Donald W. and Catharine L. Bryan Papers, PC.5215

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Donald W. and Catharine L. Bryan Papers, PC.5215

Abstract

The Donald W. and Catharine L. Bryan Papers, 1924-2013 and undated, contains personal papers, military papers, organizational papers, photographs, and realia created by Donald and Catharine Bryan. The Donald Bryan papers comprise the bulk of the collection, with materials focusing on his military career, art career, and public service, including his time as Mayor of Nags Head. The Bryans moved to Nags Head in 1972 following Donald's retirement from the military. They were very active in the Nags Head and Outer Banks community. The couple is known for founding the Don and Catharine Bryan Cultural Series in 2012.

Descriptive Summary

Title
Donald W. and Catharine L. Bryan Papers
Call Number
PC.5215
Creator
Bryan, Donald William, 1924-2013
Date
1924-2013 and undated
Extent
13.400 cubic feet, 14.410 cubic feet
Language
English
Repository
Outer Banks History Center

Restrictions on Access & Use

Access Restrictions

Available for research.

Use Restrictions

Copyright is retained by the authors of these materials, or their descendants, as stipulated by the United States copyright law (Title 17 US Code). Individual researchers are responsible for using these materials in conformance with copyright law as well as any donor restrictions accompanying these materials.

Preferred Citation

[Identification of item], PC.5215, Donald W. and Catharine L. Bryan Papers, Outer Banks History Center, Manteo, NC, U.S.A.

Collection Overview

The Donald W. and Catharine L. Bryan Papers, 1924-2013 and undated, contains correspondence, reports, awards, photographs and personal articles related to the lives of Donald and Catharine Bryan. The Donald W. and Catharine L. Bryan Papers, 1924-2013 and undated, contains personal papers, military papers, organizational papers, photographs, and realia created by Donald and Catharine Bryan. The Donald Bryan Papers series, 1924-2013 and undated, comprises the bulk of the collection, with materials focusing on his military career, art career, and public service, including his time as Mayor of Nags Head. The Catharine Bryan Papers series, circa 1925-1993, primarily contains personal papers related to Catharine's childhood, marriage, and early adulthood, prior to moving to Nags Head with her husband in 1972.

Arrangement Note

The collection is arranged into two series: Donald W. Bryan Papers, 1924-2013 and undated, and Catharine L. Bryan Papers, circa 1925-1993. Donald Bryan's papers are further divided into five subseries: Personal Life, 1924-2013 and undated; Military Service, 1928-1992 and undated; Art Career, 1963-2009 and undated; Public Service, 1951-2012 and undated; and Photographs, circa 1924-2007 and undated. Original order has been retained at the folder level, and original file titles have been retained when possible.

Biographical/Historical

Donald W. Bryan was born 16 February 1924 in Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania to Harry A. Bryan and Virginia Wright Bryan. He was raised in Tucson, Arizona from a young age. Donald enlisted in the United States Army in 1942 and served first in the United States Army Air Corps, and later in the United States Air Force. In total, Donald completed 25 missions as a tech sergeant and gunner in a B-17 aircraft in Europe during the World War II. He also served in the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Donald retired from the Air Force in 1972 after 30 years of service.

After his retirement from the Air force, Donald moved to Nags Head to focus on his career as an artist. Donald mostly painted coastal landscapes, lighthouses, and lifesaving stations. His work was featured in galleries and businesses throughout the Outer Banks. Donald honed his artistic skills during his time in the Air Force when he was stationed in Germany, where he took art lessons from Herr Ernst Krupp. He served as mayor of Nags Head from 1978 to 1991, in addition to serving on numerous boards, committees, and civic organizations, such as the Dare County Tourism Board, Manteo Rotary Club, and North Carolina League of Municipalities. Donald died in 21 November 2013 at the age of 89.

Catharine "Kay" Nafey was born 20 May 1923 in Brunswick, New Jersey, to Herbert Nafey and Mary Woodcock Nafey. She met Donald Bryan on a blind date in 1945, and the couple were married in New Jersey in 1946. Catharine was a member of the WAVES naval reserve before her marriage to Donald. After their marriage, Catharine received an honorable discharge from the United States Navy and became a housewife. She was active in the Nags Head community after relocating with her husband in 1972. Catharine 21 December 2013 at the age of 90.

Donald and Catharine Bryan's names are perhaps most closely associated with the Don and Catharine Bryan Cultural Series, a program founded by the couple in 2012 to enrich the Outer Banks community with visual, literary, and performing arts programming. As of 2018, the Bryan Cultural Series is still active.

