ALEC WILDER ARCHIVE

Series 3: Recordings

Sub-series 1: Reel-to-reel

Box 1

folder 1 Recessional
Tape sent to Wilder from Joe Galante of Rochester
Reel-to-reel tape, 3″
Box marked “Organ?”
Provenance: Wilder tapes
folder 2 Suite for solo flute in 7 movements
Tidewater Music Festival. St Mary’s College of Maryland, July 13, 1974
Virginia Nanzetta, flute
Reel-to-reel tape, 5″
Note included in box “Dear Alec, Sorry for the delay, but here finally are the unaccompanied flute pieces as performed here last July. Hope all is well. Very Best – Bob”
Provenance: Wilder tapes
folder 3 Dance, dream, frolic
For solo harp
Reel-to-reel tape, 7″
Quarter-track stereo; 7.5 ips
Provenance: Wilder tapes
folder 4 Bassoon sonata no. 2
1.
Lottridge and T. Barrows, December 1969
Reel-to-reel tape, 5″
Provenance: Wilder tapes
folder 5 Sonata for baritone horn and piano
University of Tennessee, April 12, 1974
Reel-to-reel tape, 5″
4-track stereo; 7.5 ips
Provenance: Wilder tapes
folder 6 Horn and bassoon duets
Dick Lottridge & Nancy Beckwell, May 13, 1974
Reel-to-reel tape, 7″
Half-track mono
Provenance: Wilder tapes.
folder 7 Sonata no. 3 for French horn and piano
Performed by John & Tait Barrows; Madison, Wisconsin, spring 1968.
Box marked “Faculty chamber music concert Pt I”
Reel-to-reel tape, 7″
Provenance: Wilder tapes
folder 8 Flute sonata no. 2
Bonnie Boyd, flute; Mieko Nakagami, piano
Provenance: Wilder tapes
folder 9 Sonata for baritone; and several other selections by different composers
University of Wisconsin, School of Music Senior Euphonium Recital 2/29/72
Barry M. Kilpatrick, baritone; Arnold Koch, piano
Reel-to-reel tape, 7″
One side; 3.75 ips
Provenance: Wilder tapes
Concert program attached to box
In ink on program, “For Alec Wilder – Barry Kilpatrick”
folder 10 Sonata for English horn and piano
1966
Reel-to-reel tape, 7″
Provenance: Wilder tapes
folder 11 Clarinet Sonata
 reel-to-reel tape, 7″
Provenance: Wilder tapes
folder 12 Flute Sonata
1.
Cole and A. Beckwell, October 1, 1967
Reel-to-reel tape, 7″
Full-track; 7.5 ips
Provenance: Wilder tapes
folder 13 Bass trombone sonata
Reel-to-reel tape, 7″
Stereo; 7.5 ips
Provenance: Wilder tapes
folder 14 Trio for clarinet, horn and piano; and several selections by different composers
The University of Wisconsin School of Music
1973 Woodwind Festival Chamber Music Concert – June 24, 1973
Glenn Bowen, clarinet; Nancy Becknell, horn; Ellen Burmfister, piano.
reel-to-reel tape, 7″
Accompanied by a copy of the printed concert program
Provenance: Wilder tapes

Box 2

folder 15 Suite for Flute, Clarinet, Piano
1968?
Reel-to-reel tape, 5″
Provenance: Wilder tapes
folder 16 Suite for Flute, Clarinet, and Piano
Janet Weiss, flute; Mitchell Weiss, Clarinet; Lalanne Parrott, piano; March 4,
1970
Reel-to-reel tape, 5″
Home recording : the Weiss apartment, NYC
Provenance: Wilder tapes
folder 17 Trio for tuba, guitar, and flute
1971
Reel-to-reel tape, 5″
Quarter-track stereo; 7.5 ips
Provenance: Wilder tapes
folder 18 Suite for oboe, horn and harp
1971
Reel-to-reel tape, 5″
4-track stereo; 7.5 ips
Provenance: Wilder tapes
folder 19 Suite for oboe, horn and harp
June 29, 1969
Reel-to-reel tape, 7″
Quarter-track stereo; 7.5 ips
Provenance: Wilder tapes
folder 20 Suite no. 2 for clarinet, bassoon, and piano
Reel-to-reel tape, 7″
Full-track mono; 7.5 ips
Provenance: Wilder tapes
folder 21 Trio
Performed by Barrows, Bowen, Barrows ; Madison, Wisconsin; February 26, 1968
Reel-to-reel tape, 7″
Box marked “Faculty chamber music concert Pt II”
Provenance: Wilder tapes
folder 22 Woodwind Quintet No. 11
Wingra Quintet, September 22, 1974
Reel-to-reel tape, 7″
Quarter-track stereo; 7.5 ips
Note: Long lead tape before 1st movement.
Provenance: Wilder tapes
folder 23 Woodwind Quintet No. 11; and several other selections by different composers
Faculty Chamber Music Series. Arizona State University, May 10, 1972
Gammage Wind Quintet:
Edwin Putnik, flute
Frank Stalzer, oboe
Jack Ratterree, clarinet
John Barrows, horn
Jack Rausch, bassoon
Reel-to-reel tape, 7″
Concert program included in box
In ink on program, “Alec – this was originally recorded on 3 ¾ – I copied it on 7 ½ – somewhat better. Jack”
Provenance: Wilder tapes
folder 24 Woodwind Quintet No. 7
Reel-to-reel tape, 7″
Provenance: Wilder tapes
folder 25 Trio for clarinet, horn, and piano;
Woodwind Quintet No. 10
reel-to-reel tape, 7″
Full-track; 7.5 ips
Provenance: Wilder tapes
folder 26 Suite for non-voting quintet
Arizona State University student woodwind quintet.
Coached by: Mr. John Barrows
Kathy Luhr, flute; Rhonda Beauchamp, oboe; Dan Seiker, clarinet; Beth Mazur, horn; Lyle Dockendorff, bassoon.
Reel-to-reel tape, 7″
4-track stereo; 7.5 ips
Provenance: Wilder tapesBuxtehude/Wilder sonata (Jesu, joy and treasure)
Phoenix Woodwind Quintet
Billy Watt, flute; Rhonda Beauchamp, oboe; Beth Fogle, clarinet; Jeanette Willis, horn; Lyle Dockendorff, bassoon
Reel-to-reel tape, 7″
4-track stereo; 7.5 ips
Provenance: Wilder tapes
folder 27 Suite for baritone sax (French horn?) and woodwind quintet
Reel-to-reel tape, 7″
Half-track.
Provenance: Wilder tapes
folder 28 Septet
New York Woodwind Quintet
Barrows & Bowen
Reel-to-reel tape, 7″
Last movement incomplete
Provenance: Wilder tapes

Box 3

folder 29 Septet for woodwind quintet, French horn, and baritone saxophone.
Tommy Newsom, flute; Phil Bodner, oboe; Walt Levinsky, clarinet; Earl Chapin, French horn; Wally Kane, bassoon; Gerry Mulligan, baritone saxophone; Jim Buffington, French horn. April 9, 1971
Reel-to-reel tape, 7″
4-track stereo; 7.5 ips
Compiled from rehearsal tapes
Provenance: Wilder tapes
folder 30 [Unidentified]. — [5/27/71].
Reel-to-reel tape, 7″
4-track stereo; 7.5 ips
Box marked “Rehearsal Reel #1”
Provenance: Wilder tapes
folder 31 [Unidentified]. — [5/27/71].
Reel-to-reel tape, 7″
4-track stereo; 7.5 ips
Box marked “Rehearsal Reel #2”
Provenance: Wilder tapes
folder 32 [Unidentified]. — [5/27/71].
Reel-to-reel tape, 7″.
4-track stereo; 7.5 ips
Box marked “Rehearsal Reel #3”
Provenance: Wilder tapes
folder 33 [Unidentified]. — [5/27/71].
Reel-to-reel tape, 7″
4-track stereo; 7.5 ips
Box marked “Rehearsal Reel #4”
Provenance: Wilder tapes
folder 34 Concerto for tenor saxophone and chamber orchestra
Zoot Sims, soloist. University of Miami Orchestra; Frederick Fennell, conductor.
November 20, 1968
Reel-to-reel tape, 5″
Mono; 7.5 ips
Provenance: Wilder tapes
folder 35 Horn concerto
Performed August 1961, Norfolk Connecticut.
Reel-to-reel tape, 7″
Provenance: Wilder tapes
folder 36 Sonata for tuba
Ralph Childs, tuba. Eastman – Rochester Symphony Orchestra; Walter Hendl, conductor. February 22, 1968
Reel-to-reel tape, 7″
4-track stereo
Provenance: Wilder tapes
folder 38 Concerto for oboe
Kim Youngblood. May 23, 1972
Reel-to-reel tape, 7″
4-track stereo; 7.5 ips
Provenance: Wilder tapes
folder 39 Tenor sax concerto
 Zoot Sims, soloist.
Box marked “Rehearsal tape”; “Frederick Fennel conducting?”
Reel-to-reel tape, 7″
Provenance: Wilder tapes
folder 40 Concerto for clarinet and chamber orchestra
World premiere – Glenn Bowen, clarinet. Madison Symphony orchestra. Roland  Johnson, conductor. January 27, 1974
Reel-to-reel tape, 7″
Stereo 5 track; 7.5 ips
Provenance: Wilder tapes
folder 41 Concerto for clarinet and chamber orchestra
World premiere – Glenn Bowen, clarinet. Madison Symphony orchestra. Roland  Johnson, conductor. January 26, 1974
Reel-to-reel tape, 7″
Stereo 2 track; 7.5 ips
Provenance: Wilder tapes

Box 4

folder 42 Entertainment #4 for French horn and chamber orchestra
Verne Reynolds, soloist; Walter Hendl, conductor; December 11, 1971
2-track stereo; 7.5 ips
Reel-to-reel tape, 7″
Provenance: Wilder tapes
folder 43 Entertainment II
Symphonic band – 1 movement
Reel-to-reel tape, 7″
Provenance: Wilder tapes
folder 44 Entertainment #1
For wind ensemble
7.5 ips
Reel-to-reel tape, 7″
Provenance: Wilder tapes
folder 45 [Unidentified]
Pellerite’s flute class, Indiana University, December 4, 1972
Reel-to-reel tape, 5″
Provenance: Wilder tapes
folder 47 Suite for trombone choir
Students of the  University of Wisconsin – 19 trombones, 12 voices
Reel-to-reel tape. 7″
Provenance: Wilder tapes
folder 48 Music of Alec Wilder [Full concert]
St. Mary’s College of Maryland, July 15, 1973Sonata No. 2 for flute and piano
Virginia Nanzetta, flute; Arthur Tollefson, piano.Sonata No. 3 for French horn and piano
Diana Marx, horn; Amy Lou Levy, piano.Sonata for clarinet and piano
Robert Umiker, clarinet; Arthyr Tollefson, piano.Piano piece for pupils, vol. 2
No. 2: Melanie Fuller
No. 1: John Drymon SIDE 2Brass Quintet No. 4
Jim Olcott, Bob Levy, trumpet; Diana Mrx, French horn; Brian Sherline, trombone; Gary Maske, tuba.Brassininity (same players as Brass Quintet No. 4)The Popular Songs Reel-to-reel tape, 7″
Provenance: Wilder tapes.
folder 49 Flute sonata no. 2; and, Horn Sonata, Op. 36 (Paul Turok)
Virginia Nanzetta, flute; Arthyr Tollefson, piano, St. Mary’s College of MD
Reel-to-reel tape, 5″
“(made a few days after you left St. Mary’s City)” per typed note on box.
Performance of Turok’s Horn Sonata dated July 18, 1973 – St. Mary’s College Summer Music Camp.
Provenance: Wilder tapes

Box 5

folder 55 Entertainment No. 3
Ohio State University Wind Ensemble, May 9, 1975
Quarter-track stereo; 7.5 ips
 “Has drop outs!” and “Left channel too low!” per note on box
Reel-to-reel tape, 5″
Provenance: Wilder tapes.
folder 56 Saxophone Quartet
Reel-to-reel tape, 7″
Provenance: Wilder tapes
folder 57 Brass Quintet
Iowa Brass Quintet
Reel-to-reel tape, 7″
Provenance: Wilder tapes.
folder 58 Children’s plea for peace
Reel-to-reel tape, 4″
Provenance: Wilder tapes
folder 59 [Unidentified piece for wind ensemble and soprano, possibly Five Vocalises]
Indiana University Symphonic Wind Ensemble. Eileen Farrell, soprano; Wilbur England-conductor, January 31, 1974
Reel-to-reel tape, 7″
Provenance: Wilder tapes
folder 60 Together with Love, containing;
137th Psalm; Did you ever cross over Sneden’s; In the morning, at the end of side II Eileen Farrell with CBS Orchestra – August 1946.
Arrangements by AW
Eileen Farrell and André Previn, Columbia Records 1962
Reel-to-reel tape, 7″
Mono; 7.5 ips
Provenance: Wilder tapes.
folder 61 Children’s plea for peace
Reel-to-reel tape, 7″
Two-track stereo; 7.5 ips
Provenance: Wilder tapes
folder 64 Chicken Little Pt. I
Reel-to-reel tape, 5″
Provenance: Wilder tapes
folder 65 Chicken Little Pt. 2
Reel-to-reel tape, 5″
Provenance: Wilder tapes
folder 66 Pantagleize Music (All cues)
Reel-to-reel tape, 7″
7.5 ips
Provenance: Wilder tapes
folder 76 Stan Getz at Tanglewood
Stan Getz, soloist; Boston Pops Orchestra, Arthur Fiedler conducting – October 25, 1966.

