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Carl W. Gatter collection on Ezra Pound, 1894-1979 (inclusive)

Extent:

10 box(es)

Abstract:

The collection contains very little original Pound material, although there are six folders of photocopied correspondence from him to various correspondents, primarily from the period when Pound was institutionalized at St. Elizabeth's Hospital. Correspondents include Pound's wife Dorothy and an early girlfriend Mary Moore. There are 22 folders of correspondence to Gatter relating to the early life of Ezra Pound. The balance of the collection comprises Gatter's research material on the life of Ezra Pound, including some printed material and photographs.

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

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Theodore Dreiser papers, circa 1890-1965 (bulk dates 1897-1955) (inclusive) 1897-1955 (bulk)

Extent:

244 linear feet (503 boxes)

Abstract:

Contains 22 series, including correspondence (118 boxes); legal matters (7 boxes); writings (260 boxes), comprising books, essays, short stories, poems, plays, screenplays, radio scripts, addresses, lectures, interviews, introductions, and prefaces; journals edited by Dreiser (6 boxes); notes (9 boxes); diaries (5 boxes); biographical material (1 box); memorabilia (41 boxes), comprising scrapbooks, photographs (many of which are available online), art work, promotional material, postcards, and miscellanea; financial records (5 boxes); clippings (23 boxes); works by others (12 boxes); and oversize materials (2 boxes). Also includes materials regarding various family members: brother Paul Dresser (8 boxes of correspondence, sheet music and lyric sheets, clippings and memorabilia, and two plays written by Dresser); second wife Helen Dreiser (4 boxes of diaries and other writings); and niece Vera Dreiser (2 boxes of correspondence).

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

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Thomas H. Jones World War II scrapbooks, circa 1941-1968 1942-1945 (bulk)

Extent:

.33 linear feet (1 box)

Abstract:

Thomas H. (Howell) Jones (1919-2012) was a Black soldier, serving in the 4407th Quartermasters Service Company, during World War II. These two scrapbooks document his experiences in the United States Army from about 1942 to 1945, and in particular his time serving overseas in France and Germany from December 1944 to June 1945. There is limited material regarding his life following the end of World War II.

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

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Japanese Army aviator photograph album, circa 1936

Extent:

.2 linear feet (1 volume.)

Abstract:

This album contains photographs taken by an aviator of the Imperial Japanese Army during the Second Sino-Japanese War, during deployment in Manchuria and northeastern China. The photos are a mixture of posed, formal shots and candid photos of soldiers in military action and in camp within the steppes of Manchura, including local peoples with horses, yurts, and Bactrian camels. There are also shots of friends and family on the home front; the names of photographic studios suggest that the aviator came from somewhere near Ueno.

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

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Japanese aviator photograph album, 1931-1944 (inclusive)

Extent:

.2 linear feet (i volume)

Abstract:

During the early 20th century, the Imperial Japanese Navy was responsible for training pilots. During World War II, wartime attrition contributed to reductions in selectiveness for pilot training, as well as the length of the training sessions. This scrapbook contains photographs collected by a Japanese fighter pilot during World War II. It catalogs his graduation as a "Hikou-renshuusei" (enlistee/NCO pilot trainee) and his subsequent deployment as a fighter pilot.

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

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Japanese photograph album relating to the late Taisho/early Showa era, 1919-1941 (inclusive)

Extent:

.2 linear feet (1 volume)

Abstract:

This album documents the life of a Japanese family from the middle of the Taisho era (circa 1919) to the early-to-middle Showa era (circa 1941), during which Japan emerged as a militaristic imperial power in Southeast Asia. Though there is little direct biographical information, it appears that the family was upper class, and the patriarch was a high-placed figure in the Ishakawa Civil Engineers. Many of the photographs appear to come from soldiers stationed abroad—judging by their winter gear and the time period, probably Manchuria. The photographs are a mix of portraits, informal small group shots, and large-scale organizational photographs documenting school classes, military units, civilian leagues and professional associations.

