Collection inventory

printer friendly version

Clifford Strait Papers

An inventory of his papers at the Syracuse University Archives

Summary

Creator: Strait, Clifford.
Title: Clifford Strait Papers
Dates: 1919-1970
Size: 10 boxes (7 linear feet)
Abstract: Materials related to Clifford Strait's connection with Syracuse University and fellow alumni and the creation of his newsletter for the Gamma Omicron chapter of Delta Tau Delta
Language: English
Repository: University Archives,
Special Collections Research Center
Syracuse University Libraries
222 Waverly Ave., Suite 600
Syracuse, NY 13244-2010
https://library.syracuse.edu/special-collections-research-center/university-archives

Biography

Clifford Strait (1902-1972) graduated from the New York State College of Forestry at Syracuse University in 1923 and was a member of the Gamma Omicron Chapter of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity. After graduation, Strait remained involved in both University and fraternity alumni associations and created an alumni newsletter for the Gamma Omicron chapter of Delta Tau Delta. He received the Outstanding Alumni Award from Syracuse University in 1961, and was a member of the Delta Tau Delta Distinguished Service Chapter.

Return to top

Scope and Content Note

The Clifford Strait Papers spans from 1919 to 1970 and is divided into four series.

The Correspondence series includes correspondence with fellow alumni about Syracuse University and Gamma Omicron chapter of Delta Tau Delta. A little less than half of the correspondence in the collection is addressed to Clifford Strait. The rest is correspondence written by Strait to John Mayfield. Strait sent most of the correspondence to Mayfield, who was curator of rare books and manuscripts at the Syracuse University Libraries from 1961 to 1970. Clifford Strait maintained a correspondence with John Mayfield, who collected materials sent to him by Strait.

The Newsletter series includes forms related to the newsletter created by Strait for alumni of the Gamma Omicron chapter of Delta Tau Delta, in addition to volumes of the newsletter spanning from 1950 to 1967. The newsletters document the personal lives of Delta Tau Delta Gamma Omicron alumni.

The Scrapbooks series includes two scrapbooks compiled by Strait. One documents his time as a student at Syracuse University from 1919 to 1924, including dance cards, clippings, photographs, and programs from fraternity events and graduations. The second scrapbook, documenting football and alumni activities, spans from 1953 to 1966 and is mostly made up of clippings, football schedules and programs.

The final series, Subject Files, includes a handwritten autobiography, Gamma Omicron Alumni Association materials, some genealogy research done by Strait, and incorporation forms for an organization called University Awards Incorporated.

Return to top

Restrictions

Access Restrictions

Please note that the collection is housed off-site, and advance notice is required to allow time to have the materials brought to the Reading Room on campus.

Use Restrictions

Written permission must be obtained from the Syracuse University Archives and all relevant rights holders before publishing quotations, excerpts or images from any materials in this collection.

Return to top

Related Material

The University Archives holds a portrait file for Clifford Strait.

Return to top

Selected Search Terms

Names

Mayfield, John S., 1904-1983.
Strait, Clifford.
Delta Tau Delta Fraternity.
Syracuse University -- History.
Syracuse University.

Subjects

College students.
Greek letter societies.
Syracuse University -- Alumni and alumnae.
Higher education.

Types of material

Correspondence.
Newsletters.
Scrapbooks.

Return to top

Administrative Information

Preferred Citation

Preferred citation for this material is as follows:

Clifford Strait Papers,
University Archives,
Special Collections Research Center
Syracuse University Libraries

Acquisition Information

An unidentified donor gave the Clifford Strait Papers to the University Archives in 1985.

Processing Information

Materials were rehoused in acid free folders and boxes.

Finding Aid Information

Created by: Nicole Wright
Date: October 2019
Revision history:

Return to top

Arrangement

Folders are arranged alphabetically.

Return to top

Inventory

Correspondence
Box 1 General correspondence 1950-1955, 1966 (5 folders)
Box 1 General correspondence - sent to John Mayfield 1967
Box 2 General correspondence - sent to John Mayfield 1967-1968 (7 folders)
Box 3 General correspondence - sent to John Mayfield 1968-1969 (6 folders)
Box 3 Mayfield, John 1966
Box 4 Mayfield, John 1967-1968 (5 folders)
Box 5 Mayfield, John 1969 (4 folders)
Box 6 Mayfield, John 1969-1970 (5 folders)
Box 7 Mayfield, John 1970 (2 folders)
Newsletter
Box 7 Address forms undated
Box 7 Newsletters circa 1930s, 1950-1967 (3 folders)
Scrapbooks
Oversize 1 Alumni scrapbook 1953-1966
Oversize 2 Student scrapbook 1919-1924
Subject files
Box 8 Autobiography circa 1970
Box 8 Gamma Omicron alumni association 1951-1954, undated
Box 8 Genealogy circa 1966
Box 8 Mother Gibbs 1947-1949
Box 8 University awards incorporation 1951, 1961, undated

Return to top