  1. The bad and the beautiful 6:33
  2. A song after sundown 5:35
  3. Three pieces for Stan 10:30
  4. Where do you go? 2:22

Arrangements by AW
Stereo; 7.5 ips
Reel-to-reel tape, 7″
Provenance: Wilder tapes

folder 78 Kittiwake island [track four]; and,  How do you do, I love you [track one]
Music by Wilder, book and lyrics by Arnold Sundgaard.
1960 original cast
Cast: Joe Lautner, Kathleen Murray. G. Wood, Lainie Kazan
Reel-to-reel tape, 7″
7.5 ips
Provenance: Wilder tapes

Box 6

folder 85 The creative world of Alec Wilder, song writer with a difference
Produced written and narrated by Ken Barnes for the Frank Sinatra Appreciation Society, London, England 1969.
Half-track; 7.5 ips
Reel-to-reel tape, 7″
Provenance: Wilder tapes
folder 86 Alec Wilder Memorial Program
(Alec died on Dec. 24, 1980)
Alec Wilder in conversation with Willis Conover; Wilder’s music. [tape 1 of 2]
7.5 ips
Reel-to-reel tape, 7″
Note included in box, “13 January 1981 Dear Mr. Schuller, Willis thought you would like a copy of this program. Best regards, Joy K. Martin, Assistant to Willis Conover, Music USA”
Provenance: Wilder tapes.
Alec Wilder in conversation with Willis Conover about his music. [tape 2 of 2]
7.5 ips
Reel-to-reel tape, 7″
Provenance: Wilder tapes.
Both reels transferred to hard disk as of 7/8/2010, Eng: M7
folder 87 Suite for 2 clarinets #2
Stereo; 7.5 ips
Reel-to-reel tape, 5″
Provenance: Wilder tapes
folder 88 Quintet #12
Wingra Quintet, University of Wisconsin, 1975.
Composed: spring, 1975
Reel-to-reel tape, 7″
Provenance: Wilder tapes.
folder 89 Concerto for flute and chamber orchestra
 Bonita Boyd, flute; Joseph Werner, piano – 1977
Quarter-track stereo; 19.05cm/s; 1.5 mil polyester tape
Reel-to-reel tape, 7″
Provenance: Wilder tapes
folder 90 [Wilder Octets]
SIDE 1 (recorded in 1945)
                        Theme & Variations (4:09)
                        Air for bassoon (4:31)
                        Air for flute (4:30)
                        Air for English horn (3:55)
                       Slow dance (4:06)
                        Air for oboe
                                    [WW Octet, College String Orchestra conducted by Frank Sinatra]
SIDE 2 (recorded in 1939-40)
                        Seldom the sun (3:19)
                        Her old man was suspicious (2:26)
                        His first long pants (2:37)
                        It’s silk, feel it (2:33)
                        Pieces of eight (2:35)
                        Such a tender night (3:06)
                        She’ll be seven in May (3:00)
Octet personnel: Jimmy Carroll, Eddie Powell, Mitch Miller, Harold Soltzer, Reggie Merrill, Walter Gross, Gerry Wills, Frank Carroll and Toots Mondello.
                       1. Baker, H. Goltzer and M. Miller also noted on box.
Quarter-track stereo; 7.5 ips; dub.
Reel-to-reel tape, 7″
Provenance: Wilder tapes.
folder 91 Oboe Sonata
 Marc Fink, oboe; University of Wisconsin, Madison
 “A rough reading” per note on box
Reel-to-reel tape, 7″
Provenance: Wilder tapes
folder 92 Suite for flute choir
University of Wisconsin, students of Robert Cole, 1974 recital
Reel-to-reel tape, 5″
Provenance: Wilder tapes
folder 93 Jazz suite for four horns; and Sing our song of love (Shapiro-Wilder)
Quarter-track stereo; 7.5 ips; dub – Columbia Records.
Reel-to-reel tape, 5″
Provenance: Wilder tapes
folder 94 A conversation with Alec Wilder
With Arrand Parsons, Rochard Freed and George Stone
Stereo; 3.75 ips
P.b. date: July 20, 1969; Rec. date: May 17, 1969
Reel-to-reel tape, 7″
Provenance: Wilder tapes

Box 7

folder 1 Alec Wilder Concert Series at Ohio State University
1st in the series of concerts at Ohio State University: Athens, OH
Musical director, Ron Socciarelli – May 12, 1976
Reel-to-reel tape, 7″
Provenance: Wilder tapes
folder 2 Alec Wilder Concert Series at Ohio State University
2nd in the series of concerts at Ohio State University: Athens, OH
May 13, 1976
Reel-to-reel tape, 7″
Provenance: Wilder tapes
folder 3 Alec Wilder Concert Series at Ohio State University
3rd in the series of concerts at Ohio State University: Athens, OH
May 14, 1976
Reel-to-reel tape, 7″
Provenance: Wilder tapes
folder 4 The truth about windmills
Tape is recorded on both sides
Contains enclosed note addressed to Bill from AWQuarter-track stereo; 7.5 ips
Reel-to-reel tape, 7″
Provenance: Wilder tapes
folder 5 Children’s plea for peace
Quarter-track stereo;
Reel-to-reel tape, 7″
Provenance: Wilder tapes
folder 6 I remember Alec” A tribute to Alec Wilder on the occasion of his 74th birthday
Presented by Milford Fargo, professor of music education
Host: Robert Freeman, director
Eastman School of Music – Howard Hanson Hall, February 16, 1981

  1. I’ll be Around – Mills Brothers – Decca 18318
  2. It’s so peaceful in the country – Mildred Bailey – Decca 3953
  3. While we’re young – Georgia Gibbs – Mercury 5681
  4. Blue room (Rodgers, arr. Wilder) – Alec Wilder Octet – Brunswick 8505
  5. The children met the train – George Russell Octet – MGM E3321
  6. The boy with the wistful eyes (Ray-De Paul, arr. Wilder) – Carol Bruce – Columbia 36471
  7. Alec Wilder introducing Frank Sinatra to soldiers – V Disc 635
  8. Incidental music, Peter Pan (James Barrie) – Boris Karloff, Jean Arthur, original Broadway cast – Columbia 90097-V
  9. Parker’s Lament – Frank Parker – Columbia 40156
  10. How lovely is Christmas – Bing Crosby – Golden LP 121
  11. Horn belt boogie – Gunther Schuller, John Barrows, Jim Buffington, Ray Alonge; Stan Freeman – Columbia 39727
  12. Lullaby for a lady – Marian McPartland, piano – Halcyon 109
  13. Children’s plea for peace (excerpts) – Eastman Children’s Chorus, Eastman Wind Ensemble; Alec Wilder, narrator; Milford Fargo, conductor – Turnabout (Vox) 34413
  14. The truth about windmills (excerpt) – Irene Stumberger, soprano; Virginia McConnell, mezzo-soprano; Milford Fargo, conductor – Tape
  15. Today he’s just a boy (Mountain boy); Did you ever cross over to Sneden’s – Virginia McConnell, mezzo-soprano; Milford Fargo, piano.
  16. Alec on Otto Harbach – Informal interview – tape
  17. I’ll be around – Diahann Carroll – Columbia 4-44477
                            Includes description of event and concert program.

Half-track monaural; 3.75 ips
Reel-to-reel tape, 7″

folder 7 [Unknown recording]
Labeled “For A.W.”
Reel-to-reel tape, 7″
folder 8 Sonata for viola and piano
Karel Blaas, viola; Jane Abbott, piano.
Full-track monaural; 7.5 ips
Reel-to-reel tape, 5″
folder 9 Suite for unaccompanied French horn
From the 12 pieces W209 – Margun Music
Reel-to-reel tape, 5″

Sub-series 2: NPR American Popular Music Radio Shows

folder 1 David Allyn sings Harold Arlen
Program #8 of American popular song with Alec Wilder and friends
For air week 11/21/76
Half-track stereo; 7.5 ips
Reel-to-reel tape, 10″
Remastered 10/14
                        Time: 58:53
South Carolina Educational Radio Net
Provenance: Thomas Hampson
folder 2 David Allyn sings Jerome Kern
Program #2 of American popular song with Alec Wilder and friends
For air week of Oct. 10
Half-track stereo; 7.5 ips; tail out
Reel-to-reel tape, 10″
Remastered 9/7
                        Time: 59:05
South Carolina Educational Radio Net
Provenance: Thomas Hampson
folder 3 Tony Bennett sings Tony Bennett
From American popular song with Alec Wilder and friends
Stereo
Reel-to-reel tape, 10″
                        Time: 59:00
Provenance: Thomas Hampson
folder 4 Jackie Cain sings Tommy Wolf & Alec Wilder
From American popular song with Alec Wilder and friends
Return date: April 15, 1977
Stereo
Reel-to-reel tape, 10″
                        Time: 59:00
Provenance: Thomas Hampson
folder 5 Jackie Cain sings Jimmy Van Heusen & others
From American popular song with Alec Wilder and friends
Return date: March 25, 1977
Stereo
Reel-to-reel tape, 10″
                        Time: 59:01
Provenance: Thomas Hampson
folder 6 Anita Ellis sings Burke and Van Heusen
 From Series II, Program #2 of American popular song with Alec Wilder and friends
Half-track stereo; 7.5 ips; tail out
Reel-to-reel tape, 10″
                        Time: 59:00
South Carolina Educational Radio Net
Provenance: Thomas Hampson
folder 7 Anita Ellis sings Burton Lane
Program #7 of American popular song with Alec Wilder and friends
For week of 2/12/78
Reel-to-reel tape, 10″
Half-track stereo; 7.5 ips
                        Time: 59:00
South Carolina Educational Radio Net
Contains handwritten note on contents of reel
Provenance: Thomas Hampson
folder 8 Johnny Hartman sings Cole Porter
Program #10 of American popular song with Alec Wilder and friends
For air week of 12/5/76
Reel-to-reel tape, 10″
Half-track stereo; 7.5 ips
                        Time: 59:00
Remastered 11/1
South Carolina Educational Radio Net
Provenance: Thomas Hampson
folder 9 Johnny Hartman sings Cole Porter [copy 2]
Program #10 of American popular song with Alec Wilder and friends
For air week of 12/5/76
Reel-to-reel tape, 10″
Half-track stereo; 7.5 ips
                        Time: 59:00
Remastered 11/1
South Carolina Educational Radio Net
Provenance: Thomas Hampson
folder 10 Johnny Hartman sings Billy Strayhorn
Program #6 of American popular song with Alec Wilder and friends
For air week of 11/7/76
Reel-to-reel tape, 10″
Half-track stereo; 7.5 ips
                        Time: 59:00
Remastered 9/22
South Carolina Educational Radio Net
Provenance: Thomas Hampson
folder 11 Dick Haymes sings Harry Warren
Program #14 of American popular song with Alec Wilder and friends
For air week of 1/2/77
Reel-to-reel tape, 10″
 Half-track stereo; 7.5 ips
                        Time: 59:00
Corrected show tape
Remastered 11/18
South Carolina Educational Radio Net
Provenance: Thomas Hampson
folder 12 Dick Haymes sings Gershwin
From American popular song with Alec Wilder and friends
Reel-to-reel tape, 10″
Return date: January 15, 1977
                        Time: 59:00
South Carolina Educational Radio Net
Provenance: Thomas Hampson
folder 13 Woody Herman sings mostly blues
Series II, program #4 of American popular song with Alec Wilder and friends
For air week of 1/22/78
Reel-to-reel tape, 10″
Half-track stereo; 7.5 ips
                        Time: 59:00
South Carolina Educational Radio Net
Provenance: Thomas Hampson
folder 14 Teddi King sings Rodgers & Hart
Program #3 from American popular song with Alec Wilder and friends
For air week of 10/17/76
Reel-to-reel tape, 10″
Half-track stereo; 7.5 ips
                        Time: 58:53
Remastered 9/9/76
South Carolina Educational Radio Net
Provenance: Thomas Hampson
folder 15 Teddi King sings Mildred Bailey
Program #3 from American popular song with Alec Wilder and friends
For air week of 11/28/76
Reel-to-reel tape, 10″
Half-track stereo; 7.5 ips
                        Time: 59:00
Remastered 10/12/76
South Carolina Educational Radio Net
Provenance: Thomas Hampson
folder 16 Bernie Knee sings vintage pop songs
Program #5 from American popular song with Alec Wilder and friends
For air week of 1/29/78
Reel-to-reel tape, 10″
Half-track stereo; 7.5 ips
                        Time: 59:00
South Carolina Educational Radio Net
Provenance: Thomas Hampson
folder 17 Bernie Knee sings vintage pop songs [copy 2]
New copy 2/2/87
Reel-to-reel tape, 10″
folder 18 Irene Krall sings Coward and Legrand
Program #8 from American popular song with Alec Wilder and friends
For air week of 2/19/78
Reel-to-reel tape, 10″
Half-track stereo; 7.5 ips
                        Time: 59:00
South Carolina Radio Network
Provenance: Thomas Hampson
folder 19 Irene Krall sings swinging songs of the 70s
Series III, program #3 from American popular song with Alec Wilder and friends
Reel-to-reel tape, 10″
Two-track stereo; 7.5 ips; tail out
                       Time: 59:00
South Carolina Educational Radio Net
Provenance: Thomas Hampson
folder 20 Barbara Lea sings Willard Robison
from American popular song with Alec Wilder and friends
August 19, 1976 – 2:30pm
Reel-to-reel tape, 10″
Half-track stereo; 7.5 ips
                        Time: 59:04
Provenance: Thomas Hampson
folder 21 Barbara Lea sings Lee Wiley
Program #7 from American popular song with Alec Wilder and friends
For air week of 11/14/76
Remastered 10/7/76
Reel-to-reel tape, 10″
Half-track stereo; 7.5 ips
                        Time: 58:59
South Carolina Educational Radio
Provenance: Thomas Hampson
folder 22 Barbara Lea sings Willard Robison [copy 2]
New copy 2/2/87
Reel-to-reel tape, 10″
Provenance: Thomas Hampson
folder 23 Mary Mayo sings Vernon Duke
from American popular song with Alec Wilder and friends
Return date: 2/4/1977
Stereo, Reel-to-reel tape, 10″
                        Time: 58:57
Provenance: Thomas Hampson
folder 24 Mary Mayo sings Stephen Foster and early American songs
from American popular song with Alec Wilder and friends
Return date: 1/22/1977
Stereo, Reel-to-reel tape, 10″
                        Time: 59:02
Provenance: Thomas Hampson
folder 25 The artistry of Mabel Mercer (Part I)
Program #12 from American popular song with Alec Wilder and friends
For air the week of 12/19/76
Remastered 11/11/76
Reel-to-reel tape, 10″
Half-track stereo; 7.5 ips; tail out
                        Time: 58:57
South Carolina Educational Radio Net
Provenance: Thomas Hampson
folder 26 The artistry of Mabel Mercer (Part II)
Program #13 from American popular song with Alec Wilder and friends
For air the week of 12/26/76
Remastered 11/11/76
Reel-to-reel tape, 10″
Half-track stereo; 7.5 ips
                        Time: 59:02
South Carolina Educational Radio Net
Provenance: Thomas Hampson
folder 27 Ed Monteiro sings Joe Mooney
Series II, program 12 from American popular song with Alec Wilder and friends
For air the week of 3/19/78
Reel-to-reel tape, 10″
Half-track stereo; 7.5 ips
                       Time: 59:00
South Carolina Radio Network
Provenance: Thomas Hampson
folder 28 Mark Murphy sings Dorothy Fields
Program #6 from American popular song with Alec Wilder and friends
For air the week of 2/5/78
Reel-to-reel tape, 10″
Half-track stereo; 7.5 ips
                        Time: 59:00
South Carolina Radio Network
Provenance: Thomas Hampson
folder 29 Mark Murphy sings Cy Coleman
Series II, program #1 from American popular song with Alec Wilder and friends
Reel-to-reel tape, 10″
Half-track stereo; 7.5 ips; tail out
                        Time: 59:00
South Carolina Educational Radio
Provenance: Thomas Hampson
folder 30 Portia Nelson sings Bart Howard
Program #9 from American popular song with Alec Wilder and friends
For air week of 2/26/78
Reel-to-reel tape, 10″
Half-track stereo; 7.5 ips
                        Time: 59:00
South Carolina Educational Radio
Provenance: Thomas Hampson
folder 31 Hugh Shannon sings saloon songs
Program #10 from American popular song with Alec Wilder and friends
For air week of 3/5/78
Reel-to-reel tape, 10″
Half-track stereo; 7.5 ips
                        Time: 59:00
South Carolina Radio Network
Provenance: Thomas Hampson
folder 32 Carrie Smith sings Billie Holiday
from American popular song with Alec Wilder and friends
Reel-to-reel tape, 10″
Provenance: Thomas Hampson
folder 33 Carrie Smith sings Hoagy Carmichael
From American popular song with Alec Wilder and friends
Reel-to-reel tape, 10″
                        Time: 59:00
Provenance: Thomas Hampson
folder 34 Marlene Verplanck sings Hugh Martin
Program #4 from American popular song with Alec Wilder and friends
For air week of 10/24/76
Reel-to-reel tape, 10″
Half-track stereo; tail out
                        Time: 59:00
Remastered 9/16/76
South Carolina Educational Radio
Provenance: Thomas Hampson
folder 35 Marlene Verplanck sings one-shot songwriters
Program #11 from American popular song with Alec Wilder and friends
For air week of 12/12/76
Reel-to-reel tape, 10″
Half-track stereo; 7.5 ips; tail out
                        Time: 59:00
Remastered 11/3
South Carolina Educational Radio Net
Provenance: Thomas Hampson
folder 36 Margaret Whiting sings Richard Whiting and Arthur Schwartz
From American popular song with Alec Wilder and friends
Return date: 4/22/77
Reel-to-reel tape, 10″
Stereo
                        Time: 59:00
Provenance: Thomas Hampson
folder 37 Margaret Whiting sings Johnny Mercer
From American popular song with Alec Wilder and friends
Return date: 4/1/77
Reel-to-reel tape, 10″
Stereo
                        Time: 59:01
Provenance: Thomas Hampson
folder 38 The artistry of Bobby Short (Part II)
From American popular song with Alec Wilder and friends
Reel-to-reel tape, 10″
Stereo; 7.5 ips
                        Time: 59:00
Provenance: Thomas Hampson
folder 39 The songs of Tony Bennett (Pt. II)
From American popular song with Alec Wilder and friends
Return date: 4/29/77
Reel-to-reel tape, 10″
Stereo
                        Time: 59:00
Provenance: Thomas Hampson
folder 40 Thelma Carpenter sings musical comedy and film song
Program #5 from American popular song with Alec Wilder and friends
For air week of 10/31/76
Reel-to-reel tape, 10″
Half-track stereo; tail out
                       Time: 58:50
Remastered 9/16
South Carolina Educational Radio
Provenance: Thomas Hampson
folder 41 Memorable moments – review of series
Series II, program #13 from American popular song with Alec Wilder and friends
For air week of 3/26/78
Reel-to-reel tape, 10″
Half-track stereo; 7.5 ips; tail out
                        Time: 59:00
South Carolina Radio Network
Provenance: Thomas Hampson
folder 42 Songs of George Shearing
Program #11 from American popular song with Alec Wilder and friends
For air week of 3/12/78
Reel-to-reel tape, 10″
Half-track stereo; 7.5 ips
                        Time: 59:00
South Carolina Radio Network
Contains NPR quality control report form stating that entire program is out of azimuth and has various mix problems, but will pass for air (dated 2/6/78)
Provenance: Thomas Hampson
folder 43 The artistry of Bobby Short (Part I)
 From American popular song with Alec Wilder and friends
 Stereo
Reel-to-reel tape, 10″
                        Time: 59:00
Provenance: Thomas Hampson

