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Carolyn Clinehens Chandler Papers

 Collection
Identifier: MC 1970

Scope and Content Note

Materials in this collection include biographical information, correspondence and materials relating to Carolyn Chandler's life, particularly her time spent working as a Red Cross SRAO Donut Dolly in Korea and Vietnam, as well as photographs, slides, newspaper clippings, items worn by Clinehens Chandler, and scrapbooks.

Dates

  • 1940-2010
  • Majority of material found within 1963-1967

Creator

Language of Materials

Materials are in English.

Access Information

Please call (479) 575-8444 or email specoll@uark.edu at least two weeks in advance of your arrival to ensure availability of the materials.

Use Information

No Use Restrictions Apply.

No Interlibrary Loan.

Donor retains copyright to her autobiographical narrative.

Standard Federal Copyright Laws Apply (U.S. Title 17).

Biographical Note

Mary Carolyn Clinehens Chandler was born in Fayetteville, Washington County, Arkansas, on September 12, 1940. The daughter of Rolla Clinehens, a pharmacist, and Rema Mary Cavanaugh Clinehens (pharmacist), Carolyn spent her early childhood in Fayetteville, before her familys relocation to Gravette. She graduated Gravette High School in 1958, and attended the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville from 1958-1962, earning a Bachelor of Science in Education. After graduation, Clinehens relocated to Bakersfield, California to teach physical education to junior high school students. From 1963-1964, she served as Unit Director for the American Red Cross Supplemental Recreation Activities Overseas (SRAO) program (commonly referred to as the Donut Dollies) in Korea. Although known for handing out thousands of donuts to servicemen, the civilian women in this volunteer unit also created activity programs, established recreation centers, and provided a much needed morale boost for U.S. soldiers stationed overseas. After her service, Clinehens enrolled in the Master of Education graduate program at University of Arkansas-Fayetteville. Called to service again, Carolyn resumed her work with the American Red Cross SRAO. Throughout 1964 and 1965, Clinehens served as an SRAO Unit Director at various sites in Viet Nam (Cam Ranh Air Force Base, Danang, Nha Trang). Upon returning from Viet Nam, Clinehens married serviceman Raymond Lane Chandler on January 21, 1967 in Fayetteville. Together the couple had two children. Through the late 1960s and 1970s, Carolyn taught health and physical education to high school students, initiated an elementary school reading program, and served as a community volunteer. In 1983, Clinehens obtained a University Master of Librarianship degree from Emory University (Atlanta, GA). She became librarian at St. Pius X Catholic High School in Atlanta in 1983, and served in that capacity until her retirement in 2006. Over the years Carolyn has remained in active in public service, serving as an official volunteer for the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympics and working at Cumberland Island National Seashore (Georgia). Carolyn Clinehens Chandler is an active world traveler and currently resides in Avondale Estates, Georgia.

Extent

8.25 Linear Feet (7 boxes, including oversized materials)

Arrangement of the Papers

Materials are arranged by topic.

Acquisition Information

The Carolyn Clinehens Chandler Papers were donated to Special Collections, University of Arkansas Libraries, July 2012 by Carolyn Clinehens Chandler of Avondale Estates, Georgia.

Processing Information

Processed by Cody W. Hackett; completed in June 2013.

Title
Carolyn Clinehens Chandler Papers, 1940-2010
Status
Completed
Author
Cody W. Hackett
Date
2013
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid is written in English.

Repository Details

Part of the Special Collections Department Repository

Contact:
University of Arkansas Libraries
365 N. McIlroy Avenue
Fayetteville AR 72701 United States
(479) 575-8444