%eadnotat; ]> 5261nefu Finding aid for Nelson Fuson Family Papers, 1909-1996 Finding Aid Prepared by FHL staff Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College. 2007 Text converted and initial EAD tagging provided by FHL Staff, 2007 ENG Finding aid for Nelson Fuson Family Papers, 1909-1996 FHL staff Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College. 2007 Descriptive Summary Nelson Fuson Family Papers1909-1996 RG5/261 Nelson Fuson, 1913-2006 10 boxes ; 5 linear ft. (includes 9 boxes manuscript, 1 box pictures) Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College.

Swarthmore, Pennsylvania 19081-1399 U.S.A.

For current information on the location of materials, please consult the Library's online catalog. Nelson Fuson was a physicist and educator, active in Quaker concerns. The collection contains extensive correspondence and papers concerning his service as a conscientious objector in Civilian Public Service during World War II. As the child of missionaries to China, his hope was to do relief service in China, and many of the papers deal with CPS China Units. However, the China Units were never activated and Fuson was assigned to camps in Maryland, Indiana, New York, and North Dakota. He also attended a seminar in international administration at Columbia University as part of a detached CPS unit, training intended to prepare military and civilians for post-war occupation. In addition to the CPS material, Nelson, a long time professor of physics at Fisk University, and his wife, Marian, were active in Quaker concerns including participation in international student seminars sponsored by the AFSC.

Repository:

Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College

500 College Avenue, Swarthmore, PA 19081-1399

Phone: (610) 328-8496 FAX: (610) 690-5728

BIOGRAPHICAL AND HISTORICAL NOTE

Nelson Fuson was a physicist and educator, active in Quaker concerns. He was born September 4, 1913, in Guang-zhou (Canton), China, the son of American Presbyterian missionaries; he had two brothers, Ben and William. His parents, Chester and Phebe (Meeker) Fuson worked in China from 1905-1949, and Nelson spent most of his first 15 years in China before returning to the U.S. to complete his high school education in Emporia, Kansas. He graduated from the College of Emporia in 1934 and earned an M.A. in physics and astronomy from Kansas University in 1934. In 1938 he earned a Ph.D. in physics from the University of Michigan, and from 1938-1941, he taught at Rutgers University, N.J.

In 1941 Fuson was drafted as conscientious objector. He wrote that his childhood experiences influenced him to be a life-long pacifist. In 1941, he reported to CPS Unit #3, Patapsco, Maryland, administered by the American Friends Service Committee, where he worked with the Park Service. In February 1942 he was selected to report to Camp #6 in Lagro, Indiana, to train for a China Unit for humanitarian relief in Canton, administered by Church of the Brethren.

In August 1942 he was detached to Columbia University to participate in a joint civilian/military seminar in International Administration, preparing for post-war occupation and relief. In April 1943, he left Columbia to join the American Friends Service Committee in Philadelphia, training a new China Unit, CPS #99. During this time, he lived at Pendle Hill, the Quaker study center in Wallingford, Pa., and met his future wife, Marian Darnell. That summer, approving the so-called Starnes Rider to an appropriations bill, Congress refused to send conscientious objectors to participate in service work outside of the U.S., so the China Unit was effectively cancelled. In September 1943, Fuson was transferred to CPS Camp #46, Big Flats, N.Y., where he worked on a conservation and nursery program. In late March 1944, he was transferred to Camp #94, Trenton, N.D., involved in an agricultural project.

In January 1945, he was again assigned to detached service, CPS #115, this time at the University of Michigan to do physics research on infrared spectroscopy, under the administration of the Office of Scientific Research and Development (OSRD). He and Marian Darnell, a birthright Quaker, were married at Moorestown Meeting, N.J., on June 23, 1945. Marian Haines Darnell was the daughter of Howard C. Darnell and Helen Wills Darnell. She was born on 5th month 19, 1920, in Moorestown, New Jersey. Nelson Fuson became a member of the Society of Friends on Dec. 1, 1953. Nelson had long prepared to do relief service in China, but by the end of the War, political and personal concerns had made that impractical. Rather, he began his academic career, still committed to peace and humanitarian relief.

From 1946-1948, Nelson taught at Johns Hopkins University. He taught for one year at Howard University and in 1949 joined the faculty of Fisk University, Tennessee, where he remained until his retirement, serving as Chairman of the Physics Department and director of the Infrared Spectroscopy research laboratory. During his tenure at Fisk, he took a long sabbatical (1956-1959) to research and teach at the University of Bordeaux, France. He and Marian had two sons, Allen and Dan. They were founding members of Nashville Monthly Meeting and Southern Appalachian Yearly Meeting and active in the AFSC International Seminar program, Friends General Conference, and desegregation and peace activities.

In 1998, Nelson and Marian Fuson moved to Kendal-at Longwood, Kennett Square, Pa., a Quaker retirement community. Nelson Fuson died February 5, 2006.

SCOPE AND CONTENT OF THE RECORDS

Nelson Fuson was a physicist and educator, active in Quaker concerns. The collection contains extensive correspondence and papers concerning his service as a conscientious objector in Civilian Public Service during World War II. As the child of missionaries to China and having spent most of his childhood there, his hope was to do relief service in China, and many of the papers deal with the CPS China Unit. However, the China Unit was never activated due to restrictions placed on conscientious objectors performing foreign service, and Fuson was assigned to camps in Maryland, Indiana, New York, and North Dakota. He also attended training in international administration at Columbia University as part of a detached CPS unit, training intended to prepare military and civilians for post-war occupation. In addition to the CPS material, Nelson, a long time professor of physics at Fisk University, and his wife, Marian, were active in Quaker concerns including participation in International Student Seminars sponsored by the AFSC. During their sabbatical leave in Bordeaux, France, they attended European yearly meetings and traveled widely.

Organized into four series:

Organization: Correspondence sent Correspondence received Civilian Public Service Other topical files ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION Accession information

Donor: Marian Darnell Fuson, 9/30/2006 (Accession number: 2006-017)

Access

Collection is open for research.

Use Restrictions

opyright has not been assigned to Friends Historical Library. All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in to the Director. Permission for publication is given on behalf Friends Historical Library as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained by reader.

Preferred Citation

[Indicate the cited item or series here], Nelson Fuson Papers, RG5/261, Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College

Photographs stored in PA 139: Includes album of photographs of the Indian Mountain School Seminar, 1947, and the San Cristobal Seminar, 1948. Also snapshots of CPS camps at Lagro, Big Flats, and Trenton.

Civilian Public Service files in Swarthmore College Peace Collection

American Friends Service Committee Archives

Chester and Phebe Fuson Papers, Yale University Library

Processing information

The papers were received from Nelson Fuson’s widow in three cartons. Some of the correspondence was bundled separately in a single box; these letters (mostly correspondence with Marian Darnell Fuson, correspondence received by Nelson, and some correspondence to folks) were individually described; this inventory provides a sense of the depth of the content of the correspondence in the collection. The bulk of Nelson’s early CPS correspondence (sent to family) and the Tacke correspondence were foldered separately in the boxes containing topical papers. This correspondence was interfiled with the first group. In some cases, there are second copies of Nelson’s letters which were circulated as carbon copies among family members. The Civilian Public Service material was retained as a separate series and other projects and interests filed chronologically by topic.

