Manuscripts Collection
After a year studying dance and physical fitness at the American College of Physical Education in Chicago, Illinois (1916-1917), Meridel moved to New York City, where she lived in an anarchist commune with Emma Goldman and studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Art. Her brief acting career
included work on the New York stage and in Hollywood, where she was a stunt woman and an extra in films such as
Around 1926, Le Sueur married Harry Rice. Born Yasha Rubonoff, Rice was a Russian immigrant and a Marxist labor organizer Le Sueur met in St. Paul. She and Rice had two children, Rachel (1928) and Deborah (1930). Early in the 1930s, Le Sueur and Rice divorced.
Le Sueur continued to publish prolifically throughout the late 1920s and up until the end of World War II, when the onset of the Cold War brought with it the blacklisting and harassment of those involved in the socialist movement. During the height of the so-called Red Scare, Le Sueur made her living publishing children's books, teaching writing, and holding a variety of odd jobs. In the 1960s she traveled around the country, participating in campus protests and interviewing people, listening to their stories and struggles.
Biographical information was taken from the introduction to
The Meridel Le Sueur papers include correspondence, literary journals, copies of published writings, published and unpublished manuscripts and manuscript fragments, publicity materials, radical publications, news clippings, photographs, and other miscellaneous materials documenting the life and career of Le Sueur, an actress, writer, journalist, feminist, and radical political activist. Also included in the collection are audio recordings made by Le Sueur containing interviews, music, and conversations with family and friends. In addition, the collection includes papers of Le Sueur's father, William Winston Wharton, her mother and step-father, Marian and Arthur Le Sueur, and her daughters, Deborah Le Sueur and Rachel Tilsen, and their families.
The correspondence, covering over seventy years of Le Sueur's life, contains letters from Le Sueur's friends, publishers, admirers, and family, particularly her daughters Rachel and Deborah. There is much information on family matters, her literary progress, and political affairs. The journals, which Le Sueur kept nearly her entire life, include 133 volumes dating from her teenage years through the early 1990s and were the wellspring of much of her writing. Manuscripts in the collection include a sampling of the huge amounts of material sent to Meridel by other aspiring writers in addition to her own work, both published and unpublished. Publications, news clippings, programs, and other publicity provide information on Le Sueur's career and activities, and on the many political and literary organizations of interest to her.
These records are divided into the following sections:
Access to and use of reserve materials requires the curator's permission.
Digital masters of audio recordings are maintained on the Society's secure digital collections storage servers and are managed and preserved in accordance with archival best practices.
Accession numbers: 13,922; 13,994; 15,059; 15,425; 15,631; 16,347; 16,603
Processing and cataloging of this collection was supported with a Basic Project grant awarded by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission
Catalog ID number: 001711228
Digital audio transferred from the master audio recordings by Saving Tape for preservation purposes (March 2019).
The Arthur Le Sueur Papers are cataloged separately in the Minnesota Historical Society manuscript collections.
The Kenneth E. Tilsen Papers are cataloged separately in the Minnesota Historical Society manuscript collections.
Additional materials can be found in the University of Delaware Library's special collections.
Correspondence is divided into four series: chronological, which includes letters from friends, family, admirers, and others; alphabetical, arranged by author; publication efforts; and miscellaneous correspondence.
Frequent correspondents in the chronological series include Oscar Christensen, Ethel Hepburn, Elizabeth "Betty" Schoening, Velma Vikingson Smith, Paula Zimmering, and Le Sueur's two daughters, Deborah Le Sueur (Deborah Stoffer during the time she was married) and Rachel Tilsen. Additional correspondence from Deborah and Rachel may also be found in the series Family and Other Papers.
Letters in the alphabetical series are from the individual to Meridel Le Sueur, unless otherwise noted. Additional letters from said individuals may be found in the chronological series, too.
Materials about publication efforts include letters from publishers and literary agents, contracts, royalty statements, and materials concerning donations to support the publication of Le Sueur's book
Miscellaneous correspondence includes Le Sueur's outgoing letters, and correspondence of the Meridel Le Sueur Library Foundation, which provided public access to Meridel's personal library (donated to Augsburg College in 1994).
Includes edited excerpts of Meridel's journals by Sister Nancy Hynes, OSB, College of St. Benedict (Minnesota), returned to Meridel in 1990.
Includes Paull's correspondence to Lement Harris (July 1962) and Alma Foley (June 1964-1978).
Mara (Mary Helen) Smith was later known as Mara Kirk Hart.
Includes minutes.
Includes a sample of the thousands of essays, stories, poems, and other writing sent to Le Sueur for comment by colleagues, admirers, and students from her writing classes. Some include accompanying correspondence. The vast majority of these materials are undated. The manuscripts are arranged in alphabetical order by the author's name when known and may include some writing by Le Sueur.
Includes copies of many articles, stories, and poems published by Le Sueur in a variety of publications, including literary journals, popular magazines, and newspapers (mainly labor-related or socialist). Also included are galleys of several of her anthologies published by West End Press. Materials are arranged chronologically.
Includes bibliography prepared in 1971.
Consists of manuscript copies, published/unpublished and identified/unidentified, by Le Sueur, including poetry, songs, dramatic scripts, short stories, novels, speeches, lectures, essays, and nonfiction. Also a large volume of fragments, notes (topical and otherwise), and notebooks. Le Sueur
appears to have compiled the notebooks mainly while traveling; some are marked "copied," perhaps indicating Le Sueur later summarized or transcribed their contents into her more formal journals (
Written under pseudonym Maria Wharton.
Titles of works are indicated when known, but most are either untitled or missing the title page.
As a contemporary writer and friend of Irene Paull (1908-1981), Meridel Le Sueur helped edit the anthology and wrote the book's preface. Materials include correspondence among editors and meeting notes (1988-1991) and a working draft. Also included is a sound cassette of Irene Paull's memorial ceremony, "Impossible Dream," on October 11, 1981.
Le Sueur kept a journal from the time she was a teenager until her death. These journals functioned not just as a place to record her thoughts and experiences, but as a laboratory for Le Sueur's writing. The writing is often impressionistic and abstract, a stream of consciousness. It reflects Le Sueur's reaction against the linear, highly structured form of writing she considered patriarchal. Forming the single largest section of the papers, the 133 volumes of journals in the collection date from 1918 through 1991 and are organized in roughly chronological order.
Dates on the spine are 1924-1926.
"Birth in Iowa."
Le Sueur's papers include journals, magazines, newspapers, and other print and near-print materials from numerous organizations of interest to her. The materials consist primarily of radical, socialist, and labor publications, as well as literary journals. There are also flyers advertising local events or appearances by individuals, including rallies, book or poetry readings, artistic performances or exhibitions, and lectures.
Including complete copies of journals, magazines, newspapers, pamphlets, and booklets, the material is arranged in alphabetical order by title and date from the 1930s through the 1990s.
Consisting of flyers, newsletters, and programs, the material is arranged in chronological order.
This material concerns Le Sueur's interaction with the public. The bulk consists of a chronological series of newspaper and magazine articles about Le Sueur and her work but also includes publishers' publicity pieces; programs and flyers from Le Sueur's appearances at various rallies, lectures, and readings; interviews of Le Sueur and coursework and academic/term papers on her work; poetry written about or in honor of Le Sueur; pieces celebrating Le Sueur, including on her 80th and 90th birthdays; and stage, film, and musical adaptations based on or inspired by her work.
Includes correspondence between Professor Norma Wilson and Meridel Le Sueur, two separate versions of journal excerpts, and Wilson's essays derived from the project.
Includes personal items such as award certificates, memorabilia, and other miscellaneous items. Also includes photographs of Le Sueur, her family, and friends dating from the early 1900s through the 1980s. Few were labeled but most have been identified by Le Sueur's daughter Rachel Tilsen and the processor. A few photographs of Le Sueur's father, William Winston Wharton, and his family can be found in the section of the collection entitled, "Family and Other Papers."
In addition to her own personal papers, the collection includes some of the papers of several of Le Sueur's immediate family members. These materials, consisting primarily of correspondence, are organized by family member. In addition to the family papers, there is a folder of letters to Margaret Hunt from various individuals, which was found with the Le Sueur papers.
William Winston Wharton was first married to Marian "Mary Del" (nee Lucy) Le Sueur in 1897 and was Meridel Le Sueur's biological father. Although Marian and W. W. Wharton, as he often signed himself, were divorced in 1910, Meridel kept in contact with him sporadically until his death in 1963. In addition to correspondence, the papers include some personal items as well as examples of his poetry. Photographs of Wharton, his second wife (Bessie), and other family members may be found in the folder of biographical and personal items.
Also includes letters to Bessie Wharton, W. W. Wharton's second wife.
Inscribed to Meridel Le Sueur.
Papers of Marian "Mary Del" (nee Lucy) and Arthur Le Sueur, Meridel's mother and step-father, include correspondence, press clippings, and articles, essays, and other writings by them. Information about Marian and Arthur's years teaching at People's College in Fort Scott, Kansas, can be found in
catalogs and copies of the
Mac Le Sueur, Meridel's brother, and his wife, Lorraine, were both painters and art teachers in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area.
Le Sueur's second daughter, Deborah Le Sueur was born in 1930. She married and later divorced Bernard "Bernie" Stoffer. The union produced two children: Robin (1948) and Woody (1957). An artist, Deborah also worked as a teacher in San Francisco during the 1950s.
Meridel's older daughter, Rachel, married attorney Ken Tilsen in 1947. The couple had five children. Although some correspondence is included in this series, most of the correspondence between Meridel and Rachel can be found in the main series of chronological correspondence.
Beulah's relation to the Le Sueur family is unknown. She writes to "Sam" from Minneapolis's Franklin (1939) and DuPont (1946) Avenues.
A folder of papers belonging to Margaret Hunt, possibly a friend of Le Sueur's, was found with the Le Sueur papers. The papers consist primarily of correspondence and news clippings. Correspondents include several of the Scottsboro boys, nine young black men wrongfully convicted and imprisoned for attacking some white women in Alabama in 1931; and J. B. McNamara, a labor leader imprisoned for life at San Quentin for his role in the 1911 bombing of the Los Angeles Times building.