Sub-series 3: Discs

Box 1

folder 1 Suite for horn and strings
Entertainment No. 2
 33 1/3 rpm
Special Pressing
A&R: New York, NY
Provenance: Gunther Schuller
folder 2 Songs
Rain, rain don’t go away
It’s getting awful lonely out tonight

The first time we’re alone again
 
Slow waltz

Fast waltz

Endings

Tree into girl

Tree into girl long

Tree into girl long with accel.
33 1/3 rpm
Special Pressing
Fine Recording, Inc. – Noel Productions: New York, NY
Provenance: Gunther Schuller
folder 3 Saxophone suite
Songs for Patricia
33 1/3 rpm Special Pressing
A&R: New York, NY
Provenance: Gunther Schuller
folder 4 Saxophone quartet
Hollywood Sax 4
1/25/1965
33 1/3 rpm
Special Pressing
A&R: New York, NY
Provenance: Margun Music
folder 5

Side 1:

Suite for string bass and piano
Suite for string bass and guitar

Side 2:

Suite for string bass and guitar (continued)
Sonata for string bass and piano

Gary Karr, bass; Bernard Leighton, piano; Frederick Hand, guitar
Golden Crest Records: Huntington Station, NY.
Provenance: Margun Music

folder 6 Suite No. 3 for tuba
Harvey Phillips, tuba33 1/3 rpm
Special pressing
Audiodisc: New York, USA
Provenance: Gunther Schuller
folder 7 Pantagleize [sic] Suite
Introduction
Bamboula’s dance
Bamboula’s song

Lullaby

March

Oboe solo – lullaby

Clarinet solo – Un petit vin blanc

Minuet from quintette in B flat, composer – Franz Danzi

Love music

Soldier’s song

French taps

March suite

Performed by the New York Woodwind Quintette
33 1/3 microgroove, stereo
Produced by Noel Productions
Provenance: Margun Music
folder 8 Songs [copy 2]
Rain, rain don’t go away

It’s getting awful lonely out tonight

The first time we’re alone again
 
Slow waltz

Fast waltz

Endings

Tree into girl

Tree into girl long

Tree into girl long with accel.
33 1/3 rpm
Special Pressing
Fine Recording, Inc. – Noel Productions: New York, NY
Provenance: Gunther Schuller
folder 9 Music composed by Jerome Hill;
Orchestrated by Alec Wilder;
Conducted by Samuel Baron
 Side 1:

  1. Canone alla terza
  2. Improvisation on an air in the Phrygian mode
  3. Calliope waltz
  4. Lament – for M.L.K. Jr. (English horn)
  5. Air pathetique
  6. Episode
  7. Barcarolle

 Side 2:

  1. Three part inventions
  2. Petite Suite
  3. Sarabande
  4. Canone alla ottava
  5. Variations on a French folk song
  6. Lament – for M.L.K. Jr. (oboe)
  7. Sarabande (harpsichord)
  8. Canary music

 33 1/3 rpm
Fine recording, Inc.: New York, NY
Provenance: Margun Music

folder 10 Kittiwake island
By
Alec Wilder and Arnold Sundgaard
33 1/3 rpm
Special Pressing
Adelphi sound studios: New York, NY
Provenance: Gunther Schuller
folder 11 Peacock Feathers”
Conducted by Samuel Baron
Side A:

  1. I see it now
  2. 5/4 dance
  3. Love is when
  4. Bill’s theme
  5. Taylor Mead theme
  6. Hat in sky
  7. Potted palm #1
  8. Potted palm #2
  9. Gypsy theme
  10. Recorder and bass duet
  11. Steak chase
  12. Vespa waltz

Side B:

  1. Platform dance (Two versions)
  2. Astroillogical parlor
  3. Chase thru woods
  4. Mimosa’s solitude
  5. Lonely girl
  6. Mimosa and me
  7. Unbelievable (two versions)
  8. Mimosa’s Paris dance
  9. Potted palm #3
  10. Dance for B.B.

33 1/3 rpm
Special Pressing
Fine recording, Inc. – Noel Productions: New York, NY
Provenance: Gunther Schuller

folder 12

Songs

Side 3:
Destruction of the sandcastle
Through
Mabelle’s folk tune
High version

Side 4:
Facing East
Through

Rock and roll fated

33 1/3 rpm
Special Pressing
Fine recording, Inc.: New York, NY
Provenance: Gunther Schuller

folder 13 Albert Schweitzer
Side #4
33 1/3 rpm
Special Pressing
Fine sound, Inc.: New York, NY
Provenance: Gunther Schuller/Margun
folder 14 Albert Schweitzer
Side #5
33 1/3 rpm
Special Pressing
Fine sound, Inc.: New York, NY
Provenance: Gunther Schuller/Margun
folder 15 Albert Schweitzer
Side #6
33 1/3 rpm
Special Pressing
Fine sound, Inc.: New York, NY
Provenance: Gunther Schuller/Margun
folder 16 Albert Schweitzer
Side #7 & 8
33 1/3 rpm
Special Pressing
Fine sound, Inc.: New York, NY
Provenance: Gunther Schuller/Margun
folder 17 Albert Schweitzer
Side #9
33 1/3 rpm
Special Pressing
Fine sound, Inc.: New York, NY
Provenance: Gunther Schuller/Margun
folder 18

Alec Wilder octets

  1. Little white samba
  2. Little girl, grows up
  3. Remember me to youth
  4. The amorous poltergeist
  5. Jack this is my husband
  6. They needed no words
  7. Footnote to a summer love
  8. The children met the train

33 1/3 rpm
Special Pressing
Mercury Records – MG 25008
Original sleeve included separately

folder 19 The songs of Alec Wilder
Side 1:

  1. I’ll be around (Music & lyrics by Wilder) – Hugh Shannon
  2. Everywhere I look (Music by Wilder, lyrics by Engvick) – Anita Ellis
  3. Walkin’ sad (Music by McGlohon, lyrics by Wilder) – Mark Murphy
  4. If someday ever comes again (Music by Wilder, lyrics by Mercer) – Mary Mayo
  5. ’S gonna be a cold, cold day (Music by Wilder, lyrics by McGlohon) – Johnny Hartman
  6. Plenty good enough for me (Music by Wilder, lyrics by McGlohon) – Barbara Lea
  7. Is it always like this? (Music and lyrics by Wilder) – Bobby Short
  8. Soft as spring (Music and lyrics by Wilder) – David Allyn
  9. Love all the quiet flower people (Music and lyrics by Wilder) – Marlene Verplanck

Side 2:

  1. The winter of my discontent (music by Wilder, lyrics by Berenberg) – Marlene Verplanck
  2. Let me stay (Music by Wilder, lyrics by McGlohon) – Ed Montiero
  3. We lost our way (Music by Wilder, lyrics by McGlohon) – Barbara Lea
  4. All of us in it together (Music by McGlohon, lyrics by Wilder) – Anita Ellis
  5. When yesterday I loved you (Music by Wilder, lyrics by McGlohon) – Mark Murphy
  6. Baggage room blues (Music by Wilder, lyrics by Sundgaard) – Woody Herman
  7. Who can I turn to (Music by Wilder, lyrics by Engvick) – Anita Ellis
  8. The lady sings the blues (music by Wilder, lyrics by Engvick) – Tony Bennett
  9. Just an old stone house (Music and lyrics by Wilder) – Frank Sinatra (arranged for orchestra by Alec Wilder)

On all other selections – Loonis McGlohon, piano; Terry Lafferty, fender bass; Jim Lackey, drums
33 1/3 rpm
JJA 19795A
In ink written on inside jacket, “For one of the very few friends who makes me feel safe” – Alec Wilder

folder 20

Alec Wilder [featuring] Eastman School of Music Faculty Members

Side 1:
Children meet the train
Such a tender night

Jack, this is my husband

She’ll be seven in May

Neurotic goldfish

Kindergarten flower pageant

Little white samba
 

Cynthia Folio, flute
Judith Ricker, oboe and English horn
Ramon Ricker, clarinet
Andrew Sterman, clarinet
Sydney Hodkinson, bass clarinet
K David Van Hoesen, bassoon
David Ratajczak, drums
Bill Dobbins, harpsichord
David Finck, bass

Side 2:

Suite for flute and marimba
Bonnie Boyd, flute
Chris Norton, marimba

Suite for guitar and bass
Gene Bertoncini, guitar
James Van Demark, bass

33 1/3 rpm
Pantheon PFN-2031
Recorded in the Eastman Theatre and Kresge Recording Studios, Eastman School of Music of the University of Rochester
Producer, John Santuccio; recording engineer, Ros Ritchie;
Graphics, Hal Wilson Associates
Liner notes by Mark A Radice, San Francisco State

folder 21

Children’s plea for peace                       

Side 1:
Children’s plea for peace
Eastman children’s chorus, members of the Eastman Wind Ensemble
Milford Fargo, Conductor
Alec Wilder, narrator
Sponsored by Rochester Association for the United Nations

Side 2:
Beethoven – “Ode to Joy”, Allegro, assai vivace, from Symphony no. 9 in D minor Op. 125 (Choral)
Wilma Lipp, soprano; Elisabeth Hoengen, alto; Julius Patzak, tenor; Otto Wiener, bass
The Vienna Symphony Orchestra
Jascha Horenstein, conductor
33 1/3 rpm
Turnabout Vox – TV-S 34413 (V-3638)
Produced by Howard Scott; Engineer: H. Ros Ritchie
Cover illustration photograph by Louis Ouzer
Liner notes by Richard Freed
Provenance: Gunther Schuller

folder 22 Demsey plays Wilder
David Demsey, soprano, alto and tenor saxophones
Lillian Garwood – piano (side one)
Bob Charest – piano (side two)
Tom Hoffman – guitar
John Hunter – bass
Bill Reeve – drums Side one:
Air for saxophone
Sonata for alto saxophone and piano