SELECTED SEARCH TERMS DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE RECORDS

This collection is indexed under the following headings in the catalog of the Friends Historical Library (TRIPOD). Researchers desiring materials about related topics, persons, or places should search the catalog using these headings:

International relief American Friends Service Committee Civilian Public Service Quakers -- Tennessee Pacifism -- World War, 1939-1945. International relief Reconstruction (1939-1951) Society of Friends -- War relief and reconstruction. Peace -- Religious aspects of Civilian war services conference, Chicago, 1943. Civilian Public Service. Camp (Powellsvile, Md.) Civilian Public Service. Camp (Lagro, Ind.) Civilian Public Service. Camp (China Unit) Civilian Public Service. Camp (Big Flats, N.Y.) Civilian Public Service. Camp (Trenton, N.D.) Columbia University. International Administration seminar American Friends Service Committee. China Program. American Friends Service Committee. Civilian Public Service Brethren Service Committee Friends Civilian Public Service Cooking School Food service Cookery, American World War, 1939-1945 -- Conscientious objectors -- United States Fuson, Chester Garfield, 1881-1965. Fuson, Marian Darnell, b. 1920 Brethren Service Committee American Friends Service Committee. China Program. American Friends Service Committee. Civilian Public Service Friends Civilian Public Service Cooking School DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE RECORDS

Note to Researchers: To request materials, please note both the location and box numbers shown below:

Ser. 1 Correspondence sent

During his CO service, Nelson Fusion wrote typed letters to family which were circulated as round robins and at intervals sent mimeographed updates to a wider circle; these updates are particularly valuable because they provide summaries of his activities and commentary on his service and other concerns. After Nelson and Marian were married, the typed letters also went to Marian’s parents in Moorestown, NJ. The bulk of the letters from France, 1957-1959, were saved by Marian’s mother, and this group includes notes from the grandchildren.

Nelson to Marian Darnell 1943-1944 1 folder 1

Letters from Nelson to Marion, including, but not limited to, the following:

Nelson to Marian 2 mo 17 1943

Short note.

Nelson to Marian 12 mo 26 1944

Follow-up letter to meeting Marian’s family, hopes to see her again soon

Nelson to Marian 1945 1 mo-2mo 15 1 folder 1

Letters from Nelson to Marion, including, but not limited to, the following:

Nelson to Marian 1 mo 4 1945

Quick letter written on train, attached: letter from Nelson to Marian making last minute dinner arrangements for her arrival

Nelson to Marian 1 mo 16 1945

Quick note expressing sadness on leaving Trenton and all the friends he’ll miss

Nelson to Marian 1 mo 20 1945

Quick note about picking up a CPS friend who was recently at conference on Dumbarton Oaks, attached: 1 mo 20 letter from Nelson to Folks about trip to Baltimore with Jeannette Chen to see friends, trip to Philadelphia and meeting with Marian, CPS Committee meeting, research and living situation in Ann Arbor in house of Bill and Miriam Murrill

Nelson to Marian 1 mo 24 1945

Describes part of work in lab, thoughts on relationship with Marian, second page of letter is written on back of map showing how the C.O’s have infiltrated the army.

Nelson to Marian 1 mo 25 1945

Get-well letter with magazine-cut-out illustrations

Nelson to Marian 1 mo 28 1945

Thoughts about and quotation from book The Fountain by Charles Morgan (Knopf 1932)

Nelson to Marian 2 mo 1 1945

Questions and advice about Marian’s thyroid problem and her consultation of a chiropractor, arrangements for upcoming visit, attached: picture of snoozing Mexican with humorous note on back from Nelson to Marian, small 1 mo 1945 calendar with religious quotations

Nelson to Marian 2 mo 9 1945

Short note, attached: Christmas card to Nelson from Manuel, the Portuguese caretaker of Sky Island.

Nelson to Marian 2 mo 12 1945

Valentine’s Day letter with magazine-cut-out illustrations

Nelson to Marian 2 mo 15 1945

Thoughts on dating and relationships, some description of lab work

Nelson to Marian 1945 2 mo, 16-3mo 1 folder 1

Letters from Nelson to Marion, including, but not limited to, the following:

Nelson to Marian 2 mo 20 1945

Writing in anticipation of upcoming visit, includes humorous drawing and description on back of cough protection machine Nelson made for Paul Murrill

Nelson to Marian 2 mo 23 1945

Writing in anticipation of upcoming visit

Nelson to Marian 2 mo 27 1945

Postcard indicating Fuson had caught train on time because train was late

Nelson to Marian 2 mo 27 1945

Postcard saying Fuson has arrived back in Ann Arbor

Nelson to Marian 3 mo 1 1945

Postcard about first couple days back in Ann Arbor after visit

Nelson to Marian 3 mo 6 1945

Discussing possible next visit, includes humorous drawing of scissors

Nelson to Marian 3 mo 8 1945

Includes drawings and explanations of Chinese characters, attached: page from magazine with article on packing

Nelson to Marian 3 mo 12 1945

Thoughts on marriage

Nelson to Marian 3 mo 15 1945

Attached: 3 mo 14 letter from Nelson to folks

Nelson to Marian 3 mo 16 1945

General letter

Nelson to Marian 3 mo 18 1945

Copy of letter from Nelson to Folks detailing visit from Chester G. Fuson, dinner with AnTeai Kiang

Nelson to Marian 3 mo 21 1945

Letter written while taking care of Miriam Murrill’s children Paul and Gwynne, includes crayon drawing by Paul

Nelson to Marian 3 mo 26 1945

Thoughts on organized religion, mentions Paul Voelker’s thoughts on CPS camps, attached: English lyrics to Brazilian song; 3 mo 19 program of Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Nelson to Marian 3 mo 28 1945

General update, attached: 3 mo 19 newsletter from CPS Camp 94 in Trenton, NJ

Nelson to Marian 3 mo 30 1945

Short note

Nelson to Marian 1945 4 mo, 1-20 1 folder 1

Letters from Nelson to Marion, including, but not limited to, the following:

Nelson to Marian 4 mo 2 1945

Thoughts on commercialization of holidays (Easter), writes about a recent Friends meeting where he, Ester Dunham, and a German refugee all spoke, first page of letter is in a creative format with picture of dragon in the center

Nelson to Marian 4 mo 4 1945

Thoughts on meaning of God, feelings on hardships of other couples

Nelson to Marian 4 mo 6 1945

Thoughts on book by Antoine de St. Extupery, arrangements for Fuson’s trip to see Marian, attached: 3 mo 26 letter from Jim [Malloy?] discussing conditions at Cheltenham school for delinquents and race relations in CPS, mentions work of lawyer Pauli Murray

