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Alphabetical List of Collections: R

Note: Larger holdings are labeled "Collection"; smaller holdings (less than 2½ inches) are labeled "Manuscript".

Rabel, Ruth Jones (1908-2002). Collection, circa 1924-2002, n.d.

Collection 312

1 foot, 5 ½ inches
Ruth Jones Rabel was an author, educator, and painter. Ms. Rabel’s collection includes copies of five novels of historical fiction; a collection of poetry for adults; a collection of poetry for children; poetry and short stories for children and young adults; children’s books; nonfiction; and illustrations, drawings and paintings. Original manuscripts; correspondence; over twenty albums of photographs and handwritten documents dating from the nineteenth century; autobiographical and biographical materials; works on paper; illustrations, drawings and paintings by Ruth Jones Rabel, along with artifacts, are forthcoming. An endowment with UL Lafayette Foundation has been created in her name to house the collection for the preservation, research, cataloguing, writing, development, publication, and advancement of the works of Ruth Jones Rabel, the Ruth Jones Rabel Collection bequeathed by Linda Anne Rabel, daughter and only child of Ruth and Joseph Rabel.

Raghavan, Vijay V. ( - ). Papers, 1975-2018, n.d.

Collection 518

7 feet, 2 ½ inches; 10 GB
Dr. Vijay Raghavan is a professor in computer science at the Center for Advanced Computer Studies, University of Louisiana at Lafayette. His research areas include information retrieval and extraction, data and web mining, big data analytics, and literature-based discovery. This collection consists of Dr. Raghavan's conference proceedings, all bound. The books are organized alphabetically by year. The collection also includes digital proceedings and awards received. Dr. Vijay Raghavan donated the collection.

Railroad Companies. Material, the 1970s, 1992

Manuscript 257

1 folder
Miscellaneous materials from railroad companies.

Ramsey, Matthew I. (1886-1955). Papers, 1907-1973, n.d.

Collection 394

1 foot, 2 ½ inches
Matthew Ignatius Ramsey was the owner of the Filmdom Theatre (Motion Pictures) of Gueydan and edited and published various newspapers such as the Church Point Democrat, the Washington Progress, The Gueydan News, and The Kaplan Times. This collection consists of biographical information of the Ramsey family, photographs, and pedigree charts of the Ramsey and Meyers families. Also included are bound volumes of the Church Point Democrat, 1907-1909. Fred and Zilda Frogue donated this collection.

Randazzo, Corinne O. ( - ). Collection, 1950-1954

Collection 495

2.5 inches
Corrinne Ohlsen Randazzo attended Southwestern Louisiana Institute (now University of Louisiana at Lafayette) from 1950 to 1954. This collection contains a few items from her college years. They consists of invitations, name cards, greeting card, and artifacts. Corinne O. Randazzo donated the collection.

Raphael, Morris (1917-2011). Papers, 1800-2011, n.d.

Collection 315

22.5 feet; oversize
This collection contains Morris Raphael’s correspondence, research materials, and writings, as well as personal material and photographs. The collection was donated by Helen Raphael.

Rapides Parish. Land Records, 1819-1829

Manuscript 133

2 folders
Surveys in Rapides Parish by Kenneth McGrunnen. Photocopies.

Ray, Eliza Britt (1906-1994). Song, 1964

Manuscript 70

1 item
"Lovely Louisiana" with words and music by Eliza Britt Ray. Includes mimeograph of music with words, typescript of the poem, 1865-1946. Donated by author-composer, Eliza (Mrs. Archie C.) Britt Ray, in 1969.

Raymond, John L. ( - ). Map, c. 1895-1900

Manuscript 71

1 item
Hand-drawn map of Lower Atchafalaya Basin by John L. Raymond while hunting for cypress timber; plat map showing sections. Donated by Johnny Raymond of Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, his grandson.

Raynolds, William F. (1820-1894). Commissions, 1847-1881

Manuscript 86

9 items
Military commissions of William F. Raynolds from 2nd Lieutenant through Colonel including a diploma from United States Military Academy. Raynolds, originally from Ohio, served in the Corps of Engineers. Donated by Fred and Kay Bates (indefinite loan).

Reaux, Lawless J., Jr. "Butterbean" (1928- ). Collection, 1944-1979

Collection 220

1 foot
Lawless J. “Butterbean” Reaux, Jr. was a native of Lafayette, La. He was a member of the Boys Scouts of America and was also in the military. This collection consists of personal information, photographs, military records, correspondence, publications, etc.

Reaux, Vita M. (1907-2008). Genealogical Collection, 1778-1972

Collection 254

2¼ feet
Vita Marie Reaux was born August 16, 1907, to George Bonin Sr. and the former Noelie LeBlanc. She was married to John Rodolph Reaux and they had one son. Reaux was a member of various clubs like Fatima Seniors 50 plus club, Attakapas Historical Association Society, Daughters of the American Revolution, National Society United Daughters of the Confederacy, and many more. She passed away on December 29, 2008, in Lafayette, Louisiana. This collection consists of genealogical research, notes, books, pedigree charts, and indexes. Note: Some documents are in French. Vita Bonin Reaux donated this collection.

