Iva Cowan Adams Papers, 1940-2019 | Eastern Kentucky University - Special Collections and Archives

By Alisha Ashby

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Collection Overview

Title: Iva Cowan Adams Papers, 1940-2019

Extent: 1.94 Cubic Feet

Date Acquired: 06/01/2022

Subjects: Korean War, 1950-1953., Madison County (Ky.), World War, 1939-1945.

Languages: English

Abstract

This is a small collection mostly containing correspondence in the form of letters and postcards from family, friends, and soldiers of WWII and the Korean War. This correspondence is largely written to Iva Lorraine Cowan Adams, a long-time resident of Madison County.

Scope and Contents of the Materials

This small collection primarily contains correspondence in the form of letters and postcards. Iva Lorraine Cowan Adams, a resident of Madison County for most of her life, collected postcards, many of which are represented here. The postcards represent states all across the U.S., many parts of Canada, and some locations in other parts of the world. This collection also contains an album meant to hold postcards from each of the 50 states. The album is only partially filled.

At the end of the second World War, and throughout the Korean War, Iva wrote to several soldiers. Their letters in response to her are represented in this collection, with each letter detailing their individual experiences with the war and with military life. In many circumstances, it appears that Iva continues to write to them after each war, leaving their responses detailing their readjustment to civilian life.

A small section of this collection are in reference to Dr. Evelyn Ramsey, a doctor and missionary writing out of Swaziland, Africa (now known as Eswatini, Africa). The materials from Evelyn Ramsey come from her sister, Elizabeth, who was friends with Iva and gave her the letters, books, and postcards.

Finally, miscellaneous items of interest include some photos, EKU ephemera, and two boxes of Columbia Phonograph Company Cylinder Vinyls.

Collection Historical Note

Iva Lorraine Cowan Adams was born on July 25, 1929 in Lancaster, Kentucky to John Theo and Julia Mae Stevens Cowan. Although born in Lancaster, Iva lived most of her life in Richmond, Kentucky. She was a graduate of Madison High School and Eastern Kentucky University, and was employed for 17 years as the Registrar at the Madison County Health Department. She retired from this work in 1967, but continued working as a homemaker and bookkeeper for her husband, Marion Forbes Adams. She was a longtime member of First Baptist Church in Richmond, and belonged to other various social clubs and local organizations.

Iva had three children: Karen Lynn Adams (1963-1963), Julia Katherine Adams, and Marian Cook (Scott). She also had three siblings: Margaret Cowan Weddle (1922-2010), Charity Allene Cowan (1924-2013), and John T. Cowan (1932-2019).

Subject/Index Terms

Korean War, 1950-1953.
Madison County (Ky.)
World War, 1939-1945.

Administrative Information

Repository: Eastern Kentucky University - Special Collections and Archives

Acquisition Source: Adams, Julia K.

Box and Folder Listing

Browse by Box:

[Box 1],
[Box 2],
[Box 3],
[Box 4],
[Box 5],
[Box 6],
[Box 7],
[All]