Nelson to Marian 4 mo 9 1945

General update with some mention of AFSC, also brief mentions of W.O. Mendehall and Horace Alexander

Nelson to Marian 4 mo 12 1945

Mentions seeing the show with Miriam Murrill, anticipates arrival in Philadelphia on Saturday

Nelson to Marian 4 mo 13 1945

Telegram about upcoming arrival in Philadelphia, attached: receipt

Nelson to Marian 4 mo 17 1945

Thoughts on the pain of separation, discussion of sex

Nelson to Marian 4 mo 18 1945

Discussing arrangements for wedding

Nelson to Marian 4 mo 19 1945

Short note written at bottom of 4 mo 17 letter from Chester G. Fuson to Marian and Nelson discussing family news, move to Pueblo

Nelson to Marian 4 mo 20 1945

Discussion of Fuson’s attitude toward and fears about sex

Nelson to Marian 4 mo 20 1945

List of people to whom Nelson has written about engagement, attached: 4 mo 12 letter from Chester G. Fuson to Family mentions job offer in Pueblo, CO, and discusses daily activities

Nelson to Marian 1945 4 mo, 21-30 1 folder 1

Letters from Nelson to Marion, including, but not limited to, the following:

Nelson to Marian 4 mo 22 1945

Reunion plans for Marian and Nelson, attached: 4 mo 22 letter from Nelson to Folks which includes short biography of Marian

Nelson to Marian 4 mo 22 1945

Explanation of first part of letter from Ben

Nelson to Marian 4 mo 24 1945

Short note

Nelson to Marian 4 mo 24 1945

Brief plans for insurance, advice about present for young relative Paul Murrill (son of Bill and Miriam Murrill)

Nelson to Marian 4 mo 25 1945

Short note about engagement rings written on inside of envelope

Nelson to Marian 4 mo 26 1945

Discusses plans for wedding and setting up housekeeping

Nelson to Marian 4 mo 28 1945

Comments on book WWC’sQTfMF about Quaker history, reactions to Marian’s dinner with Sam Marble, thoughts on Fuson’s role in CPS camps, attached: 4 mo 29 letter from Nelson to Folks detailing Nelson’s social activities

Nelson to Marian 1945 5 mo, 1-13 1 folder 1

Letters from Nelson to Marion, including, but not limited to, the following:

Nelson to Marian 5 mo 1 1945

Thanking Marian for sending ties

Nelson to Marian 5 mo 2 1945

Discussion of sexual intercourse before marriage, writes about long conversation with Virginia Davis, attached: recipe book from Maltex cereal company

Nelson to Marian 5 mo 2 1945

General letter

Nelson to Marian 5 mo 9 1945

Mentions possible unexpected pregnancy because of Marian’s recent visit, attached: tissue paper envelope with note that probably contained a ring

Nelson to Marian 5 mo 10 1945

Thoughts on death of Dr. F. (father of Helen), attached: 5 mo 6 letter from Helen to People about death of her father; 5 mo 2 note from Bill Fuson to Nelson; stamps that indicate date of letter and have fallen off envelope

Nelson to Marian 5 mo 10 1945

Discusses apartment hunt and Marian’s possible job with Frank Littel

Nelson to Marian Around 5 mo 12 1945

Letter to Marian forwarding letters to Nelson from his mother and father (Chester G. Fuson) Mother writes about wedding arrangements and possible trip to China, father writes discouraging trip to China during Marian and Nelson’s upcoming first year of marriage, mentions F.A.U. matters, thoughts on how war disrupts marriages, mother and father won’t be able to attend wedding

Nelson to Marian 5 mo 13 1945

Includes list of names to which more wedding invitations should be mailed, attached: copy of 5 mo 13 letter from Nelson to Folks

Nelson to Marian 5 mo 13 1945

Includes passage from Old Testament about wives

Nelson to Marian 5 mo 13 1945

Attached letters of updates and wedding congratulations: 5 mo 6 letter from Betty to Nelson; 5 mo 3 letter from Janet to Nelson; letter from [Misha?] Goedicke to Nelson; letter from Margaret to Nelson

Nelson to Marian 5 mo 13 1945

Copy of 4 mo 1945 edition of Louis Whitaker Newsletter that includes information updates about Gladden Boaz, Charles Butcher, Melvin Funk, Nelson Fuson, Frederick Kidder, Richard Lockwood, W. Raymond Long, Dale Nebel, Harold Phend, Howard Sollenberger, James Stanley, John Swan, and Paul Weaver

Nelson to Marian 1945 5 mo, 14-23 1 folder 1

Letters from Nelson to Marion, including, but not limited to, the following:

Nelson to Marian 5 mo 15 1945

Thoughts on relationships and marriage, attached: deposit receipt for Marian from Burlington County Trust Co

Nelson to Marian 5 mo 15 1945

Short note

Nelson to Marian 5 mo 18 1945

Briefly discusses feelings on losing loved ones to war, attached: 5 mo 18 letter from Nelson to Sam Marble related to curriculum vitae of Nelson, Marian, and several others; packet of curriculum vitae of Nelson Fuson, Samuel D. Marble, Russel Tuttle, Paul A. Wilhelm, F. Carleton Mabee, and N. Candler Lazenby; Marian’s c.v.

Nelson to Marian 5 mo 18 1945

Introduction to forwarded letters but only one letter attached, probably because of instruction to send contents on to Bill, attached: 5 mo 13 letter to People from Helen

Nelson to Marian 5 mo 18 1945

Clever summarizing of Nelson’s day in play format, requests that PhD title be left out of wedding invitations

Nelson to Marian 5 mo 19 1945

Telegram wishing happy birthday

Nelson to Marian 5 mo 19 1945

Mentions Marian’s possible job with S.R.A.

Nelson to Marian 5 mo 20 1945

Mentions talk Nelson gave at a Quaker meeting, attached: 5 mo 13 letter from Howard W. Elkinton that briefly mentions news about C.P.S.; 5 mo 20 letter from Nelson to Folks; 5 mo 17 letter from Gertrude to Nelson inviting him and Marian to honeymoon in Maine; 5 mo 16 postcard to Nelson announcing meeting of Horace Alexander with Ann Arbor Friends

Nelson to Marian 5 mo 23 1945

Discusses wedding details

Nelson to Marian 5 mo 23 1945

Short note

Nelson to Marian 1945 5 mo, 24-31 1 folder 2

Letters from Nelson to Marion, including, but not limited to, the following:

