Joyce Kilmer/Campion College Collection, 1909-1975
3 boxes; 0.8 cubic foot
Scope and Content
Series 1, Joyce Kilmer and Kilmer Family Records, 1909-1975, contains correspondence to and from Joyce Kilmer and his family, correspondence to and from various writers containing substantial information on Kilmer's life, holograph and typescript manuscripts of the writings of Joyce and Aline Murray Kilmer (his wife), copies of periodicals which published the verse of Kilmer during his lifetime, sheet music for musical settings of Kilmer's verse, clippings, artifacts, photographs, and memorabilia. The correspondence from Kilmer is largely to James J. Daly, S.J., professor of English Literature at Campion College of the Sacred Heart, a high school for boys operated by the Society of Jesus in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. This personal correspondence reflects the warm friendship that grew between Daly and Kilmer, and Kilmer's regard for Campion. Letters to Kilmer are written to him largely in his capacity as a poetry editor at the New York Times. Several are from well-known contemporary literary figures. Aline Kilmer's correspondence is almost entirely to Sr. Eugene, S.S.N.D., a close personal friend. Letters to and from the Kilmer children concern the Kilmer collection at Campion, especially the dedication of the Kilmer Library in 1937. Kilmer's correspondence and writings, particularly his essays, reveal the influence of his conversion to Catholicism, his concern with spiritual matters, and his attachment to the Church and the Society of Jesus. Kilmer's "martyrdom" during World War I and the tragedy of his untimely death are other major themes represented in the letters and clippings about Kilmer. The records are arranged by type of material and chronologically thereunder. Correspondence is arranged by major correspondent and by outgoing and incoming status.
Series 2, Joyce Kilmer Library Records, 1924-1960, contains correspondence, newspaper clippings, and photographs concerning the KIlmer Library at Campion College and its Kilmer collection. The records are arranged by type of material and chronologically thereunder.
