The collection consists primarily of photographs and negative taken by Richard Nims with some mixed material such as diaries, newspaper clippings, correspondence, and ephemera. The collection contains the following series: Photographs/Negatives, Other Papers, and Motion Pictures.
Richard Nims was born in Detroit, Michigan on August 28, 1917. He was the second child of Claude Henry Nims and Agnes Christine Klagstad. He had an older brother Paul Theodore Nims. When Richard was 18 months old, his mother died after giving birth to her third child. The baby also died. With his father not able to care for his two sons, he split them up to live with relatives. His mother's sister, Thora Emilie Klagstad Jones, became Richard's caretaker. Richard lived with his Aunt Thora in Toledo, Ohio until he was four years old, at which time he moved back to Detroit to live with his father and brother.
After graduated from Eastern High School in Detroit, Richard moved to Ann Arbor to attend college at the University of Michigan. His brother Paul was already a student at Michigan by the time Richard began classes in the Fall of 1934. While in Ann Arbor, Richard was employed as a student manager and accountant at the popular student hangout the Pretzel Bell Tavern. The Pretzel Bell opened in 1934 just shortly after the repeal of Prohibition. The Pretzel Bell, located at 120 E. Liberty Street, was a few blocks west of Ann Arbor's dry line. During this time, any establishment east of Division Street was prohibited to sell liquor. Therefore, students wanting to buy a drink would have to venture to establishments located outside Ann Arbor's dry territory like the Pretzel Bell. "The P-Bell," as it was commonly known, quickly became a popular, co-educational social center. At one point during his time in Ann Arbor, Richard lived in an apartment above the restaurant.
On February 9, 1940, Richard married Margaret Alice Perry, the only child of Raymond Alvin Perry and Florence Hattie Bos. The couple married at the First Congregational Church on S. State Street and E. William Street in Ann Arbor. Over a year after their marriage, Richard graduated from University of Michigan with an A.B. degree in Economics.
After graduation, Richard took a job with Michigan Alkali Company in Wyandotte, Michigan. On September 19, 1943, the couple had their first child, Eric Nims. Soon after the birth of their son, Richard entered the Naval Officers Training School in Chicago. He graduated from the program as a Lieutenant, Junior Grade and a navigator.
In 1944, Richard was assigned to Landing Craft Support (Large) stationed in the South Pacific. While with his company, Richard acted as the photographer, documenting action at sea, life aboard a warship, scenery of the South Pacific, and street scenes in the Philippines and Tokyo during 1944 and 1945.
When his naval duty ended, Richard returned to Michigan and worked at Wyandotte Chemical Corp. On June 25, 1949, Margaret and Richard had their second child, Kirk Nims, in Wyandotte, Michigan.
In 1951, Richard was again called to serve in the South Pacific for the Korean War. Richard was stationed on the USS Corson (AVP-37). Richard again acted as ship photographer during this second tour of duty. He was discharged from the Navy as a full Lieutenant.
Richard spent his remaining years living in Michigan with his family. He died on September 28, 1994.
