Guide to the Virginia Louise Doris papers , 1970-1983
Brown University Library, Special Collections
Box A, John Hay Library
Brown University
Providence, RI 02912
Tel: 401-863-2146
Email: hay@brown.edu
Published in 2009
Collection Overview
| Title: | Virginia Louise Doris papers |
| Date range: | 1970-1983 |
| Creator: | Doris, Virginia Louise (McCullough) |
| Extent: | Over 200 items item(s) |
| Abstract: | Contains poetry of V.L.D. and her research materials pertaining to Edgar Allan Poe and Sarah Helen Whitman, etc. Consists, for the most part, of xerox copies in three-ring binders, but also includes original correspondence, mounted photographs, newspaper clippings, tear-sheets, etc. |
| Language of materials: | English |
| Repository: | Brown University Library, Special Collections |
| Collection number: | Ms. 81.6 |
Scope & content
Contains poetry of V.L.D. and her research materials pertaining to Edgar Allan Poe and Sarah Helen Whitman, etc. Consists, for the most part, of xerox copies in three-ring binders, but also includes original correspondence, mounted photographs, newspaper clippings, tear-sheets, etc.Access Points
Subject TopicsArrangement
- Series 1: Daguerreotype Studio
- Series 2: Elizabeth Arnold
- Series 3: Sarah Helen Whitman
- Series 4: Civil War Centennial
- Series 5: Scrapbook, ca. 1824-1865
- Series 6: Edgar Allan Poe
- Series 7: Marchesa Margaret Fuller Ossoli
- Series 8: The Athenaeum Autograph
- Series 9: Roger Williams Day
- Series 10. Providence Athenaeum
- Series 11. Raven Circles
Biographical note
Contains poetry of V.L.D. and her research materials pertaining to Edgar Allan Poe and Sarah Helen Whitman, etc. Consists, for the most part, of xerox copies in three-ring binders, but also includes original correspondence, mounted photographs, newspaper clippings, tear-sheets, etc.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: | Virginia Louise Doris papers, Ms. 81.6, Brown University Library. |
| Contact information: | Brown University Library, Special Collections Box A, John Hay Library Brown University Providence, RI 02912 Tel: 401-863-2146 Email: hay@brown.edu |
Administrative Information
| ABOUT THE COLLECTION | |
| Acquisition: | |
| ABOUT THE FINDING AID | |
| Author: | Finding aid prepared by John Hay Library staff. |
| Encoding: | Finding aid encoded by Daniel Mejia 2009 February 25 |
| Descriptive rules: | Finding aid based on Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS) |
Additional Information
Inventory
Series 1. Daguerreotype Studio
| Container | Description | Date |
| Box 1, Folder 1 | "The First Daugerrotype [sic] Studio in Providence, Rhode Island"--where the Whitman daugerrotype [sic] was taken, 14 November, 1848, at no. 25 Market Street--lower Westminster, as we know it today.--Part I--Virginia Louise Doris, 7 May 1970. Contents Note: Three-ring binder containing 64 lvs of xerox copies (of typescript text and illustrations) and mounted photograph; followed by additional lvs consisting of xerox copies of correspondence dated 5 May-8 Oct 1970, mounted photograph annotated mar. 1975, xerox copy of letter dated 30 July 1975, mounted photographs with note dated 31 Oct 1975, etc. The additions comprise 15 items. Includes information about S.W. Hartshorn, daguerreotype artist who took plates of Edgar Allan Poe. |
1970 May 5-1975 Oct 31 |
| Box 1, Folder 2 | Addendum to: "The 1st Daguerrotype [sic] Studio in Providence" "Gift" of Virginia L. Doris, 20 Jan 1976. Contents Note: Title was taken from typed label on envelope. Printed magazine dated Dec 1975; xerox copies (of typescripts, newspaper clippings, illustrations, correspondence, etc., dated 31 Oct 1975-10 Jan 1976, with additional item dated 27 Jan 1976. |
1975 Dec-1976 Jan 27 |