Suite no. 1 for tenor saxophone and piano
Sempre libero e rubato
With passion, sempre rubato
Flowingly Side two:
I’ll be around
If someday comes ever again

Summer is a-comin’ in

It’s so peaceful in the country

A long night

33 1/3 rpm
Side one recorded January 7-8, 1985
Side two recorded April 13, 1985
Golden Crest RE 7109: Ancora, NJ
Liner note by Gunther Schuller
folder 23

Harvey Phillips plays Alec Wilder’s tribute to the Phillip’s family

Side 1:

  1. Suite for flute and tuba – Walter S. Hartley
  2. Two part invention No. 1 – J. S. Bach
  3. Selected movements from “sonatas for flute” – G. F. Handel
  4. Suite no 1 for tuba and piano (Effie suite)

Side 2:

  1. Song for Carol
  2. Suite no. 2 for tuba and piano in four movements (Jessie suite)
  3. Suite no. 3 for tuba and piano in four movements (Little Harvey suite)
  4. Suite no. 4 for tuba and piano in four movements (Thomas suite)
  5. Suite no. 5 for tuba and piano in four movements (Ethan Ayer suite)

33 1/3 rpm
Golden Crest recital series RE-7054: Huntington Station, NY
Photograph by Louis Ouzer
In ink on back of record jacket, “To Marian with great admiration and appreciation for all you do for all musicians – Harvey Phillips
Liner notes from Frederick James and Harvey Phillips
Provenance: Marian McPartland

folder 24 It’s so peaceful in the country
Percy Faith and his orchestra featuring Mitch Miller on English horn and oboe
It’s so peaceful in the country
While we’re young
Goodbye, John
I’ll be around
It could happen to you
Imagination
Love among the young
Moonlight becomes you
Who can I turn to?
So help me
Darn that dream
It’s always you 33 1/3 rpm
Columbia Records LP – CL779
folder 25 Mostly Wilder – Music for flute alone and flute and piano
Virginia Nanzetta, flute; Milton Kaye, pianoSide 1:
Sonata No. 2 for flute and piano (1965)
Small suite for flute and piano
Ballade

Side 2:
Suite for unaccompanied flute (1975)
33 1/3 rpm
Golden Crest recital series RE-7054: Huntington Station, NY
Cover by Phil Nanzetta
Liner notes by Robert Levy, music director of Tidewater Music Festival (Maryland)

folder 26

John Barrows and his French horn

Side 1:
First sonata for horn and piano
Allegro

Andante

Allegra giacosa

Suite for Horn and piano – part I

Dons Quixotic

Slow and sweet

Side 2:
Second sonata for horn and piano
Allegro rithmico

Andante eapizzo

Scherzo fantastica

Allegro Ostenato

Suite for horn and piano – Part II

Song

Epilogue

Suitable for dancing

33 1/3 rpm
Golden Crest recital series RE-7002: Huntington Station, NY
Notes from editor and AW

folder 27

Marian McPartland plays the music of Alec Wilder

Side 1:
Jazz waltz for a friend
Why?

While we’re young

Lullaby for a lady

Inner circle

 Side 2:
I’ll be around
Trouble is a man
Homework
Where are the good companions?
It’s so peaceful in the country

Side 1: Marian McPartland, piano; Michael Moore, bass

Side 2: Marian McPartland, piano; Rusty Gilder, bass; Joe Corsello, drums

33 1/3 rpm
Halcyon Records – HAL 109
Recorded June 20 and 21 at Columbia Studios
Engineer, Frank Laico; Mixing and editing, Joe Scariza; Mastering, Gilbert Kong; Cover collage and design (framed by George E. Bailey), Joe Hendrick; Liner design, Susan Kemp; Color transparencies, Mel Simon; Inside photo, Katsuji Abe
Liner notes by James T Maher and Marian McPartland
In ink on inside cover, “Jan 1991 For the Sibley Music Library Best Wishes Marian McPartland”
Provenance: Marian McPartland

folder 28 The sand castle
Composed and orchestrated by AW
Orchestra conducted by Samuel Baron
From the major motion picture produced and directed by Jerome Hill
Picture distributed by Louis de Rochmont Associates, Inc.Prelude
Variations

Facing east

Swing music

Incantation

Golden knight

Lonely Seascape

Ragtime music
Lullaby
Finale33 1/3 rpm
Columbia LP – CL 1455
Liner notes by Jerome Hill
folder 29 The music of Alec Wilder
Conducted by Frank Sinatra
The Alec Wilder Octet featuring Mitch Miller, oboe and Julius Baker, flute Side 1 (recorded in 1945):Theme and variations
Air for bassoon

Harold Goltzer, soloist
Air for flute

Julius Baker, soloist
Air for English horn

Mitch Miller, soloist
Slow dance

Air for oboe
Mitch Miller, soloist Woodwind Octet, the Columbia String Orchestra and harpsichord
Conducted by Frank Sinatra Side 2 (recorded in 1939 and 1940):Seldom the sun
Her old man was suspicious

His first long pants
It’s silk, feel it!
Pieces of eight
Such a tender night
She’ll be seven in May Including: Jimmy Carroll, Eddie Powell, Mitch Miller, Harold Goltzer, Reggie Merrill, Walter Gross, Gerry Gillis, Frank Carroll, Toots Mondello
33 1/3 rpm
Columbia Legendary Performances Odyssey – Stereo 32 16 0262
Cover art: Richard Mantel

Box 2

folder 30 New music for horns [also contains works from various other composers]
The Horn Club of Los Angeles
Conducted by Gunther Schuller
Side 1:
Nonet for brass
Moderate – Song – With a good humor – Swing a little

33 1/3 rpm disc
EMI S-36036; Stereo Angel
Sound engineer, Carson Taylor; producer, George Sponhaltz
In ink on back of record jacket, “For M.M. who should know better than to buy frozen (written) music – Alec Wilder”
Provenance: Marian McPartland
folder 31 Alec Wilder Sonata for cello and piano [also contains Beethoven Variations]
David Soyer, cello; Harriet Wingreen, piano
33 1/3 rpm disc
Golden Crest Records: Huntington Station, NY.
Golden Crest Recital Series: RE 7009
folder 32 The New York Woodwind Quintet plays the music of Alec Wilder
Samuel Baron, flute; Jerome Roth, oboe; David Glazer, clarinet; John Barrows, horn; Bernard Garfield, bassoon
Side 1:
Quintet no. 2 for woodwinds (1956)
Allegro – Andante e rubato – presto – allegro
Suite for woodwinds!
Scherzo for flute
Andante for oboeSide 2:
Air for clarinet
Blues for horn

Buffoonery for bassoon

Dinah
(Akst – Lewis – Young)
Pavan
(H. Purcell)
Chorale prelude Jesu, joy and treasure
(D. Buxtehude)
Rondo andantino
(K.P.E. Bach)33 1/3 rpm disc
– Golden Crest Records: Huntington Station, NY
Golden Crest Laboratory Series: CR 4028
Liner notes by Samuel Baron
folder 33 Sonata for horn, tuba and piano [also contains works from various other composers]
John Barrows, horn; Harvey Phillips, tuba; Bernie Leighton and Tait Sanford, piano
33 1/3 rpm disc
Golden Crest Records: Huntington Station, NY.
Golden Crest Recital Series: RE 7018
Liner notes by James T. Maher
folder 34 Sonata for trumpet and piano [also contains works from various other composers]
Joe Wilder, trumpet; Milton Kaye, piano; Harriet Wingreen, piano
33 1/3 rpm disc
Golden Crest Records: Huntington Station, NY.
Golden Crest Recital Series: RE 7007
Liner notes by James T. Maher
folder 35 Sonata for trombone and piano [also contains works from various other composers]
John Swallow, trombone; Harriet Wingreen, piano
33 1/3 rpm disc
Golden Crest Records: Huntington Station, NY.
Golden Crest Recital Series: RE 7015
Liner note by John Barrows
folder 36 Sonata for tuba and piano [also contains works from various other composers]
Harvey Phillips, tuba; Milton Kaye, piano; Bernie Leighton, piano
33 1/3 rpm disc
Golden Crest Records: Huntington Station, NY.
Golden Crest Recital Series: RE 7006
folder 37 Sonata #3 for French horn and piano [also contains Hindemith Sonata for alto horn]
John barrows, French horn; Tait Sanford Barrows, piano
33 1/3 rpm disc
Golden Crest Records: Huntington Station, NY.
Golden Crest Recital Series: RE 7034
Liner notes by James T. Maher
folder 38 Songs for Peggy Lee / Sinatra / Ella / Tony Bennett and singers like that…
Demonstration Record – Limited edition for artists only
Recording is authorized for professional song audition purposes only
Side 1:
Songs by  Bill Engvick and AW:
I see it now
The April age

Ellen

Lovers and losers

I like it here

The lady sings the blues

33 1/3 LP
TRO – The Richmond Organization
folder 39 Sonata for clarinet and piano;
Suite for flute, clarinet and piano
[also contains pieces by Frank Levy]
Mitchell Weiss, clarinet and bass clarinet; Zita Carno, piano; Janet Weiss, flute
33 1/3 rpm disc
Sound Master Productions, Inc.: New York, NY; Stereo SMP-1003
Producer: Michael J. Shapiro; Engineer: Ralph Jones; Design/cover photo: William E. Power
Recorded at Kingsley Sound and mixed at Servisound – June 1973
Liner notes by Robert Lilienfeld, June 1973
folder 40 A child’s introduction to the orchestra
Music by AW; lyrics by Marshall Barer; musical direction by Mitch Miller
The Sandpiper Chorus & The Golden Symphony Orchestra, directed by Mitch Miller
Side A:

  1. Antoinette the clarinet (clarinet solo – David Oppenheim)
  2. Knute the flute (flute solo – Edward Powell)
  3. Bobo the oboe (oboe solo – Mitchell Miller)
  4. Muldoon the bassoon (bassoon solo – Harold Goltzer)
  5. Crumpet the trumpet (trumpet solo – Harry Freistadt)
  6. Poobah the tuba (tuba solo – William Bell)
  7. Monsieur forlorn the French horn (French horn solo – John Barrows)
  8. Mike Malone the slide trombone (trombone solo – William Bradley)

Side B:

  1. Lucy Lynn the violin (violin solo – George Ockner)
  2. Mello fellow the cello (cello solo – Frank Miller)
  3. Nola the viola (viola solo – Bernie Ocko)
  4. Lovelace the bass (bass solo – Frank Carroll)
  5. Peter percussion (drum solo – Terry Snyder)
  6. Max the saxophone (saxophone solo – Don Hammond)
  7. Mort the pianoforte (piano solo – Bernie Leighton)
  8. Lady harp (harp solo – Myer Rosen)
  9. The orchestra (first and second movements)
  10. The orchestra (third and fourth movements)

33 1/3 rpm
Golden Records: New York, NY

folder 41 Songs for Patricia and other music of Alec Wilder
Shannon Bolin, voice; Milton Kaye, piano
Side 1:
Songs for Patricia (words by Norman Rosten)
Side 2:

  1. Chick Lorimer (words by Carl Sandburg)
  2. Cedars are growing (words by Arnold Sundgaard)
  3. Definition (words by William Engvick)
  4. Did you ever cross over to Sneden’s? (words by AW)
  5. Where do you go? (words by Arnold Sundgaard)
  6. The plowman
  7. River run (words by Marshall Barer)
  8. The Coleen (words by James Stephens)
  9. Margaret (words by Gerald Manley Hopkins)
  10. Pied beauty (words by Gerald Manley Hopkins)

33 1/3 rpm LP
Riverside Records: New York, NY
Riverside Specialty Series RLP 12-805

folder 42 The New York Woodwind Quintet plays the music of Alec Wilder
Samuel Baron, flute; Jerome Roth, oboe; David Glazer, clarinet; John Barrows, horn; Bernard Garfield, bassoon Side A:
Quintet no. 2 for woodwinds (1956)
Allegro – Andante e rubato – presto – allegro

Suite for woodwinds

Scherzo for flute

Andante for oboe
Side B:
Air for clarinet
Blues for horn

Buffoonery for bassoon

Dinah
(Akst – Lewis – Young)
Pavan
(H. Purcell)
Chorale prelude Jesu, joy and treasure
(D. Buxtehude)
Rondo andantino
(K.P.E. Bach)33 1/3 microgroove disc – Golden Crest Records: Huntington Station, NY
Golden Crest Tru Hi-fi recording: CR 3019
Liner notes by Samuel Baron
folder 43 Barry Snyder plays Alec Wilder’s suite for piano, Prokofiev 7th sonata
Barry Snyder, pianist Side 1:
Piano Suite – AWSide 2:
Sonata No. 7 opus. 103 – Serge Prokofiev
33 1/3 disc
Golden Crest Records: Huntington Station, NY
Golden Crest recital series: RE-7058
Photos by Louis Ouzer
Liner notes by James W. Baskin and AW
folder 44 Tacet for neurotics – The music of Alec Wilder
Lowe and his orchestra
Side 1:

  1. Suggestion for bored dancers
  2. She never wore makeup
  3. What happened last night?
  4. Walk softly
  5. Let’s get together and cry
  6. Mama never dug this scene

Side 2:

  1. Pop, what’s a passacaglia?
  2. No plans
  3. The endless quest
  4. Around the world in 2:34
  5. An unrelenting memory
  6. Tacet for neurotics

33 1/3 Disc
Offbeat Records produced by Bill Grauer Productions: New York, NY
Offbeat OLP 3010
Produced by Orrin Keepnews and Bill Grauer; recording engineer, Jack Higgins; album design: Ken Deardoff; back-liner photograph: Lawrence Shustack
Liner note by Frank Sinatra
Provenance: Gunther Schuller

folder 45 To: Alec Wilder and the world: songs by Alec Wilder
Shannon Bolin, voice; Milton Kaye, piano Side 1:

  1. Songs for Patricia (Norman Rosten)
  2. Four children’s songs
    1. The Golux’s song (James Thurber)
    2. The elephant present (William Engvick)
    3. The telephone book lullaby (Alec Wilder)
    4. The answers (Frank Etherton)
  3. The plowman

Side 2:

  1. Pied Beauty (Gerard Manley Hopkins)
  2. The rose on the wind (James Stephens)
  3. Margaret (Gerard Manley Hopkins)
  4. The Coleen (James Stephens)
  5. A little love song (Brandley Saunders)
  6. Chick Lorimer (Carl Sandburg)
  7. Did you ever cross over to Sneden’s (Alec Wilder)
  8. River run (Marshall Barer)
  9. While we’re young (with Morty Palitz, William Engvick)

