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December 9, 1970-January 18, 1971

 Item — Box: 1, Folder: 10

Scope and Content

From the Collection: The Thomas McGrath papers consist of correspondence and manuscripts. The Correspondence Series covers the period January 15, 1970 to April 10, 1971. It consists entirely of incoming letters that have been arranged chronologically. The correspondence, mainly with literary friends and former students, concerns a mixture of literary subjects and personal matters. Also, there are various letters giving opinions and inquiries about Letter to an Imaginary Friend, Parts I and II which was published in 1970. For a detailed listing of the correspondence see the calendar section of the finding aid.

The Manuscripts Series consists of a photocopy of Mr. McGrath's Letter to an Imaginary Friend, Part II and several poems. The original manuscript was returned to Mr. McGrath upon his request. The Letter to an Imaginary Friend manuscript is a handwritten, edited draft. It is close to being a final draft. Parts I to IV (pages 1-11 and 1-72) are on individual sheets while Parts IV to VI (pages 73-113) are in a bound ledger.

The Subject Files Series contains drafts of several poems by Mr. McGrath, including one written on a beer coaster and another on check blanks. The titles include, Silence and Solitude, After I'm Gone, Easter Song, Again: This Room, In the Street, In this Time, and Landscape with Birds, Early Spring. The two small notebooks contain some of Mr. McGrath's personal thoughts, literary phrases and reminders for himself.

Dates

  • 1970-1971.

Access

The collection is open under the rules and regulations of the NDSU Archives.

Extent

From the Collection: .4 Linear Feet (.4 linear ft.)

Language of Materials

From the Collection: English

Overview

NORTH, ? JOE. Apparently connected with the Daily World, of N.Y.C. Dec. 9, 1970. Didn't get copy (possibly of "Letters...") - will see that it gets reviewed in "A.D. and in the World Magazine," Gives an address for someone in Harrison, N.Y. Asks when coming by again.

KINGSTON, RODGER and CAROLYN. East Coast poet and essayist. Dec. 11, 1970. A Christmas letter in poem form about a sidewalk Santa Claus.

______________, Joe. Dec. 11, 1970. Christmas greetings. Sends new address. (photocopy) HAINES, JOHN. Dec. 1970. Glad McGrath liked poem. Sorry to hear of medical problems. Just returned from visiting Indian schools in Southwest. Best wishes for "Xmas and 1971."

BLAZEK, DOUGLAS. Apparently an anthologist and editor. Jan. 1, 1971. Anthology completed except for biographical into Blazek requests from all contributors - asks also for a recent photo. Blazek notes that he received copy of Letters McGrath sent and will read it when he completely finishes anthology.

JACOB, MARYBETH JOHNSON. Former student in McGrath's Creative Writing class at Moorhead State College. January 1, 1971. Was in McGrath's Creative Writing class - had showed him a little book of her poetry and philosophy. Now living in Greece with husband who's stationed there with the Navy, requests information of Greece, Greek people and Greek government.

DACEY, PHILIP. Assistant professor of Creative Writing at Southwest Minnesota State College, Marshall, Minnesota. Apparently involved in publishing of Crazy Horse. Jan. 5, 1971. Letter puts McGrath up-to-date on status of last and immediate future issues of Crazy Horse (#5,6,7), Says will try to keep better in touch in future. Says just received last letter and will try to get requested information.

MERER, HARRY. Jan. 11, 1971. Yes, received copy of letter and asks if McGrath received his reply of thanks-L praise, Asks the reason McGrath is in Tucson and future plans. Concerned about McGrath's health, Asks about Genya and Tomasito and if McGrath thinks of what world will be like for son as Merer does of his sons. Raining a lot in San Francisco but three days were clear when Merer felt good, Asks Tom to keep in touch, so Merer can drop by if he takes off "one of these days,"

GARDNER, VIRGINIA. Anthologist and editor. Jan, 16, 1971. Haven't ordered McGrath's new book yet. Thrilled that John's (son?) poems appearing (probably in Crazy Horse) -- lists his poems that have been published in the last year. (1970) Working on a biography of Louise Bryant, Making her wish she was a reporter again instead of a writer, Regrets McGrath's ill health. An invitation to visit her.

SUTTER, BART. Apparently on the Crazy Horse staff, Marshall, Minnesota. Jan. 18, 1971. Would like addresses-of listed people to send copies of Crazy Horse.

Creator

Repository Details

Part of the Institute for Regional Studies Repository

Contact:
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