Letters to Evelyn B. Randall, 1914

The papers of Evelyn B. Randall Hanrahan range from 1898 – 1975. The bulk of materials consist primarily of personal correspondence received by Evelyn B. Randall during World War I, mainly from 1917 to 1919. Letters were received from family, friends, acquaintances and suitors, including C. E. Ellicott, Jr., Lt. Robert Gustafson, John L. Dorsey, Lt. C. A. Waters (Buck), Donald Thompson, a friend of the family “Jack” at Princeton, Edward Hanrahan, and others. During the winter of 1917-1918 Evelyn, her mother Susan, and sister Elizabeth stayed in Anniston, Alabama to be near their brother, Alexander, who was serving in the Army and stationed there. Letters sent to Evelyn in Anniston are included. Many letters discuss personal and family business, observations about the war, life in Europe and military camps, and personal emotions. A smaller amount of correspondence from 1919 through 1975 follows and includes letters from family and friends, usually discussing travel, vacations, and family business.

Papers related to Dr. Edward Hanrahan and his treatment and ultimate death from tuberculosis in 1952 follow and include a large amount of sympathy letters and cards. Also included are sympathy letters related to the deaths of other family members, early family correspondence from Blanchard Randall to his wife Susan and children (including Evelyn), letters relating to Julie Hanrahan Greenlee, and letters between other family members, including Emily Randall, Frederick Randall, and Elizabeth (Bessie) Randall (Mrs. Harry R. Slack). Two postcard and photo albums (probably originally belonging to Elizabeth Randall) conclude the collection.

The Randall family social position, coupled with their generous activities in social work and philanthropy, allowed the family the ability to travel and to make many social contacts. Although papers related to Evelyn’s official business and social work activities are not found here, the collection provides a glimpse of the life of upper-class women in early twentieth century social work. The correspondence contained in this collection reflects the extent to which Evelyn and her husband were a part of Baltimore society and the Johns Hopkins medical community. The correspondence and materials related to Dr. Edward Hanrahan’s death, which greatly affected Evelyn as evidenced by the amount of correspondence she retained, reveal much about their relationship and personalities. Letters between family members and friends demonstrate a close knit, loving, and active family.