In the early 1950s, folk singer Pete Seeger and the staff of folk-song magazine
In 1978, Meridel loaned these tapes to five women known as Pandora Productions. Their intent: to produce a radio broadcast miniseries on the cultural history of Midwest working people. In 1979, they released
In 1989, College of St. Catherine faculty member Claire McInerney undertook a grant-funded project called "Meridel Le Sueur: A Witness to Minnesota History." She directed five Information Management Department students to listen to the tapes, describe the content, and index each tape by the people mentioned, key events discussed, and the general subject matter presented. Material includes letters of project support solicited by McInerney, a project brochure, the finished descriptive list, and student summary reports.
Note about tape numbers: Several numbering schemes have been imposed over time. No attempt has been made to reconcile them. For this inventory, the first reel-to-reel tape is numbered 1, ascending sequentially across the entire tape collection.
The following tape numbers were assigned by Pandora Productions and do not necessarily correspond to the numbers listed subsequently in this inventory: E-4, E-24, 1 (3 transcripts), 2, 3, 7, 10, 12 (2 transcripts), 14, 68, 76, 78, 81, 82, 85, 86, 91, 96, 97, 100, 101, 103, 104, 110 (2 transcripts), 111, 112 (2 transcripts), 113 (3 transcripts), 14, 116 (2 transcripts), 121 (2 transcripts), 122 (3 transcripts), 123 (3 transcripts), 125, 126.
The audio recordings were made from the 1950s through the 1980s. Descriptions marked
Digital audio
Includes conversation between Meridel and children. They talk about school and what is in the newspaper. The children interview each other, sing songs, count in Spanish, and talk about Hebrew school.
Meridel asks one child about JFK winning the election, war with Russia, and the child's love life.
Children describe their appearances and interview each other.
Audio continues with a man reading/telling the James Dean story of how he became an actor. Concludes with a recitation of "The Raven."
A man from Salt Flat, Texas is reading Poe's "The Raven" using a variety of accents. Meridel is with him.
This recitation is interrupted by stories and other conversation (story about a man who mispronounced Minneapolis). Also includes bits of KDWB broadcast, excerpts of a TV religious service, child reading Gettysburg Address, man whispering a dramatic story, Hebrew songs and conversations, and children taking turns interviewing each other.
Digital audio
Audio begins with recitation of poetry by various people. Poems include: "With God On Their Side," "It's Their Job," "Thousand Year Old Beauty," "Fifteen," "Ode To A Goddess".
Continues with Mark talking about a flood of refugees, friends, news, etc. Background noise and conversations follow.
Last, Meridel speaking with two little boys about school and learning.
A barking dog, tin whistle songs, and singing end this side.
Digital audio
Audio starts with a short clip of singing and the rest is empty.
Digital audio
This is a recording from Debbie, Robin, and Bernie to Meridel. It begins with conversation between Debbie and Robin, and preparations before Marsha comes. It continues after Marsha's arrival with conversation including family news and paintings. Continues with a lengthy section when Debbie describes how she happened to marry Bernie. She also gives general news to Meridel. The last ten minutes of the tape are Robin and her friend Gene playing and talking.
Digital audio
The children take turns singing or playing a song and then each tells about what they've been doing. Songs include: "Frere Jacque," "Mary Had A Little Lamb," "The First Noel," "Deck The Halls," an original composition by Robin, "My Country 'Tis Of Thee," "Joy To The World," Christopher's "To A Dog" composition. A small section records Robin looking up "insect" in her new encyclopedia set. The end is general conversation among the children and family.
Digital audio
A composition of pieces: calypso music, guitar, general conversation in the background, faint singing with bamboo flute and guitar, children talking and singing.
Digital audio
Recording is composition of many pieces: recitation of poetry ("I Have Built America"); children singing ("Home On The Range"); opera; calypso music; general conversations with Meridel present.
Digital audio
Digital audio
Starts out with an interviewer talking to several men about the World Plow Match to be held in Oxford, England in October 1956. Includes explanations of the plowing competitions, where men from about 20 countries of the world compete to be the best plowman worldwide.
Next, several minutes of classical music followed by Indonesian music and singing. Classical music by Beethoven is followed by Pete Seeger singing two folk songs.
A short program about over-the-road truckers and their work is next, then more classical music.
Digital audio
Consists of classical music with faint conversation in the background.
Digital audio
Begins with music (spiritual, blues): "I Cry For My Race" and "Sidetrack".
It continues with This Is Our Story, narrated by Studs Terkel. This is a radio program featuring lullabies and cradle songs, specifically their origins and universality. The songs included are from countries such as Ireland, France, and the West Indies. Discussion also focuses on contents of lullabies. The tape ends with a collection of blues music.
Digital audio
Notes on container: "We'll Meet in the Valley;" Carl Sandberg birthday; Roger Ashby [copied?]; Elder Holte of Bergen.
Digital audio
Notes on container: Brahms quintet; drums contest; Helen Keller; revival.
Digital audio
Notes on container: Russian music, Soviet records 1959; Paul Robeson; John Bernard; Puglisse story; lovely singer in New York; Sam H.; vote.
Digital audio
Digital audio
Contains a CBS (August 28) live news broadcast of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. Meridel seems to have recorded this from an Omaha news channel. Meridel and others can be heard in the background. Includes Martin Luther King's I Have A Dream speech.
Digital audio
Begins with children singing and speaking in Spanish, also Spanish music. Next, a conversation with Betty Smith and Meridel. Specific topics Betty discusses include: contraband in prisons; punitive measures; seclusion; system of authority; communication between inmates; classification board; disciplinary board; relations with superiors; preparations when leaving prison; physical conditions in prison, such as decoration of rooms and cigarette allotment. Tape ends with Gershwin music.
Digital audio
Begins with various songs (Spanish, Hebrew, English).
Then, Meridel interviews Betty. They discuss treatment of women in prison, women prisoners and their attitudes, psychiatric aid, schooling, rehabilitation for women, preparation for life outside of prison, prison jobs (pros and cons), correspondence in prison, dignity of prisoners, and self-government system.
Digital audio
David is talking with Meridel about the peace protests in Washington. He reads the Declaration of Peace and describes the arrests. He mentions people involved in the protest.
The rest of the tape has singing (Freedom State Line) - Rachel and Debbie with others.
Digital audio
Overlay occurs during the first ten minutes of this side. The 3-3/4 speed contains a documentary about Frederick Douglas--his life and accomplishments.
The 7-1/2 speed is a continuation of Side 1. David Tilsen tells Meridel about his experiences in Washington during the Peace Protests. He discusses the conditions, people present such as Joan Baez, and the various arrests.
Digital audio
Meridel is having a conversation with Ray [poet Ray Smith?] and his father. They tell stories about shooting pool, neighbors, Arthur Le Sueur, the army, and Ray's mother. The beginning of the tape is difficult to hear because of the children, but it quiets down later. Later, Meridel speaks about giving women their due credit.
Digital audio
Begins with a German orchestra and the Vienna Boys Choir, playing a Bach piece.
The last part of the tape consists of children singing and more conversation between Meridel and Ray's father, Pa. Pa tells various Indian stories as well as stories about his home town in South Dakota.
Digital audio
Begins with a continuation of the "Candystick" story. Includes correspondence from Robin, Rachel, and Meridel to Joci, David, Daniel. Also includes family conversations and animal imitations.
Maurice is talking about catching the bus. Frank, Maurice, and a woman are singing. Contains an interview of Sam Horowitz's mother in New York, regarding her son going to prison, getting married, and working.
Background noise. General conversation.
Poetry by [Ethel?] Hepburn. Correspondence to Rachel and Kenny.
Digital audio
Classical music featuring Rudolf Serkin on the piano and Pablo Casals on the cello. Includes Beethoven's Sonatas No. 4 and 3.
Also includes the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Steinberg directing.
Concludes with Robin telling a story about the candysticks that ran away, got married, and had baby candysticks.
Digital audio
Two women are talking, stating the Indian names for common animals and plants. Mrs. Peake, a White Earth reservation woman, tells Indian stories. One is about a man, Andes Wadena, who had a stroke, was treated with White Man's medicine, but still wanted "grand medicine treatment" from "pagans," even though he was Christian. Mrs. Peake then tells of other experiences: "grand medicine" woman, store owners who couldn't read or write, and of a man who wanted to marry a rich woman who wasn't really rich, but had set up a scheme to catch him and his money.
Digital audio
Classical music by Shostakovich and other composers.
Digital audio
Notes on container: Morris Paull; Sunday meeting of old timers.
Digital audio
Digital audio
Writer's roundtable discussion.
Digital audio
This contains many performances by various local artists and musicians. It is a cultural gathering in the Twin Cities with Meridel as the mistress of ceremonies. Performers include Wilbur Brams, Lionel Davis, Justine O'Connor, and Katherine Brokner. Malvina Reynolds' compositions are featured along with the Rosenberg Suite. Introductions by Meridel are informative.
Digital audio
Both sides of this tape are the story of a man called "El Duke de Aragon". Meridel interviews him about his life, starting out on his family's ranch in New Mexico, and ending up in Mexico city.
Digital audio
Continues El Duke de Aragon continues his life story.
Digital audio
Entire side contains sounds of a tropical rain forest; Dry season and rainy season.
Digital audio
Studs Terkel hosts a radio program at WFMT in Chicago, interviews Jack Conroy about his various works, particularly Writers In Revolt. Excerpts from Jack's books and other writers are included: Harp Of A Thousand Strings, Slappy Hooper, The Wonderful Sign Painter, Sequel To Love, They Follow Us Girl. Vernon Dalhard songs include "The Prisoner Soon" and "The Wreck Of The Old '97".
The end portion contains the Philadelphia Orchestra, broadcasting from the Academy of Music in Philadelphia. The program includes The Overture to the Magic Flute; Concerto No. 4 in D Major; Concerto in B-flat Major; and Symphony No. in 41 C Major.
Digital audio
This side is general conversation including Meridel, Lucile Driftmier Verness, Russell Verness, and John. Included in discussion are various memories of life at 2521 Harriet, stories concerning Marion and Arthur (e.g., dirty laundry, moving furniture) and stories of the children (Meridel's granddaughter Robin Stoffer believing that a wolf was her new baby brother/sister).
Digital audio
Meridel interviews a Polish domestic worker, Bernice Kitowski. Bernice talks about a young farmer's various marriage proposals, finding work, setting up house, farm stories about unknown noises, and friendships with an old Polish woman.
The last fifteen minutes include Indian chanting and drum music.
Digital audio
Notes on container: Vesti la Giubba (
Digital audio
Notes on container: Conversation to San Francisco folks.
Digital audio
Notes on container: Lettuce worker songs; Robin empty end party.
Digital audio
Notes on container: Party at Hubert; mariachis; party with Santa Cruz.
