By Mary A. Sego
Title: Indiana Poetry Society papers, 1897-1947
Primary Creator: Indiana Poetry Society
Extent: 1.0 Mss. Boxes. More info below.
Date Acquired: 11/16/2006
Subjects: Poetry
Forms of Material: Black-and-white photographs, Clippings (Information artifacts), Correspondence, Invitations
Languages: English
The Indiana Poetry Society was organized as the Indianapolis Poetry Club in October, 1921, by Mrs. Eletha Mae Taylor. Other charter members were Miss Sue Howe, Mrs. Carl Lieber, Mrs. Cora Young Wiles, Mrs. Walter Flandorf, Mrs. Frances Morrison Rabb, Miss Maybelle Chitwood, Mrs. Josephine Duke Motley, Miss Lucille Ballard, Mrs. Carrie Hunt Latta and Miss June Winona Snyder.
This group met each month in the homes of the members while enlisting the interest of others. The organization grew until its membership included more than 250 persons.
In 1927 following affiliation with the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, the name was changed to the Indiana Poetry Society. Mrs. Taylor served as the only president. She was also a representative to the American Literary Association.
Officers besides Mrs. Taylor, were Edna Denham Raymond, first vice president; Carrie Abbott Guio, second vice president; Mrs. Ollah P. Toph, third vice-president; Margaret Ann Boyd, secretary; June Winona Snyder, corresponding secretary; Lola F. Echard, treasurer, and Mrs. John Robert Craig, fourth vice-president.
The society, which grew out of a meeting at the home of Meredith Nicholson, had a number of members whose literary work was published. Mrs. Taylor compiled an anthology of Hoosier poetry, and a book comprised of 200 of her own poems. Mrs. Raymond was the author of three volumes. Miss Snyder published a small volume in 1928. Miss Chitwood and her brother, William Hankins Chitwood were also authors. Mrs. Alice Fernold Emerson, representative of the Mitre Press, London, published a small volume. Poems of Mrs. Margaret Bruner were included in anthologies
Repository: Purdue University Libraries, Archives and Special Collections
Alternate Extent Statement: 1 mss box
Access Restrictions: Collection is open for research.
Physical Access Note: The composition book and manuscript book are in fragile condition.
Acquisition Method: Purchased from Charles Apfelbaum, Rare Manuscripts and Archives, 551 Ridge Road, Watchung, New Jersey 07069
Preferred Citation: MSP 51, Indiana Poetry Society papers, Archives and Special Collections, Purdue University Libraries
Processing Information: All materials have been housed in polyester sleeves, acid-free folders, and acid-free boxes. Some clippings containing images of people have been preserved for display purposes, with photocopies made available for research. The composition book and manuscript books are in fragile condition. The manuscript book cover has red rot, so the use of gloves is advised.
