American poetry.

Abstract Ada Simpson was born on January 25, 1861 in Carlton, New York but spent most of her early life in rural Michigan.  At the age of sixteen, she obtained a teacher’s certificate and became a rural school teacher while at the same time working toward the high school diploma. She married Alva Sherwood in 1888. In 1905 she was tragically widowed; this event marked the next phase of Sherwood’s career during which she would begin her life-long dream of higher education.  Along with her son and...

Scope and Contents

Printed poem (hand press?) "In a Kitchen Mushrooms Were Washed" by Jane Hirshfield, signed by the author and inscribed: "For the Janis Ian Archive, given at Berea College on Oct 19, 2024, in admiration!"

Abstract

John Franklin Smith taught in both the Berea College Academy School and the Normal School from 1911 to 1931.  Originally drawn to Berea to teach Rural Social Science, Smith also served as a publicity agent for serveral years and directed the College Sunday School for fifteen years.  Smith was a prolific writer, including a poet. Smith retired from Berea in 1931 due to illness.

Scope and Contents

Manuscript poem "Thoreau's Flute" by Louisa May Alcott reflecting on the death of Henry David Thoreau. Not signed or dated.

Content Description

Poem "Kentucky is my Land" by Jesse Stuart, copyright 1947, printed on heavy enameled paper with black letters; each stanza begins with a capital letter which is in a mustard yellow. The poster has woodcut llustrations of a rural scene across the bottom and in the upper corners. These are the works of Kentucky artist James Marsh. An undated letter on the back from Robert T. McCowen of Ashland Oil and Refining Company discusses this work that was produced as an educational service.