Digital audio
Continued TV program from Side 2. Includes interviews of migrants, speeches, singing and other commentary. Also discussed is the Delano Strike. Speed changes to 7-1/2 (Blues music). Speed changes again to 3-3/4 and the documentary program about migrant farm workers continues. The tape ends with music.
Digital audio
First half of this side contains a musical production. It includes speaking, instrumentals, and opera. Between pieces, the composer is interviewed.
The next section of tape is blank. It continues with a segment on Middle Eastern music.
Next, a recorded program about agricultural unions and agricultural strikes. A focus is on the Mexican farm workers; various people are interviewed.
The MFWA (Migrant Farm Workers Association) is discussed.
Digital audio
Contains a Jewish service marking the 45th wedding anniversary of Edward and Esther Tilsen. Five of the twenty-one grandchildren provide a narration as a medieval Jewish marriage ring is presented to their grandparents. Also included is the welcoming of Janey Beth Tilsen (parents: Joyce and Robert Tilsen) into the community. The rest of the tape is blank.
Digital audio
Continuation of Edward and Esther Tilsen's 45th wedding anniversary celebration. Included are conversations, children singing, and a narrated segment, "This Is Your Life," featuring Edward and Esther Tilsen.
Digital audio
The Tilsen and Stoffer children are telling riddles and jokes, pretending to be announcers on a radio/TV station program featuring news, sports, and interviews; also pretending to learn Spanish, and being aliens from Jupiter.
Digital audio
Folk music starts out this side, then the tape contains a recorded television program featuring a rehearsal of a quartet playing the music of Bela Bartok. Some analysis of the music is done during the rehearsal.
Digital audio
Notes on container: Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee; Freedom Now; This Little Light of Mine; dogs; worker info; I'm a Man of Constant Sorrow; Sylon[?]; Practical Book of Celts[?]; We Shall Overcome; Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Around; We Shall Not Be Moved; Calb Get Joe[?]; Get on Board; Big Bill Broonzy; [?]; Little Light of Mine[?]; Blues in the Mississippi Night; Lomax[?].
Digital audio
Notes on container: Ballad "Studs;" Archie and Mehililel[?]; Mahala [?]; Nina Simone.
Digital audio
Notes on container: Yank [Levine?]; continue of Clarksdale; Gregory; As I Come to Weep Upon My Father's Grave.
Digital audio
Notes on container: Continue Clarksdale - fine music; conversation on porch; Entrance of Irene Paull's grandchildren.
Digital audio
The spring conference of the Progressive Party is meeting and many people are speaking to gather support for the movement. Speakers included Marzini, Earl W. Stillman, and Susie Stageberg. Letters are read from members who couldn't be present.
The last section of the tape is Rachel and Ken Tilsen's vacation stories taped for Deborah.
Digital audio
Family members--Rachel and Ken Tilsen, their children, and Meridel--are featured on this tape that was made to be sent to Deborah on her birthday.
Digital audio
Begins with Meridel and friends in general conversation.
The next segment contains poetry read over jazz music and an interview of the performer. Next is an excerpt of a radio interview with Dr. Castor (Assistant Professor at University of Minnesota) about radiation fallout and atomic testing.
The remainder is Meridel interviewing various old-timers. Topics discussed include farm evictions, the Holiday Association, farm organizers, farm meetings, land development/homesteading, socialists/socialist meetings, and farming and crops.
Digital audio
Begins with Meridel interviewing a Russian immigrant. He talks about the Soviet Union's bureaucracy and trade, in relation to other European and Western countries. Approximately the next 1/2 inch of this side is background noise.
The next portion consists of various clips such as a TV program, music with narration, jazz music, and classical music. The remainder of the side, Meridel narrates over background music.
Digital audio
Begins with Meridel talking to two children. They jump rope and recite jump-rope rhymes for her.
Next, a man recites anti-war poetry. Included are "Hydrogen Horror," "There Goes Harriet Tubman," "To The Memory of Albert Einstein," and other poems in memory of such people as Isabelle Gonzales, Morton Sobell, the Rosenbergs, and Walter Lowenthal.
It continues with children jumping rope and playing. Concludes with a symphony.
Digital audio
Contains folk music.
Digital audio
Meridel interviews Jenny Fry about her life. Jenny was a Ukrainian immigrant living in St. Paul.
She talks about her husband, children, divorce, house, and work.
Digital audio
Begins with a TV interview of Ben Hecht, Hollywood actor and writer. He talks about the movie industry, Hollywood, aging, religion, politics, political figures, and television.
The tape continues with Meridel's interview of Jenny Fry, an immigrant from the Ukraine. Jenny discusses her family, home life in the Ukraine, her mother, the Hebrew school, leaving Russia, having children, marriage, her husband, working, and her stay in a St. Paul hospital.
Digital audio
Begins with clips of various things: children playing, a man speaking, and people singing appears to be a TV program.
Continues with a man giving a speech in Spanish. Spanish music and singing follows. The next segment is a musical production: an Indian narration, in English, over music.
Digital audio
Begins with Peter LaFarge album (Women Blues); songs include "Bad Girl," "Lone Night Song," "I Will Bring You Flowers," "Sundi," "Handsome Blackarbee," "The View Is Clear," "People Ask Me," "Rainbow Race," "Don't Tell Me How I Look Falling," "In My Chains," "Broken Bird," "Nobody Can Do It Alone," "Pete's Blues," "Epitaph Blues." Continues with segment of a musical production featuring the Beatles, pop music, vaudeville-type music, and a Brazilian folk singer.
Digital audio
First half hour is background music and general conversation: shopping, dinner, etc., a baby crying.
The second half contains Yank Levine telling stories of people he deals with as a scrap collector: the restaurateur, bookseller, and others. He also tells of the day Meridel spent with him as he worked. Beatrice tells a story of the psychopathic decorator and when she first met Yank.
Digital version
Meridel interviews Walter and his wife about various people, events, and organizations. Walter and his wife are from the Midwest. Walter was an organizer for many alliances. They also discuss their family background.
Digital version
Notes on container: Party - singing; folk songs; Yiddish songs and translation thereof; Maurice party; [Andrés?] Segovia; [Pablo?] Casals; Bach.
Digital audio
Notes on container: [Andrés?] Segovia; string quartet; Deborah story.
Digital audio
Contains an interview with Mrs. X. The war in Vietnam and related topics are discussed. Next, children (Owen, Jennifer, and Brendan) are playing with the recorder. Continues with a meeting regarding rights of Spanish immigrants.
Digital audio
Begins with a radio program from Santa Fe, New Mexico. Mrs. X., the guest, is being interviewed about military spending, religious issues in Vietnam, communism, and Citizens Acting For Peace.
Next, after a short guitar solo, children are heard talking and singing.
Digital audio
Carl Sandburg speaks about Lincoln's life. Rachel's children sing many songs.
Digital audio
Carl Sandburg, Everett Dirksen, and Norton Parkinson debate on television whether or not Abraham Lincoln could have become president in 1960.
Bart Von Scheeling sings songs in German, Spanish, Italian, and French. A woman sings Guatemalan songs and Mexican songs. Children and adults are singing hymns and children's songs.
Digital audio
Blair talks about organizing unions. He was a communist, working for Westinghouse Electric in 1929 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He also talks about organizing unions elsewhere, including Minnesota, and getting jailed for the Westinghouse Electric labor strike.
Digital audio
Slavic accordion and singer: folk songs "Toil Not in Vain," "Oh Miss Bailey, Unfortunate Miss Bailey," "Up the Champlain Blue," unknown title, unknown title, "Heave ho, Heave ho;" lullaby: "Till Papa's Ship Comes In."
Digital audio
Mrs. Elizabeth Rock Jude, an Oneida-Iroquois born in Wisconsin, married to a Chippewa, talks briefly about her life and other Indian historical pieces of information. "Face the Nation" has Kruschev as its featured guest talking about increasing production of food in U.S.S.R.
Digital audio
Helen Gallagher, Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) member, speaks of the IWW and how it organized basic industries such as mining and farming. She also tells of IWW members that went to trial and didn't defend themselves.
Pat Gleason, a member of the Progressive movement and Non-Partisan League, had his birthday celebrated. Speakers tell of Gleason's accomplishments.
Narrator is telling about Frank Lloyd Wright and some of his designs (Guggenheim museum, Florida Southern Univ. building, Church for Walter Bublitz's congregation, Herbert Jacobs' house).
A man talks about his life and organizing WPA people.
End of the tape is blues and jazz music.
Digital audio
Songs by Malvina Reynolds include "Let Us Come In," "I Got A Song," "Where Are You Going, My Little One," "Last Night I Had a Dream," "The Gentlemen of Distinction in the Army," "I Live in a City, Yes I Do," "Today is Tomorrow and It's Gone," "I'm Awfully Nervous Lonesome," and "Bury Me In My Overalls." A man sings "Man Of The Year." Malvina Reynolds sings "Johnny Built a Boat," then a woman reads a poem. Malvina sings again, "Mountains of New Mexico," "Love is Something If You Give it Away," "Stay Where You Are," "Don't Talk To Me of Love Anymore." Several different classical music songs end Side 1 of the tape.
Digital audio
Esther Hesler tells about her life as a labor organizer, describing how the AFL wanted the millinery people (she was one) to join them, and why the millinery people didn't want to. She tells about circumstances of the poor at that time in the U.S.
Digital audio
Harry Mayville tells about several strikes he apparently was involved in, including the Truck Drivers' Strike, the Flour City Strike, and the Streetware Strike. He is talking to Meridel Le Sueur on both sides of the tape.
Digital audio
Harry Mayville tells about how he organized a strike in Leone, Wisconsin, at a plant/factory owned by a Mr. Connor. He relates what happened during the strike.
Digital audio
A man reads various accounts of laborer murders in the early 1900s.
Next, an interview about joining the labor movement, followed by gospel music.
Digital audio
Tape starts off with Gospel music.
Next, a radio broadcast from Berkeley, California features Alexander Micklejohn speaking to the Senate Subcommittee on Constitutional Rights. Micklejohn's speech was entitled "The First Amendment: The Core of the Constitution."
Digital audio
Gary Smith singing kids' songs. Carl and Betty on the phone. Two minutes of the O'Kassick interview. Party at the Maonalds', everyone given the opportunity to sing a song, tell a story, or a joke.
People singing, accompanied by piano and jaws harp; another group singing "In Brooklyn, N.Y."; Ex-Minnesotans Association.
Jenkins continues talking about his experiences with IWW. Relates how he had an accident and lost his leg, then was given a desk job in the IWW. He talks about scabs, informants in companies and how they operated.
Meridel talks about the works of Oscar Amering, and the Duke University collection of labor-related papers--the best collection of its kind, in her opinion.
Jenkins talks about the Copper Queen Mining Company and the lawyer William B. Cleary, who defended workers from the IWW. Meridel's father is discussed. The strikes in Boston, Massachusetts are also mentioned.
Jenkins describes how he worked various jobs and eventually ended up on the West Coast involved in the IWW Party. He describes the Free Speech Fight in Fresno, California. He describes his experiences while in jail, and also describes his fellow workers. Talks of being jailed in Modesto, California. Talks about Jack White's speech given in San Diego, and how it summed up all their feelings. Jensen recalls celebrating VE Day with the Russians. He talks more about rebel songs, jail, and Frank Little.
Rachel and her children take turns talking, singing, and reading. Rachel reads a tale about "Buncha the Silent."
Dylan Thomas does a reading, but neither the title of the piece nor the author are identified.
"Biography in Sound," a radio program, features Alexandra Woolcott and Clarence Darrow. Woolcott was a newspaper reporter, drama critic, and book reviewer. Darrow was the defense lawyer for the Scopes Trial.
Charles Roult tells about how he came over from Germany in 1934.
Jacob Lipshitz, a sculptor, is being interviewed on the air.
Two children, Robin and Davey, tell what happened when their dog had puppies.
At a New Year's Eve party Lou Gilbert tells stories about being blacklisted as an actor, and being wanted as an actor for a film called Joseph and His Brethren by Cliff Odetts.
Digital version
Individual party conversations are impossible to identify. Later, Janice tells about Mexico. A children's party with children singing is next. Lastly, the New Year's Eve party continues.
Digital version
First, rock and roll music is played.
Next, a thunderstorm is heard in the background along with a television program, "Dr. Kildare," starring Richard Chamberlain.
Next, Meridel and Robin talk about her boyfriend and about Robin's teacher and school.
Meridel has a conversation with Robin about life at Lowell High School. Robin recounts the trouble her friend, Mary, got into for putting nude drawings up in a display case.
Next, Lucille Driftmier Verness, Meridel, Carolyn, and Jacqueline Paull talk about travels to New Mexico and Indian culture.
Deborah Stoffer discusses her experiences as a teacher.
Notes on container: [Bela] Bartok: sonata for two pianos and percussion; [Leopold?] Stokowski and symphony orchestra.
Notes on container: Mess backward [tape is warped and damaged].
Pete Seeger sings Irish folk songs, followed by a broadcast about Irish playwright Sean O'Casey.
Sean O'Casey segment wraps up.
The history of Blacks and Civil Rights is discussed, featuring events in the South during the late 1950s to the early 1960s.
The tape then jumps to an anniversary of the 1916 Post Office Rebellion in Dublin, where the Irish tried to gain freedom from British rule.
Notes on container: Manuel de Falla, "El Retablo de Maese Pedro."
Notes on container: Woody and family; Debussy quartet, Budapest.
First, an unidentified woman sings several folk songs. Next, a television program covers New Yorkers on welfare--the difficulty in surviving on welfare, and how welfare perpetuates itself. Last, a television program features Pablo Picasso's mural Guernica, based on the bombing of Guernica during the Spanish Civil War.
This side contains about 25 minutes of classical music, followed by 10 to 15 minutes of East Indian music; then it features a television program about the birds of the Galapagos Islands. The last 20 minutes of the tape are blank.
Broadcast featuring selections by the Free Southern Theatre, a group of young black artists based in New Orleans. The group is a free production, surviving on contributions from other theatre groups, donations, and grants. Selections highlight the problems facing blacks, such as poverty and poor living conditions.
Featured next on the tape are three classical works by Haydn with four guitars and a quartet. Last, is "Freedom Rock" from KBNM Radio in Albuquerque, N.M. Artists featured include Neil Diamond, The Beatles, Santana.
Robin and Meridel sick with a fever. Deborah had recently given birth to Woody and was in the process of feeding him. Deborah needed poems for Robin to listen to. Meridel and an unnamed man discuss the birth of the Republican Party in the 1850s-60s. The man said a woman (Anna Carls) was behind the whole thing.
Deborah, Meridel, and Irene Paull are present for Woody's bath. Bernice Kitowski is featured on this tape[?].
An unnamed man tells how the Alaskans got together to nominate delegates to write a constitution. Another man tells Meridel about getting the Socialist Party together in the U.S.
Ben Lezere talks about Russia and a man named Nicholas Hurwitz, who was a hero in the 1905 Russian Revolution. Ben became active again in Russia for the Socialist Movement, after being in the U.S. for some years. Lezere tells of Nicholas' underhanded tactics to get control of the Socialists, and how an Irishman, Jim Larkin, helped to stop him.
Next, Deborah talks about finding a director for a school, then discusses the curriculum of first-grade social studies, and finally tells of a woman's [Kathrine Fromer?] methods used to teach Indian children. The schedule for Robin's birthday is discussed by Bernice, Meridel, and Deborah.
Notes on container: Mexico party; Santa Cruz; songs [Notes found inside box: Crash noise whistling; Kim, Benny singing Foster songs; Vaya con Dios; Stalin funeral; let's-da-de-dum-dum; Benny; sounds squeaks; music?; more sounds; Pygmalion; Emilio Gonzales.]
Notes on container: Mexico party; Santa Cruz; songs [Notes found inside box: Farewell to Arms; Kit conversation with Benny; Lewis Mumford; Danny Kaye.
Notes on container: Rachel, Rosie, Debbie III (outtakes).
First 35 minutes feature Dylan Thomas reading poetry, followed by E. E. Cummings reading a play about Santa Claus.
Broadcast featuring three young poets: Louis Zukofsky, Frank O'Hara, and Ed Sanders.
Each is interviewed and reads samples of his own work.
Ken Tilsen discusses his experiences as lawyer for the Indians at Wounded Knee, South Dakota, during the Wounded Knee Uprising.
Digital version
Notes on container: Peace program.
Yank relates funny stories about his past jobs: lifeguard at a resort, peanut vendor at a burlesque house, and a freight handler in the garment center of New York.
Woman reads poetry; the rest of Side 2 is blank.
Meridel reads a story entitled "The Legend of Wilderness Road: The Story of Nancy Hanks."
The tape ends with Meridel conversing with several children.
Meridel rehearses reading "The Legend of Wilderness Road: The Story of Nancy Hanks."
Georgia Turner is interviewed about her past: sharecropping; tent city; her life.
Georgia Turner interview continues.
Followed by Lena and Arthur Borchardt celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary. Then, tapping of rain on the roof.
Diane Heinz, age 16, tells about her date. Charlie Roalt tells about his life, and working in a champagne factory. He would turn 72 the following week.
Uncle Joe, Harry Rice's father's brother, tells about his family, his life, and emigrating to the U.S.
Digital version
Meridel talks to Tom and Alma McGrath. Tom was an instructor at Los Angeles State College until he was called up before the House Committee on Un-American Activities. McGrath is also a poet; he reads many of his poems.
Digital version
Bernice Kitowski, a Polish woman who took care of Deborah and Rachel, tells Meridel about her life. She was a domestic worker.
The background music for Meridel's reading of "The Story of Nancy Hanks" is on this tape. Next, a man singing and playing guitar: folk songs. Then a session of classical music is followed by a long section of blank tape.
Next, Deborah and Robin play children's songs on the flute and xylophone. Next, Meridel rehearses reading "The Legend of Wilderness Road: The Story of Nancy Hanks." The rest of the tape is blank.
Friends and acquaintances of Susie Stageberg speak in her memory. Memorial took place in mid-March 1961 at Red Wing, Minnesota. The WILPF (Women's International League for Peace and Freedom) is mentioned.
The Stageberg memorial continues for the first thirty minutes of this side, followed by twenty minutes of blank tape.
Next, an unspecified conference is featured.
Notes on container: Meridel, including David's story of governors; songs; thoughts and gripes; praises; belches; screams.
Notes on container: St. Paul; church choir - Josh White; Woody Guthrie; Esther; children.
Notes on container: Thomas Wolfe; Ray Smith; how Kenneth [Tilsen] was born; how Rachel met Ken [Tilsen].
Notes on container: [Bela] Bartok; Celeste; cello.
Notes on container: Schubert quintet in C major; Budapest string quartet; Goodbye, Milton; Ernie Lieberman; Irene [Paull?].
Notes on container: Deborah birthday, 1948.
Notes on container: Variations on a theme of Hindemith by Walther Szell; Barbara Streisand; symphony no. 2 Sebelen.
Notes on container: Sebelners; Ruth St. Denis; [Morris?] Carnovsky - King Lear; interview with William Schuman.
Notes on container: Sonny Rollins; hall guitar; God Bless the Child; Japanese camp; [Pablo?] Casals class; Gould plays Bach.
Notes on container: Mozart - clarinet; Kech; Brahms.
Notes on container:
Notes on container: Stravinsky; "Let Your Hair Hang Down;" Jackson County painting, sculpture; Berg; [Anton?] Webern; Eric Hofer.
John Gates, Communist Party member for 27 years, tells why he left the party. Next, "The Story of Transportation" hosted by Cedric Adams. The program describes how Minnesota was developed by the various modes of transportation--from steamboats to horses to Greyhound buses.
Meridel is in conversation with Mac about art and artists. Later, Lorraine, Mac's wife (Lorraine), and Mark (son) join in the conversation to discuss a paper Mark had written. Later they discuss documenting history, why Meridel does it, and how Lorraine should, but won't.
Notes on container: David practicing for bar.
Notes on container: Passover.
Notes on container: [Rabbi] Shlomo Carlebach at village sale.
Notes on container: "Willow the Wisp," "Many Happy Returns," etc.
Meridel interviewing teachers who will teach in the Freedom Schools.
Next, Meridel interrupts the tape to say that this is an excellent speech given by Reverend Vincent Harding to the Oxford Orientation Group. Harding gives a description of the history of Negroes in America, and also gives a description of White America's response to the Negro. He also describes Mississippi in 1961.
Harding describes how difficult things will be in Mississippi; talks about nonviolence. Meridel describes the emotions and fears of those on their way to Mississippi.
Meridel interviews Curtis Hayes about jail treatment and conditions for Blacks in the South. Nonviolence and treatment of white Civil Rights workers in the South is discussed. Nonviolence tactics are also discussed. The tape ends with Negro spiritual music.