Nelson to Marian 5 mo 24 1945

Mentions elevator accident of a friend and possible job about which Marian is writing to Frank Littell, attached: 5 mo 22 letter from Bill to Folks; 5 mo 19 letter from Bill to Nelson about Chinese matters and sexual advice; 5 mo 19 letter from Chester G. Fuson to Family about getting acquainted in Pueblo, CO, with hand-written note to Nelson; copy of 5 mo 26 letter from Marian Darnell to Frank Littel applying for job, includes Marian’s resume; 5 mo 20 letter from Mary to Nelson with a short hand-written note from Nelson to Marian; 5 mo 19 letter from Sam [Marble?] to Nelson; 5 mo 20 letter from Helen to Dear Ones All; 5 mo 18 postcard from M. Kampelman to Nelson

Nelson to Marian 5 mo 25 1945

General letter with some self-analysis by Nelson and a poem of unknown author, attached: letter from Elizabeth Bodine; pamphlet of the Music Program at the Student Religious Association at UMichigan, Spring 1945; 4 photos of friends of Nelson from his CPS China Unit

Nelson to Marian 5 mo 27 1945

Talks about his (Nelson’s) health, working schedule, and leisure activities, attached: 5 mo 27 letter from Nelson to Folks; 5 mo 21 postcard to Nelson from Aunt Ree [Rebecca]; 5 mo 20 letter to Nelson from Aunt Phebe Wells offering congratulations on marriage and hopes that Nelson will some day go to China; 5 mo 20 letter to Nelson from Wendell T. Kershner expressing sorrow that Nelson is no longer on the China committee of the FAU; clipping from 3 mo 31 Liberty about Conscientious Objectors; picture of Max and Nelson

Nelson to Marian 5 mo 30 1945

Short note

Nelson to Marian 5 mo 31 1945

Discusses contraception, attached: 5 mo 25 letter to Nelson from S. Catherine Rue [Aunt Sadie] mentioning her gift shop and the ambiguous statement I suppose you have not yet had time to tell her about your doubtful family connections, and a card signed Aunt Addie and Aunt Sadie would seem like rushing matters somewhat

Nelson to Marian 5 mo 31 1945

Discusses social outings, attached: 5 mo 27 letter from Helen to People mentioning discharge of C.O.’s, possible future meetings with Nelson and Marian, and honeymoon recommendations; 5 mo 28 letter to Nelson from Mother with recommendations for early married life and comments about C.O.’s

Nelson to Marian 5 mo 31 1945

Notes about apartment, attached: 2 mo 23 letter from Capt. Marion Burkwell to Family discussing conditions in Philippines; humorous cutout by Nelson of himself and Marian at the wedding

Nelson to Marian 1945 6 mo, 1-11 1 folder 2

Letters from Nelson to Marion, including, but not limited to, the following:

Nelson to Marian 6 mo 3 1945

Short note about apparel size

Nelson to Marian 6 mo 3 1945

Comments on movie The Song of Bernadette, mentions FOR activities, attached: Tuesday letter from Miriam to Nelson; Mary 31 letter to Nelson from J. Edgar Rhoads offering congratulations on wedding and briefly talking about work in India and China; 5 mo 31 postcard to Nelson from [Ben?] RSVPing to wedding?

Nelson to Marian 6 mo 4 1945

Details about wedding (blood test, honeymoon plans, Marian’s possible employment), attached: copy of 6 mo 4 letter from Nelson to Mom’n’Pop, Billen, Bendle, L002 folks, and Marian that talks about Nelson’s schedule, Nelson’s two roommates (both recently paroled after serving sentences for resisting conscription), a movie about B-29 bombers, and a question about contraception

Nelson to Marian 6 mo 6 1945

Mentions university concert, attached: 6 mo 4 letter from Esther Dunham to Marian (via Nelson) about joining the Young Friends of Ann Arbor and possibly setting up an interfaith church and a Quaker Student Center in Ann Arbor, includes 6 mo 6 comments from Nelson; 6 mo 3 letter from Helen to Folks; 6 mo 3 letter from Chester G. Fuson to Dear Ones in the East discussing new home in Pueblo, General Assembly meeting with details cataloging of accomplishments, hand-written note on back from Mother; 6 mo 1 letter to Marian from Edward Evans of the AFSC nominating her as a member-at-large of the Service Committee Corporation; program for 6 mo 6 UMichigan student recital

Nelson to Marian 6 mo 6 1945

Short note

Nelson to Marian 6 mo 8 1945

AFSC and CPS matters, sympathy to Marian for having to write so many wedding invitations

Nelson to Marian 6 mo 8 1945

Discussing possible trip to China with CPS, includes annotated copy of Friends Here and There newsletter of 4 mo 1945

Nelson to Marian 6 mo 10 1945

Writing from Ann Arbor, discusses search for apartment for him and Marian, attached: small aluminum trinket

Nelson to Marian 6 mo 10 1945

Notifying Marian of decision not to go to China with CPS, attached: letter to parents of same day summarizing activities of week

Nelson to Marian 6 mo 11 1945

Mentions letter from parents that included thoughts on contraceptive use, discusses visit with Leonard Ashby and research on his syphilis, enclosed: copy of wedding invitation

Nelson to Marian 1945 6 mo, 12-31 1 folder 2

Letters from Nelson to Marion, including, but not limited to, the following:

Nelson to Marian 6 mo 12 1945

Mentions death of Leonard Ashby, search for apartment

Nelson to Marian 6 mo 13 1945

Enclosures: letter from Dave Salstrom congratulating Nelson on wedding; wedding invitation from Carmen Torres and Gladden Boaz; 6 mo 10 letter from Helen discussing daily life with baby; letter from Helen Fuson using contraception methods with similar letter from Bill Fuson on reverse postcard from Bob and Vic inviting Nelson to folkdance event

Nelson to Marian 6 mo 14 1945

Letter about apartment hunt with enclosures: list from local paper of apartments with notes; postcard from Betty Fry RSVPing to wedding; 6 mo 7 letter to Nelson from mother about wedding; letter from Virginia Davis expressing best wishes for wedding; 6 mo 11 letter from Adrian Gory about CPS service; reply from Nelson Fuson to Adrian Gory about not accepting CPS service

Nelson to Marian 6 mo 16 1945

Discusses insurance policies, attached: letter from Nelson’s father mentioning Business Women’s Club dinner where he (father) spoke about United China Relief

Nelson to Marian 6 mo 16 1945

Notifying Marian that he’s going to be home later than expected because of extra work in the lab – clearing up some CPS business, attached: short note about arrival

Nelson to Marian 6 mo 18 1945

Writing from Kalamazoo Michigan – contains note written 6/15, opinions on funerals, visit to UPJOHN research labs

Nelson to Marian 6 mo 18 1945

A love letter with a paragraph about boarding expenses, attached: copy of 6 mo 18 letter from Nelson to parents mentioning book Freedom Road; 2-card note of 6 mo 16 to Nelson from Mother

Nelson to Marian 1946 and n.d. 1 folder 2

Letters from Nelson to Marion, including, but not limited to, the following:

Nelson to Marian 1 mo 30 1946

Writing from Baltimore, attached: Jan 28 letter from Nelson’s father that mentions speaking on behalf of W.SS.F. at Young Methodists meeting, labor relations, and atomic bomb

Nelson to Marian 3 mo 6 1946

Postcard from Ann Arbor

Nelson to Marian 3 mo 7 1946

Writing from conference in Cleveland, thoughts on money, includes café menu with joke

Nelson to Marian 3 mo 10-13 1946

Writing from Infrared Conference at Ohio State U., meeting with 4E and FOR members, visit to Perkins Observatory, possible meeting with Helen Winnemore at FOR picnic

Nelson to Marian 6 mo 11-12 1946

Writes about social events at home, request for the Fusons to speak at Girl Reserves Conference on Democracy in Action, visit to Osteopath, contains copy of letter from Marian to family that talks about a retreat the Fusons had gone to the week before, visit to AFSC sewing group

Nelson to Marian n.d.

