John Foster Carr papers

1801-1940 [bulk 1909-1940]

John Foster Carr (1869-1939), lecturer and author, promoted the education and Americanization of immigrants, particularly Italian immigrants. He was founder and director of the Immigrant Publication Society; was active in the American Library Association (ALA), promoting the "Books for Everybody" campaign in New York City; and helped with the ALA's book drive for U.S. armed forces, ca. 1918-1920. He wrote a series of guides to the U.S. for Italian, Jewish and Polish immigrants; and wrote or edited other books and articles on immigration, libraries, Thomas Jefferson, and the Declaration of Independence. Collection contains correspondence, materials relating to "Books for Everybody" campaign, writings by Carr and his family, photographs, and printed matter. Correspondence, 1909-1940, concerns his activities as director of the Immigrant Publication Society, his series of guides for immigrants, speaking engagements, and personal and family matters. "Books for Everybody" materials include legal and financial records, notes, memoranda, and scrapbook of clippings. Writings by Carr consist of manuscripts and typescripts of his speeches on immigrants and Americanization, drafts of articles and projected biographies; galleys and printed copy of book by his wife Emma Lilian Dana; and manuscripts of sermons, 1801-1830, by his great grandfather, Rev. John Clarke. Also, cardfiles, notes, photographs of immigrants and art work of Sarah J. Eddy, and printed materials.