1955-1964
Box 2, Folder 6
American Historical Association 82nd Annual Meeting: Program 1967
Box 2, Folder 7
American Historical Association 82nd Annual Meeting: "A Grange Rennaissance: Comments on the Papers of Professor Thomas Nordin" 1967
Box 2, Folder 8
"Preliminary List of References for the History of the Granger Movement," University of California, Davis 1967
Box 2, Folder 9
"North Carolina State Grange: Patrons of Husbandry," Journal of Proceedings 1974
Box 2, Folder 10
"The National Grange: Legislative Policies" 1975
Box 2, Folder 11
History Course Files and Student Research
Course Materials 1947-1973
Box 2, Folder 12
History 121, 122: Political and Diplomatic Aspects of American History 1950
Box 2, Folder 13
History 205: The Modern Western World 1954
Box 2, Folder 14
Summary of Regular Teaching Responsibilities 1955
Box 2, Folder 15
History 312: Economic and Social History of the South 1955
Box 2, Folder 16
History 244-009: The U.S. Since 1914 Spring 1974
Box 2, Folder 17
History 244-011: The U.S. Since 1914 Spring 1974
Box 2, Folder 18
History 548E: American Response to Industrialism Spring 1974
Box 2, Folder 19
History 244: The U.S. Since 1914 Fall 1974
Box 3, Folder 1
History 244-006: The U.S. Since 1914 Fall 1974
Box 3, Folder 2
History 491-001: Seminar in History Fall 1974
Box 3, Folder 3
History 244-003: The U.S. Since 1914 Spring 1975
Box 3, Folder 4
History 464: North Carolina Since 1860 Spring 1975
Box 3, Folder 5
American Response to Industrialism Spring 1975
Box 3, Folder 6
History 244-005: The U.S. Since 1914 Fall 1975
Box 3, Folder 7
History 244-008: The U.S. Since 1914 Fall 1975
Box 3, Folder 8
Populism and Progress Fall 1975
Box 3, Folder 9
History 244-003: The U.S. Since 1914 Spring 1976
Box 3, Folder 10
History 244-004: The U.S. Since 1914 Spring 1976
Box 3, Folder 11
Social Studies 392, 393: Contemporary Social Problems undated
Box 3, Folder 12
Student Research Paper: Via, James 1962
Box 3, Folder 13
Student Research Paper: Boney, William Jr. 1972
Box 3, Folder 14
Student Research Paper: Franks, Mona 1972
Box 3, Folder 15
Student Research Paper: Melton, Carroll 1972
Box 3, Folder 16
Student Research Paper: Ott, Leslie 1972
Box 3, Folder 17
Student Research Paper: Lawber, Harold 1973
Box 3, Folder 18
Journal Articles, Reviews, Papers (Colleagues)
1938 - 1954
Box 3, Folder 19
1955 - 1964
Box 3, Folder 20
1971 - 1974
Box 3, Folder 21
1976, undated
Box 3, Folder 22
Photographs
Leonidas Polk Illustrations, Chess Club Photos 1857-1972
Box 3, Folder 23
Newsletters and Mementos
Mementos: Charleston, S.C. 1940
Box 4, Folder 1
Historical Chart of Mankind 1950
Box 4, Folder 2
Democratic Digest , Johns Hopkins Magazine 1961, 1970
Box 4, Folder 3
Newsletters, News Clippings, and Brochures 1963-1970
Box 4, Folder 4
Department of History Sign, Travel Forms undated
Box 4, Folder 5
North Carolina Postcards undated
Box 4, Folder 6
North Carolina Chess Association 1951-1971 (MC00051 Series 2)
Size: 3 linear feet

This series contains the correspondence and other administrative information collected by Noblin while he was a member of the North Carolina Chess Associtaion. Materials are arranged chronologically within each subseries.

3 archival boxes, 1 legal sized archival box

Correspondence
1951
Box 4, Folder 7
1952
Box 4, Folder 8
1953
Box 4, Folder 9
1954
Box 4, Folder 10
1955
Box 4, Folder 11
Jan.-Apr. 1956
Box 4, Folder 12
May-Dec. 1956
Box 4, Folder 13
Jan.-Jun. 1957
Box 4, Folder 14
Jul.-Dec. 1957
Box 4, Folder 15
Jan.-Jul. 1958
Box 4, Folder 16
Aug.-Dec. 1958
Box 4, Folder 17
Jan.-Jun. 1959
Box 5, Folder 1
Jul.-Dec. 1959
Box 5, Folder 2
Jan.-May 1960
Box 5, Folder 3
Jun.-Aug. 1960
Box 5, Folder 4
Sep.-Dec. 1960
Box 5, Folder 5
Jan.-Apr. 1961
Box 5, Folder 6
May-Dec. 1961
Box 5, Folder 7
1962
Box 5, Folder 8
Jan.-May 1963
Box 5, Folder 9
1964
Box 6, Folder 1
1965-1971
Box 6, Folder 2
undated
Box 6, Folder 3
Administrative Information
Constitution, Bylaws, Tournament Rules 1951-1973
Box 6, Folder 4
Membership 1951-1961
Box 6, Folder 5
Treasury 1951-1960
Box 6, Folder 6
Tournament Participation 1951-1962
Box 6, Folder 7
Publications, Pamphlets, News Articles 1955-1961
Box 6, Folder 8
"The Carolina Gambit" 1960-1961
Legal box 7, Folder 1
"The Carolina Gambit" 1962-1963
Legal box 7, Folder 2
Please note that some historical materials may contain harmful content and/or descriptions. Learn how we’re addressing it.

Access to the collection

This collection is open for research; access requires at least 48 hours advance notice. Because of the nature of certain archival formats, including digital and audio-visual materials, access to digital files may require additional advanced notice.

For more information contact us via mail, phone, or our web form.

Mailing address:
Special Collections Research Center
Box 7111
Raleigh, NC, 27695-7111

Phone: (919) 515-2273

Preferred Citation

[Identification of item], Stuart Mcguire Noblin Papers, MC 00051, Special Collections Research Center, North Carolina State University Libraries, Raleigh, NC

Use of these materials

The nature of the NC State University Libraries' Special Collections means that copyright or other information about restrictions may be difficult or even impossible to determine despite reasonable efforts. The NC State University Libraries claims only physical ownership of most Special Collections materials.

The materials from our collections are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study, pursuant to U.S. Copyright law. The user must assume full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials. Any materials used for academic research or otherwise should be fully credited with the source.

This collection may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations. Researchers are advised that the disclosure of certain information pertaining to identifiable living individuals represented in this collection without the consent of those individuals may have legal ramifications (e.g., a cause of action under common law for invasion of privacy may arise if facts concerning an individual's private life are published that would be deemed highly offensive to a reasonable person) for which North Carolina State University assumes no responsibility.