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Nimitz Library

Lawrence Allen Odlin Papers, 1914-1961: Finding Aid

Published in April 2014

Summary Information

  • Publisher: United States Naval Academy. Special Collections & Archives.
  • Publisher Address:
    589 McNair Road
    Annapolis, Maryland 21402-5029, USA
    Phone: 410-293-6917
    https://www.usna.edu/Library/sca/index.php
  • Call number: MS 387
  • Location: Special Collections & Archives Department - Manuscripts
  • Title: Lawrence Allen Odlin Papers
  • Dates: 1914-1961
  • Size: 2.92 linear feet
  • Container Summary: 3 manuscript boxes, 1 flat box
  • Creator: Odlin, Lawrence Allen, 1889-1961
  • Language(s) of material: English
  • Abstract: Lawrence Allen Odlin was an officer in the United States Navy and a graduate of Dartmouth College. The Odlin Papers focus on Odlin's service as an officer in the U.S. Navy's Supply Corps, especially his duty at the Seattle Naval Supply Depot during World War II and authorship of "Principles of Navy Purchasing."

Biography of Lawrence Allen Odlin

Lawrence Allen Odlin was born in Lancaster, New Hampshire on 7 September 1889. He graduated from Dartmouth College in 1911. Less than a year later, he entered the Navy on 2 October 1912. He served in the Mexican Campaign of 1912 and in World War I. Prior to World War II he developed and administered the Federal Surplus Relief Corps, dairy products. From 1942 to his retirement on December 1944, Captain Odlin commanded Naval Supply Depot in Seattle. On 5 November 1961 he died in the San Diego Naval Hospital after a long illness.

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Description of Contents

This collection focuses on the ability of the Supply Corps to provide "Service to the Fleet." From 1912 to 1944, CAPT Odlin, SC, developed and provided combat capability through logistics. He identified competencies of strategic importance in his publication "Principles of Navy Purchasing." He was instrumental in improving performance at all levels. The numbers of civilian employees utilized by the Supply Corps is emphasized in photographs showing the marshalling and managing of resources.

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Arrangement

The Lawrence Allen Odlin Papers are organized into the following five series:

  • Series 1: Correspondence, 1922-1961
  • Subseries 1a: General Correspondence, 1942-1945
  • Subseries 1b: Official Naval Correspondence, 1922-1944
  • Subseries 1c: Personal Correspondence, 1935-1961
  • Series 2: Naval and Career Related Documents, 1914-1961
  • Subseries 2a: Awards and Certificates, 1914-1961
  • Subseries 2b: Publications, Speeches, and Remarks, 1933-1943
  • Subseries 2c: Poetry, undated
  • Series 3: Newspaper Clippings and Publications, 1914-1958
  • Subseries 3a: News Clippings, 1942-1954
  • Subseries 3b: Magazines and Leaflets, 1914-1958
  • Series 4: Diaries and Personal Miscellany, 1939-1958
  • Series 5: Photographs, 1914-1958
  • Subseries 5a: Naval Ports and Stations, 1942, undated
  • Subseries 5b: Supply Storage Areas, 1939-1942
  • Subseries 5c: Aerial Views of Ports, Piers and Ship Loading, 1941-1943
  • Subseries 5d: Awards, 1942, undated
  • Subseries 5e: Portraits and Personal Photographs, 1914-1958
  • Subseries 5f: Negatives, 1929-1943, undated
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Access and Use

Access

Access to any potentially classified material is restricted.

Copyright and Permission

The Lawrence Allen Odlin Papers are the physical property of Nimitz Library. Copyright belongs to the authors or creators of the works, or their legal representatives. For further information, consult the Head, Special Collections & Archives.

It is the responsibility of the researcher to secure written permission to publish, reprint, or reproduce material from Special Collections & Archives. The researcher assumes responsibility for infringement of copyright or literary or publication rights. Please contact the Head, Special Collections & Archives for permission to publish and for further information.

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Acquisition and Appraisal

Provenance and Acquisition

Purchased in July 1997. Accession No. 97-46.

