Guide to the George Montgomery papers, 1962-1987

(bulk 1985-1987)

John Hay Library
John Hay Library, University Archives and Manuscripts
Box A
Brown University
Providence, RI, 02912
Tel: 401-863-3723
email:hay@brown.edu

Published in 2018

Collection Overview

Title:	George Montgomery papers
Date range:	1962-1987, (bulk 1985-1987)
Creator:	Montgomery, George, -1987
Extent:	0.5 linear feet
Abstract:	The George Montgomery Papers document the professional career of the writer and poet, George Montgomery.
Language of materials:	English
Repository:	John Hay Library
Collection number:	Ms.2011.026

Scope & content

The George Montgomery Papers document the professional career of the writer and poet, George Montgomery. The collection contains original manuscripts, published work, correspondence, and newspaper clippings related to Montgomery. Of particular note is the robust selection of work from 1985-1987, comprised of poetry manuscripts and his newspaper column, “Van Gogh’s Ear.” The collection also includes two binders (dated 1981-1982 and 1986) of manuscripts, flyers, and newspaper clippings that were collected and arranged by Montgomery and which are left in the original order. The remainder of the materials, which were donated over the course of many years, were rearranged both topically and chronologically in order to trace Montgomery’s career.

Access Points

Subject Names

• Montgomery, George, -1987
• Kerouac, Jack, 1922-1969
• Solomon, Carl, 1928-

Subject Topics

• Beat generation--Poetry
• American Poetry--New York (State)--20th Century

Geographical Names

• Ulster County (N.Y.)--Poetry

Document Types

• manuscripts (documents)
• correspondence
• clippings (information artifacts)
• fliers (printed matter)

Subject Topics

• Language and Literature

Arrangement

The collection is arranged into three series. Folders are arranged alphabetically within each series.

• Series 1: Original Manuscripts
• Series 2: Published Work
• Series 3: Personal Documents

Biographical/Historical Note

George Montgomery was a poet and writer who lived in the Ulster County area of New York State. Montgomery was born in New Jersey to a family that had spent years on the vaudeville circuit, and growing up he came to be known as an amateur stuntman who drove in demolition derbies and worked professional wrestling events. After some time in the army, Montgomery become part of Greenwich Village’s poetry scene where he befriended Allen Ginsberg, Jack Kerouac and others. He moved to Ulster County in 1965, where he resided until the end of his life in 1987. During this time he wrote an extensive collection of poetry, which he routinely published with small presses and read at local events in the Hudson Valley area. Montgomery was also a popular columnist for local newspapers as well as a community college poetry teacher and youth organization leader. A noted member of the community for his public persona and literary activism, Montgomery once ran for mayor of Rosendale, NY but lost.

Access & Use

Access to the collection:	There are no restrictions on access, except that the collection can only be seen by prior appointment. Some materials may be stored off-site and cannot be produced on the same day on which they are requested.
Use of the materials:	Although Brown University has physical ownership of the collection and the materials contained therein, it does not claim literary rights. Researchers should note that compliance with copyright law is their responsibility. Researchers must determine the owners of the literary rights and obtain any necessary permissions from them.
Preferred citation:	George Montgomery papers, Ms.2011.026, Brown University Library
Contact information:	John Hay Library John Hay Library, University Archives and Manuscripts Box A Brown University Providence, RI, 02912 Tel: 401-863-3723 email:hay@brown.edu

Administrative Information

ABOUT THE COLLECTION
ABOUT THE FINDING AID
Author:	Finding aid prepared by Nicholas Friesner.
Encoding:	This finding aid was produced using the RIAMCO EAD spreadsheet, 2018 July 19
Descriptive rules:	Finding aid based on Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS)

Additional Information

Inventory

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