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

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William Steig papers, circa 1907-2002 (inclusive) 1950-2000 (bulk)

Extent:

21 linear feet (45 boxes)

Abstract:

William Steig (1907-2003) was an American cartoonist, illustrator, and writer of children's books. In 1930, Steig began a long and fruitful relationship with The New Yorker, for which he produced more than 2,600 drawings and 117 covers. When he was sixty-one, Steig began writing children's books, including Sylvester and the Magic Pebble (1969), Dominic (1972), Doctor De Soto (1982), and Shrek! (1990), the basis for the DreamWorks animated film of the same name. This collection includes 45 boxes of material, including correspondence; personal and professional records; drafts of Steig's writings; financial records; press, promotional material, and material from exhibits; awards Steig received; and original artwork, including original ink and watercolor drawings and work that would later appear in the New Yorker. There is also ephemera related to the movie Shrek, as well as personal artifacts, such as Steig's brushes and pens.

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

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Jean Simpson Stephenson collection relating to Of Scandinavia, circa 1980s-1992 (inclusive)

Extent:

1.33 linear feet (2 boxes)

Abstract:

Jean Simpson Stephenson is an artist known for creating wood block prints. She graduated from the University of the Arts in 1947, and is a member of the Guild of Book Workers. This collection consists of a copy of the artist book, Of Scandinavia, and the linoleum and wood blocks that were used to print the cover art and the three color illustrations within the book.

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

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Caroline Schimmel collection of Jean Simpson Stephenson linocut holiday cards, 1997-2019 (inclusive)

Extent:

.2 linear feet (1 box)

Abstract:

Jean Simpson Stephenson is an artist known for creating wood block prints. She graduated from the University of the Arts in 1947, and is a member of the Guild of Book Workers. This collection consists of linocut holiday cards that Stephenson printed and sent to her friends from 1997 to 2019.

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

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Ashley Bryan papers, 1823-2019 (inclusive) 1928-2019 (bulk)

Extent:

85 linear feet (146 boxes)

Abstract:

Ashley Bryan (1923-2022) was an artist and storyteller best known for his award-winning children's book illustrations with particular emphasis on African folktales and African-American spirituals. Bryan authored, illustrated, published, and distributed his first book in Kindergarten, later graduating from Cooper Union and Columbia University, being awarded a Fulbright to study at the University of Freiburg, before becoming a professor at Dartmouth College. The collection documents his lifelong devotion to the arts including sketchbooks, artwork, and especially materials relating to the publication process of over sixty book projects. There is also material relating to his professional engagements; certificates, awards, diplomas, and plaques relating to his many achievements; and personal and family materials, notebooks, photographs, greeting cards and postcards, school children thank you cards and artwork, and research files and ephemera. Also included are foundational...(see more)

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

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James T. Farrell collection, 1964-1965 (inclusive)

Extent:

.2 linear feet (1 box)

Abstract:

Born to a working class Irish-Catholic family in Chicago, James T. Farrell (1904-1979) rose quickly to be a leading figure for 20th century naturalism in American literature. An exceptionally prolific writer, Farrell published works spanning over five decades; however, his critics expressed that his output led to poor craftsmanship and editorial discretion throughout his later works. In addition to his professional works, Farrell produced a seemingly inexhaustible amount of correspondence, diaries, articles, and musings which covered a wide range of topics from politics to baseball. This collection contains material purchased to supplement the James T. Farrell papers (Ms. Coll. 886). It contains manuscripts and correspondence related to Farrell's writings for a column entitled "The World is To Day" for the periodical Park East.

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

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Ashley Bryan and Eva Brussel Mason correspondence and artwork, 1944-1965 (inclusive)

Extent:

3 linear feet (3 boxes)

Abstract:

Ashley Bryan (1923-2022) was an artist and storyteller best known for his award-winning children's book illustrations with particular emphasis on African folktales and African-American spirituals. This collection consists of two letters from Ashley Bryan to Eva Brussel Mason (1924-2010) regarding a sea glass panel that Bryan made for Brussel as a gift, in addition to a hand-painted wooden box and tempera painting, also gifts that Bryan made for his friend.

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

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Adas Kodesch Shel Emeth Community Hebrew School teaching material, 1929-2018 (inclusive) 1962-2018 (bulk)

Extent:

3.42 linear feet (6 boxes)

Abstract:

The Adas Kodesch Shel Emeth Community Hebrew School teaching materials document the congregation's objective to educate Jewish children in the Hebrew language, Jewish history and culture using Jewish educational materials.

