Carol H. Norman Papers

Manuscripts Collection 258

Overview of the Collection

Repository: G. W. Blunt White Library, Mystic Seaport
Creator: Norman, Carol H. (Carol Hurlbutt) 1917-2001
Title: Carol H. Norman Papers
Dates: 1943-1950 (bulk 1943-1945)
Extent: 61 pieces
Abstract: Correspondence, naval records, scrapbook, printed materials, and miscellany, relating to Norman’s service with the WAVES during World War II. Includes information concerning WAVE activities throughout the U.S., and to the Seabees (U.S. Navy Construction Battalions) who were trained at Camp Endicott.
Identification: Coll. 258

Biography of Carol Hurlbutt Norman, 1917-2001

Carol Hurlbutt Norman, from Gales Ferry, Connecticut, joined the U.S. Navy WAVES in February 1943. Prior to that she had been employed as a secretary at the New England Collapsible Tube Co. in New London.

She received her initial training at Iowa State Teacher’s College and was then assigned to the U. S. Naval Construction Training Center, at Camp Endicott, Davisville, Rhode Island. Her naval occupation is unclear, although it undoubtedly supported the primary objective of the camp, which was Seabee training. The clippings and memorabilia in her scrapbook indicate her interest in camp sports, where she played on the WAVES basketball team. Included also are clippings regarding other WAVE activities throughout the United States, and information related to the Seabees.

Norman (Y 1/c) was discharged on December 12, 1945. However, evidence indicates that she may have been involved with the WAVES, perhaps in a recruiting capacity, for several more years.

Doug Stein, Curator of Manuscripts, March 17, 1998

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Scope and Content

The Collection contains approximately 60 pieces filed in one document box, plus a large scrapbook, cataloged as Coll. 258, Vol. 1. Included are some of Norman’s naval records, orders, and official correspondence, including a letter of appreciation (TLs) from Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal, January 12, 1946. In addition there is some personal correspondence received from friends and family.

The scrapbook contains 82 pages filled with a variety of papers, clippings, letters & cards, and personal mementos such as napkins, newsletters, theater programs & tickets, I.D. card, camp activity programs, ribbons, menus, etc.

Most items were collected during her service with the U.S. Navy WAVES at Camp Endicott, Rhode Island, ca. 1943-1945.

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Restrictions

Restrictions on Access

Available for use in the Manuscripts Division

Restrictions on Use

Various copying restriction apply. Guidelines are available from the Manuscripts Division.

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Index Terms

This collection is indexed under the following headings in the catalog of the G. W. Blunt White Library. Researchers desiring materials about related topics, persons or places should search the catalog using these headings.

Corporate Bodies (Including Vessels):

United States. Naval Reserve. — Women’s Reserve
United States. Navy. — Women
United States. Navy. — Construction Battalions

Places:

Camp Endicott (R.I.)
Davisville (R.I.)

Subjects:

World War, 1939-1945 — Naval operations
World War, 1939-1945 — Participation, Female

Document Types:

Military records
Scrapbooks

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Administrative Information

Preferred Citation

Coll. 258, Manuscripts Collection, G. W. Blunt White Library, Mystic Seaport Museum, Inc.

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Detailed Description of the Collection

The following section contains a detailed listing of the materials in the collection.

Correspondence, naval records, printed material and misc. memorabilia relative to Carol Norman and her service with the U. S. Navy WAVES in World War II; ca. 1943-1950
Box Folder
1 1 Correspondence; official and personal; ca. 1943-1950
2 Naval records; passes, awards, accounts and related items; ca. 1943-1945
3 Printed material; sheet music, services, announcements, etc.; 1943-1945
4 Published/printed material; pamphlets, brochures, and promotional items regarding U.S. Navy and WAVES; ca. 1945
5 Clippings; WAVES activity; ca. 1945
Scrapbook; 1943-1945
Volume
1 Scrapbook; official and personal correspondence, memorabilia, clippings, programs, passes, and related ephemera compiled by Carol Norman during her career with the WAVES; 1943-1945 (82 pages)

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