Skip to main content
 Collection
Identifier: R-MC 034

Carleton C. Dilatush Papers

Dates

  • 1937-2006

Scope and Content Note

The majority of materials contained in this collection refer to Carleton Dilatush's years as both a student and alumnus of Rutgers University, as well as his military career. The dates of the material are intermittent, and therefore those dates listed with the series in this finding aid are inclusive. As material is somewhat varied, some of it is organized by subject and other materials by format.

Series I contains two types of biographical material. The first three folders comprise material on Dilatush that has been held by Rutgers University Archives as one of its alumni biographical file and includes photos and documents relating to Dilatush's years as a student and an alumnus. The next two folders were supplied by Dilatush, and include a personal sketch and annotated finding aids. The most complete and insightful information of his life can be found in a transcript of Dilatush's interview for the Rutgers Oral History Archives of World War II, conducted on May 17, 1995 (to see transcript, follow this link). Series II is dedicated to both correspondence and ephemera associated with his career at Rutgers as a student and alumnus. Many of the folders focus on Dilatush's contributions to Rutgers as an alumnus. Series III is constructed similarly to Series II, but focuses on Dilatush's military career.

Series IV (Clippings) and V (Photographs), and Series VI contains small amounts of material which could not be classified specifically with either Rutgers or the military.

Researchers should make special note of the material marked "Oversize" or "Memorabilia," which are housed separately as part of VIII (Oversize and Artifacts.)

Extent

1 manuscript boxes (1 oversize box, 1 artifact box, and memorabilia)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

Carleton C. Dilatush graduated from Rutgers College in 1940. The papers in this collection reflect his active participation in Rutgers life and activities as both a student and an alumnus. Other documents and photos pertain to his World War II experiences and his employment with the Armstrong Cork Company. This collection includes correspondence, certificates, photographs, and artifacts.

Biographical Sketch

Carleton Cook Dilatush, the son of Lester W. Dilatush and Merta Cook Bradshaw Dilatush, was born January 27, 1918, in Hamilton Square, New Jersey. On September 26, 1941, Dilatush married Shirley Cain, and together they raised two sons, Tom and Scott, and two daughters, Lee Ann and Mary Beth.

Dilatush attended Rutgers University, graduating in 1940 with a bachelor of science degree in dairy manufacturing. As a student, Dilatush was very active, serving as, among other things, Student Council President, President of Cap and Skull, Captain of the 150 lb. Football team, and editor of the Scarlet Letter yearbook. While attending college, he also completed a Civil Pilot training program through the Civil Aeronautics Association. Later in life, Dilatush was elected a Loyal Son of Rutgers (1967) and served as a charter member of the Board of Trustees of the university (1978-1990) and then as a Trustee Emeritus, 1990 to the present. He also received the Board of Governors' Federation meritorious Award (September 24, 1984) and the Rutgers Alumni Association (RAA) Trustees' Award (May 25, 1985), and the George Hammell Cook Award (April 23, 1998).

Upon graduation in 1940, Dilatush accepted a position with the Armstrong Cork Company, but left the position on leave of absence when he enlisted in the United States Armed Forces on January 16, 1941. After serving as Staff Sargent in veterinary service at Fort Dix, he attended Officer Candidate School at Fort Lee, Virginia, and received commission as a Second Lieutenant QMC (Quartermaster Corp.) in August 1942. Dilatush was assigned to the China-Burma-India Theater, where he served in the Quartermaster Section until November 1945. Following his return to the United States after the war, Dilatush served in the New Jersey National Guard from October 1946 until May 1953. He achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He was awarded the Legion of Merit as a Major when he returned to the US at the end of 1945.

Dilatush rejoined Armstrong Cork Company in 1946, as a salesman for the New York District. He was promoted to Assistant District Manager in 1950 and became District Manager in 1955 and served until 1966. Dilatush eventually was appointed CEO and President of National Cork Co., Keyport, New Jersey, a fully-owned subsidiary of Armstrong Cork Co., in January 1966. He retired on April 30, 1984.

Dilatush has been a staunch and active supporter of Rutgers over the years. His personal contributions have provided scholarships to students, commemorative buildings and markers to the Rutgers campuses, and support to the Scarlet Knights football team. He has been an instrumental figure in the lives of many members of the Rutgers community.

Arrangement Note

The Papers of Carleton C. Dilatush are arranged into seven series:

  1. I. Biographical Material
  2. II. Rutgers, 1939-1998
  3. III. Military, 1940-1971
  4. IV. Clippings, 1939-1971
  5. V. Photographs
  6. VI. General
  7. VII. Oversize and Artifacts
Title
Guide to the Carleton C. Dilatush Papers, 1937-2006 R-MC 034
Status
Edited Full Draft
Author
Kathy Stewart and Caryn Radick
Date
July 2008
Language of description note
Finding aid is written in English.

Part of the Rutgers University Archives Repository

Contact:
Rutgers University Libraries
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
169 College Avenue
New Brunswick NJ 08901-1163
848-932-7510
732-932-7012 (Fax)