33 1/3 Disc
Golden Crest Records: Huntington Station, NY
Golden Crest recital series: RE-7079
Liner notes by Shannon Bolin and Milton Kaye
In ink on back of album jacket, “For one of very few [?] loved over Marian M. Alec Wilder”

folder 46 The New York woodwind quintet plays Alec Wilder
Samuel Baron, flute; Jerome Roth, oboe; David Glazer, clarinet; John Barrows, horn; Arthur Weisberg, bassoonSide 1:
Woodwind quintet no. 3
Allegro fugato
 In chorale style
Allegro scherzando
Andante – allegro                                    Side 2:
Woodwind quintet no. 4
Andante cantabile

Allegro energico

Allegro

Slowly, with warmth and intensity

Woodwind Quintet no. 6

Allegro – Andante – March – Allegro giocoso

33 1/3 disc
Concertapes, Inc.
Monophonic; M1223
Liner notes by Samuel Baron
folder 47 The New York Wind Quintet – Villa-Lobos, Alec Wilder
Samuel Baron, flute; Jerome Roth, oboe; David Glazer, clarinet; John Barrows, horn; Bernard Garfield, bassoon
Side 1:
Villa-Lobos
Quintette (en forme de CHOROS)
Bachianas Brasilieras No. 6 for flute and bassoon

Largo

Fantasia

Side 2:
Alec Wilder
Quintet for woodwinds
Freely – faster

Slow

Up tempo

Slowly and heavily

Choros (No. 2) for flute and clarinet
33 1/3 disc
Philharmonia Records (PH-110)
Liner notes by Ruth Zimmerman
folder 48 The sand castle [second copy]
Composed and orchestrated by AW
Orchestra conducted by Samuel Baron
From the major motion picture produced and directed by Jerome Hill
Picture distributed by Louis de Rochmont Associates, Inc.
Prelude
Variations

Facing east

Swing music

Incantation

Golden knight

Lonely Seascape

Ragtime music

Lullaby

Finale

33 1/3 rpm
Columbia LP – CL 1455
Liner notes by Jerome Hill
folder 49 Barry Snyder plays Alec Wilder’s suite for piano, Prokofiev 7th sonata [second copy]
                       Barry Snyder, pianist Side 1:
Piano Suite – AWSide 2:
Sonata No. 7 opus. 103 – Serge Prokofiev
                        33 1/3 disc
Golden Crest Records: Huntington Station, NY
Golden Crest recital series: RE-7058
Photos by Louis Ouzer
Liner notes by James W. Baskin and AW

Sub-series 4: Cassettes

folder 1 Songs of Alec Wilder
A birthday celebration of Alec Wilder’s 90th and the Eastman School’s 75th
July 30, 1997 – Kilbourn Hall
Valerie Errante, soprano; Robert Wason, piano; Aleck Brinkman, double bass; Ken Meyer, guitar
ESM/CED Summer Concert Series (1997) cassette
Date on cassette reads 9/14/97Side A:
River Run
In the morning

Definition

The Coleen

Margaret

Lake Isle of Innisfree

The covenant (if you are happy)

The plowman

The olive tree

Where do you go?
Side B:
Listen to your heart
Blackberry winter

The echoes of my life

It’s a fine day for walkin’ country style

Don’t deny

The winter of my discontent

Remember my child

A child is born
(Thad Jones)
The wrong blues

The lady sings the blues

Moon and sand
(Morty Palitz)
While we’re young
(Morty Paltiz)
I’ll be around
Provenance: ESM/CED
folder 21 Her first party dress
Alec Wilder, piano
Provenance: Marian McPartland
folder 2 The truth about windmills
folder 4 Brass Quintet
Provenance: Wilder tapes
folder 5 Alec Wilder Program, April 1992
Michael Lasser, NPR radio program – Fascinatin’ Rhythm
Provenance: Michael Lasser
folder 6 Wilder interview 6/8/75
folder 7 Wilder Octets
Eddie Powell, flute; Mitch Miller, oboe; Jimmy Carroll, clarinet; Reggie Merrill, bass clarinet; Harold Goldser, bassoon; Walter Gross, harpsichord; Gary Gillis, drums; Frank Carroll, bass Side 1:

  1. The Japanese sandman
  2. Concerning etchings
  3. Sweet Sue
  4. Blue room
  5. Walking home in spring
  6. A debutante’s diary
  7. Sea fugue Mama
  8. Neurotic goldfish (complete)
folder 8 “The spirit of ‘78”: A few songs by Alec Wilder
folder 9 “Sand Castle” in harmony
“For Milford” written on cassette in ink

Sub-series 5: Videos

folder 1 People of Our Time: Mabel Mercer
Introduction by Alec Wilder
New York City, 1974
VHS Tape
Canadian Broadcasting
Provenance: Gary Gilfillan

Sub-series 6: Compact Discs

Box 1

folder 1 It’s so peaceful in the country [also contains Music till midnight by Percy Faith]
Music of AW and Jimmy van Heusen
Mitch Miller, oboe and English horn
Percy Faith, conductor and arranger
Recorded in 1953
            Track 14 – While we’re young (AW)
            Track 15 – Goodbye John (AW)
            Track 16 – I’ll be around (AW)
            Track 17 – It could happen to you (van Heusen)
            Track 18 – Imagination (van Heusen)
            Track 19 – Love among the young (AW)
           Track 20 – Moonlight becomes you (van Heusen)Digitally remastered mono recording
Consists of previously released material originally recorded on analog equipment
folder 2 The truth about windmills
Burned CD
folder 3

Centennial concert CD #1

  1. Octet: It’s silk, feel it
  2. Octet: Such a tender night
  3. Octet: Jack, this is my husband
  4. Rex Reed talk
  5. Gene Bertoncini (guitar) talk;
         Winter of my discontent
         Baggage room blues
  1. Sonata No. 1 for flute and piano
  2. Did you ever cross over to Sneden’s?
  3. Vocalise No. 1
  4. Blackberry winter
  5. Aaron Gandy talk
  6. The churkendoose

 Provenance: Judy Bell, The Richmond Organization

folder 4

Centennial concert CD #2

  1. Tom Hampson talk
  2. Rex Reed talk
  3. Aaron Gandy introduced Bill Engvick
  4. The moon just winked at me; Daddy long legs
  5. Footnote to a summer love (clarinet solo)
  6. Suite No. 1 for horn, tuba and piano
  7. Rex Reed talk re. Jackie Cain
  8. Mimosa and me
  9. Moon and sand
  10. Such a tender night/While we’re young
  11. I’ll be around (Bill Mays, piano)
  12. It’s so peaceful in the country
  13. Rex Reed talk

Provenance: Judy Bell, The Richmond Organization

folder 5 The real-great adventures of Terr’ble Thompson Hero of Hist’ry
From Terr’ble Thompson The Musical
Originally recorded in NY – 1955
By Gene Deitch; music by AW; lyrics by Marshall Barer
Mitch Miller Orchestra and Chorus feat. Art Carney
Story, Gene Deitch and William Bernal
Provenance: Gift of Gene Deitch (Prague, Czech Republic) March 2006
folder 6 Alec Wilder: Suite for flute, oboe, bass & harpsichord (Baroque Suite)
Julie Johnson, flute; Carrie Vecchione, oboe; Rolf Erdahl, double bass; Gail Olszewski, harpsichord.
Recorded at Wild Sound Recording Studio, Minneapolis, MN; August 9, 2019.
Provenance: Oboe Bass! (Apple Valley, MN) [duo of Carrie Vecchione and Rolf Erdahl], June 2021.

Series 4: Correspondence

Box 1

folder 21

Correspondence donated by Glenn Bowen
1965-78
65 documents: 69 pages and 23 postcards
Includes:Biography of Alec Wilder by William Engvick dated November 1964 (5 pages)From: AW
To: Glenn Bowen
[undated]
3 from N.Y.C., NY [postcards]
1 from Tempe, AZ [postcard]
[date illegible – 1973?]
From Rochester, NY
November 23, 1967 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY [postcard]
November 21, 1968 – postmarked Miami, FL [postcard]
November 22, 1968 – postmarked Key West, FL [postcard]
November 22, 1968 – postmarked Key West, FL [postcard]
November 23, 1968 – postmarked Key West, FL [postcard]
November 23, 1968 – postmarked Key West, FL [postcard]
Jab at Howard Hanson
November 23, 1968 – postmarked Key West, FL [postcard]
November 24, 1968 – postmarked Key West, FL [postcard]
November 24, 1968 – postmarked Key West, FL [postcard]
November 25, 1968 – postmarked Key West, FL [postcard]
November 25, 1968 – postmarked Key West, FL [postcard]
November 25, 1968 – postmarked Key West, FL [postcard]
November 25, 1968 – postmarked Key West, FL [postcard]
November 25, 1968 – postmarked Key West, FL [postcard]
[date illegible] 1968 – postmarked FL [postcard]
December 9, 1968 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY [postcard]
Empty envelope [undated]From: Bill Engvick
To: Mr. Bowen
January 9, 1965
AW sketches sent to Bowen from Bill Engvick
August 25, 1965
List of AW composition dates according to Bill Engvick
September 14, 1965
Additional AW composition dates
October 1, 1965
Additional AW composition dates. Expresses interest in Bowen’s dissertation in WilderFrom: Glenn H. Bowen
To: Mr. Paul Wittke, editor at G. Schirmer, Inc.
June 26, 1966
Requesting permission to quote AW’s Woodwind quintet no. 3 for his dissertation on AW’s chamber music with clarinet From: Mr. Paul Wittke, editor at G. Schirmer, Inc
To: Glenn H. Bowen
July 6, 1966
Permission granted to use quotes from AW’s Woodwind Quintet No. 3 for Bowen’s dissertation From: AW
To: Glenn Bowen
July 15, 1966 – postmarked Milwaukee, WIS
October, 1966 – postmarked Chicago, IL
Request from AW that he do a rough reading of the Suite for flute, clarinet and piano and to ask the radio station for a tape of the trio for clarinet, horn and piano
December 5, 1966 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
AW notes that to obtain copies of the Alto Concerto, Bowen should contact Frank Battisti for the original score. Responds to Bowen’s suggestion to shorten the canon and is willing to do so. From: Glenn Bowen
To: Mr. Jerry Tarack
August 16, 1967
Request for information on AW’s Clarinet suite with strings
Tarack’s response written in ink on back of letter (dated Sept 13, 1967)From: AW
To: John Barrows
November 27, 1967 – postmarked NYC, NY [envelope only]From: Marion C. Bone
To: Glenn Bowen
June 1, 1968 – postmarked Washington D.C.
Requesting assistance for her own thesis project: an annotated bibliography of known Wilder worksFrom: Glenn Bowen
To: Marion C. Bone
July 1, 1968 – postmarked Madison, WI From: AW
To: Glenn Bowen
November 12, 1968 – postmarked West Palm Beach, FL
Request for tapes
November 26, 1968 – postmarked Key West, FL
January 3, 1969 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
Contains newspaper copyFrom: AW
To: Glenn Bowen
September 1, 1970 – postmarked Boston, MA [postcard]
Acknowledgement of receipt of tape

From: Warren D. Harden
To: Glenn H. Bowen
July 5, 1972
Thanking him for sending AW materials – book reviews and program from the premiere performance of the euphonium concerto

From: James G. Roy, Jr. – Assistant to Oliver Daniel, Concert music administration, Broadcast music Inc.
To: AW
July 21, 1972
Requesting materials for use in his entry on AW for Grove’s Dictionary of Music and Musicians

From: Harvey Phillips
To: Glenn Bowen
October 24, 1972
Requesting any assistance in having AW properly listed in Grove’s Dictionary
In pencil; note on document states that biography from Bowen dissertation was sent Nov. 1

From: Glenn H. Bowen
To: Valerie O’Donaghue, Asst. Editor at The Instrumentalist
January 3, 1973
Regarding submittal of MS and photographs

From: Valerie O’Donoghue, Asst. Editor at The Instrumentalist
 To: Glenn H. Bowen
January 8, 1973 [postcard]
Acknowledgement of receipt of manuscript with 1 photograph

From: Glenn Bowen
To: F. F. Swift – Editor, Woodwind world
March 2, 1973
Submittal of material for potential publication in Woodwind world

From: Glenn Bowen
To: Warren Harden
April 20, 1972
Re: Harden’s undertaking of a study of AW’s brass music

From: AW
To: Glenn Bowen
April 26, 1973 – Rochester, NY [Envelope only]
May 3, 1973 – Rochester, NY [Envelope only]
June 3, 1973 – N.Y.C., NY
June 27, 1973 – Rochester, NY
AW mentions an article written about himself in The New Yorker from July 6, 1973. Also mentions that Mr. Whittaker secured him a small commission from Benny Beach.

