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University of Michigan Bentley Historical Library

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Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2113, USA
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James Oliver Curwood papers, 1897-1927

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Summary

Creator:
Curwood, James Oliver, 1878-1927
Abstract:
Michigan based author of adventure stories set in Alaska and Canada, screen writer and motion picture executive, and conservationist, a founding member of Izaak Walton League and member of Michigan Conservation Commission. Papers documenting his literary, film and conservation activities include manuscripts of books, screenplays and other writing and correspondence and photographs.
Extent:
14 microfilms
9 boxes
1 oversize volume
1 oversize folder (UAm)
Language:
English.
Call Number:
851315 Aa 2 UAm
Authors:
Finding aid prepared by: Larry Steck, 1974. Kenneth J. Varnum, Conger Accession, 1994. Ann Flowers, 1989, reprocessed in preparation for microfilming.

Background

Scope and Content:

The James Oliver Curwood papers include correspondence, newspaper clippings, scrapbooks, manuscripts of publications, copies of books, and miscellanea; include material concerning his literary activities, the writing and production of motion pictures, his promotion of conservation causes, especially forest fire prevention, deer herd management, and the campaign against water pollution, and his work with the Conservation Commission, particularly his disputes with the Michigan Department of Conservation, Governor Alexander J. Groesbeck, and state director of conservation, John Baird; also copies of correspondence collected by Ivan Conger.

Photographs include pictures taken on hunting and fishing trips to British Columbia, the Canadian Northwest, and other areas of Canada; portraits; and photos of the Saginaw River (Michigan), and of pollution caused by the Michigan Sugar Company; also one film (two videotape copies), including scenes from God's Country and the Law.

Biographical / Historical:

The papers, 1897-1927, of James Oliver Curwood include correspondence; scrapbooks; and manuscripts of articles, books, and movie scenarios. The correspondence, arranged chronologically, deals primarily with three topics: that from 1897 to 1918 relates largely to Curwood's literary efforts; that from 1918 to 1921 concerns a mixture of literary and motion picture matters; and that from 1921 to 1927 focuses on conservation in Michigan.

Curwood, a contemporary and acquaintance of Zane Grey and Jack London, wrote adventure tales of the frozen north. His collection encompasses not only his major literary works, but also the numerous articles that he wrote for such magazines as Redbook, Cosmopolitan, Collier's, Munsey's, Outing, and Everybody's Magazine. During the second decade of this century, Curwood got involved in the infant motion picture industry, first as a writer for other companies and later as the head of James Oliver Curwood Productions. Consequently, his extensive correspondence with producers, directors, and business managers is quite revealing of the early development of movies.

In the 1920's, Curwood became deeply involved with the conservation movement, not only in Michigan, but throughout the mid-west. He was a charter member and active participant in the Izaak Walton League, as well as a prominent critic of the Michigan Department of Conservation under John Baird. In 1927, Governor Green recognized Curwood's efforts by naming him to the Conservation Commission. His correspondence during this period covers a wide range of topics including water pollution, forest fire prevention, sport fishery development, and increased protection for some of Michigan's dwindling wildlife, principally deer and partridge. There is also a great deal of information on the corruption of the Baird administration, particularly the political nature of warden appointments, lax enforcement and flagrant disregard of game laws, and the utilization of the Conservation Department to build up a Republican political machine in Michigan.

Correspondents in the collection include: Rube Babbitt, John Baird, Curtis Brown, Will H. Dilg, Russell Doubleday, Richard Fletcher, Andrew Glaspie, Fred Warren Green, David M. Hartford, Carl Hubbs, Harold C. Kinsey, Ray Long, Parish Lovejoy, Thomas Marston, Louis Mayer, Joseph Montrose, Charles Mott, Gifford Pinchot, Filibert Roth, Albert Stoll, Harold Titus, Arthur H. Vandenberg, Edward Voght, Henry Wallace, Russell Watson, Leigh Jarvis Young, and Frederic H. Zeigen. Note: other Curwood papers are located in the Indianapolis Public Library and the New York Public Library.

Acquisition Information:
The collection was donated in 4 accessions: 1974 and 1977, by Mrs. Carlotta Curwood Tate (Donor No. 5549 ), daughter of James Oliver Curwood; 1994 by Ivan Conger
Arrangement:

The James Oliver Curwood papers are arranged in thirteen series

  1. Correspondence, 1899-1933
  2. Miscellaneous Notes and Articles
  3. Clippings
  4. Manuscripts of Books
  5. Manuscripts of Writings
  6. Fragments of Writings
  7. Movie Scenarios
  8. Stenographers Notes, 1925-1927
  9. Photographs
  10. Miscellaneous Printed Items
  11. Foreign Language Editions
  12. "The Curwood Collector, 1972-1982"
  13. Printed Works (not included in microfilm edition)

This finding aid provides a complete contents list for both the original papers and the microfilm edition of the Curwood papers.

Contents

Using These Materials

Info for Visitors

How to Request

Ordering Reproductions

Download PDF Finding Aid
RESTRICTIONS:

The collection is open for research.

USE & PERMISSIONS:

Reserved by Carlotta Curwood Tate in her lifetime. Patrons are responsible for determining the appropriate use or reuse of materials.

PREFERRED CITATION:

item, folder title, reel no., James Oliver Curwood, Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan

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Collection

James Oliver Curwood papers, 1897-1927
Call Number 851315 Aa 2 UAm
Total components 512
Items available online Online 5
Last indexed 2023-08-08