The materials in this collection were created from 1926-1972. The bulk of the collection consists of the writings and publications of Edna Anderson. The writings and publications consist of poetry, short stories, and a novel. Included in this collection are the correspondences between Edna Anderson and her family and friends. Also included within the collection are biographical documents and newspaper clippings that pertain to Edna Anderson’s education and interests. The materials in this collection also included photographs, and an interview with Edna Anderson.

Series I: Writings Inclusive Dates: 1935-1971 Arrangement: Alphabetical and there under chronological This large series consists of five subseries: a: Edna Anderson’s Poems, 1956-1971; b: Collaborations, 1954-1957; c: Miscellaneous Poems, u.d.; d: Notes, 1935-1971; and e: Manuscripts, 1957-1971. Included within this series are the hand-written original poems of Edna Anderson, and her edited versions. The poems display Edna Anderson’s love of nature, and her comprehensive knowledge of rhetorical devices that give depth, and variety to her poetry. Included in this series are the personal notes of Edna Anderson from her days as a college student. Also within this series are the manuscripts of Edna Anderson’s unpublished autobiography documenting her life and love of her home, Montana.

Series II: Published Works Inclusive Dates: 1926-1971 Arrangement: Alphabetical and there under chronological

This large series consists of four subseries: a: Pamphlet, 1959; b: Novel, 1961; c: Poetry Collection, 1964; and d: Literary Journals, 1926-1971. Included within this series is the novel, Strange Affection, which was published in 1961. Most noteworthy magazines/journals are The Lyric, College English, and Statement. The Lyric is the oldest magazine in North America that is focused on traditional poetry, and in its founding year poems by Emily Dickenson and Aline Kilmer were published. College English is a professional journal focused on the publication of articles related to the field of teaching English. Statement is a magazine focused on literature and art that is affiliated with Cal State LA. Also noteworthy is that while attending high school Edna Anderson published a short story in Western Story Magazine. This magazine was founded in 1919 and was the first all-western pulp publication focused on wholesome stories of living in the West.

Series III: Correspondence Inclusive Dates: 1939-1972 Arrangement: Alphabetical and there under chronological

This large series consists of five subseries: a: Correspondence from Edna Anderson, 1940-1972; b: Correspondence to Edna Anderson, 1963; c: Postcards and Holiday Cards to Edna Anderson, 1939-1971; d: Miscellaneous Correspondence, 1971; and e: Publication Inquiries, 1964-1973. Included within this series are the correspondence between Edna Anderson and her sister Geneva Ford. These letters convey the close bond that the sisters had with one another. Included within many of these letters are copies of Edna Anderson’s poems that she sent to her family and close friends. This series also includes postcards Edna Anderson sent to her family and friends from her various travels of the United States. Also included in this series are the correspondence between Edna Anderson and magazine editors.

Series IV: Biographical Information Inclusive Dates: 1925-1972 Arrangement: Alphabetical and there under chronological

This small series consists of three subseries: a: Biographical Documents, 1925-1972; b: Oversize Biographical Documents, 1918-1922; and c: Ephemera, 1943-1971. Included in this section is Edna Anderson’s life sketch of her mother, Mary Johnson. Also included in this series is a data sheet depicting dates of importance in regards to Edna Anderson. This series also includes Edna Anderson’s Bachelor and Master of Arts in English. Also included in this series is Corinne Benson’s Requiem, who was Edna Anderson’s friend and colleague.

Series V: Newspaper Clippings Inclusive Dates: 1913-1958 Arrangement: Chronological and there under size

This small series includes newspaper clippings that Edna Anderson collected from 1913-1958. Included in this series is an article written by Edna Anderson’s sister Geneva regarding the understanding and appreciation of music and poetry. Also included in this series is an article regarding Edna Anderson’s description of the poet’s creative process.

Series VI: Photographs Inclusive Dates: 1900-1962 Arrangement: Size and thereunder chronological

This small series includes photographs of Edna Anderson from 1900-1962. Included in this series are photographs of Edna Anderson as a small girl, young adult, woman, and retiree. Also included in this series are photographs of Edna Anderson’s hometown of Helena, Montana.

Series VII: Audio/Visual Inclusive Dates: 1970 Arrangement: Size

This small series includes an interview with Edna Anderson in 1970.