Poem To George by P. Ruth Dunham with illustrations and short note about Ruth

Nelson to Folks, some with additional handwritten note to brother Bill 1938-1939 1 folder 2

Daily life and activities at Rutgers University where teaching physics

Nelson to Ben and Daisy Lee 6 mo 18 1939

Writes about recent operation

Nelson to folks 8 mo 22 1938?

Mentions preparations for trip to California, daily life at Ann Arbor, application for job at Rutgers

Nelson to Ben and Daisy Lee 9 mo 13 1938

Short letter mentions Nelson’s arrival in Ann Arbor

Nelson to folks 1 mo 15 1939

Discusses microbiology lecture and book Inside Asia by Gunther

Nelson to folks 6 mo 4 1939

Fragment: Description of people met on train from New Brunswick, NJ, to Ann Arbor to take exam

Nelson to Chester, Phebe, Ben, and Daisy Lee 6 mo 8 1939

Discusses travels to Chicago then back to Emporia Kansas, upcoming operation

Nelson to Ben and Daisy Lee 7 mo 2 1939

Short letter

Nelson to Berea etc. and Linhsien 7 mo 10 1939

Writes about recent visit with Fran

Nelson to Folks 7 mo 25 1939

Description of recent operation and recuperation

Nelson to Daisy Lee 1939

Postcard about upcoming travels

Nelson to Folks, some with additional handwritten note to brother Bill 1940 1 folder 2

Daily life and activities at Rutgers; attends his first Quaker meeting in May and also the War Resisters Conference at Northfield camp, N.Y. Many colleges, including Swarthmore, had gone on record supporting the Allies, but he was hoping that Rutgers would remain neutral. NJ State Relief Director gave an order to refuse relief to single persons eligible to enlist in the military. Worked at a Summer Refugee Hostel sponsored by the AFSC on Sky Island, NY, for the summer and attended conference at Pendle Hill in Sept. on pacifism.

Nelson to folks 1 mo 7 1940

Description of travels including particularly interesting train ride

Nelson to folks 1 mo 21 1940

New of various friends, discussion of government actions, daily life and work at Rutgers

Nelson to Ben and Daisy Lee 1 mo 22 1940

Postcard reply to recent letter

Nelson to Ben 1 mo 23 1940

Postcard about photographs

Nelson to folks 1 mo 29 1940

Daily life and social activities in Rutgers

Nelson to folks 2 mo 4 1940

Discussion of teaching schedule, meeting with Goedicke’s in Newark to see American Ballet Theater, discussion of The Male Animal by James Thurber

Nelson to folks 2 mo 13 1940

General update

Nelson to folks 2 mo 18 1940

General account of daily life and social activities at Rutgers

Nelson to folks 2 mo 25 1940

General update with description meeting of American Physical Society in New York

Nelson to folks 3 mo 4 1940

General family news, describes of educational films show on campus, visits with Jack and Mabel Jackson, Franklin and Fred Fender, and Elaine Hess, showing of Little Old New York, William Pauck lecture on The Place of Religion in Human Experience

Nelson to Folks US and China 3 mo 9 1940

General update with mention of Herbert Hoover speech, Clothier speech, book The Trojan Horse by Christopher Morley, movies Intermezzo and Of Mice and Men, some jokes, with hand-written annotation to Ben and Daisy Lee Fuson

Nelson to folks 4 mo 14 1940

Discussion of war in Europe, preparation for physics talk, concert at Carnegie Hall

Nelson to Folksall 4 mo 22 1940

General family news

Nelson to folks 4 mo 30 1940

General family news

Nelson to folks 5 mo 7 1940

Description of astronomical happenings, description of and reflection on first Quaker meeting author has ever attended

Nelson to folks 5 mo 13 1940

General update

Nelson to folks 5 mo 20 1940

Description of War Resisters League conference

Nelson to folks 6 mo 9 1940

Summer plan to work at Sky Island in Nyack, NY, discussion of short of war sentiments issued by several colleges including Swarthmore, mention of work related to refugees, critique of New Jersey act forcing single men in relief families to enter military

Nelson to folks 6 mo 23 1940

Description of life, work, and people at Sky Island

Nelson to folks 6 mo 30 1940

Passes on information about various family members and also news about Congressional actions from ACLU, daily life at Rutgers, mention of speech by Chinese minister Dr. Samuel Lee

Nelson to folks 7 mo 2 1940

Writes from Sky Island, discusses trip to NYC and nearby Summer theater show, news of China

Nelson to folks 7 mo 10 1940

Description of life, work, and people at Sky Island, activities in protest of Burke-Wadsworth Bill which Fuson calls a universal conscription act, brief discussion of Christian principles in face of struggle

Nelson to folks 7 mo 14 1940

Writes about decorating dining room of Sky Island for Bastille day, describes visit and wedding of Art Ross, concert by refugee Madame Souderskaya

Nelson to folks 7 mo 22 1940

Daily life at Sky Island, mostly teaching foreigners English grammar and American customs

Nelson to folks 7 mo 29 1940

Life and work at Sky Island, description of the character and hardships of the people there, particular mention of one German Jewish couple who are to be deported back to Germany soon if nothing gets done, which mean certain death for them

Nelson to Folks, some with additional handwritten note to brother Bill 1941 1 folder 2

Busy early in the year preparing for CO application, refugees; peace teams, Food-for-Europe; Jesse Holmes spoke at Meeting in March; in July went to Friends work camp in coalfields of Pursglove, W. Va. only to get notice to report to CO camp in Patapsco, Md., administered by the AFSC, working in park there.

Nelson to folks 1 mo 27 1941

Description of daily activities, new project to provide food aid, mention of book War Without Violence by Shridherani

Nelson to Folks, some with additional handwritten note to brother Bill 1942 1 folder 2

In February, Nelson was selected as a member of a CPS unit for relief work in Canton, China, so was transferred to CPS Camp, Lagro, Indiana. Advises brother Bill (married to Helen) about CPS service, comments on CPS camps. Expresses strong disapproval for internment of Japanese-Americans, hope that War would be over by end of year. In August he was transferred to Columbia University where a group of selected COs began training in International Administration, to prepare for post-war.

