Philadelphia Area Archives

Start Over Form Manuscripts Year 1900 to 1949

Lloyd Alexander papers, 1941-1995 (inclusive)

Extent:: 24.8 linear feet
Abstract:: This collection contains the literary papers of author Lloyd Alexander, dating from 1941-1995. Drafts, proofs, and planning notes for Alexander's writings, together with correspondence relating to his books, make up the bulk of the collection; other types of materials present include drawings, newspaper clippings, and advertisements. Titles represented include The Marvelous Misadventures of Sebastian, The First Two Lives of Lukas-Kasha, Westmark, the first five Vesper Holly adventures, and all of the Prydain chronicles.

Held at: Free Library of Philadelphia: Children's Literature Research Collection [Contact Us]

Marguerite de Angeli papers, 1935-1977 (bulk) 1914-1982 (inclusive)

Extent:: 16.7 linear feet
Abstract:: This collection contains the papers of children’s book author and illustrator Marguerite de Angeli (1889-1987), with materials dating from 1914 to 1982 (bulk 1935-1977). Much of the collection consists of drafts and artwork for twenty-six of de Angeli’s children’s books. Also present are clippings, correspondence, dummies, proofs, and a scrapbook.

Held at: Free Library of Philadelphia: Children's Literature Research Collection [Contact Us]

Carolyn Haywood papers, 1884-1991 (inclusive)

Extent:: 42.0 linear feet
Abstract:: This collection contains the personal and literary papers of children's author and illustrator Carolyn Haywood. The collection consists of manuscripts, illustrations, proofs, sketchbooks, correspondence, clippings, audiovisual materials, photographs, scrapbooks, diplomas, and awards.

Held at: Free Library of Philadelphia: Children's Literature Research Collection [Contact Us]

Munro Leaf papers, 1918-1986 (inclusive)

Extent:: 15.46 linear feet
Abstract:: This collection contains the literary papers of author and illustrator Munro Leaf (1905-1976), with materials dating from 1918 to 1986. Manuscript drafts and illustrations from fifty-eight titles are represented (including fourteen titles produced as part of his work for the US Army and the Foreign Service). In addition to graphite and pen and ink illustrations and manuscript drafts, the collection includes audiovisual materials, clippings, correspondence, dummies, ephemera, photographs, promotional materials, proofs, published volumes, and a scrapbook. Of particular note: the original manuscript for The Story of Ferdinand (1936) as well as a sizeable collection of materials related to the book and its many adaptations; both published and unpublished art and drafts for the Can Be Fun series; and a large quantity of materials related to Munro Leaf’s Watchbirds, serialized in Ladies Home Journal and published in six compilations.

Held at: Free Library of Philadelphia: Rare Book Department [Contact Us]

Free Library of Philadelphia Collection of Literary Manuscripts, 1666-1990 (inclusive)

Extent:: 23.0 linear feet
Abstract:: This collection contains letters, manuscript fragments, autographs, and other documents by famous authors. The material dates from 1666 to 1990 with the bulk of the collection consisting of letters written by the authors to various friends with some letters to editors or critics.

Held at: Free Library of Philadelphia: Rare Book Department [Contact Us]

Katherine Milhous and Frances Lichten papers, 1903-1977 (inclusive)

Extent:: 40.14 linear feet
Abstract:: This is a collection of the manuscripts, illustrations, and papers of Katherine Milhous, and the papers of Frances Lichten. Katherine Milhous manuscript materials include drafts, dummies, proofs, notes, finished art, color separations, and other production materials for her children’s books. Her papers include artwork in various media, correspondence, lecture notes, itineraries, scrapbooks, publicity materials, books, photographs, and subject files. There are also 18 model houses Milhous made for the Works Progress Administration. Frances Lichten materials include correspondence, a small amount of family history material, two albums of photographs and letters from Milhous and Lichten's 1925-1926 trip to Europe, and copies of brochures and small volumes illustrated by Lichten.

Held at: Free Library of Philadelphia: Children's Literature Research Collection [Contact Us]

A. Edward Newton collection, 1892-1941 (bulk) 1808-1966 (inclusive)

Extent:: 8.0 linear feet
Abstract:: This collection consists of the personal and professional papers of Philadelphia book collector A. Edward Newton (1864-1940). The bulk of the materials are book manuscripts, correspondence, keepsakes, and newspaper clippings, with published volumes cataloged separately. The collection relates to his book collecting activities and was primarily compiled by his son, E. Swift Newton, with additional material given by various donors.

Held at: Free Library of Philadelphia: Rare Book Department [Contact Us]

Beatrix Potter collection, 1900-1943 (bulk) 1884-2004 (inclusive)

Extent:: 40.64 linear feet
Abstract:: This collection consists of material created by or about the children’s author and illustrator Beatrix Potter. It contains correspondence, original artwork, manuscripts, collectibles, research material, and ephemera collected by the Free Library of Philadelphia.

Held at: Free Library of Philadelphia: Rare Book Department [Contact Us]

Ed Wynn papers, 1907-1966 (bulk) 1890-1966 (inclusive)

Extent:: 6.0 linear feet (8 boxes)
Abstract:: This collection contains the correspondence and papers of actor and comedian Ed Wynn. The collection includes ideas for gags, box office records for staged productions, telegrams, postcards, 65 publicity photographs, 50 gag magazines, and family papers and mementos. There are also approximately 300 newspaper and magazine clippings about Wynn and his productions as well as 20 printed posters and artwork in various media of Wynn.

Held at: Free Library of Philadelphia: Rare Book Department [Contact Us]

Constantine Samuel Rafinesque papers, 1818-1977 (inclusive)

Extent:: 5.0 linear inches
Abstract:: Constantine Samuel Rafinesque (1783-1840) was a naturalist who is best known for his contributions to scientific classification and nomenclature and giving Latin names to approximately 6,700 plants. While in the United States, he toured west of the Alleghenies and made important botanical discoveries in Kentucky and Illinois. This collection dates from 1818 to 1977 and consists of copies of Rafinesque's professional letters, family material, and research by F. W. Pennell regarding Rafinesque. The majority of the collection is composed of biographical letters and rough drafts made by Pennell.

Held at: Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia [Contact Us]