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Related Materials

Related Archival Material

Lawrence Allen Odlin's military personnel file may be available at the National Personnel Records Center.

Materials Cataloged Separately

No materials have been removed from this collection and cataloged separately.

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Processing and Other Information

Preferred Citation

Lawrence Allen Odlin Papers, MS 387

Special Collections & Archives Department

Nimitz Library

United States Naval Academy

Processing Information

This collection was processed by Nechama Zakheim and Ruth Hennessy in October 2006. Finding aid written by Nechama Zakheim and Ruth Hennessy in October 2006.

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Subject Headings

Name and Subject Terms

  • Kern (Tanker : AOG-2)
  • Navy-yards and naval stations -- Washington
  • Odlin, Lawrence Allen, 1889-1961
  • Smith Cove Naval Supply Depot (Seattle, Washington)
  • United States. Navy -- Supplies and stores
  • United States. Navy. Supply Corps

Genre Terms

  • Certificates
  • Clippings (information artifacts)
  • Correspondence
  • Diaries
  • Manuscripts
  • Photographs
  • Printed ephemera
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Contents List

Series 1: Correspondence, 1922-1961 Box 1

Series Description

This series contains both personal and professional correspondence. The correspondence within this series is both incoming and outgoing.

Series Arrangement

Organized into three subseries.

Subseries 1a: General Correspondence, 1942-1945 Box 1

Subseries Description

The bulk of the subseries pertains to a POW radio broadcast

Subseries Arrangement

Arranged in two files.

Box 1 Folder 1
POW Broadcast, 1945
Box 1 Folder 2
Mrs. Odlin - U.S.S. Kern, 1942

Subseries 1b: Official Naval Correspondence, 1922-1944 Box 1

Subseries Description

Much of this correspondence concerns engineers and builders for Pier 40 and 41 in Seattle. It also includes a 1922 letter from the then Secretary of War.

Subseries Arrangement

Arranged chronologically.

Box 1 Folder 3
Correspondence, Official - Secretary of War, 1922
Box 1 Folder 4
Correspondence, Official - Detachment NPO, 1933
Box 1 Folder 5
Correspondence, Official, 1937
Box 1 Folder 6
Correspondence, Official - Pier 40 & 41, 1942
Box 1 Folder 7
Correspondence, Official, 1942
Box 1 Folder 8
Correspondence, Official, 1943
Box 1 Folder 9
Correspondence, Official - Retirement, 1944

Subseries 1c: Personal Correspondence, 1935-1961 Box 1

Subseries Description

This subseries contains correspondence with Odlin's wife and family, as well as promotion, retirement and detachment information. Included are his obituary and sympathy letters to his family.

Subseries Arrangement

Arranged chronologically.

Box 1 Folder 10
Correspondence, Personal - Correspondence on Promotion to Commander, 1935
Box 1 Folder 11
Correspondence, Personal, 1936
Box 1 Folder 12
Correspondence, Personal - Commendations, 1953
Box 1 Folder 13
Correspondence, Personal - Sympathy/Obituary, 1961
Box 1 Folder 14
Correspondence, Personal, undated

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Series 2: Naval and Career Related Documents, 1914-1961 Box 1

Series Description

Documentation of Odlin's career as a U.S. Navy Supply Officer. The series focuses on Odlin's promotions, commendations, and his "Principles of Navy Purchasing."

Series Arrangement

Organized into three subseries.

Subseries 2a: Awards and Certificates, 1914-1961 Box 1

Subseries Description

Primarily includes licenses, membership cards, invitations, certificates and awards for meritorious service.

Subseries Arrangement

Arranged by document type.

Box 1 Folder 15
Certificates, 1914-1961
Box 1 Folder 16
Presentation Certificate - Seattle Naval Supply Depot, 1943
Box 1 Folder 17
Memorabilia, 1934-1957

Subseries 2b: Publications, Speeches, and Remarks, 1933-1943 Box 1

Subseries Description

The primary publication in the subseries is "Principles of Navy Purchasing." Other documents include articles, remarks, and radio talks pertaining to disbursing officials or the Supply Branch of the Navy.