Record Group 21, District Courts of the United States. Mexican Revolution Records, 1892-1917

Collection 455

1 DVD
The records of District Courts of the United States, the Mexican Revolution contain Court records by cases. These records have names of criminals, charges files, court location, and case numbers.

Rees Family. Papers, 1826-1901, 1974

Collection 13

5 inches
This collection, containing personal and business correspondence of the Henry Rees family of Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, reflects life from about the mid-nineteenth century to the twentieth century. It deals with family life, illness (such as yellow fever), community life, agriculture, finances, taxes, legal matters and attitudes and opinions on contemporary events. Included also are the legal papers Henry Rees generated while he served as Justice of the Peace in St. Martin Parish and Orderly Sergeant in the Militia.
This collection was donated by Henry Rees and George W. Marshall.

Rees Family. Papers, 1804-1827

Collection 13A

2.5 inches
This collection consists of copies of transcripts of the letters of Mrs. Margaret Jones Rees Morgan from Morgantown, Berks County, PA to her son David Rees, in Louisiana (usually via Benjamin Morgan or George Morgan of New Orleans). These letters are dated from 1804-1827.

Reeves, Jim (1923-1964). Correspondence, 1961

Manuscript 248

1 folder
Jim Reeves was an American country and popular music singer-songwriter. His records were on the charts from 1950s-1980s, and he became well known as a practitioner of the Nashville sound (a mixture of older country-style music with elements of popular music). He obtained a job as an announcer for KWKH-AM in Shreveport, Louisiana, then the home of the popular radio program Louisiana Hayride.

Reid, William M. (1891-1979). Papers, 1911-1965, n.d.

Collection 18

2 feet, 3.5 inches
William M. Reid was a rice miller, president, and executive vice president of the Rice Millers Association. This collection consists of minutes of the advisory council, articles, and reports on the rice industry. Also included are the Rice Millers Association newsletters and other miscellaneous materials. William Reid donated the collection.

Reinhardt, Julien C. "Dutch" (1907-1989). Papers, 1900-1988, n.d.

Collection 100

10 feet, 3.5 inches; oversize
Julien "Dutch" Reinhardt was an athletics coach at the University of Southwestern Louisiana (now the University of Louisiana at Lafayette) for 58 years. This collection contains correspondence, newspaper clippings, schedules, program information, statistics, rosters, journals, and a very large collection of photographs and negatives about SLI/USL athletics. Martha and James Reinhardt, wife and son of “Dutch” Reinhardt, donated this collection.

Renaissance Cadienne. Records, 1991-2007

Collection 331

1 foot
Renaissance Cadienne was a performance group established in 1990 for the purpose of preserving the unique culture of the Cajuns of the prairies and bayous of south Louisiana. The group used authentic Cajun/French folk songs and dances in its performances. The collection documents the activities of the group. The collection was donated by May Waggoner.

Republican Party (Lafayette, Louisiana). Newsletter, 1960-1961

Manuscript 11

1 folder
Newsletter for the Republican Party in Lafayette, Louisiana.

Reynolds, Charles H. (1924-1997). Collection, 1966-1993, n.d.

Collection 199

11 feet
Charles Heath Reynolds was a professor of piano, composition, and arranging at the USL School of Music. This collection consists of programs, photographs, correspondence, new clippings, reports, and sheet music composed and arranged by Reynolds.

Rice, Lawrence D. (1929-1993). Collection, 1964-1970, n.d.

Collection 515

10 inches
Dr. Lawrence Rice was a history professor at University of Southwestern Louisiana (now University of Louisiana at Lafayette from 1965 to 1990. This collection consists of drafts of Dr. Rice’s dissertation titled, “The Negro in Texas, 1874-1900.” Other items correspondence, materials from his times at Navarro Junior College, and items related to the Texas Historical Association.

Rice Millers Association. Records, 1906-1966, 1992

Collection 33

16 feet, 8 inches
The Rice Millers Association (RMA) is a private, non-profit, national trade association of the rice milling industry. It is one of the oldest agricultural organizations in the United States. The collection contains correspondence, reports, minutes, contracts, government, and miscellaneous materials related to the U.S. rice milling industry and the organization.

Rice Miscellaneous. Collection, 1856-1968

Collection 36

1 foot; oversize
This is a general collection for rice miscellaneous given to the Archives as single items.

Richard, François (1826-1898). Papers, 1832-1899, n.d.

