Burton Jay Smith and Willametta Turnepseed Papers

Collection

Identifier: MsC0868

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Scope and Contents

The collection consists mainly of correspondence between Smith and Turnepseed. A few additional pieces of correspondence to or from either Smith or Turnepseed are also present. There are also several issues of Literary Newsette, the amateur publication that the two co-edited. The collection has one undated photograph, which may depict Smith. A few sample envelopes from the correspondence are also included. Smith and Turnepseed were engaged to be married, and most of their correspondence consists of love letters. The letters chiefly concern their romantic feelings towards each other and their post-marriage domestic plans. The correspondence also contain numerous references to their amateur printing endeavors, including Turnepseed's tenure as President of the National Amateur Printing Association (NAPA) in 1944. Once Smith was inducted into the United States Army Air Forces in January 1943, his letters, written from his postings at different airfields, also describe his flight and navigation training and the military life.

Dates

Creation: 1941-1944

Creator

Smith, Burton Jay (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

Biographical or Historical Information

Jeremy Brett, December 2007

Extent

1.00 Linear Feet (Photographs: Box 2)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Correspondence, chiefly love letters, between amateur printers Smith and Turnepseed, together with a few additional materials, including copies of their co-edited Literary Newsette. Many of Smith's letters document his activities training as a navigator in the United States Army Air Force, 1943-1944.

Method of Acquisition

The papers of Smith and Turnepseed were originally acquired as part of the MIke Horvat collections of fanzines and apazines, received in December 2004.

Related Materials

GERINGER, LAUREN, 1908-1992. Lauren Geringer Papers, 1919-1992. 1.75 ft. Iowa City printer and author. The bulk of the collection is comprised of monthly bundles from amateur press associations during 1990 and 1991, including the Amalgamated Printers Association, the National Amateur Press Association, and Peat's press. Items from Geringer's Press, clippings about Geringer, a miscellaneous collection of samples of printing, and several editions of his small journal, People Watcher make up the remainder of the collection (msc0847). MILLER, GUY. Guy Miller Amateur Printing Collection, 1934 - 1989. 0.8 ft. Collection of amateur print pblications, most dating from the early and mid 20th century (msc0881). ROW, HEATH. Heath Row Amateur Press Association Collection, 1934-2010. 2.0 ft. Zine writer and editor, and member of multiple amateur press associations. Includes apa publications, apa official organs, and assorted loose ajay publications (msc0364). RUBEN, ELLIOTT M., 1916-2009. Elliott M. Ruben Amateur Press Association Collection, 1926-2009. 30 ft. Amateur journalist and member of a number of amateur press associations. Bundles of apa publications, apa official journals, correspondence, official apa documents, and Ruben's childhood efforts at printing (msc0336).