Nelson to Friends 2 mo 5 1942

Thorough description of life and work in Patapsco Camp, current stint at Lagro Camp in preparation for reconstruction work in China, thoughts on Pacifism particularly in face of recently declared war

Nelson to folks 2 mo 7 1942

Mentions Clarence Pickett visit to Nelson’s CPS group, visit with Betty Fry to apartment of immigrant Bedrich Syrovy and family, discusses some of Syrovy’s immigration struggles, mentions book The Coming Generation in Europe by James Wood Johnson about starving people in Europe, on back is fragment of letter from John Meeker with some information about Emporia, KS

Nelson to Ben [Meeker?] 2 mo 12 1942

Fragment: quotes Paul Comly French on War Manpower Board and asks Ben how this applies to his situation, followed by fragment of letter to Bill [Fuson?] with comments on CPS camps and their relation to AFSC

Nelson to Ben 3 mo 23 1942

Postcard saying that will be working with China Unit in tornado devastated town in North Indiana

Nelson to folks 4 mo 26 1942

Describes work at Camp Lagro, month-long trip to Goshen, Indiana, and preparations for work in China

Nelson to folks 5 mo 19 1942

Discussion of CPS and Brethren activities, visit by Frank Olmstead of War Resisters League, CPS work in Puerto Rico, speculation on course of War

Nelson to folks 6 mo 14 1942

Discusses reunions with friends and family members, activities in and around Camp Lagro

Nelson to folks 7 mo 22 1942

Description of work and life in Lagro Camp, mention of speech about race, FOR conference

Nelson to folks 8 mo 1 1942

Mentions New Brunswick Co-op, AFSC service seminar

Nelson to folks 9 mo 5 1942

General update, discussion of living arrangements, evening session speeches by former governor of Guam, former economic advisor to Philippine Commission Evart Hester, and diplomat George Sansom, mention of schoolwork

Nelson to folks 10 mo 2 1942

Fragment: Discusses International Administration courses at Columbia and social gatherings with various people

Nelson to folks 10 mo 2 1942

Mentions attendance at meeting of Brethren Service Committee, mentions of several people connected with CPS, Sky Island, and other groups in NYC

Nelson to City Clerk of Highland Park, NJ 10 mo 19 1942

Request for absentee ballot with reply from city clerk written in pencil saying that absentee voting is not permitted except for soldiers

Nelson to folks 11 mo 15 1942

Mention of meetings with AFSC relief workers, Chinese Sociology History class and other classes, lecture on international drug trafficking, Halloween party thrown by International House, meetings with other CPS members, supper at American People’s School

Nelson to Folks, some with additional handwritten note to brother Bill 1943 1 folder 2

General letter of April recaps his work at Columbia, found the seminar on Relief Administration most interesting. Early April he left the Columbia program to work with AFSC in Philadelphia preparing a new China Unit, was living at Pendle Hill. Bill Fuson joined a CPS unit at Big Flats. On June 30th, Congress cancelled education of COs in colleges and sending them outside of the U.S. for service work. In September he was transferred to the CPS camp at Big Flats, NY, working on a soil conservation and nursery program. Included his comments on the CPS in general and specific topics such as racism in CPS camps.

Nelson to folks 1 mo 14 1943

Activities of 2nd CPS China Unit at Pendle Hill

Nelson to folks 3 mo 21 1943

Fragment (or possibly just unsigned): Description of International Administration course at Columbia U., meetings with 5 moor LaGuardia, Dan West, Howard Elkinton, Norman Thomas, Sam and Natalie Fleishman (Executive Secretary of Socialist Party and his wife), representatives of CU*TIIA, other AFSC and some FOR activities, visit to Chinese Presbyterian church, meeting with Donald Howard at Russell Sage Foundation, plans to drop out of Columbia program to work with AFSC in Philadelphia

Nelson to Friends 4 mo 20 1943

Description and outline of Relief Administration Course at Columbia U. International Administration Training program, work with AFSC China relief program after dropping out of Columbia program, tentative plans for work in China, mentions that he is living with John Judkyn

Nelson to folks 5 mo 29 1943

Discussion of several business matters related to Second CPS China Unit

Nelson to Friend 7 mo 1 1943

Statement about congressional legislations concerning conscientious objection

Nelson to Friend 7 mo 16 1943

Appears that many copies of letter were sent to various people, affiliates of AFSC. Discussion (and lengthy quoting) of Congressional Army Appropriation Bill with portion that will cancel Foreign Service projects and college training projects for IV-E conscientious objectors, China Unit’s deliberation with NSBRO, further discussion of first, second, and third China Units, includes survey entitled China Training Unit Data for recipients to fill out and send back to AFSC

Nelson to Friend 7 mo 16 1943

Quotations from letters of men in First China Unit

Nelson to Friends 12 mo [?] 1943

Description of pacifist and conscientious objector activities during period of total war, describes CPS and its activities in the past year including some trouble with government, details his experience with CPS, discusses China Unit, describes Pendle Hill school, reflections on value of CPS, racial matters in CPS camps, status of conscientious objectors in prison

Nelson to Folks, some with additional handwritten note to brother Bill 1944 1 folder 2

In late March, Nelson transferred to CPS Camp #94 in Trenton, N.D., where the project was building an irrigation and co-operative organization. Nelson’s parents returned to Emporia, KS, from their mission in China. Expresses his disapproval of the proposed Universal Peacetime Military Conscription Act.

Nelson to [Family?] 4 mo 10 1944

Very thorough description of CPS camp in Trenton, North Dakota

Nelson to Folksall 9 mo 16 1944

General family update, description of life and work at CPS camp in Trenton, North Dakota

Nelson to folks 10 mo 1 1944

General family news, update from CPS camp in Trenton, ND, including description of psychological examination practices

Nelson Fuson and then Nelson and Marian after April 1945 1945 1mo-6mo 1 folder 2

Nelson transfers to University of Michigan in January to do physics research with infra-red spectroscopy. In April, he proposed to Marian Haines Darnell. They had met in Philadelphia when he was part of the China Unit and started dating in Dec. 1944. Marian sends the Fuson family a letter with details of a marriage service under the care of Friends. They were married June 23 at Moorestown Meeting, N.J.