Box 1

Folder 1: General Correspondence: Correspondence from friends and family, limited to those whose correspondence does not appear repeatedly in this collection. This correspondence relates mostly to activities of day-to-day friends and family, Iva's recovery from her car accident in the 50s, local travel, and sympathy letters to Iva after the loss of her baby.
Folder 2: Correspondence: Harley Emmons, 1950-1951: Correspondence from Harley Emmons, a soldier and friend of Iva's. His letters describe his time away from home, including his living situations, his career with the military, and the ways in which he copes with different cultures and locations. His letters reflect that he misses Richmond, his family, and his local friends which he writes about often. He also writes regarding his hobbies and interests, such as the cinema.
Folder 3: Correspondence: Harley Emmons, 1951-1953: Correspondence from Harley Emmons, a soldier and friend of Iva's. His letters describe his time away from home, including his living situations, his career with the military, and the ways in which he copes with different cultures and locations. His letters reflect that he misses Richmond, his family, and his local friends which he writes about often. He also writes regarding his hobbies and interests, such as the cinema.
Folder 4: Correspondence: Harley Emmons, 1953-1954: Correspondence from Harley Emmons, a soldier and friend of Iva's. His letters describe his time away from home, including his living situations, his career with the military, and the ways in which he copes with different cultures and locations. His letters reflect that he misses Richmond, his family, and his local friends which he writes about often. He also writes regarding his hobbies and interests, such as the cinema.
Folder 5: Correspondence: Ralph Ramsey, 1952-1953: Correspondence from Ralph Ramsey, a marine and friend of Iva's. Ralph is the brother of Elizabeth and Evelyn Ramsey, who were also friends of Iva and who wrote to her as well. This correspondence primarily contains descriptions of Ralph's work as a marine, his training, his pay, and the military lifestyle. Also included are descriptions of his travel and his inquiries about Richmond news or community news from his friends and family.
Folder 6: Correspondence: Robert West, 1944-1947: Correspondence from Robert West, a soldier and friend of Iva's. His correspondence describes the living conditions and military experiences that he deals with during the second World War. Robert begins writing to Iva on a reccomendation from Iva's brother-in-law, Carl. Some of the letters ask about Carl, who is also in the military. Robert writes frequently about the types of shows that he sees at the theater, as well as his travel and day-to-day. Finally, as the correspondence progresses, Robert eventually writes from home. From home, Robert describes his struggles with returning to work post-war and the local concern surrounding miner strikes. He writes about his studies and classes, and notes trips that he would like to take with Iva and the others. In this folder, there are also two German coins from 1940 and 1941.
Folder 7: Correspondence: Robert West, 1948-1950: Correspondence from Robert West, a soldier and friend of Iva's. At this point in his correspondence, Robert is back home in Oak Hill, W.V., but reflects on the changing politics surrounding war. He also mentions his favorite shows, and inquires about folks living in Richmond. He continues to adjust to civilian life and describes his job at the dry goods store and the mining culture of his home town.
Folder 8: Correspondence: Robert West, 1950-1960: Correspondence from Robert West, a solider and friend of Iva's. In this folder, Robert discusses the oncoming war (the Korean War) and whether or not he will be called back into service, as well as his opinions on the draft. He also continues to describe his daily life and hobbies, and frequently asks about friends and family of Iva.
Folder 9: Robert West Souvenir Books, Undated: This folder contains souvenir photo books from Virginia and Florida, as well as a travel guide for Brussels. Sent from Robert West to Iva.
Folder 10: Robert West Handkerchief, Undated: A handkerchief sent from Robert West to Iva. The handkerchief is decorated with red white and blue flowers, the Reims Cathedral, and the statement: "Souvenir de Reims"

Box 2

Folder 1: Postcards - Correspondence, 1940-1969: These postcards are written to Iva from friends and family, noting their travels and sending their well-wishes. The content of the postcards covers the U.S. as well as some other countries.
Folder 2: Postcards - Correspondence, 1970-1979: These postcards are written to Iva from friends and family, noting their travels and sending their well-wishes. The content of the postcards covers the U.S. as well as some other countries.
Folder 3: Postcards - Correspondence, 1980-1989: These postcards are written to Iva from friends and family, noting their travels and sending their well-wishes. The content of the postcards covers the U.S. as well as some other countries.
Folder 4: Postcards - Correspondence, 1990-1995: These postcards are written to Iva from friends and family, noting their travels and sending their well-wishes. The content of the postcards covers the U.S. as well as some other countries.
Folder 5: Postcards - Correspondence, 1995-1999: These postcards are written to Iva from friends and family, noting their travels and sending their well-wishes. The content of the postcards covers the U.S. as well as some other countries.
Folder 6: Postcards - Correspondence, 2000-2009: These postcards are written to Iva from friends and family, noting their travels and sending their well-wishes. The content of the postcards covers the U.S. as well as some other countries.
Folder 7: Postcards - Correspondence, 2010-2019: These postcards are written to Iva from friends and family, noting their travels and sending their well-wishes. The content of the postcards covers the U.S. as well as some other countries.
Folder 8: Postcards: Charity Cowan, 1958-2007: This folder contains postcards written to Charity Cowan, Iva's sister. Some of the postcards are from Iva, but in general these postcards are from family or friends describing their travels and sending their well wishes.
Folder 9: Postcards: Julia Katherine, 1972-2019: This folder contains postcards written to Julia Katherine, Iva's daughter. Some of the postcards are from Iva, but in general the postcards are from family or friends describing their travels and sending their well wishes. Some of the postcards are addressed to Julia and Sonny or Julia and Marian.
Folder 10: Postcards: From Others, 1954-2004: These postcards are not addressed to Iva, Charity, or Julia, but instead are addressed to various family and friends. Some of the postcards are from Iva, but some are from other friends and family directed towards Iva's parents, her siblings, or her husband
Folder 11: Postcards - Correspondence, Undated: These postcards are marked with correspondence but the dates are unclear.
Folder 12: Large Postcards, Undated: Large postcards from Kentucky, Texas, and the Great Smoky Mountains. The postcards are unmarked with correspondence and undated
Folder 13: Postcards - Unmarked, Undated: Postcards from North Carolina, Canada, Virginia, Kentucky, Georgia, Alabama, Ohio, Louisiana, Texas, and Florida. The postcards are unmarked with correspondence and undated

