Ruth Carter Slack family papers

Collection

Identifier: MS 0430

Staff Only

Finding aid note: Stored offsite at the Library Service Center and require 24-hour notice for retrieval. Please contact the Woodson Research Center at 713-348-2586 or woodson@rice.edu for more information.

Scope and Contents

The collection consists of two diaries and correspondence, such as cards, letters and postcards, as well as travel memorabilia from her trips to Europe, Ireland and the Middle East. Extensive documentation of the Carter, Slack, and Casperson family histories, including correspondence, newspaper clippings, photographs, and family history books, is also present. Memorabilia from Ruth Carter Slack's personal life, such as lists, inventories, address books, and items from her early life and included, as well as a record of her hospital visit in 1990.

Dates

Creation: 1873-1990

Creator

Slack, Ruth Carter (Person)

Restrictions on Access

This material is open for research.

Conditions Governing Access

Stored offsite at the Library Service Center and require 24-hour notice for retrieval. Please contact the Woodson Research Center at 713-348-2586 or woodson@rice.edu for more information.

Restrictions on Use

Permission to publish material from the Slack papers must be obtained from the Woodson Research Center, Fondren Library.

Biographical / Historical

Ruth Carter Slack was born into Houston's prominent Carter family. Her father, Clarence L. Carter (1869-1936), was a second generation partner at Baker Botts Law firm. After graduating from University of Texas Law School in 1891, he began working as an attorney in Livingston, TX, then moved to Houston in 1902 and engaged in general individual practice. C.L. Carter joined Baker Botts in 1907 and became partner in 1909. He stayed with the firm, mainly working as a specialist in Railroad Law, until his death in 1936. During his career, he was Vice President and director of the Groveton, Lufkin, and Northern Railway Co. and was director of the Union National Bank. Carter was also elected President of the Harris County Bar Association in 1908. On January 11, 1893, Carter married Alice Lyle Winston, and they had five children, including Ruth, the youngest. Ruth was born, raised, and educated in Houston, and was married to Samuel Morris Slack. She spent time traveling and kept diaries, photos and correspondence to chronicle her trips to Ireland, Europe, and the Middle East. Ruth Carter Slack continued her education into her adulthood, and enjoyed gardening, philanthropy and spending time with her family.

Extent

3 Linear Feet (5 boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

This collection consists of the personal and family papers of Houstonian Ruth Carter Slack, including diaries, correspondence, personal travel memorabilia, and memorabilia from her personal life, such as inventories, lists and address books. Also in the collection are her photo collections, hospital records, course notes, and documentation of the Carter and Slack family history.