Piatt Family Papers

Collection

Identifier: 1000.044

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Piatt Family Papers houses the personal family records of the Piatt family that lived in Clarksville, Tenn. The materials in this collection primarily dates between the years 1950 and 1960, with some materials from before and after this time period. This collection consists of correspondences between Dorothy and Robert Piatt. There are various newspaper clippings, photographs and other items such as receipts, and postcards from the Piatt Family.

Dates

1950 - 1960

Language of Materials

This collection is recorded in English.

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for research use.

Conditions Governing Use

Some material may be copyrighted or restricted. It is the patron’s obligation to determine and satisfy copyright or other case restrictions when publishing or otherwise distributing materials found in the collections.

Biographical / Historical

Dorothy Pyland Piatt (b. March 12, 1913, d. December 26, 2009) originally from Russellville, Ky., moved to Clarksville, Tenn. with her family around 1930. Dorothy met her husband Robert Russell Piatt (b. November 8, 1911, d. May 16, 1972) and married him on April 17, 1931. They had Robert Russell Jr., Barbara Jean, William Lester, Shirley Ann, Deborah Gail, and Tanya. Dorothy worked as a steamer in the dry cleaning industry and Robert worked as a plumber and steam fitter in Clarksville, Tenn.

Dorothy and Robert’s relationship began when she was 17 and Piatt was 20. Dorothy’s father, Lawrence Pyland, prohibited her from seeing Robert Piatt. Despite this, Dorothy continued to see Robert, and in one encounter in February 1931 Lawrence saw the couple talking behind the Post Office. According to reports from the Leaf-Chronicle Lawrence attacked Piatt, stabbing him twice in the back and slashing his front. Piatt’s left lung was punctured and part of his intestines were perforated. After this incident, Lawrence Pyland turned himself in. He was released for lack of evidence and then later re-arrested the same night. A jury sentenced him to a workhouse for 11 months and 29 days , along with a fine for $150 and court costs.

Dorothy and Robert’s life included watching their children grow up and marry. The couple announced the weddings of their children through The Leaf Chronicle. Robert placed advertisements in the paper for his plumbing business that he operated for many years. Dorothy and Robert Piatt are both buried in the Riverview Cemetery along with their first son, Robert Russell Piatt Jr. who died from complications of Colitis in 1936.

Extent

1.25 Linear Feet

Additional Description

Arrangement

This collection is arranged by similar content. Letters are filed together. Receipts are files as similar places.

Processing Information

There was no discernable order to the contents of the box. The order of the materials has been altered to keep similar papers, letters, photographs and documents together. Some receipts have been placed together and organized by year. Similar photographs were placed together, based on approximate dates and content of the photographs. The photographs included have been removed and added to the archive’s photograph collection.