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Nelson, Eva, 1957–1962, undated

 File — Box: 1, Folder: 2

Scope and Contents

From the Collection: The Rodney Nelson Papers is comprised of four series: Correspondence, Manuscripts, Poetry, and Subject Files. The Correspondence Series has been separated into incoming, outgoing, and topical subseries and are arranged alphabetically. It contains letters to and from Rodney’s mother, a former wife, and several friends, all written between 1957 and 2000, as well as work-related correspondence from the 1990s. There is only one letter in this series from Rodney’s mother, Eva Nelson. Additional correspondence relating to Rodney may be found in the Dakota Arts Quarterly Records, 1978–1984, processed as Institute Mss 152, the Rodney Nelson Papers, 1971–1990, processed as Institute Mss 229, and the Eva L. Nelson Papers, 1909–1998, processed as Institute Mss 293. The Manuscripts Series is arranged alphabetically by title and includes handwritten and typed manuscripts of Rodney’s plays and short stories. The Lost Profile was Rodney’s first serious work, written in 1966. ―Kloshe‖ is a tribute to one of Rodney’s publishers, Gary Elder (1939–2000). This file includes correspondence from his widow and friends as well as early letters and cards from Gary to Rodney. The Institute for Regional Studies owns the copyright to Rain Burial and Other Stories, a compilation of regional work that focuses on Scandinavian-American heritage. Also included is the manuscript version of one of his five published novels, Villy Sadness, which appeared in 1987. The Poetry Series includes published and unpublished versions of Rodney’s poetry written in the late 1960s through 1980. North Farm, The Pentacle, and The Maiden Year are compilations of published and unpublished poetry. X Etudes is a compilation of unpublished poetry and includes some revisions to the typed passages. The Subject Files Series is arranged alphabetically by topic. It includes copies of editorial letters and other journalistic submissions and material regarding a projected translation of the work of KN, a North Dakota poet writing in Icelandic. There is a spiral-bound notebook containing inspirational notes, poems, and prose, and a folder titled ―Whistleblower Report,‖ which contains several documents pertaining to a dispute between Rodney and Northern Arizona University regarding his duties in the university’s publications department.

Dates

  • 1957-2001.

Access

The collection is open under the rules and regulations of the Institute.

Extent

From the Collection: 1 Linear Feet (1 linear ft.)

Language of Materials

From the Collection: English

Creator

Repository Details

Part of the Institute for Regional Studies Repository

Contact:
West Building N
3551 7th Avenue North
Fargo North Dakota 58102 United States