Joyce Kilmer "Trees" collection, 1913-[after 1922]

Summary

Creator:

Diedrich, D. N. (Duane Norman)

Abstract:

This collection is made up of 4 items related to poet Joyce Kilmer and his poem "Trees," including its first printed appearance, a holograph manuscript of the poem, a partial musical setting by Oscar Rasbach, and a real photograph postcard portrait of Kilmer in uniform.

Extent:

5 items

Language:

English

Sponsor:

Blandina Diedrich Collection

Authors:

Collection processed and finding aid created by Meg Hixon, August 2013

Background

Scope and Content:

This collection is made up of 5 items related to Joyce Kilmer and his poem "Trees." Items include a holograph manuscript of the poem; an original copy of the magazine Poetry: A Magazine of Verse, in which the poem was first published; a partial manuscript musical setting of the poem signed by its composer, Oscar Rasbach, who set it to music in 1922; and a real photo postcard portrait of Kilmer. See the Detailed Box and Folder Listing for more information about each item.

Biographical / Historical:

Alfred Joyce Kilmer (professionally known as Joyce Kilmer) was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey, on December 6, 1886, the son of Frederick Barnett Kilmer and Annie Ellene Kilburn. He attended Rutgers University before graduating from Columbia University in 1908. He taught high school Latin in Morristown, New Jersey, until moving to New York City the following year. In New York, he worked in the publishing industry and as a writer, publishing his most famous poem, "Trees," in Poetry: A Magazine of Verse in August 1913. During World War I, Kilmer served in the 7th Regiment of the New York National Guard and the 165th Infantry Regiment of the United States Army. Kilmer was killed on July 30, 1918, while serving in France. He and his wife, Aline Murray, had five children, including Kenton Sinclair, Rose, Deborah Clanton, Michael Barry, and Christopher. Kilmer's work, including both poetry and prose writings, was published during his lifetime and after his death.

Acquisition Information:

Donated by D. N. Diedrich, 2003-2014. M-4306.7, M-4927.3, M-5035.4 .

Processing information:

Cataloging funded by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC). This collection has been processed according to minimal processing procedures and may be revised, expanded, or updated in the future.

Rules or Conventions:

Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS)

Related

Additional Descriptive Data:

Related Materials

The Book Division holds the following volume, also by Harriet Monroe:

Monroe, Harriet, and Harlow N Higinbotham. Harlow Niles Higinbotham: A Memoir: With Brief Autobiography and Extracts from Speeches and Letters. Chicago: R.F. Seymour, 1920.

Bibliography

Catalogue of Officers and Graduates of Columbia University from the Foundation of King's College in 1754. 15th Edition. New York: Printed for the University, 1912.

Gale, Robert L. "Kilmer, Joyce." American National Biography Online. Oxford University Press, 2000. doi: 16-00910.

Kilmer, Joyce, and Robert Cortes Holliday. Joyce Kilmer. Volume 1: Memoir and Poems. New York: George H. Doran Company, [1918].

Raven, John Howard. Catalogue of the Officers and Alumni of Rutgers College (Originally Queen's College) in New Brunswick, N. J., 1766 to 1909. Trenton, N.J.: State Gazette Publishing Co., Printers, 1909.

"Shirmer, Vogel in 'Trees' Suit." The Billboard 62.18 (May 6, 1950): 16.

Subjects

Click on terms below to find any related finding aids on this site.

Subjects:

American poetry--20th century--Periodicals.
Trees--Poetry.
World War, 1914-1918--France.
Soldiers--United States.

Formats:

Holographs (autographs)
Magazines (periodicals.
Photographic postcards.
Poems.
Scores.
Studio portraits.

Names:

United States. Army. Infantry Regiment, 165th.
Kilmer, Joyce, 1886-1918--Poetry.
Rasbach, Oscar, 1888-1975. Trees.
Kilmer, Joyce, 1886-1918.
Monroe, Harriet, 1860-1936.
Rasbach, Oscar, 1888-1975.