Collections : [University of Michigan Bentley Historical Library]

The Correspondence series is divided into four subseries: General, College of Literature, Science and the Arts, Rackham School of Graduate Studies, and University Executive Officers. The General subseries is divided into two sequences: the first and largest sequence is arranged chronologically from 1919 to 1939, a period of great development for the department; the second sequence, arranged alphabetically, is comprised of one folder of miscellaneous correspondence from the years 1965 to 1977. The last three subseries contain correspondence between the department and a number of university officials from the years 1965 to 1982. Topics are routine in nature and include curriculum changes, budget requests, and hiring.

The Correspondence series, which spans the dates 1922-1971, offers much of musical interest. Included are letters from composers Paul Creston, George Crumb, Walter Piston, Quincy Porter and Ross Lee Finney. Extensive correspondence from violin master Leopold Auer as well as correspondence from violinists Jascha Heifitz and Joseph Szigeti and author Upton Sinclair is also included. The topics discussed in this series range from comments on premiere performances of several composer's works to violin performance practices. One folder contains correspondence with rare violin dealer Emil Hermann and documents Ross' purchase of the 1705 "Joset" Stradivarius violin. This folder serves to show how the violin market changed over a thirty-year time span.

University of Michigan correspondence includes School of Music Dean Earl V. Moore from 1941 to 1964 and his successor James B. Wallace from 1950 to 1969. This correspondence provides insights into the music school's interest in the development of its string program and support of Ross. A consequent folder documents Ross' initial resignation submitted in 1964 and dissatisfaction with the music school's direction under Wallace's leadership. This resignation was eventually withdrawn by Ross.

The Correspondence file is arranged chronologically.

The Correspondence series comprises the bulk of the documentation. The records consist of both incoming and outgoing correspondence and include discussions of thoracic cases, patient referrals, case histories, as well as information on former students and residents, and professional material relating to presentations, articles, and various surgical and medical organizations. The creation of the first two-year training program in thoracic surgery is particularly well documented. The correspondence was primarily sent or received by John Alexander and Cameron Haight although other surgeons within the Section of Thoracic Surgery are also represented.

The correspondence deals extensively with tuberculosis and includes letters and reports from sanatoriums and physicians throughout Michigan and the world. Alexander, who himself suffered from tuberculosis, wrote extensively on the topic as evidenced in these records. Correspondents include numerous pioneers and luminaries in the field of thoracic surgery and illustrates the growing specialization within the field. Key correspondents include: Alfred Blalock; Norman Bethune; Duane Carr; Frederick Coller; Harvey Cushing; Elliott Cutler; Evarts Graham; Samuel C. Harvey; Charles H. Frazier; Rudolf Nissen; Ferdinand Sauerbruch; Emile Sergent; Robert Shaw; and John D. Steele.

The correspondence has been retained in its original order. Correspondence is filed by year and alphabetically within each year, although the individual letters are not alphabetized within folders. The alphabetical arrangement is a mixture of filing by the name of the sender and topical filing by the person or subject of the letter. For example, letters from Evarts Graham will be found under "G" for Graham as well as under "J" when the subject was the Journal of Thoracic Surgery. There are several gaps within this series, and in some instances a portion of the alphabet is missing for particular years. The filing is generally only by letter, A-Z, although specific subjects begin to appear in the later years such as "American Review of Tuberculosis," "Tuberculosis Sanatorium Commission," "postgraduates," and "veterans administration." From 1955 to 1958 a more topical arrangement is present.

The Correspondence series (.25 linear feet) covers the years 1935 to 1991 and is arranged alphabetically. Items in this series include letters of a professional and personal nature written to and by Kirk. Also included are several very well preserved telegrams sent to Kirk.