Meridel sings Swedish songs with a group of singers including the Swedish immigrant she interviewed. "Home On The Range" is sung in Swedish by everyone.
A Swedish immigrant describes his work experience in the United States in 1910. Discusses his membership in the Swedish Employee Association and his work experience in a pulp mill.
An Oral Roberts program begins this side of the tape.
Then, several conversations are heard: men talk about Harry Dunbar in North Dakota; a woman talks about having a job cleaning horseradish, about the May Day celebration, and about getting involved in workers' movement; men talk about the Socialist Party; and a man tells Meridel about the "Sun Dance" he participated in.
Woman talks about Pat (Slim) Harris, who gave her books to read.
First, opera music is heard.
Then Meridel interviews farmers who are milking cows; more music follows the interviews. Alfa and Jill Smith play piano and sing often throughout the tape.
More music, featuring the Russian Metropolitan Choir of Paris.
Meridel's birthday is being celebrated by Deb's family. The children recite poetry, a woman reads a poem, "The House With The Broken Heart." Another conversation with Yank Levine follows the party segment. Next, Meridel talks about "roughing it" in a cabin for a week. More poetry reading follows,
among the poems "To The Memory of Albert Einstein." Sarah Wright reads a poem by Lucy Smith from Smith's book,
First, a segment with Deb's classroom in Princeton; children sing.
Then Meridel talks about members who made up the Non-Partisan League. She also talks about Lindbergh in Red Wing, Minnesota. Meridel is intrigued by the writings of Bud Reed. More poetry is recited about struggles of oppressed people, especially blacks. Holland Robert's talk finishes out the tape.
Tape begins with Meridel talking in the background, then a man sings "Kum Ba Ya, My Lord." Next, is a radio program "Midnight Special." Terkel interviews some of the writers of the music--folk and protest songs. Next, Meridel has a personal conversation with a woman regarding the death of Meridel's mother. Next, is a conversation about caring for kittens.
First, a woman reads descriptions of parts of California.
Next, a man gives a speech recognizing the pioneering spirit of those who started the Budget-Rent-A-Car Company. The people who took the idea of Budget-Rent-A-Car and built it into what it is today are described as new pioneers.
Next, a radio program describes the history and horrors of the Spanish Civil War in the 1930s. Jazz music follows the Spanish Civil War segment.
Next, Terkel interviews a troubled teenager, Rose, who writes poetry.
The tape finishes out with Bob Dylan, then Frank Sinatra singing.
A program that Meridel and Barbra Tilsen gave at the Thompson Recital Hall, Bemidji State University, Bemidji, Minnesota. It was broadcast on KBSB, 89.7 radio. Barbra sings "Freedom Rights," a song about three women who organized protests. Meridel tells the audience that Barbra is married to her beloved grandson, and that they are traveling with Barbra's new baby, three-month-old Molly. Meridel dedicates this show to "Our Grandmothers." Meridel says she began to write as a girl of ten years; she realized women had no voice. Meridel then reads "Hush My Little Grandmother." Meridel recalls trying to get a story about a birth of a child published; the editor said they couldn't publish that kind of experience. Meridel then reads "Behold Me." She talks of having twenty-three great grandchildren. Meridel speaks about the saga of corn, then reads Origins of Corn. Next, Barbra sings "Waters Of Life," then sings "Danke Schoen." Barbra recalls the incident in which James Watt didn't want the Beach Boys at the 4th of July celebration in Washington, D.C. Watt wanted Wayne Newton instead. Barbra sings about this in the song "Danke Schoen." Then Meridel speaks of the brutal murder of Mary Anna Kwash by the FBI.
First 1/4 of the tape is blank. The rest of the tape is very difficult to hear or understand. One segment sounds like a woman speaking in a foreign language; another segment sounds like a woman singing.
Most of this side is devoted to ethnic music: Unnaippol vocal and instrumental; Sangeet Gnamama and instrumental; Theruva Theppo and instrumental; Raga Bhairari instrumental; Raga Saarang instrumental; Aag Mere Char Pritam vocal and instrumental; Parmaarth Cha Panth Vikat Nach AAkane vocal and instrumental. The Serendipity Singers sing "Don't Let The Rain Come Down."
Most of this side is blank; more ethnic music is heard approximately 3/4 of the way into Side 2.
The tape is unusable because of its poor condition.
Recording of the Prokofiev violin concerto.
Seeger sings songs about war, song written by Black soldiers, Civil War song: "John Brown's Body Lies Mouldering in The Grave." He also talks about the Filipino people. Next on this side, a broadcast of a program that pokes fun at Americans and their naivete about sex. Last, classical music to the end of the tape.
First segment features classical music. Next, Meridel interviews Eunice Caldwell, an older black woman who was jailed during the McCarthy period. Eunice recounts the hunger and hardships she endured. She tells of having to get a food order to buy groceries. A radio program follows the interview segment. The radio program features various types of music: modern vocal, Latin American, rock (Jefferson Airplane), Mexican, classical (Rossi), and Jewish and Italian Renaissance.
Eunice recounts her life growing up in the South; her relationship with her father, Jeff; and the hardships Blacks suffered. She talks of the plantation owner who took advantage of her sister and the birth of her sister's illegitimate white child (Titi or Teddy). She describes how the family suffered at the hands of their small community because of the birth of her sister's child. She tells of a man named Lucas who set his dog on her, and of killing the dog with a dagger she carried.
Their family was forced to move to a new community where they faced more hardships. She details the many moves she made because she wanted to raise her two children in the North. Also mentioned are her jobs as a maid for Montgomery Ward and for a call-girl house in Minnesota.
First, Meridel interviews a man who was in May Day demonstrations in Minneapolis in 1934. Next, a broadcast featuring Ravel's "Daphne and Chloe."
Second interview is with American boys who have joined Castro's movement. The boys believe that Castro's movement is a good cause; they claim they are fighting for world peace. Castro comments that he is very proud of the Americans who are fighting for them; the Castro comments have been dubbed.
T.S. Eliot speaks out on modern literary criticism, saying that each generation makes their own demands on art. He believes that valid interpretation of a literary work must be an interpretation of one's own feelings when read; that is the only valid type of critique. Next, Meridel interviews Sam Davis. Davis tells of selling communist literature to a boy and how the boy's father came to the store and yelled at him. He talks about his involvement with unions, party politics, and the leaders. Davis explains that intellectuals must live with the workers in order to know what the workers are going through. He tells about the FBI investigating him. Davis discusses the DFL party, the woman who organized the YMCA, teaching a trade union class, Marxism, organizing people, company stool pigeons, and farmers--large versus small. The last part of this tape features an interview by Meridel.
Martin Robb introduces Meridel to an audience at the University of Minnesota. Robb gives a brief, informative description of Meridel's life up to the present time. Meridel was a stunt girl for Pearl White, and a writer for West End Press. Meridel writes for and about children, Indians, and women. The FBI has been her most captive audience. Meridel begins talking about the Minneapolis Truckers' Strike, then the quality of the recording gets so poor that it is difficult to distinguish what's being said.
The first 1/4 of the tape is blank. The rest is indecipherable.
Deb talks to Phillip and Warren. The boys want to sing two songs they made up: "Hush Little Doggy" and "The Ground Hog."
The next segment is a Christmas gathering--people opening presents and making individual comments. Woody sings an African song then sings "Jingle Sells." The tape ends with music by Joan Baez.
Tape is blank for 3/4 of the reel, then a young girl says, "This is the funniest tape you'll ever hear"; then she swears.
The next segment is bird sounds; the rest of the tape is blank.
Woody sings a song about a lumberjack; he then sings "Scarlet Ribbons." Woody recites the Pledge of Allegiance, counts to ten in three languages, imitates animals sounds. Deb describes the home they live in, and talks about their nice neighbor who is a librarian at the University of Minnesota. She also describes problems some Blacks had at Hunters Park in Oakland, Calif.
Woody sings the Beatles' "A Hard Day's Night."
Meridel teaches children a new song; the song's refrain is,
If we could consider each other each other a friend or neighbor, or a brother, / oh, what a wonderful world it would be." Meridel sings and plays guitar. The children act out a scene. The rest of the tape is blank.
Narrator reads a story by Dylan Thomas describing Christmas traditions at a boy's home. A segment of classical music follows; featured are Symphony No. 1 in E Minor Opus 39 by Jean Sibelius, music from the "Kaloa Dance," music from Macedonia Shepherds, and Maurice Ravel's "Concerto For The Left Hand."
First segment highlights Pan American Livestock Expo in Texas in 1954; various breeds of cattle are discussed. Next, music by K. K. Johnson follows. The narrator interviews a horse trainer. The rest of the tape is various radio program excerpts featuring Artie Shaw and Bessie Smith.
Yank tells of his childhood and young adult years in Duluth, Minnesota. He talks about moving to New York and trying to become a comic. This segment ends abruptly. Next, Gary Snyder tells of his childhood and education. He talks about poetry and about living in Japan. He recites poems "Rift Raft" and "The Back County."
Digital version
Dionne Warwick sings "A Message To Michael." Next, Meridel and Deb have a conversation about maturity, family relationships, and sibling rivalry. They also discuss people not fitting into a certain structured society; White versus Indian culture. The tape ends with Deb talking about domestic business (house payments).
Digital version
Lindesmith recounts her involvement in the organization of the Workers Movement on the University of Minnesota campus in the 1940s. She helped form the Communist Club on campus, and helped organize the youth in Brainerd, Minnesota. She tells of getting N.Y.A. projects for the youth, and of protesting Mussolini's invasion of Ethiopia during World War II. She also discusses her efforts to organize Local 665 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Lindesmith relates the problems with the State Liquor Control issue, and the problems Mr. Swan had with the Dunn brothers. The next segment is a broadcast of a play (Julius Caesar), followed by classical music.
This side of the tape has several breaks in it.
The tape begins with a child telling a story; then the rest of the tape is in poor condition.
The first 1/4 of the tape has a high-pitched noise on it. Then Rachel and Deb tell about places they visited on their trip to San Francisco. Most of the children and family members talk. Woody is the baby heard in the background. Bernie talks about his illness and his stay in the hospital.
The first 1/4 of the tape is indecipherable; then the family has various conversations.
Tape begins with bird sounds. Meridel has an interview with Frank Engman. Frank talks about his days in the state legislature; then he talks about campaigning, passing bills, and working with the governor.