Contents of the Collection

1. Donald W. Bryan Papers, 1924-2013 and undated

Personal Life, 1924-2013 and undated

Scope and Content:

The Personal Life subseries contains Donald Bryan's personal papers and effects. Many of the materials in this subseries relate to Bryan's childhood and education, including certificates, yearbooks, graduation programs, and clippings. Included in this series is a small box of realia comprising award ribbons, a nameplate, and a bronze nail taken from the wreckage of an unidentified ship in Nags Head.

Donald Bryan Birth Weight Statistics, 1924
Box 1
Donald Bryan Baby Formula Information, 1929-1931 and undated
Box 1
Donald Bryan Baptismal Certificate, 1924
Box 1
Sunday School Promotion Certificates and Cradle Roll Department Certificate, 1924
Box 1
Music Festival Tucson Junior High School, 1937
Box 1
Junior High Graduation Newspaper Articles, 1938
Box 1
High School Cadet Corps Articles, undated
Box 1
Gimbel Brothers Card, undated
Box 1
Military Ball - High School, 1941
Box 1
Birthday Card, undated
Box 1
Senior High School Graduation, 1941
Box 1
World War II Newspaper Clippings, 1943-1954 and undated
Box 1
Langley Air Force Base Useful Information, undated
Box 3
Cape Henry to Pamlico Sound Nautical Charts, 1974
Box 3
L. H. Glick Photograph, undated
Box 3
Lawsuits against Carolista Fletcher, 1980
Box 3
Newspaper Articles - Carolista Fletcher Golden, 1988
Box 3
Birthday Card for Donald Bryan, undated
Box 3
High School Follies Pictures and Clippings, 1981
Box 3
Donald Bryan Biographical Sketches, 1975-1981
Box 3
Newspaper Clipping: Barry Bryan (Relative), 1962
Box 3
Newspaper Clippings: Shipwrecks, undated
Box 3
Home Redesign: Instructions and Measurements for Home, undated
Box 3
Rental Calendar Forms and Correspondence, 1987
Box 3
Rental Records [3 folders], 1984-1986
Box 3
Rental Correspondence and Reservation Forms, 1988
Box 3
Rental Records, 1989
Box 3
Personal Correspondence, 1979
Box 3
Christmas Card to Donald Bryan, 1980
Box 3
Newspaper Clippings Lightkeeper, 2002
Box 3
Newspaper Article "gifts for all" from Catharine to Donald, undated
Box 3
Funeral programs Virginia Bryan, Donald Bryan, 1993, 2013
Box 3
Marriage Service Catharine and Donald Bryan, 1946
Box 3
Travel Documents Postcard, Photograph of Japanese Figure, Note with Yen Enclosed, Train Ticket, 1946
Box 3
Outer Banks Pamphlets, 1983-1990
Box 3
Tucsonian, 1941
Box 8
Graduation Ceremonies, 1969-1972
Box 8
Class Directory, Command and Staff College, Air University, 1959-1960
Box 8
"In Search of Perfect Bliss" Magazine Article, undated
Box 8
Pocket Diary, 1987
Box 8
Realia, 1974-1997 and undated

Scope and Content:

Includes award ribbons, a nameplate, and a bronze nail taken from the wreckage of an unidentified ship in Nags Head, 1974.

Box 20
Posters, undated
Oversize Box 1
Awards and Certificates, 1937-2003
Oversize Box 1
Event Posters, Prints, and Certificates, 1947-circa 2003
Oversize Box 1
Oversize Materials, circa 1927-1981

Scope and Content:

Contains a portrait of a small child (probably Donald Bryan, circa age 2), circa 1926; a cartoon illustration of Bryan as a gorilla holding a martini glass, signed "Smith" and autographed by his military colleagues; promotional material for exhibits, 1970s; artwork mockups, 1970s; advertising materials for the Beach Bus, 1981; and two large notepads containing budgets and cost analyses, 1981.

Folder Oversize Folder 1

Military Service, 1928-1992 and undated

Scope and Content:

The Military Service subseries contains papers related to Donald Bryan's service in the United States Army and United States Air Force. Materials document his service in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War and include photographs, correspondence, certificates, and ephemera. Included in this subseries are two scrapbooks relating to Bryan's service in World War II, which include photographs of Bryan and his fellow soldiers, news clippings, and official records and correspondence from military officials regarding his service. Also included in this subseries are numerous awards, certificates, and medals Bryan received for his service.

