Philadelphia Area Archives

Start Over Repository University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts Online Content Not Available Form Correspondence Form Clippings (information artifacts) Form Legal documents

Robert Dechert collection of litigation papers regarding the ownership of the William Clark papers, 1953-1960 (inclusive)

Extent:: 0.6 linear feet (2 boxes)
Abstract:: The collection consists of correspondence, legal documents, and reference materials related to litigation in the U.S. District Court and U.S. Court of Appeals regarding the ownership of the William Clark papers. William Clark (1770-1838) led the 1803 to 1806 Lewis and Clark Expedition with Meriwether Lewis.

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts [Contact Us]

Howard Fast papers, 1903-2006 (inclusive) 1931-2003 (bulk)

Extent:: 41 linear feet ((105 boxes, 1 oversized folder))
Abstract:: Howard Melvin Fast (1914-2003) was a best-selling and prolific American author of historical fiction, mysteries, and science fiction, known for his books on themes of patriotism, social justice, and the immigrant experience. He wrote nearly 100 books and more than 150 short stories, as well as numerous screenplays, stage plays, and newspaper columns. The Howard Fast papers include correspondence, journals, appointment books, address books, financials, writings, promotion and reviews, scrapbooks, biographies, profiles, chronologies, bibliographies, interviews, governmental and political files, vital records, personal documents, awards, photographs, artwork, and audiovisual materials. The papers were deposited at the University of Pennsylvania over the course of 45 years and represent nearly all facets of the writer's life.

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts [Contact Us]

Joseph W. Catharine papers regarding the Thomas W. Evans estate, 1897-1931, undated (inclusive)

Extent:: 2.2 linear feet (6 boxes)
Abstract:: The Joseph W. Catharine papers contain records, correspondence and legal documents dating from 1897 to 1931, which relate to the litigation of the Thomas W. Evans estate. Although Dr. Evans, a wealthy dentist, left a clear last will and testament, it took about sixteen years for his estate to be administered due to a string of legal battles between the heirs, executors and City of Philadelphia (represented by Catharine in his capacity as Assistant City Solicitor). The collection includes professional correspondence, legal notes and memoranda, formal legal documents filed by name of court, the records of the Thomas W. Evans Museum and Institute Society, and the financial records of the estate's dispensation.

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts [Contact Us]

E. Sculley Bradley papers, 1876-1970 (inclusive) 1944-1962 (bulk)

Extent:: 2.5 linear feet (6 boxes)
Abstract:: Edward Sculley Bradley (1897-1987) was a scholar, author, educator, and administrator at the University of Pennsylvania. He was a prolific writer and editor, serving as editor of the General Magazine and History Chronicle, Philadelphia, 1945-1956. He published biographies of literary figures George Henry Boker and Henry Charles Lea, as well as editions of works by Mark Twain, Stephen Crane, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Walt Whitman. Bradley was considered an international expert on Whitman, editing several important editions of the poet's Leaves of Grass. The Sculley Bradley papers include his personal and professional correspondence dating from 1923 to 1962, material from several literary censorship cases for which he testified, corrected drafts of his manuscripts for the Comprehensive Reader's Edition, Norton Critical Edition, and Variorum edition of Leaves of Grass, ephemera and graphics associated with Walt Whitman, and a small amount of material on other authors.

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts [Contact Us]

George W. Taylor papers, 1921-1970 (inclusive) 1950-1968 (bulk)

Extent:: 9.5 linear feet (11 boxes)
Abstract:: George W. Taylor (1901-1972) was a professor at Wharton for over 30 years. During that time, he became an influential expert in the field of industrial relations, including arbitration, mediation, and alternative dispute resolution. This collection is composed of materials relating to the many cases on which he served as a board member, arbitrator or adviser. The numerous letters of commendations, awards and other praise are preserved here as well. Very little in this collection relates to his equally long and important career as a professor at Wharton.

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts [Contact Us]

Burton Rascoe papers, 1890-1957 (inclusive) 1920-1957 (bulk)

Extent:: 20 linear feet (27 boxes)
Abstract:: Burton Rascoe (1892-1957) was an American literary critic, journalist, editor, and author working in the first half of the 20th century. His confrontational style stirred up much debate and helped generate interest in up-and-coming writers that Rascoe believed showed promise; most notably, Rascoe was an early champion of writers such as James Branch Cabell, Theodore Dreiser, and H. L. Mencken. The collection consists of his correspondence, including some with famous literary figures; writings by Rascoe in draft and published form; papers relating to a lawsuit with Max Annenberg; diaries and notebooks; photographs; and clippings.

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts [Contact Us]

Vera Dreiser papers, 1899-1961 (inclusive) 1928-1952 (bulk)

Extent:: 13 linear feet (31 boxes)
Abstract:: Vera Dreiser (circa 1908-1998) was a psychologist who practiced first in New York from 1947 to 1961, and later in California until her retirement in 1972. She is the niece of novelist Theodore Dreiser (1871-1945) and of composer Paul Dresser (1858-1906). This collection is comprised of materials from Vera Dreiser's personal and professional life as well as materials related to the musical and literary estates of Paul Dresser and Theodore Dreiser.

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts [Contact Us]

Philadelphia Orchestra Association records, 1900-2023 (inclusive)

Extent:: 570 linear feet and 36 linear feet (36 boxes. these are currently available for research.)
Abstract:: The Philadelphia Orchestra was founded in 1900, and has developed and maintained its status as a prominent symphonic ensemble throughout its existence. Its history informs and intersects with the broader history of music in the twentieth century, as well as numerous historical movements, events and developments on a regional, national and global scale. The records of The Philadelphia Orchestra Association document its activities from 1900 to 2023 through administrative records, concert programs, photographs, scrapbooks and audio and visual recordings. This collection is not fully processed. While materials listed here have been processed and are available for research, a significant portion of the collection, labeled "unavailable," remains in process and cannot be consulted at this time. As soon as additional portions of the collection are completed they will be made available via additions to this finding aid. The last addition of completed materials occurred on October 26, 2023.

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts [Contact Us]