John C. Hepler Correspondence, 1978-1993 (Scattered), and undated

Central Michigan University Clarke Historical Library

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Restrictions:: John C. Hepler Correspondence is open for research.

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Summary

Creator:: Hepler, John C., 1913-
Abstract:: Correspondence from John and Ingrid Hepler to Jett and Shelley Whitehead, 1978-1993 (Scattered), and undated.
Extent:: 1 cubic foot (in 2 boxes)
Language:: English
Authors:: Collection processed and finding aid created by K. Higley, M. Matyn

Background

Scope and Content:

Correspondence from John and Ingrid Hepler to Jett and Shelley Whitehead, 1978-1993 (Scattered), and undated. The collection is organized chronologically. The collection documents their deepening friendship between themselves and their families and numerous interests they shared. Towards the end of Hepler’s life, as he became unable to read and write himself, his wife Ingrid wrote on his behalf to Jett and his wife, Shelly. Broadly, they discussed many topics in their letters. One major topic they discussed is writing. Mainly, Hepler and Whitehead discussed poetry, poets and authors, Wallace Stevens, Robert Frost (most frequently), and Shakespeare. They also discussed and critiqued their own writings and mailed each other written material that they found interesting (See July 1978 – May 1980, July 1980 – May 1981, July 1981 – May 1982, July 1982 – July 1983, August 1983 – March 1984, April – December 1984, January – June 1985, July 1985 – March 1986, January – August 1989, September – December 1989, February – May 1990, and June 1990 – June 1993, Hepler Writings, 1976, 1983 folders, and Jett Whitehead Poetry folder). Another major topic they often wrote about was their families. Throughout the collection, Hepler wrote about his children and grandchildren. When deaths in the extended families occur, condolences are sent and when someone is sick, well wishes are sent (See July 1980 – May 1981, July 1981 – May 1982, April – December 1984, January – June 1985, July 1985 – March 1986, April 1986 – November 1987, January – August 1989, September – December 1989, February – May 1990, and June 1990 – June 1993 folders). They also frequently wrote about everyday occurrences and sent each other good wishes. The relationship between the Hepler and Whitehead families strengthened over time. The Heplers sent the Whiteheads advice, encouragement, and considered them as part of their own family (See August 1978 – May 1980, July 1982 – July 1983, April – December 1984, July 1985 – March 1986, April 1986 – November 1987, September – December 1989, February – May 1990, and June 1990 – June 1993 folders). While health was discussed throughout the collection, it becomes a main topic when Hepler is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease towards the end of the collection. Ingrid informed the Whiteheads about John’s condition and carried on the correspondence for John when he could no longer read nor write. She also included her own feelings on the situation in her letters to the Whiteheads, noted that she missed the conversations she once had with her husband, and who he was before the disease as it sometimes made him abusive towards her (See June 1990 – June 1993 folder). In his letters, Hepler occasionally mentions CMU. He writes about other CMU professor like Daniel Weber (See July 1980 – May 1980 folder), Clarke Historical Library Reference Librarian and Faculty member Bill Miles (See July 1981 – May 1982 folder), and negative publicity that CMU received from the Detroit Free Press, regarding former Sigma Phi Epsilon president Paul Bonaccine, who was accused of sexually assaulting another student. The charges were reduced to attempted fourth degree criminal sexual conduct to which Bonaccine plead no contest. Sigma Phi Epsilon was stripped of its rights as a CMU Fraternity in 1984 for four years (CM Life, November 19, 1984, January 14, 1985, and See January – June 1985 and July 1985 – March 1986 folder).

Biographical / Historical:

Biography:

John (“Jack”) C. Hepler (1913-1993) earned a B.S. from Shippensburg State Teachers College, Pennsylvania, in 1935 and both a M.A. and Ph.D. from Peabody College in 1937 and 1944, respectively. He taught at Central Michigan University (CMU) from 1946 to 1976 and was chairman of the English Department from 1958 to 1968. After retiring from CMU with emeritus status, Hepler worked as a freelance writer. Copies of three books by Hepler including Muted Voices from the Past, are in the CMU libraries. In 1993, he died from Alzheimer's disease. He was survived by his wife, Ingrid, and his three children, Darcy (“Kent”), Susan, and Sandy (“John”).

Ingrid (“Ink”/”Inky”) Hepler (1923 – 2010) was the wife of John Hepler. She was a founder of the Mt. Pleasant Players in the 1950s. In 1993, Ingrid informed the Whiteheads (Jett and Shelly) about her husband having Alzheimer's and carried on the correspondence for him when he could no longer read nor write. She was survived by her three children, Darcy (“Kent”), Sandy (“John”), and Susan. (The information on the Heplers is from the collection, legacy.com, and ancestrylibrary.com, accessed November 2021.)

Jett W. Whitehead (1949-) is primarily an antiquarian book dealer and also a professional author. He wrote The Teacher in All of Us and has a website for his professional writings (https://www.poetryjett.com/). A copy of his thesis and a book of poetry he edited are in the CMU libraries. In 2021 he lives in Bay City, Michigan. His wife, Shelley (1948-), is a treasurer for Center Avenue Neighborhood Association in Bay City. In 2008 The Simmons Apartment building, which they owned, was included in the Bay County Historical Society’s home tour. In 2021 he owned and operated Jeff W. Whitehead Rare Books in Bay City. (The information on the Whiteheads is from the collection, mlive.com, michiganresidentdatabase.com, betweenthecovers.com, whitepages.com, and https://www.abaa.org/booksellers/details/jett-w.-whitehead-rare-books, accessed November 2021).

Acquisition Information:

Acc# 77260

Arrangement: