Catherine Nimitz Lay Papers

Collection

Identifier: 000050

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Catherine Nimitz Lay Papers contain documents regarding the Nimitz family and Admiral Chester W. Nimitz’s naval career. The collection includes letters written to Catherine Nimitz Lay from Admiral Nimitz and other U.S. Naval officers. Additionally, there are news clippings and items regarding the Japanese surrender. This collection also features Chinese letters and books from the Chinese embassy that were given to Admiral Nimitz. Furthermore, it contains letters and photographs regarding Chester B. Nimitz and older members of the Nimitz family, as well as photographs of Admiral Nimitz in his later life.

Dates

Creation: 1902 - 1978

Creator

Lay, Catherine Vance Nimitz, 1914-2015 (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

Permission to publish material from this collection in any form must be obtained from the National Museum of the Pacific War, Center for Pacific War Studies.

Biographical / Historical

Catherine Nimitz Lay (February 22, 1914 – January 14, 2015) was born at a naval hospital in Brooklyn, New York. Being the eldest daughter of Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, Catherine lived and traveled to various places growing up such as California, Hawaii, and Shanghai. At age 16, Lay attended the University of California at Berkeley and graduated in 1934. When World War II broke out, Lay was living with her sister, Nancy Nimitz, and would send telegrams to Admiral Nimitz. During the war, Lay volunteered with the Navy Relief Society, where she gave speeches to promote war efforts on the home front.

In March 1945, Catherine Nimitz Lay married her husband, Captain James Lay, who served on the USS Augusta with her father. Together, they had three boys and lived at various naval bases during Captain Lay’s naval career. Eventually, Lay and her family moved to Newport, Rhode Island, where she worked as a librarian. In 1972, Lay became a sponsor for the USS Nimitz (CVN-68) and christened the ship in Norfolk, Virginia.

Extent

.25 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Chinese

Additional Description

Abstract

The Catherine Nimitz Lay Papers contains letters, photographs, books, and correspondence regarding Catherine Nimitz Lay and her father, Chester W. Nimitz.

Arrangement

This collection consists of five folders.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Catherine Nimitz Lay donated these materials to Texas Historical Commission in 1985 (Accession number 1007), 1993 (Accession number 1993.529), 2000 (Accession number 2000.673), 2001 (Acccession number 2001.598), and 2010 (Accession number F2010.515).