Subseries Arrangement

Arranged in two files.

Box 1 Folder 18
"Principles of Navy Purchasing", undated
Box 1 Folder 19
Speeches and Remarks, 1933-1943, undated

Subseries 2c: Poetry, undated Box 1

Subseries Description

Poems entitled "The Straight Dope," and "Laws of the Navy."

Subseries Arrangement

Organized into a single file.

Box 1 Folder 20
Poetry, undated

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Series 3: Newspaper Clippings and Publications, 1914-1958 Boxes 1-2 and 4[OS]

Series Description

Newspaper and periodical clippings, as well as writings authored by Odlin. The materials pertain to Naval supply issues, the Seattle supply depot, and World War II.

Series Arrangement

Organized into two subseries by document type.

Subseries 3a: News Clippings, 1942-1954 Box 1

Subseries Description

The clippings in this subseries mostly deal with the Navy's Seattle Supply Depot and World War II. Some of the clippings are from a large, disbound scrapbook.

Subseries Arrangement

Arranged by document type, thereunder chronologically.

Box 1 Folder 21-24
Newspaper Clippings, 1942
Box 1 Folder 25-26
Newspaper Clippings, 1943
Box 1 Folder 27
Rotogravure, 1944
Box 1 Folder 28-29
Newspaper Clippings, 1947
Box 1 Folder 30
Newspaper Clippings, 1953-1954
Box 1 Folder 31
Newspaper Clippings, undated
Box 1 Folder 32-38
1940-1942, Scrapbook Material
Box 4[OS] Folder 1-2
Scrapbook Material, 1942
Box 1 Folder 39
Scrapbook Clippings - Mary Ann Atwood, 1942-1954

Subseries 3b: Magazines and Leaflets, 1914-1958 Boxes 1-2

Subseries Description

Magazines and leaflets pertaining to the minutia of naval supply. The primary publication is the Seattle Naval Supply Depot's Naval Supply News. Also included are the Phillips Exeter Academy's Twenty-Year Report, a University of Oregon event program, and a souvenir booklet from U.S. Naval Air Station Wexford.

Subseries Arrangement

Arranged by document type and publication title.

Box 1 Folder 40
Magazines and Leaflets, 1914-1958
Box 2 Folder 1
Naval Supply News, 1942-1943

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Series 4: Diaries and Personal Miscellany, 1939-1958 Box 2

Series Description

The series consists of two diaries and the plans for an apartment in Washington, DC. While the latter of the two diaries, a day planner, is likely to have been kept by Odlin, the earlier appears to have been kept by one of Odlin's children.

Series Arrangement

Arranged by document type.

Box 2 Folder 2

Diary, 1939

Box 2 Folder 3

Diary, 1958

Box 2 Folder 4

Washington, DC Apartment Plans, undated

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Series 5: Photographs, 1914-1958 Boxes 2-4[OS]

Series Description

This series contains a large collection of official photographs taken of Navy supply areas. They identify storage and handling of materials. Photographs of awards are also included. Included are several portraits of Captain Odlin both alone and with others at various points in his career. There are photographs taken with groups of Naval personnel including WAVES and civilian employees. One photograph shows a group of officers with President Hoover. Many photographs are unidentified.

Series Arrangement

Organized into six subseries.

Subseries 5a: Naval Ports and Stations, 1942, undated Box 2

Subseries Description

Photographs of the Seattle Naval Supply Depot and other Naval Stations, including Norfolk and the Canal Zone.

Subseries Arrangement

Arranged by topic.

Box 2 Folder 5
Drawing - Port of Seattle, 1913
Box 2 Folder 6
Naval Stations, undated
Box 2 Folder 7-8
Construction, undated
Box 2 Folder 9
Construction - Building 39 (Seattle Naval Supply Depot), 1942
Box 2 Folder 10
Construction - Trestle and Beach, undated

Subseries 5b: Supply Storage Areas, 1939-1942 Box 2

Subseries Description

Photographs of storage areas and methods at Supply Depots in Seattle, Norfolk, Mare Island, and San Diego.