Military Certificates and Awards, 1942-1963
Box 1
Air War College Biographical Sketches of Faculty Staff and Students, 1968-1969
Box 2
Army Exchange Ration Card, 1944
Box 2
Humorous Note, Caricatures of Donald and Airmen by J. M. L, color drawing of Eagle, 1969 and undated
Box 2
Military Life Insurance Information, Estate Benefit Guide for Military, 1964-1966 and undated
Box 2
Military Documents, 1945-1963
Box 2
Donald Bryan Air Force Retirement Information, 1979
Box 2
Military Related Newspaper Clippings, 1943-1968
Box 2
Air Force and Space Digest Article, 1970
Box 2
Thanksgiving Menu Randolph Field, Texas, 1946
Box 2
Aerial Photo, Sheppard Field, Wichita Falls, Texas, undated
Box 2
Seminars 2 and 5 Contact Lists, undated
Box 2
Telegrams, 1944 and undated
Box 2
Air Force Day Pamphlet, 1948
Box 2
Canada-United States Permanent Joint Board on Defense Agenda, 1972
Box 2
North American Aviation Inc. Bumper Stickers, undated
Box 2
Military Pamphlets, 1969-1992
Box 2
Collier's, The National Weekly Service Ribbons, 1943
Box 2
Personal Correspondence, 1928-1972
Box 2
Military Related Invitations and Notes, 1968 and undated
Box 2
Foreign Phrases Sheet, undated
Box 2
Airforce Association Airforce Magazine Announcement and AFCIA Contact Information, 1984 and undated
Box 2
Airforce Photograph, 1992
Box 2
Correspondence to Donald Bryan, 1955-1991 and undated
Box 2
Military Medals [11 items], circa 1940s-1970s
Box 21
World War II Scrapbook, 1941-1946
Box 22
World War II Scrapbook, 1943
Oversize Box 1

Art Career, 1963-2013 and undated

Scope and Content:

This subseries contains materials related to Donald Bryan's career as an artist, which he pursued after his retirement from the military in 1972. Papers largely consist of invoices and correspondence relating to purchases of his art by local businesses, galleries, and organizations, but also included are papers from exhibitions and art shows in which he participated as well as inventories, card catalogs, and other records related to his small art business. Images of his artwork can be found in the Photographs series.

Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee: Art Related, 1979-1992
Box 4
Caimen Gardens, 1997
Box 4
Greenleaf Gallery, 1993-2004
Box 4
Art Exhibitions, 1975-1999
Box 4
Galaxy 1, 1976
Box 4
Village at Nags Head Art Festival, 1989-1990
Box 4
Picture Panorama Instructions, undated
Box 4
Art Removal Slips, 1997-2003 and undated
Box 4
Twiddy Realtors, 1995
Box 4
Sea and Sounds Art Council, North Carolina, 1975-1979 and undated
Box 4
North Carolina Arts Council, 1979-1997
Box 4
St. Andrew by the Sea, undated
Box 4
Tides Fall Studio (Business), 1976-2001
Box 4
Green Hill Art Gallery, 1975
Box 4
Outer Banks Art Association, 1981-1982
Box 4
North Carolina Artists Exhibition (Raleigh), 1974-1977
Box 4
Donald Bryan Professional Photograph Correspondence, 1977-1978 and undated
Box 4
Painting Big and Signature, undated
Box 4
Card Catalog: Customers' Disposition of Works [3 folders], 1972-1990
Box 4
Pasquotank Art Council, 1976-1993
Box 16
First Spring Invitational Art Show, 1978
Box 16
Icarus Art Show, 1993-1995
Box 16
Coastlander, 1974
Box 16
Sketch of a House, 1991
Box 16
Painting Prices and Inventory, 1975-1999
Box 16
Museum of the Albemarle Art Show, 1974-1977
Box 16
Local Art Newspaper Articles, 1978-1996
Box 16
Art Show Signs, 1975-2004
Box 16
Painting Inventory and Price List, undated
Box 17
Carbon Copies of Completed Copyright Forms, 1979
Box 17
Exhibit Price List, undated
Box 17
Payment for Painting of Jockey's Ridge, 1983
Box 17
Montgomery Art Guild, 1969
Box 17
Exhibits, Alexandria, VA, Ramstein AFB, Germany, 1964-1982
Box 17
Fisher Galleries, 1966-1969
Box 17
Pat Eure, 1981
Box 17
County of Dare, 1987-1988
Box 17
Graftech Corporation, 1979
Box 17
Business-related Correspondence, 1979-1984
Box 17
Reproduction Inventory Control, undated
Box 17
East Carolina Bank Annual Report, Dreaming of Past Glories, 1978
Box 17
East Carolina Bank Annual Report, Somerset Place, 1979
Box 17
East Carolina Bank Annual Report, Water Mirror, 1980
Box 17
East Carolina Bank Annual Report, What Luck Betides Me?, 1981
Box 17
East Carolina Bank Annual Report, Where the Past is Present, 1983
Box 17
East Carolina Bank Annual Report, Adventure of the Spirit, 1985
Box 17
East Carolina Bank-related Paperwork, 1979-1997
Box 17
Artwork Covers: Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station, undated
Box 17
Donald W. Bryan Biographies, 1996-1998 and undated
Box 17
North Carolina League of Municipalities, 1977-1995
Box 17
Letter from Elizabeth Dole, 1984
Box 17
Publicity, 1964-1998 and undated
Box 17
Seaside Gallery, 1994-2009
Box 17
Island Art Gallery, Manteo, 1976-2008
Box 17
Nags Head Artworks Advisory Committee, 1996-1997
Box 17
Manteo Gallery Invoices, 1996-1997
Box 17
Ghost Fleet Gallery, 1977-2013
Box 18
Seafoam Corp., 1986
Box 18
Yellow House Gallery and Owens Restaurant, 2008
Box 18
Dare County Transit Bureau Invoice, 1984
Box 18
Island Pharmacy Invoice, 1983-1984
Box 18
Dockside Sales Invoice, 1981-1983
Box 18
North Carolina Museum of History Invoice, 1983-1988
Box 18
Forms Consignment Agreement, 1977 and undated
Box 18
Exhibit Guestbook, 1971-1972
Box 18
Fourth Annual Invitational Art Exhibition, 1976
Box 18
Forms, undated
Box 18
Outer Banks Windmill Wind and Water, Inc., 1980-1990 and undated
Box 18
Descriptive Leaflet Masters, undated
Box 18
Matting, Framing, and Numbering for Elizabeth II, undated
Box 18
Mat Cutting, undated
Box 18
Mat Board Inventory, undated
Box 18
Dare County Tourist Bureau, 1979-1984
Box 18
Robert B. Davis, 1978-1981
Box 18
Inventory Notes, 1974-1978 and undated
Box 18
International Society of Artists Membership Certificate, undated
Box 18
Outer Banks Convention Center and Museum, 1994 and undated
Box 18
Donald Bryan Biography, 1963-2004 and undated
Box 18
Records of Artwork, 1999 and undated
Box 19
Dare County Arts Council, 1983-1993
Box 19
North Carolina Arts Council Program Grants, 1977-1978
Box 19
The Galleon Esplanade, 1974-1985
Box 19
The Island Gallery, 1972-1984
Box 19
Friends of Elizabeth II Invoices, 1984-1995
Box 19
Twiddy Realty, 1994 and undated
Box 19
Brown and Church Ltd., 1983-1984
Box 19
Frank Stick Memorial Art Show, 1992-1993
Box 19
Pond Island Gallery, 1979
Box 19
Gallery 19 Washington, D.C., 1975-1976
Box 19
Morales Art Gallery, 1982-1986
Box 19
Customers' Correspondence, 1973-1988
Box 19
Olde Alexandria Gallery, Inc., 1976
Box 19
In Town Gallery, Georgetown, 1976-1977
Box 19
Court Square Antiques, Edenton, N.C., 1976
Box 19
The Colony Post Card Shop, Wanchese, N.C., 1976-1981
Box 19
Carolista Jewelry, Nags Head, 1977-1979
Box 19
Art Exhibit Newspaper Articles, 1977 and undated
Box 19
Chicamacomico Historical Association, 1978-1998
Box 19
Dare County Library, 1975-1990
Box 19
Duck Blind Limited, 1978-1993
Box 19
Anchorage Motel and Ditty Bag Gift Shop, 1980
Box 19
Lost Colony Craft and Gift Shop, 1981-1982
Box 19
Eastern National Park and Monument Association, 1979
Box 19
Blacks Furniture, Inc., 1981
Box 19
Ocean City Lifesaving Service Museum, 1986
Box 19
Studio Plans, 1982-1987
Box 19
Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve, 1987
Box 19
Beaufort County Arts Council, 1987
Box 19
North Carolina Aquarium Society, 1987
Box 19

Public Service, 1951-2012 and undated

Scope and Content:

The Public Service subseries contains materials relating to the various committees, commissions, boards, and public offices with which Donald Bryan was affiliated. Most of the materials in this subseries date from the time when Bryan lived in Nags Head after his retirement from the military in 1972. Included in this series are papers related to Bryan's work with the Dare County Tourism Board, his service as Mayor of Nags Head, and his involvement with numerous organizations concerned with conservation and environmental issues on the Outer Banks. Also included are a number of research files containing photographs and historical information on various stations of the United States Life-Saving Service and United States Coast Guard, which Bryan researched heavily.