Various portions of conversations and radio programs. Then Meridel interviews elderly women, who talk about their families. Al Knutson talks about how he and Edwards were tarred and feathered out West. He talks about his involvement in the Socialist Party.
Tape begins with classical music; then a man sings "I Owe My Soul to the Company Store." Next, a radio program describes Christmas and the use of piñatas. Clarence describes how small farmers are being driven off their land. Then a woman talks about FBI (snoopers), and an attack on workers in 1955. Elmer talks about homesteading in North Dakota, and about going to his brother's funeral.
Tape begins with a radio program about the Lindbergh baby kidnapping; then various other radio programs are heard. Next is a going-away party for Susie Stageberg. Susie gives a speech, sings in Norwegian, and talks about the need to end the arms race. A man speaks briefly; then more music follows.
Meridel begins the tape by saying "We just returned from seeing the ocean in the year of our Lord 1955." Next, a recording of tap dancers and various jazz artists playing or singing their music. A man gives his definition of jazz. Music by Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and Dizzy Gillespie is featured.
Meridel introduces Sarah Wright, who reads a poem written by Lucy Smith. The poem deals with men who have known violence and can never go home.
The rest of the tape features jazz interpretation of "Sky Lark," Sarah Vaughn singing "September Song," and classical music.
Deborah talks with a man who was waiting for puppies to be born. Lucile's conversation with a woman who is ill (very private conversation). Lucile talks with Meridel and Deborah. Deborah discusses travel plans. The segment features pop music and opera.
Mayville talks about how his father escaped from prison and how his father was helped by Negroes. Mayville relates trying to get a priest to bury an infant child. Another man talks about working conditions for glassblowers. The art of glassblowing is discussed. The hardships of workers and various strikes are also discussed.
Tape begins with a continuation of the previous interview. Strikes and farm problems are discussed: farmers dealing with the governor, trying to get farm relief money. A woman recounts the United Action Paper and Flour City Strike.
Woody sings. Then strikes are discussed again.
Recording of Concerto for Violin and Orchestra by William Walton, Jasha Heifetz, violinist, and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra conducted by Eugene Goosens.
Concerto for Violin and Orchestra, continued.
Begins with Alice Faye singing "I Don't Care," "Shine On Harvest Moon," "Give My Regards To Broadway," "You'll Never Know." Then Alice Faye sings a duet with Dean Martin. Next, Jimmy Durante sings "I've Grown Accustomed to Your Face." Next Bessie Smith sings "When You Take Me For a Buggy Ride", and "Do Your Duty." Irish music follows: talking and singing about Ireland and whiskey.
Then Lightning Smith sings and plays the blues on the guitar; mentions being in prison. The tape ends with several songs sung by Bessie Smith.
Begins with Bessie Smith singing, followed by classical music. Next, Japanese music in the background while a man talks about women: "Women are stuck with versatile chaos." The rest of the tape features Japanese or Eastern music, most of it instrumental, and some bongo drum music.
Scenes 1 and 9 from Gertrude Stein's opera Saints. The majority of the tape is Bucci's modern opera, sung in English. The opera concerns a man whose wife and friends worship him as a hero, although he has secretly committed murder. The opera is a satire on modern-day marriage.
First segment is music, classical and pop. Next, Shawn relates his experiences as an artist. He discusses how an artist takes his ideas, jots them down in a notebook, then later turns those ideas into a finished work of art. Next, Sir Kenneth Clark narrates a program about Henry Moore, the English sculptor. Music, chamber and Christian, finish out the tape.
A man tells of a brilliant reporter who was institutionalized. Louis Sullivan is discussed, how he died penniless using an assumed name. Zero Mostel and his antics are discussed. Meridel discusses her scholarship to Wisconsin in 1931. The horrors in the Nazi concentration camps are discussed. The blacklisting of actors is also discussed.
Rev. Robert English delivers a stirring eulogy followed by the playing of music. Then, a memorial service for Iron Range organizer Martin Mackie on November 19, 1967. Next, a priest gives a eulogy, a woman recites a poem, and a man describes what kind of man Martin Mackie was. A soloist sings "The Impossible Dream" followed by more music. A break in the tape follows, then the tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr., continues as the last speech that Dr. King gave is played for the congregation. Jim Farmer, a friend of Dr. King's, states that racism must stop and that Dr. King's dream must be realized. Farmer declares that Dr. King's philosophy of nonviolence should be adopted to end racism. The tape ends with the Morehouse College Glee Club singing.
Taped from television. A television announcer describes the funeral procession from Morehouse College to Ebenezer Baptist Church. Many Black spirituals are sung, as well as prayers recited, and eulogies given. The congregation sings "We Shall Overcome." The last 3/4 of the tape is blank.
Some parts of conversations are intimate. El Duke talks about visiting Carl Herrigan. Herrigan's grandson says "Grandad, is this dirty Mexican giving you time?" El Duke has words with Carl Herrigan. El Duke talks about how the land was stolen from the Indians by the Mexicans and the Americans; his involvement with the Poor People's Campaign; how important the "cause" is; how he's looking for a leader; and things in his life that have made him hard.
Meridel makes important comments about how Indians could demand their land back, how the Negro movement has shown Anglos what dignity of race and national pride mean. Meridel discusses Nixon's Southeast Asia policies. El Duke continues talking. He speaks of his German brother-in-law, his relationships with women, his experiences during World War II, his rejection of religion, and of the men who were wounded during World War II and ended up as "zombies" in mental hospitals.
The tape ends with Johnny Cash singing a song about Chief Big Foot and the Battle at Wounded Knee, South Dakota.
Johnny Cash sings "I'm Busted." Then June Carter Cash introduces her family, and they all sing. Cash and Carter sing "Jackson."
The rest of the tape is blank.
Notes on container: Children and freedom; school.
Notes on container: National educational television directors award.
Notes on container: Retape of interviews for lecture.
Notes on container: Lissa, Ethel, Maurice; general conversation; Bill, Edith, Schuckman children.
Notes on container: Folk songs (Greenwood); Gene Bluester[?]; analysis of Beethoven quartet.
Notes on container: Flamenco; [Heitor?] Villa-Lobos; church music; French [Ella Reeve] Mother Bloor opera; Schubert quartet.
Debbie and Rachel Le Sueur and Josie are discussing mother/daughter relationships, influences on children, independence, drug culture, and parental concerns. Tape runs about 20 minutes.
Digital version
Debbie, Rachel, and Joci discussing mother/daughter relationships, women's movement (benefits and political/community aspects), effects on women's movement after World War I and World War II, and facilitation of life due to women's movement.
Notes on container: Nikita Kruschev re: Cold War, Berlin.
Notes on container: Eichman interview; Hindenburg fire; documentary 1930 Roosevelt; Fred Allen; strikes, sit down; Eleanor Roosevelt[?] on Goethe.
Notes on container: Charlie Oll[?], deportee.
Notes on container: Family; a little girl who's been to Spain; Brother "Leonardo;" two evangelists; Martin Garcia; United Farm Workers.
Begins with TV program of man reciting poetry while Gene Kelly tap dances. The majority of this side features Meridel interviewing an older woman, Mrs. Parky. Parky speaks about her life, family, family background, Oakland, neighbors, her life as a young girl, and the roles of women at that time. The last few minutes of this side features Kathy playing "The Dark Night" on the piano.
Begins with Native American music, drums and woman singing. Remainder of the tape is a TV documentary about Beethoven--his life and music.
Notes on container: Agnes and Harry Carrill[?].
Notes on container: Household sounds; Irene [Paull?]; Woody; Walter[?].
Begins with a woman speaking about her family, her life, and work (black woman working for a family at $21/week). Continues with various short clips: children speaking about freedom and civil rights, an evangelist speaking, man speaking about prejudice and black rights in the church, woman speaking about civil rights legislation, segregation, human rights, and various songs ("Blessed Be Their Name," "Walk With Me," "Freedom is a Constant Struggle," "We Shall Overcome," "Ain't No Use Turning on Your Light," "Mighty Cold Morning," "Oh Freedom," "Go Tell It on The Mountain").
Begins with a choir singing ("Got to Cross the River," "There is Time," "Why Do Men Lie Like They Do"). Continues with a short two-minute interview of Irene by Meridel. Next, a woman is speaking about a man in a penitentiary: he died July 4th, and the funeral was in Chicago. Continues with background noise and flipping channels on TV. Settles on program about Mao in China. Concludes with songs ("Just Say C'est La Vie," "Be My Love") and various women speaking about arrests for integration of a public library, April 10th picket line for voter registration, march to courthouse door, and the arrests of protesters.
Begins with Meridel interviewing Martin Mackie and his wife about a band and various songs. Continues with short clips of songs from radio ("Twilight Time," "Lollipop") and other radio programs. Next, a twenty-minute interview with Sean O'Casey is recorded from the radio. He discusses his life and work, politics, and other poets and playwrights. The last part of this side is a recited history of the iron ore miners of the Mesabi Range.
Digital version
Begins with clips from radio, but soon continues with an interview of Martin and his wife. Meridel asks them about their life on the Iron Range. They discuss many aspects of the Range culture, such as the Finnish backgrounds and influences. They also discuss the struggle of the Range workers and the people associated in the movement.
Digital version
Notes on container: Women for Vietnam (Boldan[?] and Budel[?] at Cambridge); rebel at Berkeley (astronaut).
Notes on container: 1 inch of rebel[?]; empty side of; Red Army songs.
Notes on container: Paul Robeson at Carnegie Hall.
Notes on container: Festival of carols; Paul Robeson.
Notes on container: Family - story of premature baby of rich family.
Notes on container: Sitar solo, Ravi Shankar; harvesting songs; boatmen's songs; drum solo, two parts; boatman's song; card seller; violin solo; patriotic Indian song; sitar and sarod, steel guitar; dance and song; reed; star solo; national anthem.
Notes on container: Eve at [?]; Woody; Pete Seeger album; Joan Baez.
Notes on container: Mother son and women at party; Nelson Peery, 1958; black organization in Minneapolis.
Notes on container: Poems of nurnus[?] is ever; Nelson evening, August and September.
Notes on container: Greetings; Fred Vin[?].
Notes on container: Wilbur singing; Leany and Sherrel; WPA song; entire reverse side minus 3 or 4 minutes party at house for Fred and Doris.
Meridel interviews two men. They discuss socialism, socialism in relation to health care and housing, Democratic traditions, farmers in North Dakota, farm/union people, and socialist papers.
Side 2 contains classical music and opera, violins and piano.
Notes on container: Family Xmas 1/2 empty.