| Box 1, Folder 3 | The Providence Daily Journal (Photostats) "ad" type, data, painting, and related comments on research found circa 1846-7-8 Market St. happenings. Contents Note: Added t.p.: "The First Dagierrotype [sic] Studio in Providence"--additional material and photos, with Prov. Daily Journal photostats, form a "ad"s. Part 2. Three-ring binder containing 24 lvs of xerox copies (of typescript text, correspondence, printed text, and illustrations); electroprint copies of microfilmed pages of newspaper, to which are affixed slips of paper containing xerox copies of descriptive comment (7 items); mounted dust jacket of published book. This compilation is dated at the end: 2 Nov 1970. The 24 lvs include an undetermined number of supplementary items dated 10 Feb 1971-4 Mar 1975, some with handwritten annotations in red pencil. Includes Ulalume, a ballad, possibly by Poe; two poems by V.L.D.; and information about Poe and Sarah Helen Whitman. |
1970 Nov 2-1975 Mar 4 |
Series 2. Elizabeth Arnold
| Container | Description | Date |
| Box 1, Folder 4 | "Miss Elizabeth Arnold" actress-Mother of Edgar Allan Poe appears in a "Benefit" at no. 9 Church St., Providence, Rhode Island--1797--Virginia Louse Doris Nov. 2, 1970 Contents Note: Three-ring binder containing 23 lvs of xerox copies (of typescript text and illustrations) and mounted photographs and newspaper clippings. Bound with this is an additional leaf consisting of a xerox copy of a letter dated 12 Nov. 1970. (2 items) |
1970 |
| Box 1, Folder 5 | Additional 10 lvs of xerox copies (of letter, pages of printed text, and illustrations, etc.) |
undated |
Series 3. Sarah Helen Whitman
| Container | Description | Date |
| Box 1, Folder 6 | "Sarah Helen Whitman"--Part I. "War Lyrics and Letters" 1860-1878 (Civil War Songs, poems, from an old scrapbook, see MS, and a 1971 February, American Legion up-date. Volume No.1 Contents Note: Three-ring binder containing 28 lvs of xerox copies (of typescript text, correspondence, printed text, and illustrations); electroprints of microfilmed pages of newspaper; tear-sheets of magazine clippings mounted on a leaf from a manuscript account book; photograph. This compilation is dated 1 Feb 1971, with supplementary leaves dated 31 Oct. and 2 Nob. 1975. |
1971 Feb-1975 Nov 7 |
Series 4. Civil War Centennial
| Container | Description | Date |
| Box 1, Folder 7 | title Contents Note: Three-ring binder containing 50 lvs of xerox copies (of text, correspondence, printed text, illustrations); photographs; mounted clipping from Congressional Record; mounted illustration. Several leaves are annotated in blue ink. Text is dated 1 Feb 1971. Sequel to III. above. |
1971 Feb 1 |
Series 5. Scrapbook
| Container | Description | Date |
| Box 2, Folder 1 | Leaves and fragments of disbound scrapbook, consisting of newspaper clippings of poetry, theater notices, literary extracts, etc. |
undated |
| Box 2, Folder 2 | Leaves and fragments of disbound scrapbook, consisting of newspaper clippings of poetry, theater notices, literary extracts, etc. Contents Note: Most of these items are mounted on leaves of a manuscript account book. Cf. III. above. |
undated |
| Box 2, Folder 3 | Note and memorandum relating to provenance of the above items |
1971 Feb 17, 1974 Dec 3 |
Series 6. Edgar Allan Poe
| Container | Description | Date |
| Box 2, Folder 4 | Edgar Allan Poe--The "Bird of Night" series Dec. 30, 1848 to Dec. 19, 1849. The Providence Daily Journal-contrapuntal versifiers. Contents Note: Three-ring binder containing 86 lvs of xerox copies (of typescript text, printed text and illustrations, typed and handwritten letters); electroprints of microfilmed pages of newspaper; photograph. Includes handwritten annotations. Correspondence is dated 29 Dec. 1970-3 Jun 1975. The main portion of the work appears to have been compiled by 7 oct. 1971, all subsequent matieral being additions thereto. Includes copies of poems in the Providence Daily Journal and letters to V.L.D. from Burton R. Pollin, William Bittner, et al. |