Coastal Resource Commission Outer Banks Task Force Report, July 1984
Box 5
Coastal States Organization America's coasts Progress and Promise, 1985
Box 5
State Goals and Policy Board North Carolina Tomorrow: One State's Approach to Citizen Involvement in Planning for its Future, May 1978
Box 5
North Carolina Department of Natural and Economic Resources Jockey's Ridge Master Plan, 1976
Box 5
North Carolina and the Sea: An Ocean Policy Analysis, November 1984
Box 5
Report of the 1986 Commission on the Future of the South, Halfway Home and a Long Way to Go, 1986
Box 5
1986 Commission on the Future of the South Report of the committee on Government Structure and Fiscal Capacity, 1986
Box 5
Value of Recreational Fishing on the Albemarle and Pamlico Estuaries, September 1989
Box 5
Characterization of Baseline Demographic Trends in the Year-round and Recreational Populations in the Albemarle-Pamlico Estuarine Study Area, May 1989
Box 5
Albemarle-Pamlico Estuarine Study Blueprint for Action, December 1990
Box 5
Evaluation of State Environmental Management and Resource Protection Programs in the Albemarle-Pamlico Region, April 1990
Box 5
Public Attitudes Toward Water Quality and Management Alternatives in the Albemarle-Pamlico Estuarine System, August 1990
Box 5
The Albemarle-Pamlico Sounds Where the Rivers Meet the Sea, 1989
Box 5
Progress in the National Estuary Program Report to Congress, 1990
Box 5
The Outer Banks of North Carolina U.S. Geological Survey Professional Paper, 1986
Box 5
Water Quality Management Plan for Onsite Waste Water Disposal, 1979
Box 6
Town of Nags Head Land Development Nags Head, North Carolina, 1972
Box 6
Fringe Wetlands in Albemarle and Pamlico Sounds, 1989
Box 6
Dare County Tourism Board Financial Statements, 1993-1995
Box 6
Dare County Tourism Board and OBX Vacation Guide Management Letters, 1993-1995
Box 6
Dare County Tourism Board Orientation and New Board Member Orientation, 1995
Box 6
Dare County Tourism Board Outer Banks Multi-Use Center, 1994
Box 6
Dare County Tourism Board Classification and Pay Study and Personnel Policies and Procedures Manuel, 1993-1994
Box 6
Dare County Tourism Board Accounting Policies and Procedures Manual, undated
Box 7
Dare County Tourism Board Financial Statements, 1992-1993
Box 7
Dare County Tourism Board, 1980-1990
Box 7
Community of Caring Photograph, 1991
Box 7
Town of Nags Head Board of Commissioners and Employees, 1986-1989
Box 7
Eastern Carolina Health System Agency, 1978
Box 7
Letters Opposed to Adult Stores in Outer Banks, 1996
Box 7
Albemarle Regional Planning and Development Commission, 1978-1979
Box 7
League of Municipalities, 1979-1987
Box 7
North Carolina Department of Justice Attorney General's Office, 1983
Box 7
North Carolina Congressional Delegation, 1984
Box 7
Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce, 1986
Box 7
North Carolina Department of Insurance (Eastern Region), 1986-1988
Box 7
Directories: Dare County and Towns Newsletters, 1978-1990
Box 7
Code of Ordinances: Town of Nags Head, 1992
Box 7
Affiliate and Other Group Meetings: Schedule, undated
Box 7
North Carolina Resort Towns Association, 1987
Box 7
North Carolina Department of Natural Resources and Community Development, undated
Box 7
Donald Bryan Personal Notes as Mayor and Burning Building Photograph, 1978
Box 8
North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission Directory, undated
Box 8
First Flight Society Programs, 1979
Box 8
Northeastern North Carolina Tomorrow Tourism, 1988
Box 8
North Carolina Public Transportation Advisory Council, 1978-1980
Box 8
Roanoke Island Historical Association, 1978-1997
Box 8
Chicamacomico Historical Association, 1974-1998
Box 8
Donald Bryan Mayoral Campaign Promotional Materials and Bumper Stickers, undated
Box 9
Dare County Tourism Board Policies and Procedures, 1951-1996
Box 9
Rotary Club Publications, 1973-2012
Box 9
Manteo Rotary Club, 1975-2001
Box 9
Nags Head Ordinances, 1972-1973
Box 9
Town Council Newspaper Clippings (Nags Head), 1979-1982
Box 9
Coastal Resources Commission, 1980-1991
