William J. Parker China Marine Association Collection, 1929-2014

The William J. Parker China Marine Association Collection consists of correspondence, photographs, articles, draft publications, and artifacts related to the China Marine Association and its newsletter, Scuttlebutt. The collection is divided into two series: Scuttlebutt Files (1929-2010) and Reunions and Ephemera (circa 1940-2014).

Series I, Scuttlebutt Files, is sorted into two subseries. Subseries A, Publication Files (1929-2010), consists of materials related to the publication of the China Marine Association quarterly newsletter, Scuttlebutt. This includes correspondence, drafts of various issues, and submissions of photographs, remembrances, and articles for publication. Subseries B, Johnson Thomas Materials (1936-2009), consists of materials related to Johnson Thomas, who was an auxiliary member of the China Marine Association and the son of General Gerald Thomas who served in China. He researched and wrote numerous articles for Scuttlebutt and the association in general, becoming a staff writer for the newsletter in 2009. Items in the subseries include correspondence between Thomas and multiple China Marines, photographs of the Thomas family and other China Marines, and articles written by Thomas. Each subseries is arranged chronologically.

Series II, Reunions and Ephemera, consists of both print materials and artifacts related or donated to the association, many of which were used during the association's annual reunion. Items include banners and flags, booklets, programs, directories, photographs, a video, a handmade wooden plaque, and a handmade tabletop display crafted from wooden, metal, and cloth objects, including a brass bell which was rung at reunions to commemorate the passing of China Marines. Also included in the series are a number of posters featuring personal mementos, maps, publication excerpts, military memorials, and Chinese pin-ups encapsulated onto foam board by the China Marine Association for display at their reunions. The maps are reproductions and depict areas of military activity throughout China including Chin-Huang-Tao (Qinhuangdao), Tang-Shan-Chen (Tangshan), and Peitaiho Beach (Beidaihe). The series dates from circa 1940-2014 and is arranged chronologically.