Nelson to folks 2 mo 4 1945

First part of letter discusses recent move to Ann Arbor, work in lab, and recreation, including movie The Keys to the Kingdom and Nelson’s thoughts on its authenticity, second part of letter is to Marian alone and discusses their relationship and his other romantic prospects (Betty Dickson) and recent break with Frances Schiff, requests Marian’s help in motivating other women for public service

Nelson to Friends 2 mo 5 1945

Thorough update on Fuson’s life, including work at Ann Arbor and reflections on CPS

Nelson to folks 3 mo 4 1945

General descriptions of work and social activities, mentions Adam Spees, Chuck Brashares, and Connie Tabor; attached: letter from Nelson to Marian mentioning family members and friends

Nelson to folks 5 mo 20 1945

General update in preparation for wedding to Marian, some thoughts of first year of marriage

Nelson to J. Edgar Rhoads 6 mo 5 1945

Mentions hope for future service in “the far east”

Marian Fusion to Helen Fuson 1945 7mo 13 1 folder 2

Personal letter asking for newlywed advice

Nelson and Marian to family 1945 7mo-12 mo 1 folder 3

After their honeymoon, Nelson and Marian settle in Ann Arbor. In August, the U.S. dropped the nuclear bomb, and Nelson’s letter reflects his sentiments about its destructiveness. Nelson still longs to serve in China since he’d trained so long, but political and personal concerns intervened. Nelson applies for an academic position, they are involved with collecting for European relief.

Phebe Fuson and Nelson and Marian to Families 7 mo 4 1945

Written by Phebe Fuson on behalf of Nelson and Marian, description of San Cristobal Valley School in San Cristobal, NM, description of local museums and also local Native Americans, mentions upcoming conference with speaker Nevitt Sanford, upcoming trips through the Southwest

Nelson and Marian to folks 8 mo 11 1945

Mentions Marian’s 38-pound weight loss in last month, dinner with Dr. Chester Clark of the cryogeny lab staff, brief conversations with two Chinese girls who are working at Work Camp at Friends Meeting House, car repairs

Nelson and Marian to Ones and Alls 11 mo 5 1945

(First page is written in reverse, readable photo copy is attached) Thoughts on lack of knowledge about CPS in among current Friends, description of Wagner wedding, meeting with Dr. Walter Loudermilk, meeting with Owen and Eleanor Lattimore

Nelson and Marian to folks 12 mo 4 1945

Discussion of Marian’s malfunctioning pregnancy and impending miscarriage, general update on work and family

Nelson and Marian to Miscellaneous Conglomeration 12 mo 22 1945

Description of Christmas activities, work on final report, visit with Dorothea Leonard, daily help to Mabel Mullet during her pregnancy, supper with Bob and Gloria Dangl, discussion of several possible upcoming work plans, includes handwritten note from Marian to Mom

Nelson and Marian to family 1946 1mo-6mo 1 folder 3

In January 1946, Nelson took a position with Johns Hopkins University. Marian suffered her first miscarriage in January.

Nelson and Marian to Friends 1 mo 2 1946

Description of Christmas holiday activities

Nelson and Marian to folks 1 mo 14 1946

Describes visit with Marian to Ben and Daisy Lee Fuson in Bridgewater, describes segregated bus ride to Washington DC

Nelson and Marian to folks 2 mo 26 1946

Fragment: thoughts on ABC radio program Breakfast In Hollywood, general update

Nelson to Marian and the Folks 3 mo 7 1946

Writing from Cleveland

Nelson and Marian to folks 3 mo 17 1946

Mentions Nelson’s trip to Ann Arbor to visit physics and chemistry labs and then to Cleveland to attend Optical Society of America meetings, activities of Marian and Mom and Pop while Nelson was away, visit from Jeanette Chen, attendance at upcoming yearly meeting sessions, arrangements for visiting Marian’s parents

Nelson and Marian to folks 3 mo 26 1946

Description of recent activities including trip to NY to meet with Dr. Don Andrews, Warren [Desorbo?], and Bob [Oeajen?] to discuss physics and visit physics labs, attendance of AFSC meeting and Yearly Meeting in Philadelphia, attendance at annual William Penn lecture given by Gilbert Kilpack

Nelson and Marian to Folksies 3 mo 30 1946

Mentions of Dr. Hachiro Yuasa’s speech at Friends meeting on Christianity in Japan and Japan’s defeat in WWII, mentions dinner with Betty Draper

Nelson and Marian to folks 4 mo 14 1946

Discusses attendance at House Military Affairs Committee meetings on peacetime conscription, attendance at Muller wedding, Chinese meal with 4 Wegners and 4 Fusons, general family news

Nelson and Marian to Folksies All 5 mo 1 1946

Discusses attendance at FOR meeting including discussion of atomic bomb, mention of Muriel Lester’s world tour, French pacifist Phillippe Vernier’s presence at first International FOR conference on war, interest in and discussion with others about small colleges (probably whether Nelson should work at one), Marian’s bird-watching hobby

Nelson and Marian to Families 5 mo 6 1946

Marian writes while Nelson is in Cleveland, describes time spent with Nelson’s mother, discusses recent report on post-war Germany, includes hand-written note from Marian to Ben and Daisy Lee Fuson

Nelson and Marian to folks 5 mo 6 1946

Fragment: Discusses trip to Philadelphia, meetings with some AFSC friends, attendance at Young Friends Fellowship and AFSC meetings, description of AFSC meeting, facts and reflections on post-war in Europe Asia

Nelson and Marian to folks 5 mo 12 1946

Mentions radio programs advising listeners to eat less of certain products so they can be saved for the foreign relief, description of work with food delivery program, meeting with interracial recreation group at Friends Meeting House

Nelson and Marian to folks 5 mo 21 1946

Mentions various activities with Friends Meeting including preparation for socialist meeting, various social activities, attendance at Monthly Business Meeting at Friends Meeting House including discussion of liquor problem, mentions Ben and Daisy Lee Fuson’s move to Lynchburg, VA, because of Ben’s job at Lynchburg College, handwritten note from Marian thanking you two for pound of butter

Nelson and Marian to family 1946 6mo-12mo 1 folder 3

Marian suffers a second miscarriage at the end of the year

Marian to [Family] 6 mo 11 1946

Writes while Nelson is in Columbus, Ohio, mentions various activities with Friends Meeting and AFSC, includes note to Ben and Daisy Lee Fuson asking for butter for local family

Nelson and Marian to folks 6 mo 11 1946

Describes vacation to Seaside, NJ, discussion of recreation program and AFSC work camp at local Friends Meeting House, discussion of political events including bill regarding CPS camps, atomic bomb, events related to China

Nelson and Marian to folks 7 mo 21 1946

Mentions of appointments of Gilbert White and Dr. Reed at Haverford College

Nelson and Marian to One and All 7 mo 28 1946

Fragment: Itinerary for upcoming trip through NY, Ohio, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, and Virginia, Lou’s arrival home from Manila

Nelson and Marian to Families 8 mo 5 1946

Update to travel plans outlined in 7 mo 28 letter, comments on racial atmosphere at Earlham College, mention of activities at Friends Meeting House including Work Camp, mention of Marian’s aversion to food during her pregnancy

Nelson and Marian to Everyone 10 mo 2 1946

Discussion of moving into new apartment in Baltimore, includes sketch of new apartment