Notes on container: Madge [Hawkins]; typing, children try on little machine.
Notes on container: Jazz.
Begins with Meridel interviewing a man and Rachel's dog barking. Continues with Morris telling the story of how he met Meridel. Next, a man tells about living and working in the South. Next, a radio interview featuring a woman who sings with Billy Graham's Crusade Choir. Concludes with a dramatization about students who were jailed. It includes their trial, time spent in jail, and comments by the students. Some spiritual music is also included in the dramatization ("We Shall Overcome").
This side is a continuation of side 1. It begins with "We Shall Overcome," and the narrator talking about the black movement in Nashville. The majority of the tape is filled with Negro spirituals ("If I Had A Hammer," "People on Big South Land," "Hold On," "Did My Lord Deliver," "Mr. Wood, Mr. Boatman," "Chains Round My Shoulder," "Stay Down," "We Shall Overcome").
Begins with a radio program in which Meridel's book about Abe Lincoln, River Road, is presented. Excerpts are read and a student panel from St. Paul question Meridel about her book. Continues with children singing "Davy Crockett." Concludes with Frank talking about his life and family. He talks about his father (a Methodist minister), the Methodist church, fifth-day prayer meetings at school, becoming a preacher, teaching, revival meetings, and a man who was put out of the church because he married a white woman.
Contains classical music. Theme and variation movement of a Schubert quintet recorded at Aspen Musical Festival, and Glukes concerto in O major, the Vienna Symphony Orchestra.
Notes on container: Mrs. Peake at White Earth Reservation; revival; Clarence S., North Dakota; Dave; Sam - homed Roosevelt; Dave's wife talks.
Digital version
Box labeled as: Milking shed; Roz[?] children at park; music; party - Finnish lullaby and Lucy; Lucy and Wilbur; Norwegian singer and instrument.
Digital version
Notes on container: Martin Luther King, Jr.; Woody Guthrie; poets Dickey, Muriel Rukeyser, and Peter Veirich[?].
Notes on container: Marcel Duchamp; choir of Texas church; wind in Vietnam; song of Viet; hallabaloo and Aaron Copeland.
This is a letter to Meridel and Alan from Walter Lowenfels in New Jersey. Walter discusses Indian poetry, folk songs, Chinese poetry, and various cultures in the U.S. He discusses other writers and their influences in poetry. He plays songs by Pete Seeger ("Peggin' All," "Buffalo Skinners").
Pete Seeger's main point is the juxtaposition of folk songs and poetry. Songs in his original poetry are "Whim Away," "Skip To My Lou," "Blow The Man Down," and the "Hammer Song." He also mentions some of his works ("The Lovers," American Voices 1 and 2). "This Land Was Made For You and Me" is played after the letter is closed.
Notes on container: no labelling. This tape appears to have been mailed from Ingrid Swanbug Aye (Madison, Wisconsin) to Meridel in early January 1974.
Notes on container: Malvina; Monaco [reel of splicing tape].
Notes on container: audiotape self-mailer. Tape was mailed by Broms (Brooklyn, New York) to Mr. and Mrs. A. Bergman (San Francisco, California).
Music from a Native American pow wow dominates. Music includes Red Lake Reservation dances (Grass Dance and Hoof Dance). Also includes a variety of Oglala Sioux music.
Odetta sings Christmas songs, among them "Mary Had a Baby." An excellent quality drum and single voice Native American song is recorded 3/4 of the way through this tape, side 2. Meridel talks with a friend, Lucile, about Lucile's problems. Lucile, married at 22, has been married 42 years at the time of taping.
Heather Tilsen (Meridel's granddaughter and Betty Tilsen's daughter) is married to Robert Baum on March 27, 1966. The wedding ceremony and the accompanying music are recorded.
A radio program from KBNM (Albuquerque, New Mexico) contains rock music, including the group Blood, Sweat and Tears.
Includes rock music, and blues. Janis Joplin is one of the featured artists.
Helen Sobell speaks in Minnesota to encourage writers. She speaks about liberty and freedom and says "Truth very often leads to unpleasant places." She is the wife of Martin Sobell, a scientist incarcerated in Alcatraz, having been convicted as a spy who allegedly carried scientific information to the Russians. In 1957, Martin was 41 years of age and had been in prison since he was 33. Helen reads a letter from Martin where he quotes from the book Great Prisoners, Kafka's The Trial, and Fromm's The Art of Loving. Martin is working on a project to develop a reader for the blind, a machine that could scan text and automatically translate the text to Braille. He faces 30 years in prison despite the fact that not one witness could testify that he did indeed give away secret material to the Russians.
The Joan of Arc opera is recorded. Meridel speaks the eulogy at Peter Simek's funeral on January 27, 1988. Simek was a union laborer who organized the Soo Line railroad workers. He was a "blacksmith who forged a dream." He fought for unemployment insurance legislation and was a civil rights activist all of his life. A going-away party is held for Susie Stageberg, a writer for the Minnesota Leader.
La Paloma Singers sing about slavery, peace, and patriotism, including the songs "A Song of Peace," "Now, Right Now," and "Jailhouse Door." Meridel interviews Matt Savola who says that the land is poor and that resources have been depleted in the Upper Midwest, especially in Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin. Savola says the answer is to start a reforestation project. He also tells the story of being exonerated from accusations of being a communist. "The poor man's patriotism is the rich man's treason," Savola says. In describing a lumber worker's strike, "the boys demand a cent a foot and butter in the bowls or else they will strike." During one strike, the workers were providing food by hunting deer and fishing, but they violated game limits. After several weeks of full county jails, the sheriff decided it was costing the taxpayers too much to keep the men, so he gave the strikers permission to hunt and fish. A speaker discusses the Wisconsin Communist Party.
A speaker recounts how the communist student group at the University of Wisconsin dissolved, then three months later had to reconvene because they saw nothing progressive happening. A woman in the group contends that the Communist Party has done a magnificent job of isolating itself. It has taken her five years to become accepted by women in her neighborhood. Recent events abroad (e.g., Hungary) have made things difficult for the party.
Begins with radio music; two women recite a poem. Then a man talks about the Saga of Corn. More poetry recitation about corn. Meridel talks to a woman and asks, "Do you have any Detroit songs?"
Next portion is poorly recorded and inaudible. In the last part, Meridel interviews a man about another man who was a petty thief, but could have been a boy scout.
Begins with woman playing guitar and singing songs. Some of the songs sung are "Pied Piper of Hamlin," "Moving Time Ride," and "Across the Hills of Hay"; and her own versions of "Love Me Tender" and "Que Sera, Sera." Talks and sings about "oppression" in marriage. Then Meridel interviews an old man who mentions the IWW. Meridel talks about her children and her relationship with them. She tells how her daughter Deborah has been active in union organizing. Man talks about farming and reflects on his life.
Begins with music. Accompanying paperwork says, Roy Harris Symphony (1938-1939), Boston Symphony Orchestra conducted by Serge Koussevitsky.
First part of the tape is blank. Continues with music, which is difficult to hear (poor recording).
Begins with Eugene Ormandy conducting the Philadelphia Orchestra's performance of Hindemith, "Mathias the Painter." Program notes included in the box containing tape.
Continuation of side 1.
Begins with classical music, then Black gospel or spiritual music.
Radio program ("Shenandoah") plays in the background. Next a program discussing how writers helped shape Nebraska; topics are the strength of the pioneers, and Crazy Horse's death. A man is interviewed about when he first met Willa Cather. He describes her when she was a thirteen-year-old girl and had just begun to write.
Deb is interviewing her students after Meridel had come to talk to the class. The children are asked what most impressed them about Meridel. Most students mentioned Meridel's silver necklace made by Navajo Indians. The children tell what Meridel said about writing a book.
Meridel told the children her favorite book was the story of Nancy Hanks, Abe Lincoln's mother. Meridel also told the children she wrote about things she thought were true. Meridel says you could write about a worm.
Pete Seeger talks about a Cuban poet/writer who wrote "Guantanamera" then sings it himself. This is followed by folk music: Irish ballads and songs sung in Gaelic. Last 1/2 of the tape is blank.
Meridel interviews Paula Zimmering. They discuss Jewish religion and marriage contracts. Meridel talks about some of her favorite authors, Chaim Potok and Mark Twain. Meridel says "marriage is supposed to be gentle, but yet ends up being violent." Meridel talks about her children. Meridel has a personal conversation with friends.
Woman talks about her life in Sweden as a girl, how she married and eventually came to Minneapolis to live. She tells how her husband managed to get to Minneapolis; he biked from New York to Detroit, then took the train to Minneapolis. He sold raincoats for a living. The woman came to Minneapolis with children and told of adjustment problems in Minnesota. The couple had been married 50 years, 30 of which were "honeymoon" years.
Begins with Meridel and family members laughing and talking.
Then a man discusses how to strengthen the socialist movement. He suggests we do away with bureaucracy in Democratic centralism and incorporate Blacks into the group. The party should work toward peace. Another man discusses how best to work in resolutions at the convention in the Twin Cities. The proposed convention agenda is discussed. This is followed by Meridel talking to her family about red squirrels. Last 1/2 of the tape is blank.
Meridel interviews a Black woman who talks about the need to educate our children. Meridel says "Lincoln said, 'God must have liked poor people, because he made so many of them'." Meridel also quotes Lincoln, "A nation cannot be half slave and half free." Meridel says the workers are the ones who produced the great wealth in the country. Meridel says LBJ lied. Meridel talks about two white women who participated in a march by the Japanese commemorating the anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. Meridel then interviews a Mexican-American.
Digital version
Meridel begins by talking about the derogatory terms used to describe the Indians.
Next, a Mexican-American man is interviewed. He talks about discrimination, wealth disparity, educational discrimination, and poor working conditions.
This is followed by a woman speaking; she says America is not just the United States, but stretches from Canada to Brazil. Meridel agrees. Both talk about languages and World War II. The rest of the tape is garbled.
Digital version
Conversation with Madge Hawkins continues. Madge talks about knowing the McGlynn family, who were Catholic and lived in a log cabin. Madge went out with Albert (Allis) McGlynn. She discusses Art Le Sueur, and his defense of Allie in Montana. Then Meridel talks about the book, My Antonia. Meridel likes the story about Mrs. Stillman's bachelor friend. Madge talks about her educational background. Madge talks about living and tutoring Florence Davis. Dr. Davis was a hard-working man. A syphilis epidemic is discussed. Meridel tells of a film about syphilis she saw while in high school that scared her.
