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

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.

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.

Arrangement

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

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.

Acquisition and Appraisal

Provenance and Acquisition

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

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.

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.

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