Thumb-nail Sketches
File — Box: 3, Folder: 13
Scope and Contents
From the Collection:
These Richard Lyons papers were the first of three donations documenting the literary career of Mr. Lyons. Later donations in 1972 and 1976 were processed as a single collection (Mss 151). The final donation by his children was made by his children in 2000 and processed as Mss 259. This initial donation was organized into nine series: Correspondence, Play manuscripts, Poetry manuscripts, Prose manuscripts, Poetry and Photographs, Publications, Reviews, North Dakota State University and Art galleries programs.
The Correspondence Series is arranged alphabetically by correspondent or subject, following Mr. Lyons' original order. Each file is chronological and all appear to be quite complete. The correspondence is concerned almost completely with Mr. Lyons' publication efforts. Some files do contain pamphlets, brochures and other non-correspondence material. The period 1951 to 1968 is the most complete period.
The Manuscript Series is the largest component of the collection and includes Mr. Lyons’ plays, poetry and prose. The plays section includes his two works, The Front Steps, and Untitled. Also included are two copies of Frederick G. Walsh's Yield of the Fountain. The poetry section contains typed drafts of many of his works. They have been organized alphabetically by title and are listed separately in the contents
listing. The prose section contains his and Kenneth Kuhn's unpublished study, Anthology of North Dakota Writers, compiled in the early 1950s as a project of the North Dakota Institute for Regional Studies. Why it was never published is not known. It consists of a typed copy and is arranged alphabetically by the writer's name. Mr. Lyons' other major work, Paintings in Taxicabs, is represented by draft and final manuscripts, and an incomplete galley proof. The final section is his notes, drafts, final manuscripts and newspaper clippings for Poetry and Photographs: A way into the meaning of space, resources, and life styles in North Dakota.
The Publications Series is relatively complete for his major works. They have been organized alphabetically and are listed in the contents listing.
The Reviews Series contains reviews for only several of Lyons’ major works to include Men and Tin Kettles, One Squeaking Straw, Paintings in Taxicabs, and Poetry North.
The North Dakota State University Series includes a variety of materials. There are minutes and other documents of the local chapter of the American Association of University Professors for the period of 1955 to 1964. The memorandum from Professor Elliott Millner concerns the committee report on student complaints of grades received in his class. There are several informational items on the name change of North Dakota Agricultural College to North Dakota State University. The North Dakota Institute for Regional Studies files contain various exhibition programs, pamphlets, and research proposals. The Poetry North files, a series of monthly programs of poets and poetry presented at NDSU beginning in 1966, contain correspondence, newspaper clippings, and programs for the period 1966 to 1971.
The Art Galleries Programs Series include from the Fort Ransom Summer Art program, several from the Red River Art Center, and a very complete set for the Rourke Art Gallery from 1960 to 1971.
Dates
- 1940-1976.
Access
The collection is open under the rules and regulations of the Institute.
Extent
From the Collection: 3.2 Linear Feet (3.2 linear ft.)
Language of Materials
From the Collection: English
Creator
- From the Collection: Lyons, Richard. (Person)
- From the Collection: Kuhn, Kenneth, ca. 1891-1982. (Person)
- From the Collection: Walsh, Fred G. (Fred George), 1915- (Person)
Repository Details
Part of the Institute for Regional Studies Repository
Contact:
West Building N
3551 7th Avenue North
Fargo North Dakota 58102 United States
ndsu.archives@ndsu.edu
West Building N
3551 7th Avenue North
Fargo North Dakota 58102 United States
ndsu.archives@ndsu.edu