Collection 164

2.5 inches
Mainly documents related to the law practice of François Richard, fils, in St. Landry Parish and to legal matters involving the Richard family. Of special interest is a contract between a former enslaver and freedmen executed on Aug. 16, 1865. Donated by Sandra Clayton Richard in 1989.

Richard, Zachary (1950- ). Papers, 1971-2017, n.d.

Collection 311

23 feet; oversize
Zachary Richard is a world-renowned musician, recording artist, author, and educator. This collection contains Zachary Richard’s personal papers, including production and research notes from his documentary Against the Tide, publications, music, press and newspaper clippings, and publicity items. The collection also documents his Francophone initiatives. Zachary Richard donated the collection.

Richards, William G., Jr. ( - ). Collection, 1785-1969, n.d.

Collection 340

3 feet, 6.5 inches; Map Case
This is a miscellaneous collection that contains documents relating to George S. Kausler of New Orleans, photographs of New Orleans and plantation homes, and historical newspapers. William G. Richards, Jr. of Lafayette, Louisiana donated the collection.

Richardson, Francis D. (1812-1901). Family Papers, 1849-2021, n.d.

Collection 481

7 ½ inches; oversize; 21.8 megabytes
Francis DuBose Richardson owned the Bayside Plantation on the Bayou Teche in Jeanerette, Louisiana. This collection consists of papers presenting the history of the Richardson, Bissell, and Horner families. These include genealogy, writings, photographs, and original letters between family members. There is also a record book dated from 1860-1868 of day-to-day operations on the plantation side. According to the record book, crops planted included cotton and corn, but mainly sugarcane. Wesley Winans Horner II donated the papers. Gayle Breaux Smith donated the records book.

Rickels, Milton Henry (1920-1997) and Patricia Kennedy (1927-2009). Papers, 1950-2007, n.d.

Collection 307

32 feet
Milton and Patricia Rickels taught English at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette from the 1950s until retirement. They were active scholars and published numerous books and articles. The couple received the Louisiana Humanist of the Year Award from the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities in 1990. They were also active in the civil rights movement. This collection consists of their personal and professional files, including correspondence, diaries, photographs, certificates, research files, and other papers. Donated by James Wilson, Jr.

Riehl, Joseph A. (1906-1989). Papers, 1910-1988, n.d.

Collection 15

4 feet, 2.5 inches
Joseph Anthony Riehl was a long time participant in the SLI/USL (now the University of Louisiana at Lafayette) community. He taught history and served at various times as Registrar, Dean of Men, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts, Dean of Administration, and Dean of the University. These papers focus on various portions of Riehl's career in academia.

Riehl, Joseph E. ( - ). Collection, 1999-2001, n.d.

Collection 255

10 inches
Dr. Joseph E. Riehl was a professor in the Department of English at the University of Southwestern Louisiana (now University of Louisiana at Lafayette). He did extensive research in collaboration with Dr. Edwin Marrs on the letters of Charles and Mary Lamb. This collection consists of drafts of the manuscript titled The Letters of Charles and Mary Ann Lamb, Volume IV. With the help of Leslie D. Schilling and Dean A. David Barry, Special Collections acquired this collection.

Riehl, Vincent (1911-1995). Collection, 1890s-1900s

Collection 209

5 inches
Vincent Riehl was involved in the construction industry and other business interests, including KLFY-TV 10 in Lafayette and radio stations in Eunice and Ville Platte. This collection consists of mainly photographs from Acadia Parish from the 1890s through the early 1900s. The photographs are scenes from Crowley, Rayne, Esterwood and other parts of the parish. Also included are photographs of families and individuals.

Riley, Harland K. (1905-1972). Collection, 1929-1969

Collection 159

10 inches
Harland K. Riley was a native of Gueydan, La. In 1931, he joined the SLI faculty as an Assistant Professor of Agriculture. This collection consists of his thesis, correspondence, photographs, speeches, awards, certificates, diplomas, and other miscellaneous materials.

Ripley, John A. (1836-1896). Letters, 1862: April - August

Manuscript 166

1 folder
Five letters from John Ripley to his wife in St. Johnsbury, Vermont. Ripley was an assistant surgeon in a Vermont regiment stationed in Louisiana at the time. The letters were written from New Orleans (3), Ship Island, Mississippi (1), and Bayou des Allemands (1). These items were scanned by Jim Bradshaw. The location of the originals is not indicated.

Riverside Irrigation Company. Records, 1896-1991

Collection 296

6 feet
The Riverside Irrigation Company was founded on 22 March 1895, in Jennings, La., by Edward F. Rowson, Orin S. Dolby, and S. J. Johnson. Dolby soon sold out to C. A. McCoy who served as the company’s president for many years. The company purchased land along Bayou Nepique containing a sawmill and quickly added a rice mill and warehouse. Canals were soon dug. Fourteen landowners signed on with the company in 1895. Lowell Stagg, an SLI graduate, served as Secretary, Treasurer, and General Manager from 1945 to 1978. In the 1990s, it stopped operating the canals and turned into a land management operation.
This collection contains business records from 1895 to 1991. Many administrative records including minute books and correspondence are in the McNeese State University Archives Collection 33.
This collection was donated by Joseph W. Freeland.

