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Paul J. Adams Papers

 Collection
Identifier: MS-2306

  • Staff Only

This collection, the Paul J. Adams Papers, 1921-2016, is composed of early notes and manuscripts, correspondence from Paul J. Adams to Mrs. Arnold C. Moore (Theodosia Sister Moore), and a couple of items concerning Paul J. Adams' influence on the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The collection relates to Adams and his 50th Anniversary hike up Mount LeConte in July 1975. In a letter to Moore, he discussed his memories throughout the years on Mount LeConte with friends and park rangers and with various nature societies. Also included is an article about the event, Adams' business card, a couple of photographs, and two signed copies of his book, Mt. LeConte.

Dates

  • 1921-2016

Conditions Governing Access

Collections are stored offsite and must be requested in advance. See www.special.lib.utk.edu for detailed information. Collections must be requested through a registered Special Collections research account.

Conditions Governing Use

The UT Libraries claims only physical ownership of most material in the collections. Persons wishing to broadcast or publish this material must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants on www.special.lib.utk.edu for detailed information. Collections must be requested through a registered Special Collections research account.

Extent

0.3 Linear Feet

Abstract

This collection, the Paul J. Adams Papers, 1921-2016, is composed of early notes and manuscripts, correspondence from Paul J. Adams to Mrs. Arnold C. Moore (Theodosia Sister Moore), and a couple of items concerning Paul J. Adams' influence on the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The collection includes copies of Adams' book Mt. LeConte and relates to Adams and his 50th Anniversary hike up Mount LeConte in July 1975.

Biographical/Historical Note

Paul Jay Adams is perhaps best known for his Mt. LeConte (1968) and the collection of Tennessee mollusca (acknowledged as the largest in existence) that he assembled with Manley Barber. Adams was born on September 4, 1901. In 1924, he became a charter member of the Smoky Mountains Hiking Club and of the Knoxville chapter of the Tennessee Ornithological Society. Several years later, he served as a guide for members of the National Park Commission who had been assigned to evaluate the Great Smoky Mountains as a possible park site. He and his wife, Maxine Day Adams, established Alpine Floral Gardens in Alpine, Tennessee in 1934 but quickly relocated to Crab Orchard as their business grew. The couple moved to Oak Ridge in 1943 so that Paul Adams could work as the superintendent of fire prevention and safety for the Atomic Energy Commission but returned to Crab Orchard immediately after the end of World War II. After Paul Adams retired in 1961, he and his wife developed and operated a thriving weaving business. Adams died on February 2, 1985 in Crab Orchard.

Arrangement

Collection consists of three folders.

Acquisition Note

Collection was donated by Theodosia Sister Moore in December 2003.

Related Archival Materials

Interested researchers may wish to view the Ilene Jones Cornwell Collection, MS.2054, which has many field notes, correspondence with, and documents from or relating to Paul J. Adams. Cornwell helped to edit Adams' unpublished book Cumberland Jack, information for which can be found in this collection.

Researchers may also wish to consult the Larry R. Richardson Collection Regarding Paul J. Adams, MS.3981.

Repository Details

Part of the Betsey B. Creekmore Special Collections and University Archives, University of Tennessee, Knoxville Repository

Contact:
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Knoxville TN 37996 USA
865-974-4480