Paul N. Craig letters to Jeannette V. Kelley

Description data TOP

unitid

{"value"=>"22940", "type"=>"local_mss"}

{"value"=>"b20177617", "type"=>"local_b"}

{"value"=>"MssCol 22940", "type"=>"local_call"}

unitdate

{"value"=>"1908-1911", "type"=>"inclusive", "normal"=>"1908/1911"}

date_inclusive_start

1908

date_inclusive_end

1911

keydate

1908

unittitle

{"value"=>"Paul N. Craig letters to Jeannette V. Kelley"}

physdesc

{"format"=>"structured", "physdesc_components"=>[{"name"=>"extent", "value"=>".21 linear feet", "unit"=>"linear feet"}, {"name"=>"extent", "value"=>"1 box", "unit"=>"containers"}], "supress_display"=>true}

repository

{"id"=>"MSS", "value"=>"Manuscripts and Archives Division"}

abstract

{"value"=>"Paul N. Craig (1885-1962) was an artist, minister, singer and voice teacher who resided in Independence, Missouri for much of his life. Collection consists of letters dating from 1908 to 1911, written by Craig while an art student in New York City to his future wife Jeannette V. Kelley (1887-1978) at Independence. The bulk of the letters date 1908-1909, documenting his training at the New York School of Art (now Parsons The New School for Design) under the tutelage of Frank Alvah Parsons, his boarding life at the YMCA, his exploration of Manhattan's neighborhoods and its cultural offerings, and other outings. Also discussed are his religious beliefs and attendance at services of various denominations, including those of his own faith, the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (now the Community of Christ), in Brooklyn. Letters for 1910-1911 are less frequent, marking his move to an apartment and employment as a commercial artist. His growing affection for New York City and its impact on his faith and character are discussed throughout. Letters are annotated in pencil with dates matching envelope postmarks. Some musical and church programs, along with a small sketch of Craig with a toothache, are included in the letters."}

prefercite

{"value"=>"<p>Paul N. Craig letters to Jeannette V. Kelley, Manuscripts and Archives Division, The New York Public Library</p>"}

origination

{"value"=>"Craig, Paul N. (Paul Newton), 1885-1962", "type"=>"persname", "role"=>"creator"}

bioghist

{"value"=>"<p>Paul N. Craig (1885-1962) was an artist, minister, singer and voice teacher who resided in Independence, Missouri for much of his life. In 1912 he married Jeannette V. Kelley of Independence, pianist and daughter of Bishop Edmund L. Kelley of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Craig became a minister of that faith and was for several years pastor of a church in Kansas City. A noted singer, he and his wife returned to Independence in the 1920s to work as music teachers.</p>"}

scopecontent

{"value"=>"<p>Collection consists of letters dating from 1908 to 1911, written by Craig while an art student in New York City to his future wife Jeannette V. Kelley at Independence, Missouri.</p> <p>The bulk of the letters date 1908-1909, documenting his training at the New York School of Art (now Parsons The New School for Design) under the tutelage of Frank Alvah Parsons, his boarding life at the YMCA, his exploration of Manhattan's neighborhoods and its cultural offerings, and other outings. Also discussed are his religious beliefs and attendance at services of various denominations, including those of his own faith, the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (now the Community of Christ), in Brooklyn.</p> <p>Letters begin with an account of his first day in the City (postmarked 1908 October 1), when he rides the subway for the first time, enrolls at school, and finds a home at the YMCA on East 86th Street, soon making his first visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art (1908 October 12). He recounts his student life at the New York School of Art, which he left in the Spring of 1909, describing class assignments and personal guidance by his teacher Frank Alvah Parsons, and his impression of other teachers such as Robert Henri. Taking Parsons’ advice to spend time strolling the City to improve his observational skills, he explores Chinatown and the Lower East Side (1908 November), and visits the Tombs prison and Juvenile Court (1908 November 16 and 23). Letters mention his favorite restaurants, walks through Central Park, photographing the Brooklyn Bridge from a nearby tower on New Year’s Day (1909 January 4), and other outings. Attendance at church services, concerts and his own musical activities are also described.</p> <p>Letters from 1910-1911 are less frequent, marking his move to an apartment and employment as a commercial artist. His growing affection for New York City and its impact on his faith and character are discussed throughout, leading to his hope that Jeannette will join him in New York to study music. Letters are annotated in pencil with dates matching envelope postmarks. Some musical and church programs, along with a small sketch of Craig with a toothache (1908 October 12), are included in the letters.</p>"}

acqinfo

{"value"=>"<p>Purchased from Swann Galleries, 2014</p>"}

processinfo

{"type"=>"processing", "value"=>"<p>Compiled by <span class=\"name\">Susan P. Waide</span>, <span class=\"date\">2014</span></p>"}

extent_statement

.21 linear feet (1 box)

date_start

1908

date_end

1911

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