1970 Dec 29-1975 Jun 3 |
| Box 4, Folder 8 | The bird of night Contents Note: Xerox copy of poem, dated 5 Feb 1971. Inscribed in ink to Mrs. Christine D. Hathaway, 6 Feb. 1971. (acc. no. HA23664) |
1971 Feb 5, 1971 Feb 6 |
| Box 4, Folder 9 | Letter to Mrs. Hathaway Contents Note: With attached article (by Ira Dember) on the Providence Arcade and typed supplementary information relating to the painter of the Athenaeum portrait of Sarah Helen Whitman. (acc. A 82.142) |
1970 Dec 6 |
| Box 5, Folder 1 | Xerox copies of material relating to U.S. Bicentennial |
undated |
| Box 5, Folder 3 | Xerox copies of miscellaneous material relating to Edgar Allan Poe and Sarah Helen Whitman and gretting card. |
undated |
| Box 5, Folder 4 | Xerox copies of miscellaneous material illustrating or relating to the Bunch of Grapes sign of Benjamin Thurber and printed program containing advertisement by V.L.D. |
undated |
| Box 5, Folder 5 | The Raven Circles. poems, Virginia Doris. Contents Note: Contains inscription dated 22 Oct 1981. |
1981 Oct 22 |
| Box 6, Folder 1 | Photographs with correspondence Contents Note: Relating to U.S. Bicentennial and to Edgar Allan Poe. |
undated |
| Box 6, Folder 2 | Folder numbered "1" containing miscellaneous items Contents Note: items relating to Bicentennial, Rhode Island Day, Louis Daguerre, etc.; clippings(approx 15); xerox copies of clippings, letters, etc. (approx 10); typescript poem by V.L.D.: "An American Psalm"; photograph |
undated |
| Box 6, Folder 3 | Folder numbered "2" containing miscellaneous items Contents Note: Items relating to Bicentennial, France, and distinguished Frenchmen, Rhode Island people, places, things, etc. consisting of clippings (approx 35), xerox copies of letters, clippings, photographs, music, etc. (approx 50 items); photographs (approx 15 items); 2 poems by V.L.D.: "Ode to a Poet" (xerox copy of clipping from Boston Herald, 18 Jan. 1958), i.e. Poe, and "Tarn of Dreams" (T.Ms.S, 25 June 1976), to Baudelaire; letter. |
undated |
| Box 6, Folder 4 | Correspondence, etc., relating to Poe |
undated |
| Box 6, Folder 5 | Correspondence, mounted clippings and illustrations relating to Christopher Lemley |
1983 Jan |
Series 7. Marchesa Margaret Fuller Ossoli
| Container | Description | Date |
| Box 2, Folder 5 | Marchesa Margaret Fuller Ossoli and the "Greene St. School"--Providence, R.I.-- from June 1837 through December 1839 including The Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, in i.e. the same period of R.I. history, its inception. "Gift" of : Virginia Doris. Contents Note: Three-ring binder containing 37 lvs of xerox copies (of manuscript, typescript, printed, and illustrative material); typescript note dated 31 Oct. 1975; mounted photograph. Includes several annotations in red pencil. |
c. 1975 |
| Box 2, Folder 6 | Supplementary material consisting of xerox copies of illustrations of Poe and letter dated 21 Sept 1979 |
1979 Sep 21 |
| Box 2, Folder 7 | Supplementary material consisting of various xerox copies, one of which is dated 27 Oct. 1979. |
1979 Oct 27 |
| Box 2, Folder 8 | Letter and (enclosed) xerox copy of cemetary lot. |
1979 Nov 9 |
| Box 2, Folder 9 | Annotated copy of letter dated 12 Nov. 1979 and enclosed xerox copies of newspaper clipping bearing same date and poem by V.L.D., dated 11 Nov. 1979, entitled "Requiem for the Vietnam Fallen." |
1979 Nov 11-1979 Nov 12 |
| Box 2, Folder 10 | Supplementary material Contents Note: Consisting of a xeroxed extract from a printed book with a letter dated 29 oct. 1979 (2 items; 15 lvs); xerox copies of two proclamations dated 27 Oct. 1979; xerox copies of 9 letters dated 1 oct.-6 Nov. 1979; letter dated 9 Nov. 1979 with 2 xeroxed enclosures; xerox copy of clipping dated 1 Nov. 1979; 8 xerox copies of various texts and illustrations. |
1979 Oct 1-1979 Nov 9 |