From: Glenn Bowen
To: Marjory Hanson, project assistant in music, National Endowment for the Arts
June 27, 1973
Writing in support of AW’s application for a grant from the NEA

From: AW
To: Glenn Bowen
October 23, 1973 – N.Y.C., NY [envelope only]
February 9, 1974 – N.Y.C., NY
AW thanking GB for commissioning a piece
June 22, 1974 – Rochester, NY
On the piece commissioned by GB [mentions flute, clarinet, bass clarinet]
November 9, 1975 – N.Y.C., NY
AW thanking GB for the tape and requesting more “aggressiveness” in the first and third movements
June 27, 1977 – Rochester, NY
AW on pieces that he has been writing since last December including: woodwind quintet with marimba (inspired by a performance AW heard of marimbist Gordon Stout), woodwind quintet for Art Dedrick (who ran Kendor music and wanted it for the Fredonia faculty quintet), also mentions the flute concerto and a piece for Morrice [sic] Secon in memory of John titled, “John Barrows”
November 7, 1977 – Key West, FL
December 5, 1977 – Key West, FL
AW glad that GB is playing “the duets”

From: Glenn Bowen
To: AW
January 9, 1978
Questions on notes for the “new clarinet duets” GB intends to perform in recital with the clarinet teacher at Lawrence University (Appleton)
In pencil; AW notes throughout page

From: AW
To: Glenn Bowen
[no envelope, postage date or place]
AW praise of quintet performance, thanks Nancy and Dick for performing his duets and mentions his new, in progress orchestra piece he intends to title Music for old fashioned listeners #97

From: AW
To: AW
[undated] – N.Y.C., NY [envelope only]

Alec Wilder: Contemporary American Composer
            A descriptive study in two parts
By Ms. Bone – submitted for M. Mus Ed. To the faculty of The Catholic University of America (April 1, 1968)
Typed; 2 page outline

Taped interviews with song writers conducted by AW and/or James T. Maher
List of 12 interviews

From: Glenn Bowen
To: Desmond
[undated]
GB noticed faint writing in the back of a book from AW that he recognized as a draft of AW’s comments for the record “Tribute to John Barrows”
Xerox of draft on back of letter
Provenance: Glenn Bowen

folder 2

Correspondence donated by Marian McPartland                        

From: AW
To: Edward
[undated]
Photocopy; 3 pages

From: Ned
To: Marion From: Ned
February 20, 1981
On a meeting between AW friends on February 16, 1981 [after AW’s passing] possibly involving a concert and small gathering for dinner at the Manhattan
In ink; 3 pages

From: Marion McPartland
To: Mary Wallace Davidson
February 7, 1991
Marion McPartland sent along a letter from AW to Bill Hay about AW’s radio series as well as a piece from The New Yorker
In ink; 2 pages

Note in folder from February 12, 1994 notes the removal of an undated letter from AW to Bill Hay
2 pages

folder 3 To: Allen Kelly
From: AW
January 12, 1970 – George Town, Grand Cayman
Photocopy; 2 pages August 24, 1976 – N.Y.C., NY
Photocopy; 1 page August 9, 1977 – Boston, MA
Photocopy; 1 page May 2, 1978 – Rochester, NY
Photocopy; 2 pages  February 8, 1980 – Rochester, NY
Photocopy; 2 pages
folder 4 To: Jackie and Roy Kral
From: AW
July 5, 1955
AW mentions finding songs for the Krals who are interested in making an album; also mentions the performance of his opera [no title mentioned] directed by Rogers and written by AW and Bill Engvick
Photocopy; 3 pages May 7, 1983 [must have meant 1973]
Letter AW sent to the Krals after the sudden death of their daughter Nicky on May 3, 1973; second page is a copy of what AW wrote for them to place under a sturdy shell on the beach at Fire Island where they took Nicky’s ashes.
Photocopy; 2 pages
folder 5 Correspondence re: “American Popular Song”
1969-June 1971
66 documents, 99 pages
Contains letters and legal documents pertinent to formation of the book “American Popular Song” including various negotiations and Licenses of Print Rights for musical examples
Includes letters involving Shelden Meyer, Executive Editor Trade Books; James T Maher; Harvey G. Phillips; Philip B. Wattenberg – Wattenberg & Wattenberg Attorneys and Counsellors; Mr. Joseph Taubman – Rubin, Watchel, Baum & Levin; John McKelle, – copyright department, MCA Music; Etta S. Laufer – copyright department, Edwin H. Morris & Company, Inc.; Herbert E. Marks – President, Edward B. Marks Music Corporation; J. M. Meade – Jerry Vogel Music Company, Inc.
Provenance: Maureen Meloy
folder 6 Correspondence re: “American Popular Song”
July-September 1971
98 documents, 117 pages
Contains letters and legal documents pertinent to formation of the book “American Popular Song” including various negotiations and Licenses of Print Rights for musical examples
Includes letters involving James T Maher; Harvey G. Phillips; Mr. Joseph Taubman – Rubin, Watchel, Baum & Levin; Miriam Stern, Burke & Van Heusen, Inc.; Irving Caesar, publisher – Production and popular music; Philip B. Wattenberg – Wattenberg & Wattenberg Attorneys and Counsellors; Gloria Thorner – secretary to Herbert E. Marks -Edward B. Marks Music Corporation; Herbert E. Marks – President, Edward B. Marks Music Corporation; Harry Gerson and Etta S. Laufer, copyright department – Edwin H. Morris & Company, Inc.; Paul Weirick, vice president/general manager – T. B. Harms Company; Norman Odlum, Director/copyright admin – Sesac, Inc.; Edward J. Slattery – Robbins Music Corporation Publishers; Elizabeth B. Montei – Beechwood Music Corporation; Marie Garbarine – World Music, Inc.; Sidney Herman, vice president – Famous Music Publishing Companies; Carl Michaelson, copyright division – G, Schirmer, Inc.; Donald Kahn – Gus Kahn Music Company; Adele Z. Sandler, copyright department – Bourne Music Publishers Co.; Burton L. Litwin, director of business affairs – Belwin Mills Publishing Corp.; Sol parker – Sands Music Corp.; Ed Marmor – E.D.M. Music Publishers; Michael H. Goldsen – Criterion Music Corporation; Jay Mark, vice president to copyright control – The Richmond Organization (TRO); Jay Morgenstern, executive vice president – Metromedia Music, Inc.; Paul Barry, vice-president – Twentieth century music corporation; Ruth Engelhardt, attorney; Milton Kramer – Carmichael Music Publications, Inc, Saunders Publication, Inc., and Frank Music Corp.; Fay Zucker, copyright department – Frank Music Corp.; Thomas R. Levy, resident counsel – The Aberbach Group; Murray Bass, vice-president – Hansen Publications; J. M. Meade – Jerry Vogel Music Company, Inc.
Provenance: Maureen Meloy
folder 7 Correspondence re: “American Popular Song”
October 1971
58 documents, 159 pages
Includes letters involving Sheldon Meyer, Executive editor Oxford University Press; Bonnie Bourne – Bourne Music Company; Maureen Meloy, for Alec Wilder; Mr. Joseph Taubman – Rubin, Watchel, Baum & Levin; James T. Maher; Mr. Jerry Vogel – Jerry Vogel Music Company, Inc.; Harry Gerson – Edwin H. Morris & Company, Inc.; Sidney Herman, vice president – Famous music publishing Companies; Murray Bass, vice president – Hansen publications; Paul Barry, vice president – Twentieth century music corporation; Michael H. Goldsen – Criterion Music Corporation; Tommy Volando – Volando Music, Inc.; Sol Parker – Sands Music Corp.; Fay Zucker, copyright department – Saunders Publications, Inc., Carmichael Music Publications, Inc., and Frank Music Corp.; Robert C. Haring, editor and editorial director – Shapiro, Bernstein & Co., Inc.; William Handy – Handy Brothers Music, Co.; Thomas R. Levy – The Aberbach group; Sidney Herman, vice president – Famous Music Publishing Companies; Mario Conti – Peer International Corporation
Also includes running list of musical examples in each chapter, publisher and permission status
Provenance: Maureen Meloy
folder 8 Correspondence re: “American Popular Song”
November – December 1971
69 documents, 101 pages
Provenance: Maureen Meloy
folder 9 Correspondence re: “American Popular Song”
January – May 1972
69 documents, 90 pages
Provenance: Joseph Taubman
folder 10 Avon Foundation
Correspondence concerning research grant for American Popular Song
1967-1969
70 documents, 110 pages
Includes research grant proposal, research cost estimate, notification of authorization of grant, matters of payment, Avon Project Status report, etc.
Provenance: Maureen Meloy
folder 11 Avon Foundation
1969-1971
61 documents, 87 pages
Includes estimated expenses, Progress report, Lists of titles cited/analyzed, list of copyright materials used in manuscript, summary of income and expense forms from New England Conservatory, documents regarding early negotiations for a contract with Oxford University Press for AW’s book, “American Popular Song”
Provenance: Maureen Meloy
folder 12 Carl Fischer, Inc.
November 12, 1968
1 page
Letter from Eric von der Goltz, Vice-President – Carl Fischer, Inc. to Joseph Taubman, Esq. regarding AW requests for all copies on hand of “Chick Lorimer”
Provenance: Gift of Joseph Taubman
folder 13 The impossible forest and other works
1967-1968
4 letters; 8 pages
Letters pertaining to an unauthorized production of the opera “The impossible forest” to which AW called on his attorney, Joseph Taubman, to dissolve.
Provenance: Gift of Joseph Taubman
folder 14 Interview tape by Arnold Shaw
1970
4 documents, 14 pages
Interview with AW regarding Mabel Mercer, interview conducted by Arnold Shaw
Provenance: Gift of Joseph Taubman
folder 15 President Nixon’s letter to Milford Fargo
March 22, 1971
2 pages
Letter from President Nixon to Milford Fargo regarding recording of AW’s “Children’s Plea for Peace”
2 photocopies of the original

Box 2

folder 1

Undated correspondence

Petition to the trustees of the University of Rochester
Typed; one page

From AW
To:  Dr. James Sibley Watson, Jr. (J. S. Watson, Jr.):
Tiny card in envelope – undated
[undated letter] – no envelope
AW upset by Mr. Seigel – on AW’s own philosophy of composing with as little analysis as possible
[undated letter] – no postmark
Invitation to performance of AW opera in Kilbourn Hall on Sunday October 14th after performance in Avon
Written on Algonquin Hotel stationery
[undated letter] – no postmark
Envelope from Sagamore Hotel – Rochester, NY

From: AW
To: Hildegarde Watson
Undated, no envelope

From: AW [?]
To: Augusta Macomber
Valentine card in envelope

From: “The peach tree” E. + Dr. [Dr. Harry Segal and his wife Evelyn?]
To: Dr. and Mrs. J. S. Sibley Watson, Jr.
“Kindness of Mary Verhagen” [?] written on envelope
On reverse, card reads “on this date August 28, 1976

From: Arnold [Sundgaard?]
To: AW?
Missing first page

From: AW
To: Bill Briggs
[undated letter] Applauding Briggs’ performance as Mr. Lawson

[undated letter] Envelope addressed to John Maloy, Esq. noting to deliver the letter to Bill Briggs. Letter again applauding Briggs’ baritone roll as Mr. Lawson
Provenance: Madge Briggs, widow of Wm. F Briggs MM ‘58

From: Unknown
To: AW
Appears to be voting tally with name and point rating of various pieces, accompanied by manila envelope addressed to AW
Contains votes from George Oppenheimer, Emory Lewis, Gottfried, Simon, Watts, A. Kroll, Leo Mishkin, John Lahn, Herves, John Beaufont, Glover…etc. [some names not legible]

folder 2

1930s correspondence                                  

From: AW
To: J. S. Watson, Jr.
October 13, 1930 – postmarked NYC, NY

From: Howard Hanson
To: AW
January 29, 1931 – postmarked Rochester, NY

From: AW
To: Mrs. J. S. Watson
March 5, 1931 – postmarked Rochester, NY

From: AW
To: J. S. Watson, Jr.
June 2, 1933 – [envelope only]
June 8, 1937 (postcard) – postmarked Rochester, NY
March 2, 1939 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
March 3, 1939 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
May 20, 1939 – postmarked NYC, NY
August 11, 1939 – postmarked NYC, NY
September 11, 1939 – postmarked NYC, NY
October 17, 1939 – postmarked NYC, NY
December 29, 1939 – postmarked NYC, NY

From: George
To: AW
Feb 21, 1938
In ink; 1 page
Includes 2 photocopies

From: AW
To: unknown
1939
In ink; 2 pages

folder 21

1940s correspondence

From: AW
To: J. S. Watson, Jr.
May 9, 1940 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
May 16, 1940 – postmarked Rochester, NY
July 25, 1940 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
October 6, 1940 – postmarked Troy, NY

From: AW
To: Miss Helen Moore
July 23, 1941 – [no envelope, 2 photocopies]
Written on Josef Schiff photography stationery
Letter on AW’s election of Louis Ouzer as super-president of The Bulletin Board

From: Louis Ouzer
To: Miss Helen Moore
July 23, 1941 – [no envelope, 3 photocopies]
Written on Josef Schiff photography stationery
Letter on the upcoming report of company books
August 22, 1941 – [no envelope, 2 photocopies]
On the play reports of AW’s music and on appointing Mitch Miller to the staff
A Thursday in late 1941 – [no envelope, 1 photocopy]
Letter about September 3, 1941

From: AW
To: J. S. Watson, Jr.
July 13, 1942 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
April 7, 1943 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
June 14, 1943 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY

From: Dennis Jordan M.D.
To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
Dec 7, 1943 [?] – Toronto, ON

From: AW
To: J. S. Watson, Jr.
June 30, 1943 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
July 15, 1943 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
August 24, 1943 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
August 31, 1943 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
June 14, 1946 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
October 21, 1946 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
April 29, 1947 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
August 12, 1947 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
November 24, 1947 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
February 17, 1948 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
Mentions work on a one act children’s opera
30, July 1948 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
December 6, 1948 – postmarked Rochester, NY
November 2, 1949 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY

folder 4

1950s correspondence

From: AW
To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.

January 5, 1950 –postmarked N.Y.C., NY

Mentions opera – costumes and sets to be done by Lemuel Ayers and Jerome Robbins doing the staging and dances, meeting Henry Fonda that afternoon

February 1, 1952 – postmarked Los Angeles, CA

From: Walter
To: Higgs (Hildegarde Watson?)
October 18, 1954 – Boston, MA

From: Aunt Mary
To: Hildegarde Watson
June 8, 1955

From: AW
To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.

January 29, 1958 – postmarked Rochester, NY
Chapter headings I
Includes photocopy

January 29, 1958 – postmarked Rochester, NY
Chapter headings II
Includes photocopy
February 23, 1958 – postmarked Key West, FL

folder 5

1960s correspondence

From: AW
To: J. S. Watson, Jr.
December 13, 1960 – postmarked Rochester, NY
Includes photocopy
[June?] 1961 – postmarked Michigan
October 8, 1961 – postmarked Rochester, NY

“Confession number one”
October 9, 1961 – postmarked Rochester, NY

“Confession number two”
October 9, 1961 – postmarked Rochester, NY

“Confession number three”
October 9, 1961 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY

“Confession number four”
October 10, 1961 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY

“Confession number five”
October 14, 1961 – postmarked West Palm Beach, FL

“Confession number six”
October 18, 1961- postmarked West Palm Beach, FL

“Confession number seven”
October 19, 1961 – postmarked New Orleans, LA

“Confession number eight”
Willing to take risks, willing to be a neoclassical
October 20, 1961 – postmarked Memphis, TN

“Confession number nine”
October 20, 1961 – postmarked Memphis, TN

“Confession number ten”
October 20, 1961 – postmarked Hot Spring Nat’l Park, ARK

“Confession number eleven”
October 31, 1961 – postmarked Boston, MA

“Confession number twelve”
November 6, 1961 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY

“Confession number thirteen”
December 9, 1961 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY

From: Meriline Williams
To: AW
March 28, 1962 – Brunswick, GA [no envelope]

From: AW
To: J. S. Watson, Jr.
March 29, 1962 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
April 11, 1962 – postmarked Key West, FL

From: J. S. Watson, Jr.
To: AW
April 15, 1962 [no envelope]

From: AW
To: J. S. Watson, Jr.
[Illegible] 1964 – postmarked Rochester, NY
June 23, 1964 – postmarked Scottsdale, AZ
September 19, 1964 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
October 10, 1964 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
November 21, 1964 – postmarked Los Angeles, CA
March 2, 1965 – postmarked Key West, FL
March 13, 1965 – postmarked Key West, FL
July 7, 1965 – postmarked Rochester, NY
Letter about 167 poems which arrived by mail Aug 14
August 16, 1965 – postmarked Washington, D.C.