Box 9
Chicamacomico Historical Association, 1975-1997
Box 9
Dare County Tourism Board Papers, 1995-2008
Box 10
North Carolina Community Action Association, undated
Box 10
Dare County Tourism, 1974-1989
Box 10
Monument to a Century of Flight Dedication Booklet, 2003
Box 10
Check Stubs, 1978-1979
Box 10
David Stick Planning Seminar, 1961
Box 10
Bank Building Plan, 1993
Box 10
Fish and Wildlife Service, 1991
Box 10
Comprehensive Conservation Management Plan, 1991-1993
Box 10
Certificate of Resale, undated
Box 10
Letter to Donald Bryan Regarding Erosion Near Home, 1987
Box 10
Chesapeake Bay Preservation, 1985-1991
Box 10
Albemarle/Pamlico Sound Estuarine Study, 1987-1991
Box 10
Albemarle-Pamlico Sound Estuarine Study, 1989-1992
Box 11
Hurricane Frederic Damage Correspondence, 1979
Box 11
Albemarle/Pamlico Sound Estuarine Study, 1987-1992
Box 11
Off Road Vehicles Newspaper Articles, 1979
Box 11
Conservation Newspaper Articles, 1985-1989 and undated
Box 11
First Flight Society, 1986-2010
Box 11
Eure Outer Banks Arts Center Inc., 1999-2008
Box 11
Icarus International, 1999-2009
Box 11
Outer Banks Community Foundation, 1982-2010
Box 11
EPA Booklet Marine and Estuarine Protection, 1989
Box 11
Coastal Workshop, 2001
Box 11
Call Policy Committee Meeting, 1991
Box 11
Land Use Planning Seminar, 1991-1992
Box 11
Chicamacomico Restoration Committee, 1975-1982
Box 12
Beach Erosion, 1982-1988
Box 12
Donald Bryan Speeches, 1976-1991
Box 12
Nags Head Government Long-Range Planning Speeches, 1985-2000
Box 12
Offshore Drilling, 1975-2002
Box 12
Conservation, 1977-1991
Box 13
Comprehensive Conservation Management Plan, 1991
Box 13
Hampton Roads Planning District Commission, 1991
Box 13
Southeastern Virginia Planning District Commission, 1990
Box 13
Draft Article on Public Participation for F.R.I., 1991
Box 13
North Carolina Board of Alcoholic Control Mixed Beverages Regulations, 1980
Box 13
Town of Nags Head Land Subdivision Regulations, 1971-1977
Box 13
Fire Hazard Inspection Complaint, 1979
Box 13
Desalination Project: Dare County KDH and Nags Head, 1987
Box 13
Donald Bryan Letter to Constituents, 1991
Box 13
Beach Bus Inaugural Ceremony, 1980
Box 13
North Carolina League of Municipalities, 1978-1979
Box 13
Political Newspaper Articles, 1985-1991
Box 13
Resolution Adopting the Washington Metro Area, 1983
Box 13
Donald Bryan Voting Flyers, undated
Box 13
400th Anniversary Celebration, 1982-1984
Box 13
Letters of Thanks for Mayoral Service, 1991-1992
Box 13
1997 Election, 1997
Box 13
2001 Election, 2001
Box 13
Invitation: Annexation of the City of Pittsburgh, 1981
Box 13
Charles Evans Resignation, 1978
Box 13
J. Webb Fuller Resume, undated
Box 13
Life Saving Station Research Files, 1976-2003 and undated
Kitty Hawk Station, 1977-1992
Box 14
Currituck Beach Coast Guard Station, 2001 and undated
Box 14
Ocean City Life Saving Station, undated
Box 14
Cobb Island VA. Life Saving Station, 1998 and undated
Box 14
Kill Devil Hills Station, 1986 and undated
Box 14
Unidentified Life Saving Stations, 1977-1997
Box 14
Hetcher's Neck Life Saving Station, undated
Box 14
Pea Island Life Saving Station, 1988-2003
Box 14
Little Kinnakeet Life Saving Station, 1984-1993 and undated
Box 14
Nags Head Station, 1981 and undated
Box 14
Oregon Inlet Station, 1979-1996
Box 14
False Cape to Oregon Inlet Coast Guard Station, 1980-1993 and undated
Box 14
Wash Woods Life Saving Station Corona, North Carolina, 1976-1990
Box 14
Caffey's Inlet Life Saving Station, 1977 and undated
Box 14
Durants Station, 1977-1980 and undated
Box 14
Portsmouth Island Station, undated
Box 14
Chicamacomico Life Saving Station, 1978-2002
Box 15
Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce, 1981-1990
Box 15
Lions Club Speech, 1981
Box 15
Mayoral-related Newspaper Clippings, 1975-1984
Box 15
Scrapbook on the Environmental Effects of Off-Road Vehicles on Beaches, Presented by the Nags Head Civic Association, 1979
Box 22
Town Hall Forum: A Visit with the Mayor [VHS], 10 January 1989
AV Box 1
1989 Storm: Dare County [VHS], 1989
AV Box 1

