Grace Brown Putnam Collection

Collection

Identifier: Mss 110

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Grace Brown Putnam collection consists of three series: Correspondence, financial and other records related to the publication Prairie Wings, and some newspaper clippings in the Subject Files. The Correspondence Series, arranged chronologically, is almost exclusively letters written by Mrs. Putnam to Henry Martinson concerning the publication of Prairie Wings. Mr. Martinson was business manager at the time. It seems quite complete for 1944. The Prairie Wings Series includes financial records that cover from December of 1944 to July of 1946, a mailing list and a permit to use pre-canceled postage stamps. The financial records show total receipts, which appear to be member dues or donations, and disbursements, which were mainly used on shipping and publishing costs. The Subject Files Series contains newspaper clippings regarding Grace Putnam’s election as president of Prairie Wings, the launch of its poetry magazine, general information on the operations and purpose of the group, announcements regarding Col. Paul S. Bliss’ speaking engagements at one of the poetry society’s meetings. Also included are excerpts from Prairie Wings publications and Grace Putnam’s obituary.

Dates

1944-1953

Creator

Putnam, Grace Brown, 1870-1953. (Person)

Access

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

Copyrights

Copyrights to this collection are not held by the Institute for Regional Studies.

Biography

Grace Brown was born in November 1870 at Sherman, New York, the daughter of William H. and Harriet L. (Maybren) Brown. The family came to Tiffany, North Dakota in 1882 where her father farmed. She attended Mayville (N.D.) State College, graduated from the University of North Dakota in 1906 and did graduate work at the University of Oregon and Minnesota. She taught in several schools in North Dakota. In 1888 she married Sereno Newton Putnam of New Rockford, N.D. There he was a teacher, county superintendent of schools and register of deeds, abstractor and later operator of a lumber yard. Mrs. Putnam was elected Eddy County superintendent of schools in 1904 and served two terms. She was also elected to the same position in 1924 and served until 1941 when she retired. Mrs. Putnam was very active in literary affairs. She was instrumental in organizing the North Dakota Poetry Society, the first chairman of the Minerva Club at New Rockford, active in the North Dakota Federation of Women's Clubs, and the Midwest Federation of Chapperal Poets. In 1936 Mrs. Putnam became the first editor of Prairie Wings, the official publication of the North Dakota Poetry Society. She continued as its editor until 1948. Mrs. Putnam was also involved in several publications. She was chairman of a committee which compiled a handbook of literature for elementary schools in North Dakota (1931), edited North Dakota Singing (1936), wrote Lift Up My Cups (1942), and had poems published in many periodicals. In 1946 Mrs. Putnam moved to Napa, California. There she was western editor for The New Athenaeum. Mrs. Putnam died in June 1953 at Napa. Mr. Putnam died March 11, 1941 at New Rockford.

Extent

0.2 Linear Feet (0.2 linear feet)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

New York native and University of North Dakota graduate Grace Brown Putnam was a school teacher and editor of Prairie Wings, the official publication of the North Dakota Poetry Society. The correspondence is almost exclusively letters written by Mrs. Putnam to Henry Martinson concerning the publication of Prairie Wings. Also includes newspaper clippings regarding Grace Putnam’s election as president of Prairie Wings, the launch of its poetry magazine, general information on the operations and purpose of the group, announcements regarding Col. Paul S. Bliss’ speaking engagements at one of the poetry society’s meetings.