Madge met Oscar and lived in Dickenson (she was a principal, he a superintendent of schools).
Meridel talks about her book, North Star Country, and lumberjacks.
Meridel interviews Madge Hawkins; they talk about religion, and membership in the nonpartisan league. Meridel tells how her grandmother wouldn't allow her to wear bright clothing. Organized religion is discussed. Meridel says, "Organized religion is a terrible thing." They discussed Catholicism versus Lutheranism. Madge tells of experiences at Fargo College. Meridel says she loves Oscar Christensen and liked the countryside of Caledonia, Minnesota. Meridel wants someone to do a portrait of Oscar. Madge talks about Wendell's daughter Mary, who was a hippie. Meridel discusses Oscar's paper, the Hoka Chief; Meridel says it's a great paper.
Meridel interviews Frank Engman, who describes his family/parents and childhood. He talks about his parents leaving Sweden, his being born in Michigan, his marrying at age thirty-four, and the hypocrisy of religion.
Meridel suggests he write a book about life, because he has an excellent memory. Meridel thinks Catholicism is a frightening thing. Frank tells how he left home after getting into a fight with his dad, and tells of getting a job through the kindness of strangers. He also talks about getting involved in socialism.
Begins with a panel discussion on writing. Then Meridel interviews Vic Engman, who talks about his childhood, his family, his work experiences, and farming. At the time of the interview Vic was 80 years old. He talks about measles, lumberjacks, and about Frank. At the end of the tape, a group of people come in to meet Meridel. The last 1/4 of the tape is blank.
Interview with an 87-year-old woman who was born in Switzerland. Her husband was a blacksmith who worked at the Occident Mills in Minneapolis. The woman, who is Lena's mother, has 12 great-grandchildren. The conversation is a group of older women talking about their families and grandchildren. One woman remarks the "the hardest thing is to sit back and let your children take over."
Next, Meridel interviews a man who talks about working conditions, places he lived, and the demise of Duluth. Then a group of men discuss road construction in Minneapolis.
Begins with a conversation at a party. Two men discuss the corn crop. Then a skit depicting the reaffirmation of wedding vows on the 40th anniversary of Lena and Arthur. Meridel recites a poem she wrote commemorating the strength of Lena and Arthur: "Their voices come out of the pine country. Their voice has spoken like the great pines." A man tells a funny story about the honeymoon night. This is followed by the Coleman Writers Conference.
Next, a series of varied conversations: Robin tells a story, Charlie Roth speaks about the hardships of not being able to find a job and old-age compensation, clips from the Arthur Godfrey show, talk about Lipschitz the sculptor, and a poem about puppies.
Meridel interviews a Black woman who describes the work experience for Blacks, especially the difficult times during the Great Depression. Her husband, Bill, who got a railroad job, fought to have each Black worker's name put on his uniform so that whites couldn't arbitrarily call Blacks names. The woman talks about racism in Minnesota, slavery, sharecropping, her parents, and the difficult life of slaves. The last part of the tape is about the space program Project Mercury orbital flight.
Digital version
Begins with a New York City tribute to Meridel's unveiling of her latest work. Various people talk about Meridel's important contributions to Middle America's heritage and her contribution to recording the history of the populist movement in America. Meridel reads a work from Walt Whitman and pays tribute to the city. Meridel talks about oppressed people and struggles, and about her mother's struggle. Various people sing songs ("September Song").
Digital version
Begins with folk music: Irish songs are sung. Then the family of Sam Horowitz gathers to tell him he will be free soon. People talk about injustices done to Sam. Next, Meridel and friends in New York talk about artists, today's music, and the Korean War. Women talk about various art and cultural experiences in New York.
Digital version
Notes on container: Dylan Thomas.
Notes on container: Ben and Mark Smith memorial.
Begins with accordion music with orchestra in background. Music (radio program) and conversation going on at the same time; people singing.
Conversations from a party, people singing.
Meridel interviews Harry Rice's brothers, Sam and another one. Brothers talk about life in America and about Harry's boyhood. They discuss Harry as they knew him as a genius and scholar. They discuss Grandpa David, whom the boys in the family did not like. Harry ran away from home because he felt Grandpa David was an abusive man.
Begins with a family conversation. A woman talks about childbirth, followed by classical music. More family conversation. The rest of the tape is difficult to understand; there seem to be problems with the recording speed.
Notes on container: Dylan Thomas.
Notes on container: [?] woman, Navajo nurse.
Begins with recording of Haitian drum music, a man is interviewed about the various sounds obtained from this type of drum. Next, Meridel interviews Helen Gallagher about her involvement with the IWW. Helen discusses the ideological ideas that grew into the IWW. One example, "all textile workers should organized under one union." She talks about the slogan, "I Won't Work," and the name Wobblies. Wobblies was considered a derogatory label. W. Thompson, a management stool pigeon, is discussed; he was planted in unions to spy on them. IWW members who were sentenced to San Quentin Prison are discussed. The last part of the tape is blank.
Starts with a party and the group sings "Down By the Riverside." Several minutes of blank tape follow. Next, people sing Irish songs, including "Wearing of the Green", followed by some anti-war songs. Then, people pay tribute to Pat Gleason. The rest of the tape features an older man talking about organizing the Non-Partisan League, fight for free speech, Committee of the 48th, and the Star Newspaper Fight.
Notes on container: John Hendricks, good jazz.
Notes on container: Madge Hawkins.
Begins with Meridel reciting "My Minnesota." Talks about the strength of Midwestern pioneers. Then group sings "We're Going to Live in Peace and Freedom;" more freedom and anti-war songs are sung. Next, a Midwestern adult cowboy show is performed with much singing. More anti-war songs and party conversation until the end of the tape.
Begins with man singing "Shalom". Then Marty Montgomery reads a poem written by a 15-year-old boy, entitled "The Mission." Meridel summarizes Verdi's "La Traviatta;" someone sings and plays piano. Group sings protest songs, including "Solidarity Forever." Last 1/4 of the tape is blank.
Meridel interviews an elderly man [Mercklegoh?] in his 80s. The man recalls his involvement in the hay market riot/strike. He was a farmer; life was difficult on the farm. He and Meridel talk about poetry; he recites some of his poetry. He talks about his father dying, meeting his wife, and their life together. They had been married 50 years. The last 1/4 of the tape is blank.
Begins with a radio or TV program. DeValera, the former Prime Minister of Ireland is being interviewed. He talks about the Irish people and their right to self-determination. Much of what he says coincides with the determination of Black people to gain equality. Next, classical music. Then Meridel interviews a man involved in maritime unions; man talks about the Clark Decision and how it was used to bust unions.
Notes on container: Lewis Tweit (Forbes, North Dakota); Indian battle; Farmers' Alliance; Nonpartisan League.
Notes on container: Lewis Tweit; cricket.
Continuation of interview with Madge Hawkins. Meridel was on the picket line in 1935 when the Strutware Knitting Company went on strike. Governor Olson's funeral is discussed. People on relief in the Dakotas during the Dust Bowl era are discussed. Meridel's comments on people's intelligence: ninety percent of us don't think; three percent reason. Working people are intelligent because they have experienced life rather than reading about life. Blacks do not reflect illusions of ruling class. Real intelligence is present in the people who can actually do something, rather than talk about it.
Madge talks about how she and Oscar finally left the Socialist Party. Meridel wants someone to write a book about Vince Dunn; she thinks he's an interesting man. Meridel says one hundred people from Minnesota went to Spain to fight in the Spanish Civil War. Talks about the Moorish influence in Spain. Meridel mentions she has a whole notebook on George Lund's activities in Spain. Meridel talks about Third-World nations as the next real power; she says more people have died in 'silent' wars instead of real wars. Meridel talks about the many injustices in the world and uses the analogy of suppressed steam from an engine. Meridel says, "There is no suffering worse than ignorance."
Digital version
Two men discuss the feud between Hillman and Murray. Elmer talks about meeting President Harry Truman and discusses Truman. Talks about famous people who were on various committees. Then Madge and Meridel talk, Meridel talks about our need for roots and goals.
Digital version
Notes on container: Madge Hawkins.
Notes on container: Quartet; folk songs.
Meridel's interview with Madge Hawkins continues. Madge talks about her life in Staples, Minnesota, the Irish immigrants, and her teaching career. Meridel mentions Aldrich's book,
Continuation of Hawkins interview; subjects discussed include Oscar's experience on the library board, definition of communism, class alliance, education, teaching children, pension laws, and house payments.
Notes on container: Africa; Negro women: Malinke tribe (Occidental Africa), Baoule tribe (West Africa), Yoruba tribe (Lagos Nigeria), Swahili tribe (East Coast, north to Mozambique, Sudanese, Ganda tribe (Uganda), Lonzo and Ekonda tribes (Congo), Tabwa tribe (Southeast Congo).
Notes on container: Pete Seeger.
Notes on container: Music; Pabo Casals.
Notes on container: German composer; Stackhouse lecture.
Classical music (Mozart).
Begins with radio or TV program about Nebraska pioneers. Next ten minutes are blank. Then a man [Luigo Nona?] describes hardships of Czech immigrants. Man talks about leaving his homeland in 1890 and working in America. More classical music until the end of the tape.
Notes on container: Harry Mayville, Minneapolis labor organizer.
Notes on container: Poem at Philly[?]; Joffe; powerful lecture Colfax; Walter Lowenfels.
Notes on container: Lowenfels lecture.
Notes on container: Mike Gold memorial; 66th birthday readings, play, speeches.
Notes on container: Roy Small[?], Dylan Thomas.
Notes on container: [John?] Ciardi, Meridel.
Greek songs; discussion or lecture by an unidentified German educator; music.
"Concerto for Women" [?] and "Mocking Bird in the Moon" [?].
"I Am the Meadow" (words by Meridel Le Sueur), YWCA.
Meridel reading poetry and talking with audience; Phiz Puts Some of Corn Village on Tape - For Notes Only, continues interview with Meridel during lunch.
Digital version
Lecture at Western College.
Lecture at Western College.
Lecture at Western College.
Lecture at Western College.
Lecture at Western College.
Digital version
Digital version
Correspondents: John Mason Brown, Henry S. Canby, Clifton P. Fadiman, Zona Gale, Gus Hall, Ernest Hemmingway, Alfred Knopf, Joseph Lesser, H. L. Mencken, Marianne Moore, Kenneth Rexroth, Carl Sandburg, Mari Sandoz, and Pete Seeger.
Photocopies remain in the files from which the originals were removed.