R. E. McCurdy was born in Cass County, Iowa on Octber 15, 1887. He received his undergraduate education from Iowa State College (University), graduating with a B.S. (1916) in civil engineering. These reminiscences were written by McCurdy and describe events as they unfolded in his life, including his service in World War I. McCurdy also writes about his many engineering jobs that took him around the world.

Ray Elbert McCurdy was born in Cass County, Iowa on October 15, 1887. McCurdy received his B.S. (1916) in civil engineering from Iowa State College (University). He served in World War I. His career as an engineer took him all over the world. McCurdy married Leona Woodrift and they had 3 children. Ray McCurdy passed away on July 18,1980.

The collection (undated) contains reminiscences beginning with McCurdy's earliest memories as he describes his life from the age of three years old through his adult years. McCurdy gives an account of his service during World War I, where he served in Russia, and also describes his career after the war. He identifies various events that happened throughout his life. The 205-page typescript ends in November 1957.