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Guide to the Robert Hale Merriman Papers
ALBA.191
Descriptive Summary
| Creator:
|
Merriman, Robert Hale |
| Title: |
Robert Hale Merriman Papers |
| Dates [inclusive]: |
1922-1993, (Bulk 1934-1989) |
| Dates [bulk]: |
Bulk, 1934-1989 |
| Abstract:
|
Robert Hale Merriman (1908-1938) and his wife Marion Merriman (later Wachtel) served
with the Abraham Lincoln Brigade in the Spanish Civil War. Robert served as first
commander of the Lincolns and rose to the rank of chief of staff of the 15th International
Brigade. Marion served the Brigade as a volunteer in several capacities. In November
1937, Marion returned to the United States to raise money for war by making speeches
at rallies across the country. Robert disappeared during an ambush at Corbera (Ebro
Valley) and his body was never found. Marion became active in the Bay Area Chapter
of Veterans of the Abraham Lincoln Brigade (VALB). Later in her life, she co-wrote
American Commander in Spain: Robert Hale Merriman and the Abraham Lincoln Brigadewith journalist Warren Lerude. Robert Jordan, the main character in For Whom the Bell
Tolls – Ernest Hemingway’s Spanish Civil War novel – was apparently modeled after
Robert Merriman. This collection contains a small amount of material from the Spanish
Civil War, including letters from Robert to Marion before Marion joined him in Spain
and two diaries he kept in Spain. The bulk of the collection consists of organizational
materials documenting Marion’s involvement in the Bay Area chapter of VALB. Three
typescript versions of
American Commander in Spainand additional material related to the writing of the book are also included.
|
| Quantity: |
2.0 linear feet (2 boxes) |
| Call Phrase: |
ALBA.191 |
