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Josephine Boardman Crane papers

 Collection
Call Number: YCAL MSS 292
Scope and Contents

The collection consists of correspondence, diaries, event files, and personal papers that document Josephine Boardman Crane's role as a socialite, patron, and philanthropist. The correspondence dates from 1912 through Crane's death in July 1972 and is focused on cultural events hosted by Crane, with the bulk of the material dated from 1926-1963. Though there is limited personal material, the series includes significant correspondence with Padraic Colum, Marianne Moore, and Glenway Wescott documenting Crane's extended relationship with the three writers. The diaries provide a record of Crane's daily life from 1924 through 1963 when her eyesight worsened and she was unable to maintain the practice. Though she generally refrained from critical commentary, the diaries provide documentary evidence related to the cultural milieu in which Crane acted. Event files include a range of materials related to events hosted by Crane, such as guest lists, correspondence, menus, invitations, lecture notes and scripts. The limited personal papers incorporate miscellaneous materials including notebooks, clippings, travel arrangements, and related correspondence.

Conditions Governing Access

The materials are open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

The Josephine Boardman Crane Papers is the physical property of the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University. Literary rights, including copyright, belong to the authors or their legal heirs and assigns. For further information, consult the appropriate curator.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift of Josephine Boardman Crane Estate, 1977.

Arrangement

Organized into three series: I. Correspondence, 1912-1972. II. Diaries, 1926-1963. III. Event Files and Personal Papers, 1920-1964.

Associated Materials

Related material includes the Josephine Boardman Crane Papers Relating to the Dalton School, YCAL MSS 1002, which contains material related to Crane's support of Helen Parkhurst's educational plan known as the Dalton plan and practiced at the Dalton School, New York, New York.

Dates
1912 - 1972
Majority of material found within 1926 - 1963
Extent
8.13 Linear Feet (20 boxes)
Related Names
Crane, Josephine Boardman, 1873-1972
Language of Materials
English