Archives For Col. Charles A. Ranlett – Commandant of Boston School Cadets

This is pretty much the last lot of the Ranlett Archive, containing photos and letters, and news clippings pertaining to Col. Ranlett’s  time working with the Boston School Cadets. Said to be the largest organization like it of its time; a 19,000 boy unit made up of Boston area high school cadets, who trained under the leadership of Col. Ranlett, and other instructors from pre WWI into the 1930s. And included is an assortment of material from other members of the family,

The most notable items are photographed:

• June 1926 letter from Mass. Governor Alvan T. Fuller, with cover.
•  USMC Marine Barracks, Quantico, Va. that Ranlett may have used to help structure the Boston Cadet program,  1929, 8 pages.
  • • 1930 letter from a WWI British officer, and author of the book, A Housemaster’s Letters. Sending his book to the Col., recalling their meeting at an American Legion Convention. Major J. Hurst Hayes writes proposing a joint book project based on a correspondence on many subjects of everyday views. etc. Comes with stamped cover.
    • 1933 letter (copy of Ranlett’s) to the editor of the Boston Herald, commenting about an article in the paper relating to Wellesley female students, being pacifist using a story from the early 1700s New England Indian attack, and the sudden outbreak of war in the 1930s times, etc.  With his printed letter in the newspaper, and original article clipping.
    • 1933 letter, from Captain, James J. Kelley who writes, admiring the colonel’s strength of character and spirit, etc..The colonel was Kelley’s first military instructor…”Thousands of young men in Boston will always remember Col. R…for the indelible impressions he made on their plastic minds when they were in school….”  With cover.
    • 1934 letter from Dr. Edward W. Paine, Waterford, Maine.  Reponding to an article in the Boston Herald titled “Time to Face Facts and Try Method of Forebearers” by Paine. He mentions several positive and negative opinions he had received while responding to Ranlett’s congratulation for publishing Paine’s article.  Paine mentioned he had 2 years in France (WWI) and wanted to talk to R about WWI and exchange ideas.
    • 1936 letter to the Lowell Electric Light Corp. regarding a recent bill rec’d by “R.”  What a way to gripe! great letter we should all use.
    • 1937 letter published in the news paper, about Ownership of Firearms -Small Factor in Crime, by the colonel.  Another good article, by a military man, and avid hunter, collector of his times. Includes another related letter written to him.
    • 1937 letter (copy) written by Ranlett, regarding the Billerica Historical Society.
    • Nice lot of news clipping about Col. Ranlett and the Boston School Boy Cadet units, his retirement, sword presentation, and more.
    • Cabinet photo of son Charles A. Ranlett, Jr., Oakland, Cal. 1890, photogravure of Jr. receiving an award for excellent horsemanship, a snap shot of Jr. and sister, and a letter from Jr. to the colonel, not dated -about family matters.
    • Charles Jr’s. Cavalry reserve papers from 1931, and Army extension course, cavalry school, same era. WWII news clipping when Jr. received the Legion of Merit as executive for the Inspector Gen. at Far East Air Force, Tokyo HQ, 1951.  Lot has some misc medals, and insignia for Charles Jr.  Charles Jr. was commissioned a 2nd Lt of cavalry reserve in 1926., worked with the CCC as a co. commander at Vancouver Barracks, WA, studied Civil Engineering, engaged in Railroad construction, graduate of the Army Air Force Administrative Inspector’s school..
    • Misc. writings of Col. Ranlett in his early years, historical content, etc.
    • Photos of riding and jumping fences on his horse.
    • lot of misc papers, documents, pamphlets, etc. Includes a seed catalog used for clipping journal, and has tipped in short 3 page pamphlet on the grandfather, and famous sea captain and ship builder, Charles Alonzo Ranlett, Jr.
    • An 1890 story written by Col. Ranlett entitled, “The last De Courcey.” “I contributed to our monthly publication the Newton High School Review, but for some reason this was not submitted C.A.R. ” Apparently a story of an army officer who is learning to fence with a master swordsman. 30+ pages written in pencil.
    • 2  small note books of writings, Promotion on the Field or A Young Virginian. 41 pages, A Civil War period story. probably another HS writing, more.
    •  Another small notebook – a list of addresses, including army officers, family and many others.
    • Small lot of misc historical writings by Seth Alonzo Ranlett, the colonel’s father (the adjutant of the 36th Mass Vols, during the Civil War). Writing not Civil War related. Interesting material on New England Indians, history, more.