Subseries Arrangement

Arranged by topic.

Box 2 Folder 11
Supply Storage Areas, undated
Box 2 Folder 12
Supply Area Exterior, undated
Box 2 Folder 13
Mare Island Storage, 1939
Box 2 Folder 14
NAS San Diego Storage Methods, 1939-1942
Box 2 Folder 15
NSD Norfolk Storage Methods, undated
Box 2 Folder 16-17
NSD Seattle Storage and Handling, undated

Subseries 5c: Aerial Views of Ports, Piers and Ship Loading, 1941-1943 Boxes 2 and 4[OS]

Subseries Description

Aerial photographs of ports, piers, and loading operations at Naval facilities primarily in Seattle, but also Puget Sound, San Diego, and Norfolk.

Subseries Arrangement

Arranged by topic.

Box 2 Folder 18
Aerial Views, undated
Box 2 Folder 19-20
Pier 41 (Seattle), 1941-1943
Box 4[OS] Folder 3
Pier 41 (Seattle), 1941-1943
Box 2 Folder 21
Ship Loading, undated
Box 2 Folder 22
Smith Cove Low Tide, 1942 May

Subseries 5d: Awards, 1942, undated Box 3

Subseries Description

Photographs of award ceremonies in which Odlin took part.

Subseries Arrangement

Arranged by award.

Box 3 Folder 1
Navy E Award, undated
Box 3 Folder 2
Admiral Young and Bond Pennant Award, 1942, undated

Subseries 5e: Portraits and Personal Photographs, 1914-1958 Boxes 3 and 4[OS]

Subseries Description

Primarily portraits of Odlin, both alone and with groups of U.S. Navy officers and WAVES. The majority of the photographs appear to be from Odlin's service at the Seattle Naval Supply Depot.

Subseries Arrangement

Arranged by topic. Photographs not featuring Odlin are filed at the end of the subseries.

Box 3 Folder 3
Odlin Personal, undated
Box 3 Folder 4-5
Odlin Portraits, undated
Box 4[OS] Folder 4
Odlin Portraits, undated
Box 3 Folder 6
Odlin at Desk, undated
Box 3 Folder 7
Odlin and Cafeteria Managers, undated
Box 3 Folder 8-9
Odlin with Civilian Staff, undated
Box 3 Folder 10
Odlin with Governor Munoz Marin, 1958
Box 3 Folder 11
Odlin with Naval Officer, undated
Box 3 Folder 12
Odlin with Naval Officers, 1943
Box 3 Folder 13-14
Odlin with Officers and WAVES, undated
Box 3 Folder 15
Odlin with Unidentified Persons, undated
Box 3 Folder 16
Admirals Fletcher and Wood, undated
Box 3 Folder 17
Civilian Workers, undated
Box 3 Folder 18
Group Photographs, 1914
Box 3 Folder 19
Mrs. Odlin Christening U.S.S. Kern, 1942 September
Box 4[OS] Folder 5
Mrs. Odlin Christening U.S.S. Kern with Adolphe Menjou and Walter Pidgeon, 1942 September
Box 3 Folder 20
Naval Officers, 1936, undated
Box 3 Folder 21
Naval Officer with President Hoover, undated
Box 3 Folder 22
WAVES, undated
Box 3 Folder 23
Unidentified State Show Cast, undated
Box 3 Folder 24-25
Unidentified, undated

Subseries 5f: Negatives, 1929-1943, undated Box 3

Subseries Description

Film negatives, most of which do not represent photographs elsewhere in the series. Mostly unidentified, the negatives depict several women and children, street scenes, and what appears to be Pier 41 in Seattle. Also included are photographs of an award presented to Odlin and Odlin's marriage license.

Subseries Arrangement

Organized into a single file.

Box 3 Folder 1
Negatives, 1929, 1943, undated
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