Riviana Foods, Inc. Certificate, 1970

Manuscript 256

1 folder
Common Stock Certificate: Riviana Foods Inc. certifies that Gerlach & Company is the owner of one hundred shares, June 12, 1970.

Roberts, Sylvia (1933-2014). Collection, 1960-1980, n.d.

Collection 186

17.5 feet; 40 reels (microfilm)
Sylvia Roberts was a lawyer, educator, and women’s rights activist. She was a member of the National Organization for Women and was victorious in the Weeks v. Southern Bell case for fighting gender-based discrimination. This collection contains Ms. Roberts’s working files various topics important to women’s rights advocates. These include abortion, the Equal Rights Amendment, maternity benefits, and women’s education.

Rodgers, Raymond S. (1935-2007). Collection, 1966-1972, n.d.

Collection 229

1 foot
Raymond S. Rodgers taught political science at the University of Southwestern Louisiana from 1966 to 1968. He was deeply involved in the movement to save the Cajun French dialect and was a member of the Council for the Development of French in Louisiana (CODOFIL). This collection consists of material dealing with CODOFIL and French in Louisiana. Donated by Raymond S. Rodgers.

Roman, Alfred (1824-1892). Civil War Memoirs, 1878

Manuscript 73

5 pages
Handwritten account of the Battle of Shiloh by a Lieutenant Colonel of the 18th Louisiana Regiment. Photocopy of original in Tennessee State Library, Manuscript Division, 5 pages.

Rose-Hayes Genealogical Collection, 1777-2011, n.d.

Collection 346

1 foot, 5 inches
This collection consists of the Rose-Hayes families of Petite Anse Island and allied families research papers. Elizabeth Hayes settled on Avery Island in the early 1790s. She is believed to be the first of the Hayes family to migrate there. Edmond Rose was from North Carolina. He arrived at Weeks Island, January 7th, 1815. This collection was donated by Judy Henry.

Rosenthal, Florence ( - ). Collection, 1901-1934, n.d.

Manuscript 89

1 folder
Miscellaneous items found in books donated to Dupré Library. Includes advertisement from Dan Chevrolet Company, Lafayette, Louisiana, and envelope from Casa del Fresa, Hammond, Louisiana. 5 items.

Rougeou, Clyde L. (1915-1980). Papers, 1944-1979

Collection 96

4 feet, 9 inches
Dr. Clyde L. Rougeou was the president of the University of Southwestern Louisiana (now the University of Louisiana at Lafayette) from 1966-1974. This collection consists of correspondence, genealogy material on the Rougeou family, photographs, clippings, certificates and awards, appointment books, and plaques and trophies.

Roy, Harmon F. ( - ). Collection, 1980

Collection 178

5 inches
A collection of approximately 175 photographs related to the Lake Peigneur disaster of 1980. Roy served as one of the lawyers involved in litigation over the case.

Roy, J. Maxime (1893-1968). Scrapbooks, 1948-1956

Collection 234

1 foot 9 inches; Microfilm: 1 reel
J. Maxime Roy was born in Broussard, La., but lived most of his life in Lafayette. He served as mayor of Lafayette from 1936 to 1944. In 1948, he was elected to the State Senate, where he served until 1952. in addition to his public service, he was in the real estate and insurance business.
The collection consists of three scrapbooks containing newspaper clippings, 1948-1956.

Royal Ancestry of Rousseau de Villejoin Collection

Collection 376

5 inches
Gabriel Rousseau de Villejoin was one of seven military captains who first arrived at Louisbourg in Nova Scotia. He was married to Marie Joseph Bertrand and they had five children together before he died in 1718. De Villejoin also served on the Superior Council at Port Toulouse in 1717. The collection is a family history of Gabriel Rousseau de Villejoin’s family. It includes information on de Villejoin, his family, their careers, and information on their lots in Louisbourg, Nova Scotia. Also included is an extensive ancestry of Gabriel Rosuseau de Villejoin. Donated by John Davis Villejoin.

Roye, Darrell Simpson (1913-1975). War Collection, the 1940s

Manuscript 150

1 folder
Scanned photographs while stationed in Italy in the 1940s (some unidentified). Also included: a copy of the “Notice of Classification” card, 1945.; a copy of Roye’s I.D. Tag; a typed letter to Roye’s parents, 29 May 1943 from Roye while he was In North Africa. Photocopy. Courtesy of Ron Domingue.

Russia. State Loan Certificate, 1906-1907

Manuscript 90

2 items
State loan certificates. Oversized. No donor card.