Ann Cunningham Smith collection of letters from Juanita Harrison to Alice M. Foster, ca. 1919-1936

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Summary

Creators:
Ann Cunningham Smith
Abstract:
Ann Cunningham Smith's grandmother, Alice M. Foster, was a Pasadena resident who corresponded with writer Juanita Harrison known for her autobiography My Great, Wide, Beautiful World (1936). The collection includes letters from Harrison to Foster, clippings, a lap desk and materials related to a 1936 exhibit on Harrison's book at the Los Angeles based Vernon Library.
Extent:
1 oversize flat box
Language:
Finding aid is written in English. and Materials are in English.

Background

Scope and content:

The collection includes letters from Juanita Harrison to Ann Cunningham Smith's grandmother, Alice M. Foster, as well as clippings, a lap desk and materials related to a 1936 exhibit on Harrison's book at the Los Angeles-based Vernon Library. The stamps have been removed from the envelopes, but many of the postmarks still can be discerned, including postmarks from Colombo, Nice, Paris, Rome, Naples, London, and Darjeeling. The envelopes held letters from Harrison to Foster. Harrison asked Foster to return her letters so they could be used for her book My Great, Wide, Beautiful World. Three letters from Harrison to Foster are in this collection.

Biographical / historical:

Alice M. Foster was a resident of Pasadena who corresponded with Juanita Harrison, known for her only published work, My Great, Wide, Beautiful World (1936). Foster helped Harrison secure a passport in 1927 after which Harrison, then only 16 years of age, traveled the world for the next decade. Harrison documented her experiences visiting 22 countries which eventually were published as a book. Selections also appeared in the Atlantic Monthly. Some of the content was based on letters Harrison penned to Foster. Foster helped contribute materials related to Juanita Harrison to the Vernon Branch Library which organized an exhibit on the author in 1936 and received recognition for her involvement from librarian Miriam Matthews.

Acquisition information:
Donated by Ann Cunningham Smith, October 13, 2009.
Physical location:
Stored off-site at SRLF. Advance notice is required for access to the collection. Please contact UCLA Library Special Collections for paging information.
Rules or conventions:
Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: a Content Standard

Access and use

Location of this collection:
A1713 Charles E. Young Research Library
Box 951575
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1575, US
Contact:
(310) 825-4988
AskLSC@library.ucla.edu
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