Abstract and Biographical Note

For INFO 256, we are beginning to work on archival finding aids. This portion of the assignment requires a written abstract and biographical note for the collection of 71 records.

Abstract

The Ted Carlson Papers consist of personal letters to and from the creator, manuscripts, and official documents from 1944 to 1946. During this time he was a chemist involved with atomic energy research, as well as the Manhattan Project. The collection provides insight into Carlson’s personal, educational, military and professional life during this timeframe. 

Biographical Note

Eric Theodore “Ted” Carlson graduated in February 1944 with a Bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Wesleyan University in Middleton Connecticut. Later that year he briefly attended graduate school at Iowa State College before being drafted into the U.S. Army. He served in the Enlisted Reserve Corps as a Laboratory Engineer for Chrysler Corporation during that time, where he became involved with the Manhattan Project. After being recalled to active duty on October 15, 1945, Carlson received basic training and was then assigned to the Monsanto Chemical Company in Dayton, Ohio.