John A. Watkins Papers, PC.5292
Abstract
John A. Watkins was an aviator active on the Outer Banks in the late 20th century. In addition to his personal papers, this collection includes records for
Coastal Patrol Base No. 16 of the Civil Air Patrol, which operated in Manteo, N.C.,
during World War II under the command of Watkins' father, Major Allen Harrison Watkins.
Included are pilot reports, a base log, the base's S-2 journal, and Allen Watkins'
personal notebook describing disciplinary violations of the soldiers under his command
as well as other routine matters.
Descriptive Summary
- Title
- John A. Watkins Papers
- Call Number
- PC.5292
- Creator
- Watkins, John Adams, 1934-2015
- Date
- 1941-1998 and undated
- Extent
- 2.610 cubic feet
- Language
- English
- Repository
- Outer Banks History Center
Restrictions on Access & Use
Access Restrictions
Audiovisual materials may be inaccessible pending reformatting. Contact the Outer Banks History Center for more information.
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.5292, John A. Watkins Papers, Outer Banks History Center, Manteo, NC, U.S.A.
Collection Overview
The John A. Watkins Papers, 1941-1998 and undated, are arranged into two series: Civil
Air Patrol Coastal Patrol Base 16 (Manteo, N.C.) Records (1941-1943 and undated) and
Personal Papers (1962-1998 and undated)
The largest series in the collection is the Civil Air Patrol Coastal Patrol Base 16
(Manteo, N.C.) Records, 1941-1943 and undated. The bulk of this series consists of
pilot reports for planes departing from and/or arriving to Base 16. These reports
include the pilot's name, mission symbol, serial number, gas and oil levels, records
of mechanical checks, weather, takeoff and landing times, and other information about
the flight. One folder exclusively describes flights completed by Allen H. Watkins
on his plane, NC12329. The pilot reports are organized by the aircraft's serial number.
Also included are photocopies of Base 16's log and S-2 journal, as well as copies
of memoranda and orders affecting the camp. Additionally, Major Allen H. Watkins'
"black book," an alphabetized notebook largely containing records of disciplinary
violations committed by the soldiers under his command, as well as personal notes,
memoranda, and a small number of letters received by Watkins, is included. These records
describe life in the camp in minute detail, including events attended by the soldiers
stationed there, changes in rules and regulations, and descriptions of day-to-day
operations.
The second series, Personal Papers, 1962-1998 and undated, includes clippings and
research material collected by John A. Watkins on shipwrecks and German U-boats off
the North Carolina coast (with a special focus on U-701), as well as VHS recordings
related to Base 16 and aviation on the Outer Banks. Also included are several folders
of color slides created by Watkins, primarily consisting of beach scenes, air shows,
aerial photographs and other Outer Banks scenes. Several sheets comprising a slide
index are included, but the index does not appear to be complete, and the slide numbers
do not match the numbers listed on the index.
Arrangement Note
Folders within each series and video recordings are arranged alphabetically. Pilot reports are arranged numerically by aircraft serial number. Slides are arranged chronologically.
Biographical/Historical
Much of this collection consists of records from Civil Air Patrol Coastal Patrol Base 16, located on the north end of Roanoke Island during World War II. These records passed to Watkins upon the death of his father, who served as the base commander for Base 16.
Contents of the Collection
1. Civil Air Patrol Coastal Patrol Base 16 (Manteo, N.C.) Records, 1941-1943 and undated
Pilot Reports, 1941-1943
2. Personal Papers, 1962-1998 and undated
Subject Headings
Acquisitions Information
Donated by David Watkins on behalf of the John A. Watkins Estate, September 2015.