Box 3

Folder 1: Postcards - Unmarked, Undated: Postcards from Kentucky, Virginia, Tennessee, Florida, and Ashland, KY. The postcards are unmarked with correspondence and undated
Folder 2: Postcards - Unmarked, Undated: Postcards from Kentucky, Ohio, Louisiana, North Carolina, Virginia, and Canada. The postcards are unmarked with correspondence and undated
Folder 3: Unmarked Souvenir Books, Undated: Souvenir postcard books from Virginia, Ohio, and the Great Smoky Mountains
Folder 4: Greeting Cards/Get Well Soon, Aug-51: Greeting cards and get well soon cards addressed to Iva. Most of the cards are Get Well Soon cards relating to an accident that Iva experienced in 1951.
Folder 5: Greeting Cards/Get Well Soon, Sep-51: Greeting cards and get well soon cards addressed to Iva. Most of the cards are Get Well Soon cards relating to an accident that Iva experienced in 1951.
Folder 6: Greeting Cards/Get Well Soon, September 1951 - Undated: Greeting cards and get well soon cards addressed to Iva. Most of the cards are Get Well Soon cards relating to an accident that Iva experienced in 1951.
Folder 7: Ramsey - Books, 1982-1985: Includes "Show Me Lord" by Evelyn Ramsey and "The Ramsey Covenant" by L. David Duff
Folder 8: Ramsey - Letters, 1962-1968: Letters from Evelyn Ramsey describing her missionary work in Africa. Iva was friends with Elizabeth and Ralph Ramsey, and these letters were given to Iva by Elizabeth.
Folder 9: Ramsey - Souvenir Books, Undated: Souvenir postcard books from West Virginia, Alabama, California, Indiana, Tennessee, Virginia, and Kentucky. These sent to Evelyn Ramsey and given to Iva by Elizabeth Ramsey.
Folder 10: Ramsey - Postcards, 1943-1952: Postcards to and from Evelyn Ramsey, given to Iva by Elizabeth Ramsey
Folder 11: Ramsey - Postcards, Undated: These postcards belonging to Evelyn Ramsey are unmarked and undated. The postcards include locations from Ohio, Indiana, Massachusetts, Tennessee, and Kentucky

Box 4

Folder 1: The Milestone, 1949: Contains two marked pages relating to Iva. The inside had many signatures and quips from classmates and friends. Also had writing in margins by Iva, indicating that some of the students have since passed.
Folder 2: The Milestone, 1950: Contains one marked page relating to Iva Cowan. The inside had many signatures from good friends and former classmates.
Folder 3: Miscellaneous, Undated: Contains wedding invites, commencement invites, newspaper clippings regarding local marriages, Kentucky Public Health Association Program and nametag, EKU Athletic booklet, song lyrics (written), EKU basketball programs, a celebration of life program for J.C. Powell, and photos of Whitehall

Box 5

Folder 1: Postcard Collector Album, Undated: This is an album which Iva used to keep track of her postcard collection. Two checklists in the front of the album indicate that Iva had 28/50 of the states represented in the album. The album itself has an image of artwork of a young woman on the front, with the back covered in a velvet material. The album itself is somewhat fragile, so it is advised to use caution when opening the album.

Box 6

Folder 1: Vinyl Cylinders, ca. 1902: This box contains 10 vinyl cylinders. Each cylinder contains one song, approximately 3 minutes. The cylinders are produced by Columbia Records, and include string quartets and a recording of "My Old Kentucky Home"

Box 7

Folder 1: Vinyl Cylinders, ca.1902: This box contains 8 vinyl cylinders. Each cylinder contains one song, approximaltey 3 minutes. The cylinders are produced by Columbia Records and include songs such as those produced by string quartets, popular songs, or marching bands.

Browse by Box:

[Box 1],
[Box 2],
[Box 3],
[Box 4],
[Box 5],
[Box 6],
[Box 7],
[All]