James H. and Candace Van Alen papers (RLC.Ms.003)

Series 1. Personal records, 1746-2002 and undated
This series consists of address books, calendars, certificates, day planners, family memorabilia, genealogical records, and property lists regarding Candace Van Alen, James H. Van Alen, and Van Alen and other related families such as the Aligs and Vanderbilts. This series is comprised of three subseries, all of which are arranged in alphabetical order.

Subseries A. Candace Van Alen, 1912-2002

Subseries B. James H. Van Alen, 1922-2001

Subseries C. Van Alen and other related families, 1746-1996

Series 2. Residences, 1889-2002
This series is arranged in alphabetical order by subject and contains auction materials, appraisals, bills, clippings, correspondence, and guest books concerning the homes where the Van Alens resided throughout their marriage. These residences include Avalon in Newport, Rhode Island, Penny Pond in Greenvale, New York, and an apartment in Madrid, Spain. Also present are guest books from Van Alen ancestral homes including Rushton Hall in England, where James H. Van Alen lived with his parents throughout his youth, and Wakehurst in Newport, built by James Laurens Van Alen (1878-1927).

Series 3. Correspondence, 1842-2002
This series includes incoming and outgoing correspondence found within three separate subseries. Photocopies of letters in place of originals, drafts, greeting cards, and some photographs are also found within this series. This series is comprised of three subseries, all of which are arranged in alphabetical order by last name or subject. The first subseries is dedicated to Candace Van Alen, the second includes letters that were in the possession of the Van Alens and the last subseries documents James H. Van Alen’s work with tennis.

Subseries A. Candace Van Alen, 1927-2002
The first subseries, dedicated to Candace Van Alen, consists of her correspondence with family and friends, greeting cards, and condolences she received after the death of her husband. The last two subseries: family, friends, business, and tennis friends were compiled by Candace Van Alen’s hired secretary. These subseries consist mainly of letters received and sent by James Van Alen, but also includes correspondence addressed to either Candace or Mr. and Mrs. Van Alen.

Subseries B. Family, Friends, Business, 1842-1992
This subseries includes letters that were in the possession of the Van Alens. This includes early letters from James H. Van Alen’s ancestors. Of particular note are letters from his great-grandfather, General James Henry Van Alen (1819-1886), who served as a brigadier general during the American Civil War (1861-1865). Majority of Gen. Van Alen’s letters were written to his own parents, James I. (1788-1874) and Lucy Trumbull Van Alen (1788-1867), describing his travels throughout Europe prior to the war. There is also a photocopy of a letter addressed to him from President Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865). Also found in this subseries is another Civil War era letter that was found with the Van Alen papers, but shows no discernible connection to the Van Alens. This letter was written by soldier J. Frank Sterling on July 2, 1863, while at the Battle of Gettysburg.