Poetry Society of Michigan Organizational records, 1933-2003
7.5 cubic feet (in 7 boxes, 2 Oversized volumes, 1 Oversized folder)
Organizational records, 1933-2003, include: meeting minutes, financial records, correspondence, histories, photograph albums, scrapbooks, programs, miscellanea, and materials relating to the presidential terms of William S. Poe, Joye S. Giroux, and Mrs. Geneva. Published materials include the works of members, other poets, newsletters, and the Peninsula Poets, 1946-2002, except for 1955-1958. Also included are the papers of Joseph Cherwinski, Lansing poet and librarian. An Oversized folder includes a professional black and white photograph of 30 Poetry Society of Michigan members seated at three tables at a black-tie dinner On the image written in white ink, Poetry Society of Michigan (PSM), Detroit Leland Hotel, October 24, 1939, Acme Photo. .The photograph measures 9.5x16.5 inches. Although the photograph has holes punched in the corners, a crease, and a rip on the central left edge taped on the back, it is still in very good condition. A related note (photocopy) identifies the photograph as probably the only one [up to 1939] taken of the complete group. Members of the speaker's table (in the background) are identified as then PSM President Muriel Jeffries Burd (in white). To her left and to the end of the table are seated: Clifford Allen (founder), Marjorie Hanhardt, Elmer Adams, and Emil Tolonen. To Burd's right and to the end of the table are seated: Dorothea York, Sidney Mason, and Jessie Wilmore Murton. The note further states that most of these poets were charter members and that additional guests attended a reception after dinner, including Anne Campbell and her husband, then editor of the Detroit News. The collection is ongoing.