Emma Gelders Sterne papers , 1928-1971

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Sterne, Emma Gelders, 1894-1971
Title
Emma Gelders Sterne papers
Dates
1928-1971 (inclusive)
Quantity
10.5 linear feet, (7 containers)
Collection Number
Ax 391
Summary
Emma Gelders Sterne (1894-1971) was primarily a writer of juvenile literature. The Sterne collection consists of manuscripts and supporting materials for eleven books, two plays, two speeches, and correspondence.
Repository
University of Oregon Libraries, Special Collections and University Archives
UO Libraries--SCUA
1299 University of Oregon
Eugene OR
97403-1299
Telephone: 5413463068
spcarref@uoregon.edu
Access Restrictions

Collection is open to the public. Collection must be used in Special Collections and University Archives Reading Room. Collection or parts of collection may be stored offsite. Please contact Special Collections and University Archives in advance of your visit to allow for transportation time.

Additional Reference Guides

See the Current Collection Guide for detailed description and requesting options.

Languages
English
Sponsor
Funding for encoding this finding aid was provided through a grant awarded by the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Historical NoteReturn to Top

Emma Gelders Sterne (May 13, 1894-August 29, 1971), born in Birmingham, Alabama, was primarily a writer of juvenile literature, though she was involved in a number if different activities. For example, at an early age Sterne became involved in the American Suffrage Movement, and in cooperation with a newly established juvenile court, she started a school for delinquent children in 1917.

Sterne began her writing career by serving on the editorial staff literacy magazines in high school and while attending Smith College. She attended Columbia University Graduate School taking courses in English and philosophy. She sold her first story in 1923 while living in Pelham, New York. She continued to write children's books, gardened extensively, and pursued her interest in civil reform. After serving as editor of the Aladdin Books of American heritage Series, Sterne moved to California where she continued to write, often in collaboration with her daughter, Barbara Lindsay. The Kathy Martin series was written under the pseudonym "Josephine James."

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

The Emma Gelders Sterne Papers constitutes her literary manuscripts in various drafts; secondarily it includes research notes, correspondence, speeches, publicity materials, plays, and poems, reflecting Sterne's literary work and interests in civil rights and women's rights. The collection retains its arrangement as it was received from Sterne, with literary manuscripts, subject files, and correspondence interspersed throughout the collection.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • Children's literature, American--Authorship
  • Civil rights workers--United States
  • Publishers and publishing--Correspondence
  • Suffragists--United States
  • Women authors, American--20th century
  • Young adult literature, American--Authorship

Personal Names

  • Sterne, Emma Gelders, 1894-1971

Corporate Names

  • Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (U.S.)

Form or Genre Terms

  • Correspondence