Photographs, circa 1924-2007 and undated

Scope and Content:

This subseries contains photographs, most of which are believed to have been taken by Donald Bryan. Included in this series are portraits of Donald and Catharine Bryan, photographs of Donald during his time in the military, photographs of family and friends, snapshots of various buildings and landscapes, travel photographs, and images of numerous lighthouses and lifesaving stations on the Outer Banks. Also included are several hundred color slides of Donald's artwork, apparently produced to assist in managing inventory for his art business and labeled according to his original numbering scheme. Formats include prints, 35mm slides, and negatives. Additional photographs of Donald Bryan's World War II service can be found in the scrapbooks in the Military Service subseries, and early photographs of Catharine Bryan can be found in the Catharine Bryan Papers series.

Military Photographs, circa 1950s-1960s
Box 23
Air Force Group Photograph, circa 1950s
Oversize Box 1
Donald Bryan, circa 1950s-1990s
Image Box 1
Donald and Catharine Bryan, 1946-2000s
Image Box 1
Family and Friends, circa 1930s-1970s
Image Box 1
Lake Mattamuskeet Lodge, circa 1980s
Image Box 1
Buildings, Nature, Boats, and Monuments, circa 1950s-1973
Image Box 1
Art Photographs, 1968-1987
Image Box 1
Hatteras Lighthouse, 1975
Image Box 1
Bodie Island Lighthouse, 1974
Image Box 1
Swan Lake Club, circa 1980s-1990s
Image Box 1
Bryan House Under Construction, circa 2000s
Image Box 1
Taos Pueblo, May 1975
Image Box 2
Offshore Drilling, 1980s
Image Box 2
Military Service Graduation Ceremonies, circa 1970s
Image Box 2
Military Service Photographs, 1940s-1970s
Image Box 2
Animals, 1950s-circa 1970s
Image Box 2
Children, 1950-1967
Image Box 2
Various Wedding Photographs, circa 1950s-1970s
Image Box 2
Young Donald Bryan, circa 1924-1967
Image Box 2
School at Walnut Island, 1976
Image Box 3
Portsmouth Island and Coast Guard, 1981
Image Box 3
Inland, Williamsburg, Hertford Plantation, 1975-1979
Image Box 3
Durant's, Caffey's Inlet, Buxton Coast Guard Station, Creedshill Coast Guard Station, Wanchese, 1974-1978
Image Box 3
X McMannes Operation, Whalebone Boat Rental, C-130 and Aclocopter, 1976
Image Box 3
Old Library, Hatteras Lightkeeper's House, Elizabeth City Black Church, 1992
Image Box 3
Boatyard Elizabeth City, 1976-1985
Image Box 3
Eastern North Carolina, 1975-1991
Image Box 3
Kitty Hawk Lifesaving Station, undated
Image Box 4
Currituck Beach Coast Guard Station, cica 1960s
Image Box 4
Kill Devil Hills Lifesaving Station, undated
Image Box 4
Unidentified Lifesaving Stations, circa 1950s-1970s and undated
Image Box 4
Creeds Hill Station, undated
Image Box 4
Bethany Beach, Delaware, circa 1980s
Image Box 4
Pea Island Lifesaving Station, 1977 and undated
Image Box 4
Little Kinnakeet Station, circa 1950s
Image Box 4
Nags Head Station, undated
Image Box 4
Oregon Inlet Station, undated
Image Box 4
False Cape to Oregon Inlet, undated
Image Box 4
Durant Lifesaving Station, 1976
Image Box 4
Portsmouth Island Station, undated
Image Box 4
400th Anniversary Celebration, 1993
Image Box 4
Don Bryan as Mayor, circa 1978
Image Box 4
Boats, 1973-1978
Image Box 4
Houses, Landscapes, and Cars, circa 1940s-1989
Image Box 4
St. Andrew's By-The-Sea, 1974
Image Box 4
Aerial Photograph of the Outer Banks, undated
Image Box 4
"By the Water", 1975-1978
Image Box 5
Local Photographs, 1973-1985
Image Box 5
Landscape-Style Photographs, 1970s