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

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Mary C. Carras papers, 1959-2007 (inclusive)

Extent:

11 linear feet (15 boxes)

Abstract:

Mary C. Carras (1928-2021) was a professor and scholar focusing on 20th century India and particularly Indira Gandhi. She authored several books and papers relating to Indira Gandhi, economic and foreign policy in India, biotechnology in India, and Indo-American relationships. The bulk of her collection consists of her research that she used for her writings and probably also for her classes; but there is also a small amount of correspondence with publishers, her student papers, and drafts and reproductions of her writings. Of particular interest may be her numerous interviews with politicians and government staff in India and the United States from the 1960s to the 1980s.

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

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Alvin and Frankie Rubinstein travel diaries and correspondence, 1920-2002 (inclusive) 1958-2000 (bulk)

Extent:

1.1 linear feet (3 boxes)

Abstract:

Alvin Z. Rubinstein (1927-2001) was a political scientist and international relations scholar, who was best known for his studies of the foreign relations of the former Soviet Union and Russia. Frankie Rubinstein (1918-2019) was an English teacher who taught at Philadelphia's Overbrook High School and at the Philadelphia High School for Girls. Together, from 1960 to 2000, the married couple travelled extensively to countries in Europe, the Middle East, and the former Soviet Union. While their travels were motivated chiefly by Alvin Rubinstein's research and academic work as a political scientist, the majority of the correspondence and other material reflect Frankie's voice and life experience. However, her husband Alvin did write some correspondence and the collection also includes several journals in which he took extensive notes on trips to Yugoslavia and Moscow in the 1960s.

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

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Scrapbook of advertising cards, 1927-1949 (inclusive) circa 1930s (bulk)

Extent:

.33 linear feet (1 box)

Abstract:

This scrapbook contains Depression-era advertisements that were created for a variety of goods and industries including, but not limited to, automobiles, banks and safes, clothing and shoes, foods, fuels (gasoline and coal and coke), home improvement, insurance, medicines and pharmaceuticals, printing and engraving, stationery, and train travel. Included are political ads, ads recruiting United States Marines, and ads promoting the value of the the Boy Scouts and the YMCA. The bulk of the ads are from the United States, but there are four from New Zealand.

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

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Doshia Mae and William M. Blackmon photograph collection, 1890-1979 (inclusive) 1910-1950 (bulk)

Extent:

0.42 linear feet (1 box)

Abstract:

The Doshia Mae and William M. Blackmon photograph collection provides a look at a Black family that is representative of the experience in American history known as the Great Migration. It offers visual documentation of Doshia Mae and William's lives, along with their friends and family, spanning both older and younger generations, beginning in Mississippi, migrating to Tennessee around 1940, and finally moving to Los Angeles, California in 1946. The photographs span in date from approximately the late nineteenth century to 1970, but the majority are from about 1920 to 1950. Most photographs have little or no identifying information, but inference and other clues help provide some context.

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

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Libyan photograph album, 1937

Extent:

.33 linear feet (1 box)

Abstract:

This album contains 98 black and white photographs taken during a trip to Libya in 1937 by an anonymous photographer, who likely was German or Italian. The photographs are of scenes from around Libya, such as the Hotel Albergo Mehari, a camel market, Tripoli Castle, a coastal oasis, a Bedouin village, markets and bazars. Prominent locations shown include, Tripoli, Sabratha, Leptis Magna, Zliten, and Yefren. Additionally, photographs of people, including children, locals, officials, and soldiers can be found throughout.

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

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Sarah Brown Hooker Capron papers, 1836-1900 (inclusive)

Extent:

.417 linear feet (1 box)

Abstract:

Sarah Brown Hooker Capron (1824-1918) was an evangelical missionary in Madura, India for close to thirty years. Appointed to the American Madura Mission in Madura, India by the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, she provided educational, evangelistic and medical services to local women and children. This collection consists of correspondence, writings and photographs documenting Capron's missionary work, dating from 1857 to 1886.

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

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George R. Dearborn commonplace book, 1805-1806 (inclusive)

Extent:

.1 linear feet (1 volume)

Abstract:

George R. Dearborn was a supercargo on the ship Commerce and was in Mocha, Yemen in 1806. This commonplace book probably documents his voyage to Mocha, which likely started in Charleston, South Carolina, in February, 1805; and made stops in Antwerp in June and Batavia in November. The volume contains excerpts from readings, recipes, trivia, a dictionary of Arabic to English words, a diary entry, a list of ships leaving Mocha from 1805 to 1806, and a list of expenses incurred during the trip.

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