Material in this collection document Alphin’s research in agricultural mechanization, especially in the areas of tobacco curing and harvesting. The files in the collection date from 1836 to 2009 with most of the material created between 1965 and 1997. Each series has its own arrangement; in all series films, photographs and slides are listed at the end of the other files in the same arrangement as the series as a whole.

The files in the Professional series document the results of his and students’ research, his duties as a faculty member at Clemson University, his involvement in professional organizations, and his relationship to sponsors of his research such as tobacco companies and the South Carolina Tobacco Foundation. The series contains numerous presentations and research papers delivered at the American Society of Agricultural Engineers and the Tobacco Workers’ Conferences. There is also information relating to tobacco research and the tobacco industry in general. This series contains material dating from 1879-2006 with the majority of the material dating from 1963 to 1996. It is arranged alphabetically by folder title.

The Research series contains data gathered by Alphin and his students for their research projects as well as other material relating to them. Areas of research interest include electric light insect traps, low-profile once-over tobacco harvesting, the use of alternative fuels and computer control in tobacco curing, “big box” tobacco curing, and alternative uses for curing barns. These files date from 1962-2009 although there is very little material after 1996. Material in this series is arranged chronologically and then alphabetically by folder title within each year.

The files in the Patent series document the design, development, patenting, marketing, and publicity for two once-over low-profile harvesters co-invented by Alphin and John B. Pitner and Frank C. Patten, respectively. The series also contains material relating to patent searches and to potential patents such as those for an automatic cordwood burning system and a roll baler. This series contains material dating from 1832-2006 with most of the material dating from 1968-1997. It is arranged alphabetically by folder title.

The Papers are a valuable resource for researching mechanization of agriculture in the 20th century and Clemson University’s role in the process.