Image Box 5
Menhaden, 1970s
Image Box 5
Ocracoke, 1970s
Image Box 5
Our House, Spain, undated
Image Box 5
Personal, 1973-1990
Image Box 5
Dare County and Inland, 1974-1997
Image Box 6
Places, 1993-1995
Image Box 6
Capes (includes Cape Hatteras Lighthouse), 1995-1999
Image Box 6
Personal and Ship Construction, 1994
Image Box 6
Copies of Finished Work, 1987 and undated
Image Box 6
Paintings and Inspiration, 1988-2007
Image Box 6
Nags Head Commons Groundbreaking, undated
Image Box 7
U.S.O. Play, circa 1940s
Image Box 7
Donald Bryan Photographs, 1972-1993 and undated
Image Box 7
Donald Bryan Photographs, circa 1960s-1990s
Image Box 7
Catharine Bryan Photographs, circa 1940s-1960s
Image Box 7
Wanchese (Linda Gayle, etc.), 1981
Image Box 7
Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee, circa 1980
Image Box 7
Art Gallery Photographs, 1977 and undated
Image Box 7
Donald Bryan Posing with Artwork, 1977 and undated
Image Box 7
Donald Bryan Professional Photographs, 1977 and undated
Image Box 7
Art Negatives, undated
Image Box 7
Paintings 7041-7738, 1975-1978
Image Box 8
Paintings 7821-8102, 1979-1983
Image Box 8
Paintings 7901-8203, 1978-1983
Image Box 8
Paintings 8301-8901, 1985-1990
Image Box 8
Paintings 9001-9624, 1990-1997
Image Box 8
Paintings 0004, 0006, 0009, and unlabeled, 2000 and undated
Image Box 8
Paintings 9700s, 1997-1998
Image Box 9
Paintings 9800s, 1998-1999
Image Box 9
Paintings: Rejects, 1975-2000 and undated
Image Box 9
Taos, 1991
Image Box 10
Sedona, Grand Canyon, 1975
Image Box 10
Santa Fe, 1991
Image Box 10
Jerome, 1990
Image Box 10
Aztec Dancers and Pole Jumpers, 1991
Image Box 10
Arizona, 1975-1990
Image Box 10
Gallop Parade, 1990
Image Box 10
Georgetown (Washington, D.C.), 1988 and undated
Image Box 10
Old Town Albuquerque, 1990
Image Box 10
Wilmington Tugs, Morehead City, State Port Docks, 1977-1983
Image Box 10
Photograph of Edith Black, 1925
Image Box 11
Donald Bryan Photograph, undated
Image Box 11
Negatives [2 folders], circa 1960s-2000 and undated
Image Box 11
Art Negatives, 1977
Image Box 11
Artwork Contact Sheets, 1990
Image Box 11

2. Catharine L. Bryan Papers, circa 1925-1993

Scope and Content:

The Catharine L. Bryan Papers primarily include the personal papers of Catharine Bryan, especially relating to her early life prior to moving to Nags Head in 1972. Included are family papers, information on her service in the military, the guestbook from her wedding to Donald Bryan, and early photographs of her and her family and friends.

Last Will and Testament of Charles T. Nafey (Catharine's Uncle), 1981
Box 2
Catharine Nafey Engagement Announcement, 1946
Box 2
Catharine Bryan Military Service, 1946-1963
Box 2
Donald and Catharine Bryan Wedding Guestbook, 1946
Box 2
Passports, 1954-1962
Box 2
Catharine Bryan Hurricane Certificate, 1993
Box 7
Hurricane-related Newspaper Clippings, 1977-1982
Box 7
Certificates, 1933-1954
Box 23
Photographs, circa 1925-1950
Box 23

Subject Headings

  • Bryan Family
  • United States. Life-Saving Service--North Carolina
  • Artists--North Carolina--Dare County
  • Conservation of natural resources--North Carolina
  • Korean War, 1950-1953--History
  • Mayors--North Carolina--Nags Head
  • World War, 1939-1945--History
  • Vietnam War, 1961-1975--History
  • Nags Head (N.C.)--History--20th century
  • Acquisitions Information

    Donated by the Donald and Catharine Bryan Estate, June 2015.

    Processing Information

  • Processed by Atticus Garrison, August 2018.