| Box 3, Folder 1 | Supplementary material Contents Note: Consisting of inscribed copy of printed book, copy of newspaper dated 1 Nov. 1979, annotated xerox copy of extract from the Congressional Record of 25 Oct. 1979 containing poem by V.L.D. entitled "The Papal Progress," and covering letter dated 9 Nov. 1979. |
1979 Oct 25-1979 Nov 9 |
| Box 3, Folder 2 | Supplementary material Contents Note: Consisting of xerox copies of various plaques, xerox copies of various materials relating to poem "Requiem for the Vietnam Fallen" by V.L.D., and a covering letter dated 27 Dec. 1979. |
undated, 1979 Dec 27 |
Series 8. The Athenaeum Autograph
| Container | Description | Date |
| Box 3, Folder 3 | "The Athenaeum Autograph" Sarah Helen Whitman-Edgar A. Poe re Colton's American Whig "Review"--of December 1847--"Gift" of Virignia Louise Doris, 20th Jan 1976. Contents Note: Xerox copies (of typescript text, printed text, correspondence, illustrations, etc.). Correspondence is dated 29 Aug. 1974-20 Jan. 1976. Title is taken from typed label on manila envelope. |
1974 Aug 29-1976 Jan 20 |
| Box 3, Folder 4 | Supplementary material Contents Note: Consisting of xerox copies (of correspondence, newspaper clippings, and illustrations) dated 23 Jan-1 Feb 1976, with covering letter dated 2 Feb 1976. |
1976 Jan 23-1976 Feb 2 |
Series 9. Roger Williams Day
| Container | Description | Date |
| Box 3, Folder 5 | Roger Williams Day, Providence, RI 8 August 1975 and Selected "Bicentennial" Exhibits 1973-1975 a "Gift"--Virginia Doris. Contents Note: Typed label on manila envelope: Roger Williams Day--8 August 1975 "337th Anniversary of the Founding of Providence" Rhode Island, 1636... A "Gift"...24 November 1975. Three-ring binder containing 59 lvs (of which 2 are stapled to cover) consisting of xerox copies (of typescript text, printed text and illustrations, newspaper clippings, and correspondence); 2 photographs; 2 typed notes, 8 Aug., 24 Nov. 1975. Correspondence is dated 8 Aug-15 Nov. 1975. Includes several poems by V.L.D., mateial about Thurber's "grapes," etc. |
1975 Aug 8-1975 Nov 24 |
| Box 3, Folder 6 | Copy of Congressional Record for 1 Aug. 1975 Contents Note: Typed label on manila envelope, dated 24 Nov. 1975, draws attention to poem by V.L.D. entitled "Roger Williams Spring Towne Street--1636" which is printed on p. E4307. Facing this page is a tipped-in address label. |
1975 Aug 1-1975 Nov 24 |
Series 10. Providence Athenaeum
| Container | Description | Date |
| Box 4, Folder 1 | Newspaper clippings and covering letter Contents Note: Copy of newspaper, 24 Jan 1980, containing article by V.L.D. entitled "Providence Athenaeum an art lovers delight"; 2 xerox copies of newspaper clippings, 12, 20 December 1979; with covering letter dated 25 Jan 1980. |
1979 Dec 12-1980 Jan 25 |
Series 11. Raven Circles
| Container | Description | Date |
| Box 4, Folder 2 | The Raven Circle poems Virginia Doris Contents Note: At head of title: a Journal intime collection. Contains inscription dated 13 Feb 1981. Spiral bound off-set printed typescript with illustrations. |
1981 Feb 13 |
| Box 4, Folder 3 | Xerox copies of 2 articles about "Raven Circles" Contents Note: Also includes a covering letter dated 18 Feb 1981 and an undated note. |
1981 Feb 12, 1981 Feb 14 |
| Box 4, Folder 5 | The Raven Circles (another copy) |
1981 Feb 13 |
| Box 4, Folder 5 | Xerox copies of 2 articles about "Raven Circles" (another copy) Contents Note: Letter from Vincent A. Cianci, 22 Apr 1981, presenting the second copy of "Raven Circles" (and its enclosures, the two articles described above.) |
1981 Feb 12, 1981 Feb 14, 22 Apr 1981 |
| Box 4, Folder 6 | Supplementary material Contents Note: Consisting of photograph dated 13 Mar 1981 and xerox copies of correspondence dated 15 Feb-17 Mar 1981 and undated. |
1981 Feb 15-1981 Mar 17 |
| Box 4, Folder 7 | Handwritten card, xerox copy of letter, letter |
undated, 1981 Feb 20, 1981 Mar 18 |