From: George B. Baker, a bellboy at the Algonquin Hotel in N.Y.
To: J. S Watson, Jr.
September 7, 1965
Re: Baker’s poems

From: AW
To: J. S. Watson, Jr.
January 6, 1966 – postmarked Key West, FL
January 9, 1966 – postmarked Key West, FL

From: J. S. Watson, Jr.
To: AW
January 10, 1966
On AW’s poetry

From: AW
To: J. S. Watson, Jr.
February 7, 1966 – postmarked NYC, NY
March 3, 1966 – postmarked Key West, FL

From: Arlene Bouras
To: J. S. Watson, Jr.
April 19, 1966 – Chicago, IL

From: AW
To: J. S. Watson, Jr.
April 27, 1966 – N.Y.C., NY
April 27, 1966 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
October 16, 1966 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
December 6, 1966– postmarked N.Y.C., NY
January 18, 1967 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY

From: AW
To: Hildegarde Watson
February 6, 1967 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY

From: AW
To: J. S. Watson, Jr
November 5, 1967 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
November 9, 1967 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
Letter w/out envelope 1967 or 68?
March 23, 1968 – postmarked Miami, FL
April 3, 1968 – postmarked Madison, Wisc.

From: J. S. Watson
To: AW
1968 – [no envelope]
Letter re: poems
Card from S.W.  – 1968

From: AW
To: Hildegarde Watson
September 14, 1969 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
September 14, 1969 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY

folder 6

1970-1973 correspondence

From: J. S. Watson, Jr.
To: AW
[1970?] – [no envelope]

From: AW
To: J. S. Watson, Jr.
[undated] – envelope w/out postmark
[1970?] – [no envelope]

From: AW
To: Hildegarde Watson:|
January 22, 1970 – postmarked Rochester, NY
Accompanied by list of questions for JSW

From: AW
To: J. S. Watson, Jr.
February 2, 1970 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
On Algonquin Hotel stationery; 2 pages
July 11, 1970 – Winter Park, FL
Telegram

From: Aleck
To: J. S. Watson, Jr.
July 5, 1970
Contains radiologist’s diagnosis from June 30

From: AW
To: J. S. Watson, Jr.
August 11, 1970 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
On Algonquin Hotel stationery; 2 pages
September 14, 1970 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
Followed by note of monetary gift from JSW Jr.
September 30, 1970 – postmarked Rochester, NY
October 4, 1970 – postmarked Rochester, NY
November 16, 1970 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
December 22, 1970 – postmarked Key West, FL
January 11, 1971– postmarked N.Y.C., NY

From: J. S. Watson, Jr.
To: AW
[undated] – [no envelope]
Response to AW letter of January 11, 1971

From: AW
To: J. S. Watson, Jr.
[undated] – [no envelope]
January 25, 1971 – postmarked Rochester, NY
February 2, 1971 – postmarked Rochester, NY
July 7, 1971 – postmarked Key West, FL
[2 letters undated] 1972
May 3, 1972 – postmarked Key West, FL
May 31, 1972 – postmarked Boston, MA
June 1, 1972 – postmarked Boston, MA
2 letters dated January 1 included w/envelope
[1972 – w/out envelope]
July 4, 1972 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
Comments on the trio for clarinet, bassoon and piano
Finishing suites for flute choir, brass quintet and then will work on sonata for viola, French horn and piano
August 16, 1972 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
Postcard
October 19, 1972 – postmarked U.S.P.S. NY 144
November 1, 1972 – postmarked U.S.P.S. NY 144
Mentions return to Rochester that Tuesday
November 9, 1972 – postmarked U.S.P.S. NY 144
November 13, 1972 – postmarked U.S.P.S. NY 144
November 13, 1972 – postmarked U.S.P.S. NY 144
Postcard
November 20, 1972
Mentions Loonis McGlohon’s setting of Love Song to music
December 1, 1972– postmarked U.S.P.S. MA 012
December 4, 1972 – postmarked U.S.P.S. NY 144
More on the trio for clarinet, bassoon and piano
February 3, 1973– postmarked U.S.P.S. NY 144
On the plot and beginnings of The Truth about Windmills
February 15, 1973– postmarked U.S.P.S. NY 144
AW’s thoughts on being awarded an honorary doctorate from University of Rochester
February 27, 1973 – postmarked U.S.P.S. NY 144
AW agonizing on whether to accept honorary degree

From: J. S. Watson, Jr.
To: Lucille
[March 20, 1973 – w/out envelope]
Condolences for the loss of Aleck from long illness

From: AW
To: J. S. Watson, Jr.
May 6, 1973 – postmarked Rochester, NY
Requesting monetary assistance on The Truth about Windmills. Includes details of plot, performance plans and est. budget
May 8, 1973 – postmarked U.S.P.S. NY 144
Thanks you letter for offer from JSW to fund The Truth about Windmills
June 12, 1973– postmarked N.Y.C., NY
AW on the honorary doctorate ceremony
September 10, 1973 – postmarked U.S.P.S. NY 144
October 2, 1973 – postmarked U.S.P.S. NY 144
October 4, 1973 – postmarked U.S.P.S. NY 144
December 4, 1973 – postmarked U.S.P.S. NY 144
Mentions selling book of letters to Little, Brown

From: unknown [J. S. Watson, Jr.?]
To: unknown
[1973]
“After the eleven flutes, why not a tune for bagpipe..?”

folder 7

1974-1975 correspondence

From: AW
To: Hildegarde Watson:
January 20, 1974 – postmarked Rochester, NY

From: AW
To: J. S. Watson, Jr:
May 20, 1974 – postmarked U.S.P.S. NY 144
May 31, 1974 – postmarked U.S.P.S. NY 144
AW on his inability to compose and intention to pay back the
federal grant received. Upset by recent passing of John Barrows
July 2, 1974 – postmarked U.S.P.S. NY 144
July 10, 1974 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
August 10, 1974 – postmarked U.S.P.S. NY 144
September 14, 1974 – postmarked U.S.P.S. NY 144
AW on inability to compose, having a hard time in general, esp. without encouragement of John Barrows. Mentions the upcoming publication of Letter I never mailed
September 14, 1974 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
Written on Algonquin Hotel stationery
September 25, 1974 – postmark illegible
AW writes of his few moments of inspiration, fears
September 26, 1974 – postmarked U.S.P.S. NY 144
On AW’s intention to pay back the CMA for the grant to write an orchestral work for the Rochester Philharmonic
September 30, 1974 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
Written on Algonquin Hotel stationery
AW’s plans to go to Santa Catalina Island
October 14, 1974 – postmark illegible
October 16, 1974 – postmarked U.S.P.S. NY 144
AW’s decision to write the orchestra piece with the grant fund
In ink; 4 pages
October 16, 1974 – postmarked U.S.P.S. NY 144
In ink; 1 page
October 27, 1974 – postmarked U.S.P.S. NY 144

From: AW
To: Hildegarde Watson:
November 5, 1971? Or 74? – postmarked San Francisco, CA
Written on Sheraton Palace stationery

From: AW
To: J. S. Watson, Jr:
1975
January 13, 1975 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
Suite for old fashioned listeners #97
January 31, 1975 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
Suite for old fashioned listeners #97 retitled as Entertainment #6
April 7, 1975 – postmarked U.S.P.S. NY 144
Written on 111 East Avenue Hotel stationery
April 8, 1975 – postmarked U.S.P.S. NY 144

From: J. S. Watson, Jr.
To: AW
Midnight ride day [April 18?], 1975 [no envelope]
Typed with additional notes in ink

From: AW
To: J. S. Watson, Jr:
April 20, 1975 – postmarked U.S.P.S. NY 144
AW mentions key examples in his life: J. S. Watson, John Barrows and Louis and Lavinia Russ
May 9, 1975 – postmarked U.S.P.S. NY 144
Howard Scott, manager of RPO secured NY state grant for AW, as a result AW completed his first composition in over a year

From: J. S. Watson, Jr.
To: AW
May 16, 1975 [no envelope]
Typed letter plus draft copy with edits in ink

From: AW
To: J. S. Watson, Jr:
May 23, 1975 – postmarked U.S.P.S. NY 144
Howard Scott removed from board of directors, Mitch Miller conducting AW orchestra piece
May 27, 1975 – postmarked U.S.P.S. NY 144
May 30, 1975 – postmarked U.S.P.S. NY 144
June 29, 1975 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
AW “deliberate ignorance in matters pertaining to my craft”

From: J. S. Watson, Jr.
To: AW
August 12, 1975 [no envelope]

From: AW
To: J. S. Watson, Jr:
August 13, 1975 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
18 confessions – AW thoughts on his life and work
August 13, 1975 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
Labeled “Afterword”
August 15, 1975 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
Sent in an Algonquin envelope
August 19, 1975
List of all AW compositions written that year
August 30, 1975 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
AW mentions he is about to start work on a western musical w/the orchestra made up of banjo, country fiddle, organ, clarinet, accordion and drums
September 9, 1975 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
AW on his rude behavior to the “successful world”
September 10, 1975 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
AW asking about original paintings from book Jeanne D’Arc in the Memorial Art Gallery in Rochester (painter Boutet de Monvel). Asking on behalf of Lavinia Russ
October 1, 1975 – postmarked U.S.P.S. WI 535
AW writing an “Upstairs Downstairs” history of the Algonquin, working on western musical of the era of 1875
October 15, 1975 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
Re: Miss White and Evelyn

From: AW
To: Hildegarde Watson:
November 24, 1975 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY

From: AW
To: J. S. Watson, Jr:
December 2, 1975 – postmarked Avalon, CA
Loose envelope – content missing
December 12, 1975 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
December 16, 1975 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
On the role of anonymity in AW’s composition process
One copy typed, one copy in ink
December 20, 1975 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
One copy typed, one copy in ink

From: AW
To: Hildegarde Watson:
December 30, 1975 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
AW living peripatetically and tossing things away

folder 8

1976-1977 correspondence

From: AW
To: J. S. Watson, Jr.
[undated] 1976? – [no envelope]
In ink; one page
On translating prose to French
[undated] 1976? – [envelope w/out postmark]
[Follow-up on response to above undated letter?] Re: Prose translated into French, Mallarme poem written to Dumas. Mentions upcoming trip to Rochester May 26
January 5, 1976 [?] – postmarked George Town, Cayman Islands
Rejection from Charlotte [Drum?]
Mentions work on Algonquin book Upstairs, Downstairs and hopeful for trip to Rochester in late February
January 26, 1976 – postmarked George Town, Cayman Islands
Mentions the new radio series based on his book American popular song
February 13, 1976 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
Plus 3 photocopies
February 15(?), 1976 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
Sent second draft of Upstairs – book about the Algonquin
February 18, 1976 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
Finished the Algonquin book, intends to write a string quartet for the Guarneri [?] Quartet
February 20, 1976 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
Turned over Algonquin book to publisher, Hildegarde ill
March 2, 1976 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY

From: J. S. Watson, Jr.
To: AW
Undated 3.37” x 6” card– response to letter from March 2
Contains marking in ink

From: AW
To: J. S. Watson, Jr.
March 18, 1976 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
April 6, 1976 – postmarked Savannah, GA
Written on Sagamore Hotel stationery
In pencil; 5 pages

From: AW
To: Hildegarde Watson:
April 12, 1976 – postmarked U.S.P.S. NY 10001
Accompanying letter addressed to Sibley

From: AW
To: J. S. Watson, Jr.
June 2, 1976 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
July 1, 1976 – postmarked U.S.P.S. NY 10001
July 19, 1976 – postmarked U.S.P.S. NY 10001
AW’s creative process being stifled
October 11, 1976 – postmarked Rochester, NY
Sorrow of Hildegarde’s passing [?]
October 13, 1976 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
November 12, 1976 – postmarked Key West, FL
Finished cantata, Mountain Boy, started trio for piano, violin and cello and a few unaccompanied flute pieces
December 3, 1976 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
January 6, 1977 – postmarked Charlotte, NC

From: Clara
To: J. S. Watson, Jr.:|
February 23, 1977  – [no envelope]
Mentions Hildegarde’s passing
Written on Soreno Hotel stationery, St Petersburg, FL

From: AW
To: J. S. Watson, Jr.
March 29, 1977 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
Algonquin book refused by hotel and forbidden from being shown to other publishers
July 23, 1977 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
On composing good music
September 27, 1977 – postmarked Harrogate, North Yorkshire
AW trip to England and Scotland
Envelope from Kingsmill Hotel Inverness
October 30, 1977 – postmarked Columbia, SC
Rumors started by Harry Chapin
Includes poem
November 8, 1977 – postmarked Key West, FL
December 1977 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
Postcard
AW names first love as Betty Colfax and second as Charlotte Drum

folder 9

1978 correspondence

From: AW
To: J. S. Watson, Jr.
January 16, 1978 – postmarked Boston, MA
First mention of Mrs. Nancy Watson
January 24, 1978 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
February 4, 1978 – postmarked Charleston, SC
March [?] 1978 – postmarked George Town, Cayman Islands
June 25, 1978 – postmarked Rochester, NY
AW writing better than ever, but having problems with nerves
Includes poem titled Search
First mention of Nancy in letters

From: AW
To: Dale Wasserman, note for Herbert Kaplan at foot
Late 1978 – no envelope
Accompanied by explanatory note from Herbert Kaplan of circumstances around letter
Provenance: Herbert Kaplan

From: AW
To: Herbert Kaplan
July 1978 – no envelope
Accompanied by explanatory note from Herbert Kaplan of circumstances around letter
Written on Treadway Williams Inn on Williams College Campus stationary: Williamstown, MA
Provenance: Herbert Kaplan

