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Collection

Geraldine Blair papers, 1959-1987 (majority within 1977-1987)

1 linear foot

Friend of peace activist Rebecca Shelley. Transcripts of oral history interviews with Rebecca Shelley conducted by Eric Hanson; correspondence regarding proposed movie about life of Rebecca Shelley; and miscellaneous collected Shelley materials, including photographs.

These papers contain transcripts of oral histories conducted with Shelley, biographical information on Shelley accumulated by Blair, and documentation of Blair's efforts to locate a biographer or actress interested in writing or enacting Rebecca Shelley's story. Unable to see the project through to completion, Blair donated these papers to the Bentley Library in April 1987.

The Papers of Geraldine Blair are divided into three series: Oral History Transcripts; Correspondence, 1973-1987; and Miscellaneous Materials Documenting Shelley's Life, 1959-1985.

Folder

Oral History Transcripts 1-28, 10/16/1977-08/12/1978

Of primary importance in the Geraldine Blair papers are carbon copies of transcripts of 28 oral history interviews (622 pages) with Rebecca Shelley. The interviewer, Eric Hanson, a Battle Creek, Michigan history teacher, conducted these interviews during the period 10/16/77-8/12/78 as part of an oral history project at Western Michigan University. The interviews, which range freely through Shelley's life, took place at her home Peaceways, near Battle Creek. At the time the transcripts were donated to the Bentley Library, it was noted that the tapes themselves were in the Western Michigan Archives, Aldo Library Building, Kalamazoo, Michigan (Accession number A-1573). Blair, who played a role in transcription of the tapes, also indicated that the original set of transcripts was in the possession of Paul Shelly, Rebecca's brother. Transcripts are arranged chronologically by date of interview. Additional items pertaining to the tapes, such as excerpts and an attempt at indexing, are filed at the end of this series.

Folder

Correspondence, 1973-1987

The correspondence in the collection was either written or received by Geraldine Blair. In her role as "Unofficial Coordinator of Shelley Projects," Blair corresponded with a wide cast of individuals, including Shelley family members, friends, potential biographers, and actresses. Materials are arranged alphabetically by name of correspondent.