Ruth W. Armstrong Papers
Collection
Identifier: MSS-481-BC
Scope and Content
The collection consists of manuscript materials, correspondence, and publications related to Mrs. Armstrong's career as a travel writer. The published material includes poems published between l943-l947, typescripts and tearsheets of articles published from l95l-l986, travel brochures produced in her work with the Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, and research and manuscript materials related to her book The Chases of Cimarron, published in l980.
A 1994 addition to the collection consists largely of background materials relating to locations and subjects of interest to Ruth Armstrong. These materials include tourist information sheets, brochures, maps, newspaper and magazine clippings. The addition also includes stories written by Ruth Armstrong for publication. The addition is arranged geographically, with New Mexico as Series I, and the rest of the United States, Greece, correspondence between Ruth Armstrong and Mill House Associates, United Kingdom regarding the Avis Project, and photocopies of tearsheets as Series II.
The arrangement of the Armstrong Collection and addition closely follows Mrs. Armstrong's original labeling and filing order. There is definate overlap between many of the subject and geographic areas, so the researcher is advised to explore possible cross references.
A 1994 addition to the collection consists largely of background materials relating to locations and subjects of interest to Ruth Armstrong. These materials include tourist information sheets, brochures, maps, newspaper and magazine clippings. The addition also includes stories written by Ruth Armstrong for publication. The addition is arranged geographically, with New Mexico as Series I, and the rest of the United States, Greece, correspondence between Ruth Armstrong and Mill House Associates, United Kingdom regarding the Avis Project, and photocopies of tearsheets as Series II.
The arrangement of the Armstrong Collection and addition closely follows Mrs. Armstrong's original labeling and filing order. There is definate overlap between many of the subject and geographic areas, so the researcher is advised to explore possible cross references.
Dates
- 1943-1993
Creator
- Armstrong, Ruth W. (Person)
Language of Materials
English.
Access Restrictions
The collection is open for research.
Copy Restrictions
Limited duplication of CSWR material is allowed for research purposes. User is responsible for compliance with all copyright, privacy, and libel laws. Permission is required for publication or distribution.
Biography
Although she received her college education in Oregon and California, travel writer Ruth Armstrong lived in New Mexico most of her life. In addition to writing numerous articles about New Mexico for magazines and newspapers, and contributing to many guidebooks, she has published or made contributions to several books about New Mexico. These books include New Mexico From Arrowhead to Atom, a history of the state for newcomers; High Country Vacationing, a book about west-central New Mexico; Promised Land: a history of the Sangre de Cristo land grant; The Chases of Cimarron: birth of the cattle industry in Cimarron County, l867-l900; and Enchanted Land, New Mexico, a photograph book co-authored with Harvey Caplin, and Cycle of Seasons in Corrales, which was her last book.
Mrs. Armstrong spent l963-l973 with the Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce in the Information Office of the Convention Department, and later as Director of the Tourist Department. In 1970, she became a member of the Society of American Travel Writers. Armstrong served as the Director of the New Mexico Film Commission from l973 to l975, at which time she resigned so that she could write full time. She was an active member and board member of the Albuquerque Historical Society and a founding member of the Albuquerque Museum. Ruth Armstrong died in her home in Corrales on February 1, 1993.
Mrs. Armstrong spent l963-l973 with the Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce in the Information Office of the Convention Department, and later as Director of the Tourist Department. In 1970, she became a member of the Society of American Travel Writers. Armstrong served as the Director of the New Mexico Film Commission from l973 to l975, at which time she resigned so that she could write full time. She was an active member and board member of the Albuquerque Historical Society and a founding member of the Albuquerque Museum. Ruth Armstrong died in her home in Corrales on February 1, 1993.
Extent
7 boxes (7 cu. ft.)
Separated Material
The collection includes an extensive photograph collection, which has been transferred to the CSWR Pictorial Collections. There is a photograph collection on Mexico, but no associated manuscript materials.
Relevant Secondary Sources
ZIM CSWR F 796 A72 l983 (2 cassettes).
- Arnstrong, Ruth W. [Land of Enchantment.] Sound recordings of lectures delivered by Ruth Armstrong and Howard Bryan at UNM University Libraries, Friends of Library Lecture Series, March l6, l983.
- "Prolific Author, Promoter Dies at 75 in Corrales Home," Albuquerque Journal, 3 February, 1993: 2D.
- Travel Host,May ll-l7, l975, p. l4.
Creator
- Armstrong, Ruth W. (Person)
- Title
- Finding aid of the Ruth W. Armstrong Papers 1943-1993
- Status
- For Approval
- Author
- Processed by CSWR Staff
- Date
- ©2000
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
- Language of description note
- Finding aid is in English
Revision Statements
- June 28, 2004: PUBLIC "-//University of New Mexico::Center for Southwest Research//TEXT (US::NmU::MSS 481 BC ::Ruth W. Armstrong Papers)//EN" "nmu1mss481bc.sgml" converted from EAD 1.0 to 2002 by v1to02.xsl (sy2003-10-15).
- Monday, 20210524: Attribute normal is missing or blank.
Repository Details
Part of the UNM Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections Repository
Contact:
University of New Mexico Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections
University Libraries, MSC05 3020
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque NM 87131
505-277-6451
cswrref@unm.edu
University of New Mexico Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections
University Libraries, MSC05 3020
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque NM 87131
505-277-6451
cswrref@unm.edu