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J. Sterling Halstead Papers, 1911-1972 (bulk 1917-1918): Finding Aid

Published in August 2017

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 453
  • Location: Special Collections & Archives Department - Manuscripts
  • Title: J. Sterling Halstead Papers
  • Dates: 1911-1972
  • Bulk Dates: 1917-1918
  • Size: 0.21 linear feet
  • Container Summary: 1 half-manuscript box, 1 oversize folder
  • Creator: Halstead, J. Sterling (Jacob Sterling), 1894-1972
  • Language(s) of material: English
  • Abstract: J. Sterling Halstead was an officer in the United States Navy and an early naval aviator. The J. Sterling Halstead Papers span from 1911 to 1972, with a majority of the documents dating from 1917 and 1918. The materials focus primarily on Halstead's training as a Naval Aviator during World War I and his subsequent membership in the Early and Pioneer Naval Aviator's Association.

Biography of J. Sterling Halstead

Jacob Sterling Halstead was born on August 16, 1894 in Mamaroneck, New York. A 1916 graduate of Yale University, Halstead enlisted in the U.S. Navy as a quartermaster first class. Later that year, he trained as an aviator with the Royal Flying Corps at Camp Rathbun and Camp Borden in Canada before receiving a commission as an ensign on November 16, 1917. Designated as Naval Aviator 160, Halstead served at Hampton Roads and Naval Station San Diego before receiving an honorable discharge on May 2, 1921. Following his discharge from the Navy, Halstead became a corporate lawyer in New York City, where he practiced until retiring in 1960. Halstead died on August 3, 1972 at Georgetown University Hospital.

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Description of Contents

The J. Sterling Halstead Papers, comprising 0.21 linear feet of documentation, span from 1911 to 1972, with a majority of the documents dating from 1917 and 1918. The materials focus primarily on Halstead's training and service as a Naval Aviator during World War I and his subsequent membership in the Early and Pioneer Naval Aviator's Association.

The collection consists of orders, correspondence, clippings, photographs, pamphlets, articles, and ephemera.

The Halstead Papers are arranged alphabetically by document type and topic in a single record series with no subdivisions. Those documents and photographs that date from 1917 and 1918 focus solely on Halstead's service in the United States Navy, his training with the Royal Flying Corps in Canada, and his service at U.S. Naval Air Station San Diego Flight School. Among the documents are Halstead's orders from both the U.S. Navy and Royal Flying Corps, as well as a letter to his eventual wife, Marcella, describing his aviation training in Canada. Aside from a 1965 article written by Halstead for United States Naval Institute Proceedings regarding his training in Canada, the postwar documents in the collection focus on Halstead's membership in naval aviation associations, such as the Golden Eagles, as well as formal requests submitted to the Department of the Navy, biographical materials, and obituaries. One prewar document pertains to Halstead's education at Yale.

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Arrangement

The J. Sterling Halstead Papers are arranged alphabetically by document type and topic in a series.

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Access and Use

Access

Access is unrestricted.

Copyright and Permission

The J. Sterling Halstead 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

Gift of Lt. Col. Harold L. Fates, Jr. on April 9, 1986. Accession No. 86-15.

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Related Materials

Related Archival Material

There are no other known collections of papers of J. Sterling Halstead.

Materials Cataloged Separately

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

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Processing and Other Information

Preferred Citation

J. Sterling Halstead Papers, MS 453

Special Collections & Archives Department

Nimitz Library

United States Naval Academy

Selected Bibliography

The following sources were consulted during preparation of the biographical note:

Arthur, Reginald Wright. Contact!. Washington: Naval Aviator Register, 1967.

Processing Information

This collection was processed by David D'Onofrio in August 2017. Finding aid written by David D'Onofrio in August 2017.

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Subject Headings

Name and Subject Terms

  • Flight training -- Canada
  • Flight training -- United States
  • Great Britain. Royal Flying Corps
  • Halstead, J. Sterling (Jacob Sterling), 1894-1972
  • Naval Air Station North Island (Calif.)
  • United States. Navy -- Aviation -- History

Genre Terms

  • Clippings (information artifacts)
  • Correspondence
  • Manuscripts
  • Orders (military records)
  • Photographs
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Contents List

Box 1 Folder 1

Aviation Commandery of the Naval Order of the United States, 1954-1957

Box 1 Folder 2

Aviation Designation, 1957

Box 1 Folder 3

Biographical Sketches and Directories, undated

Box 1 Folder 4

Certification of Service, 1971

Box 1 Folder 5

Early and Pioneer Naval Aviator's Association, 1957-1972, undated

Minutes and correspondence regarding the 1972 reunion.

Box 1 Folder 6

Ephemera, undated

Box 1 Folder 7

Identification Cards, 1918

Box 1 Folder 8

Lease, 1918

Box 1 Folder 9

Newspaper Clippings and Obituaries, 1917-1972

Clippings regarding the San Diego Naval Air School and Halstead's death.

Box 1 Folder 10

Orders - Royal Flying Corps, 1917

Includes mess slips and leave passes.

Box 1 Folder 11

Orders - U.S. Navy, 1917-1918

Includes orders regarding Halstead's enlistment, designation as a Naval Aviator, and flight training.

Box 1 Folder 12

Pension Application, 1959

Box 1 Folder 13

Personal Correspondence, 1917, undated

Aviation training at Camp Rathbun.

Box 1 Folder 14

Photographs, 1917, undated

Photographs of J. Sterling Halstead as well as other pilot trainees at Camp Borden in Ontario.

Drawer MSXOS Folder 1

Photographs, 1918, undated

Includes photographs of aircraft and aviators at U.S. Naval Air Station San Diego and trainees in Canada.

Box 1 Folder 15

Writings, 1965

Halstead's "A Mission to the Royal Flying Corps."

Box 1 Folder 16

Yale College - Preliminary Certificate, 1911

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