Nelson and Marian to folks 10 mo 14 1946

Brief mention of interracial democracy at local (town where Warren lives) school, Marian’s new job as secretary at Foreign Policy Association, dinners with Faith and Kit Carson and Mary and Bob Milton, also dinner and religious discussion with Kilpacks, brief mention of shipping strike and its effect on AFSC, lunch with Allen Lonshore

Nelson and Marian to Fathers and Mothers, Brothers and Sisters, Uncles and Aunts 10 mo 25 1946

Description of dance attended and its interesting racial composition, mention of talk Nelson gave at Friends Meeting House about China, mention of book The Friendly Persuasion, includes handwritten note from Nelson to Ben and Daisy Lee Fuson

Nelson and Marian to Everybody 11 mo 17 1946

Discussion of maternity care costs and different books available, general family news, meeting with Scott Nearing and discussion of his lectures on post-war condition, in this case Spain

Nelson and Marian to folks 11 mo 25 1946

Attendance and assistance at tea for Chinese Students Club of Baltimore, general family update, news of Marian’s impending miscarriage, Marian’s work at Foreign Policy Association, discussion of Scott Nearing’s thesis about socialism vs. capitalism in the post-war order

Nelson and Marian to Folksall 12 mo 12 1946

News of Marian's miscarriage

Nelson and Marian to folks 12 mo 17 1946

Reflection on children, child-birth, and mothers after Marian’s recent miscarriage, mentions Kirby Page’s Now is the Time to Prevent the Third World War as inspiration for family members’ pacifism, includes hand-written note to Ben

Nelson and Marian to Families 12 mo 30 1946

Description of Christmas spent with Kilpacks, description of Faculty-Graduate Student Christmas party including parody show, production of Hansel and Gretel opera to raise money for orphans in Europe, Marian’s tooth problems, dinner with Dahls (their father was Theo Dahl, German artist), dinner with Talbots and Hambergers with discussion of pacifism, attendance at FOR meeting with speaker Derick Sivins

Nelson and Marian to family 1947 1mo-6mo 1 folder 3

Attended Yearly Meeting in Philadelphia; opinion of peacetime conscription, refugee programs, Truman Doctrine, criticism of U.S. foreign policy

Nelson and Marian to folks 1 mo 19 1947

Comparison of Friends Meetings to United Nations with implication of enemies really being friends, discussion of Germany, mentions Nelson’s book, conference in Washington DC held by Committee on National Legislation, AFSC, and Public Liaison Office of the State Dept., some tongue-in-cheek mention of Communists

Nelson and Marian to folks 2 mo 2 1947

Description of Marian’s attendance at conference in Washington DC with AFSC Peace Section including mentions of CIO and meetings with several government offices, discussion of Nelson’s book (written with Dr. Randall, Dick Fowler, and Bob Dangle) on infrared technology, thoughts on immigration and refugees, activities at Friends Meeting House, Quaker History classes given by Gilbert Kilpack, involvement in case of 5 imprisoned CO’s

Nelson and Marian to folks 2 mo 14 1947

Fragment (possible addition to n.d. letter above?): Mentions case of 5 CO’s and work down at Friends Meeting House, new motorbike Whizzer, general family news

Nelson and Marian to Y'all 2 mo 24 1947

Discusses Marian’s lectures on Friends to Methodist and Lutheran women’s groups, comments on private Quaker schools, Nelson’s attendance at FOR meeting, dinner with Chinese friend and discussion of recent troubles had by AFSC China units

Nelson and Marian to folks 3 mo 9 1947

General family news, recommendation of 1937 book Bread and Wine by Ignazio Silone, difficulties among group of CO’s that Marian and Nelson are trying to help

Nelson and Marian to folks 3 mo 23 1947

General family news, some discussion of income tax and Marian and Nelson’s budget, situation of 5 CO’s, mentions meeting with journalist Edgar Jones (FOR member)

Nelson and Marian to Friends 4 mo ? 1947

Yearly update letter, details Nelson’s research on infrared technology, living situation, involvement with Friends Meeting House, racial makeup of community and children’s activities at the Friends Meeting House trying to reflect that, general family news and future plans, quote from Ignazio Silone book as jumping off point for discussion of peacetime conscription, food delivery programs, refugee programs, and the Truman Doctrine

Nelson and Marian to Les Families 4 mo 2 1947

Description of recent Yearly Meeting in Philadelphia, discussion of interracial children’s group, discussion of difficulties in case of 5 CO’s, mention of new 5 moor D’Alessandro

Nelson and Marian to folks 4 mo 13 1947

Social activities with Jim Stanley (editor of World and ex-CPS man), Herman Dahl and wife, and Peg Hartly, discussion of Nelson’s interview with Congressman Meade on Truman Doctrine, general family news

Nelson and Marian to folks 4 mo 28 1947

General family news and social activities, discussion of a traveling group that is examining the Supreme Court Morgan Decision, discussion of racial elements of local politics, recent FOR meeting

Nelson and Marian to folks 4 mo 28 1947

Description of move to new apartment, mentions series of seminars with international participation but notably no Russian Communist students, discussion of why foreign students come to US and criticism of foreign policy

Nelson and Marian to folks 5 mo 12 1947

General update, mentions lectures on Quaker History by Fred Tolles and Howard Brinton

Nelson and Marian to Families 6 mo 24 1947

Visits with family in various cities

Nelson and Marian to family 1947 7mo-12mo 1 folder 3 Nelson and Marian to Fusons all 8 mo 1 1947

Short letter

Nelson and Marian to Families 8 mo 19 1947

General family news and summary of Summer spent in Lakewood, CT, which included seminars and lectures on international relations with international participants

Nelson and Marian to folks 9 mo 7 1947

General update, brief discussion of China, mentions that Ben and Daisy Lee Fuson are at FOR Conference

Nelson and Marian to folks 9 mo 14 1947

General update

Nelson and Marian to Families 9 mo 24 1947

Mentions international visitors (Ruth Oeschlin and Susanne Adlum) connected with Friends World Committee and China missions, discusses imminent death of Marian’s father

Nelson and Marian to Our Very Dear Families Everywhere 11 mo 17 1947

General update, mentions speech A Faith that is Adequate for Modern Men by Norman Whitney, attendance at Ibsen play Brand, attendance at play Deep Are the Roots and the racial controversy surrounding it

Nelson and Marian to folks 11 mo 29 1947

General family news, discussion of Marian’s attendance at AFSC Institute on Russian-American Relations

Nelson and Marian to folks 12 mo 18 1947

General update

Nelson and Marian to folks 12 mo 28 1947

Summary of Christmas holiday

Nelson and Marian to family 1948 1 folder 3

Meetings and social activities with AFSC, FOR, and CPS connections; Nelson’s political views, decision to continue vote Socialist Party; draft concerns

Nelson and Marian to folks 1 mo 4 1948

Description of interview between FOR members (including Nelson and Marian) and Rep. Garmentz of Baltimore’s 3rd district

Nelson and Marian to folks 1 mo 11 1948

General update WRITTEN BACKWARDS

Nelson and Marian to