From: AW
To: J. S. Watson, Jr.
July 26, 1978 [?] – no envelope
Contains poem, “Not eye but my rhyme”
July 26, 1978 – postmarked Bangor, ME
AW listening to recording of a recent brass quintet, more confident in his skills
September 7, 1978 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
AW on “composing by instinct” and considering abandoning composition

From: J. S. Watson, Jr.
To: AW:
September 10, 1978 (ripped in half)
[no envelope]

From: AW
To: J. S. Watson, Jr.
September 14, 1978 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
September 19, 1978 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
September 20(?) 1978 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
Postcard
September 20, 1978 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
One copy handwritten, one copy typed
AW on composing anew after every piece
September 21, 1978 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
Prose
September 22, 1978 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY

From: AW
To: Dr. and Mrs. J. S. Watson:
October 2, 1978 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
On his isolation
October 4, 1978 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
October 26, 1978 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
AW going to Florida for an operation

From: AW
To: J. S. Watson, Jr.
December 4, 1978 – postmarked George Town, Cayman Islands
December 20, 1978 – postmarked George Town, Cayman Islands

folder 10

1979-81 correspondence

From: AW
To: Nancy Watson:
4 undated letters likely from 1979
[without envelopes]

From: AW
To: Dr. and Mrs. J. S. Watson
January 19, 1979 – postmarked George Town, Grand Cayman Islands
AW interested in lithium carbonate for depression

From: AW
To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.:
January 23, 1979 – postmarked George Town, Grand Cayman Islands

From: William R. Ploss, M.D.
To: J. S. Watson, Jr., M.D.:
February 8, 1979 – postmarked Gainesville, FL
Medical information regarding AW

From: AW
To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.:
February 1, 1979 [?]
February 26, 1979 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY

From: AW
To: Dr. and Mrs. J. S. Watson
March 5, 1979 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
Medical advice from Dr. Ploss

From: AW
To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.:
March 19, 1979 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY

From: AW
To: Nancy Watson:
March 16, 1979 – postmarked Rochester, NY
March 16, 1979 – postmarked Rochester, NY
Only one envelope

From: AW
To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.:
April 30, 1979 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
July 12, 1979 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
July 17, 1979 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
July 23, 1979 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY

From: AW
To: Dr. and Mrs. J. S. Watson
August 14, 1979 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY

From: AW
To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.:
September 12, 1979 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY

From: AW
To: Nancy Watson:
September 13, 1979 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY

From: AW
To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.:
September 13, 1979 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
October 14, 1979
Original letter plus transcription in purple

From: AW
To: Dr. and Mrs. J. S. Watson
December 10, 1979 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
Plus photocopy

From: Susan C. Greene, librarian at Film Art Fund, Inc. Anthology Film Archives
To: Mrs. Nancy Watson
April 3, 1980 – no envelope
About renting Jerome Hill’s film The Sand Castle

From: Robert Freeman, director at the Eastman School of Music
To: Mrs. Nancy Watson
May 8, 1980 – no envelope
Meeting to discuss possible collaboration on the school’s project honoring AW

From: AW
To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.:
July 2, 1980 – postmarked Rochester, NY
AW’s philosophy on non-payment
August 23, 1980 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
AW writes quotes Robert Ardrey and Gunther Schuller
October 1, 1980 – postmarked Rochester, NY

From: AW
To: Bob
December, 18, 1980 – no envelope
AW mentions increasingly bad health and inability to compose a piece for “Freddy” Fennell
Photocopy; one page

From: Robert Freeman, Director, Eastman School of Music
To: Dr. and Mrs. J. Sibley Watson, Jr.
December 31, 1980 – no envelope
On the passing of AW

From: Mrs. Nancy Watson
To: Robert Freeman
February 8, 1981 – no envelope

From: Robert Freeman, Director, Eastman School of Music
To: Dr. and Mrs. J. Sibley Watson, Jr.
February 11, 1981 – no envelope
Discusses recording The Truth about Windmills

From: Zena Collier
To: Mrs. Nancy Watson
July 11, 1981 – no envelope
On the decision not to publish AW’s fiction based on the opinions of Zena and Lavinia Russ

From: “Pat” [Shaw? Olivia Kaul and address on stationary]
To: Mrs. Nancy Watson
July 14, 1981 – postmarked Bluff Point, NY

From: Arlene Bouras
To: Mrs. Nancy Watson
August 27, 1981 – no envelope
On publishing AW’s poems

Box 3

  Correspondence from AW to David Diamond (DD) unless otherwise noted
From 1946 – April 1979. Provenance: David Diamond
folder 1 1946 – [no envelope]
Written on Algonquin stationary
In ink; one page
folder 2 1947 – [no envelope]
DD to conduct AW work
In pencil; 2 pages
folder 3 1947 – note [no envelope]
Note written on two 7.6cm x 5cm cards
In ink; 4 pages
folder 4  April 1949 – no envelope
AW about drinking, defending himself from negative remarks by Mr. Stoloff
Mentions half scoring a long piece for Fred Waring
In ink; 2 pages
folder 5 1951 – no envelope
Mentions Robbins’ choreography to Aaron Copland’s clarinet concerto
Also mentions Otto Luening, Heinzheimer, Gus Schirmer, Herbie Stern, Sabina and Sarah
In ink; 4 pages
folder 6  From: AW
To: Sabina (DD’s sister)
AW in Pacific Palisades, CA for a film score
AW in blue ink; notes from Sabina to DD also on letter in brown ink
In ink; 2 pages
folder 7 [undated]
School opera went well, Interlochen will perform it a few times in August which AW hopes to attend [Kittiwake Island? Prem. August 7, 1954 at Interlochen]
In ink; 2 pages
folder 8 [undated – 1954?]
AW finished score 3 weeks ahead of time and is pleased
Plans on doing two more short ones with Arnold [Sundgaard]
Intends to see a new play of Arnold’s at Barter Theatre in Abingdon, VA
In ink; 2 pages
folder 9 July 18, 1952
Mentions school opera for Schirmers
In ink; 2 pages
folder 10 [undated]
More on California and film composing with lyrics by Bill Engvick
Letter appears to pre-date folders 6, 7, 8, 9
In ink; 4 pages
folder 11 August 8, 1952
About to make a deal with Don Etlinger
In ink; 2 pages
folder 12 August 22, 1952 – postmarked St. John’s Newfoundland, Canada
Sent to DD in Rome, Italy
Sends sympathies for DD not being able “to stay on”
In ink; 1 page
folder 13 December 25, 1952
AW people-watching at a diner
In ink; 4 pages
folder 14 [undated]
Story
In ink; 6 pages
folder 15 [undated]
John Barrows ill, Weldon Wilbur performed horn concerto with 6-hours-notice, finished “usher” job [Fall of the house of usher], still working on opera
In ink; 2 pages
folder 16 June 19, 1953
In Ocracoke, NC w/Arnold
In ink; 2 pages
folder 17 [undated]
In ink; 4 pages
folder 18 September 1953
AW composed cantata on Chicken Little with libretto by Bill Engvick, beginning work on Freddie Firefly
Written on Algonquin stationary
In ink; 4 pages
folder 19 September 19, 1953
Freddie Firefly likely not going to pan out,
Written on Algonquin stationary
In ink; 2 pages
folder 20 October 22, 1953
In ink; 3 pages
folder 21 [undated]
The cowboy kid and the little Dutch girl
AW asked to write music for a film about a child turned Dodger pitcher at age 11 due to divine intervention (baseball player’s ghost)
In ink; 6 pages
folder 22 [undated]
AW mentions Chicken Little cantata, delivered four movement clarinet work to David [Oppenheim?]
In ink; 4 pages
folder 23 May 1954
AW in Aurora on Cayuga Lake
On bad edits to AW and Arnold’s piece done by Schirmers
“For god’s sake don’t fall into that twelve-tone trap!”
In ink; 6 pages
folder 24 November 1954
LP pressed of Child’s Introduction to the Orchestra by Golden Records
John Barrows recording four movement work AW wrote for his quintet
AW starting work on “Usher” picture
In ink; 2 pages
folder 25 [undated]
On what AW has written recently: musical comedy w/Arnold for Schirmer, five mvt. piece for strings, four mvt. piece for clarinet, another for flute, songs, small chamber pieces and a woodwind quintet – too nervous to compose The Fall of the House of Usher – has not started
In ink; 6 pages
folder 26 August 1955
AW on the opera, with libretto and scenery by Bill Engvick, produced by Frank Baker [Miss chicken little]
Orchestra composed of 11 performers: The NY woodwind quintet plus Ruthie Buffington and four other strings
Mentions being asked to write for film Albert Schweitzer
                                    Mentions horn sonata for John Barrows and Vera Brodsky
In ink; 6 pages
folder 27 May 29, 1956
In ink; 2 pages
folder 28 [undated]
AW composing for Albert Schweitzer, Sinatra conducting album of color pieces (AW finished blue and grey), Silvan Schulman recorded AW woodwind quintet written for John Barrows, possibility of writing show for Sarah Churchill in late spring in England
In ink; 5 pages
folder 29 December 28, 1956
Western union telegram
Typed; one page
folder 30 December 27, 1956
Written on Algonquin stationary
In ink; one page
folder 31 February 5, 1957
Written on Algonquin stationary
In ink; one page
folder 32 March 8, 1957
Western union telegram
Typed; one page
folder 33 June 1957
AW on a writing spree – finished piano sonata, horn sonata and third quintet – then went on to California. Stagliano to record horn sonata, Barrows to record second horn sonata. AW heading out to Milwaukee with john and quintet, then returning to write songs for a “spectacular” starring Mickey Rooney
In ink; 2 pages
folder 34 July 15, 1957
Italcable telegram (Sent to DD in Florence, Italy)
Typed; one page
folder 35 [undated]
Invited DD to rehearsal in the morning
Written on Algonquin stationary
In ink; one page
folder 36 [undated – July or August 1957?]
AW mentions “situation” with an elderly relative
In ink; 2 pages
folder 37 August 1957
AW speaks of ill aunt in the hospital; mentions Sinatra and mentions Jerry Robbins inviting Bronx teens to opening night to determine if the acting dancers are portraying the gang correctly [West Side Story?]
In ink; 2 pages
folder 38 November 1, 1957
Italcable telegram (Sent to DD in Florence, Italy)
Typed; one page
folder 39  January 10, 1958
AW’s aunt Emma now in nursing home and AW needs dental work – money tight
In ink; 3 pages
folder 40 May 1958
AW briefly in France, can’t return in August as planned (too anxious for air travel), AW to write overtures for 2 plays, and incidental music for twelfth night for pocket festival put on by Jerome Hill in Cassis.
In ink; 4 pages
folder 41 October 1958
AW on why he can’t make excursion to Europe
In ink; 4 pages
folder 42 November 28, 1958
AW on why he can’t make excursion to Europe, continued. Admits need to take only one day at a time and avoid long term planning
In ink; 2 pages
folder 43 April 1959
AW in minor car accident, turned in license, generally depressed
In ink; 2 pages
folder 44 October 17, 1959
Money woes, AW mentions Ethan Ayer completing libretto for The Wings of the Dove with music by Douglas Moore
In ink; 2 pages
folder 45 December 8, 1959 – [Miami?]
In ink; one page
folder 46 [undated – August 31]
In ink; one page
Pencil markings of expenses owed likely by DD
folder 47 [undated]
Various information about others; Dental surgery for John Barrows has put him off horn for a while, Hildegarde Watson wants John Barrow’s quintet (NY Wind Quintet) to play in Rochester for the Friends of Music
In ink; 2 pages
folder 48 [undated]
AW still owed money for Grandma Moses, AW glad to hear of Sibelius’ enthusiasm towards him, AW received pleasant letter from Dr. Schweitzer, AW now doing odd jobs: opening for John Housman’s Seven lively arts, a brass suite for Bill Bells brass quintet, score for television musical Pinocchio, arrangements of old pop songs for John Barrows’ woodwind quintet, score for new musical of Arnold Sundgaard, songs and background music for a new album of Alice in wonderland recited and sung by Cyril Ritchard, songs for another album about Christmas sung by Bing Crosby, and a few minute long pieces for an album of station breaks to be sold to disc jockeys. AW also intends to visit Europe with Jerome after all to write new score for Twelfth night in the Greek Theatre at Cassis. AW also mentions “strange reports” on West Side Story
In ink; 4 pages
folder 49 [undated]
AW on how he has written more in 4 months than 4 years including: a flute sonata, trumpet sonata, tuba sonata, woodwind quintet, fifty short piano pieces, a cantata, an orchestra piece in 5 movements, ten four-hand piano pieces, an orchestral suite from a movie score. AW now finishing up work on suite for alto saxophone, suite for trombones and a sonata for string quartet and horn. NY Woodwind quintet to perform AW works at Friends of Music concert in Rochester. Mention of Howard Hanson.
In ink; 6 pages
folder 50 December 8, 1960
In ink; 2 pages
folder 51 [undated]
AW in Chicago for a week, working and visiting a friend
In ink; 2 pages
folder 52 [undated – 1963?]
AW on missing DD’s lectures
In ink; one page
folder 53 December 17, 1960
In ink; one page
Note in pencil on back
folder 54 1962
In ink; 2 pages
folder 55 [undated]
AW in Italy, but can’t stay because his copyist is having trouble with score and recording dates for the film are in 10 days
In ink; 2 pages
folder 56 [undated]
Planning trip with Jerome, to arrive second week in October [to Europe?]
In ink; one page
folder 57 1962
AW planning to move permanently to Key West, planning trip in October
Written on Algonquin stationary
In ink; 2 pages
folder 58 1963
DD to give lecture, AW working on sonata series
In ink; 2 pages
folder 51 February 1963
In ink; 2 pages
folder 60  May 1963
In ink; 2 pages
folder 61 June 1963
AW on indeterminate music – “part of the glorious dehumanization plot?”
In ink; 2 pages
folder 62 1963
Waiting for emblem, mentions Carl Haverlin and then Mr. Albee in regards to his Virginia Woolf play and preface to The zoo story
In ink; 2 pages
folder 63 1964
Written on Algonquin stationary
In ink; 2 pages
folder 64 1964
AW’s attitudes on composing
In ink; 6 pages
folder 65 January 3, 1966
AW on DD’s fourth quartet.
In ink; 2 pages
folder 66 1966
Written on Algonquin stationary
In ink; one page
folder 67 May 22, 1968
Written on The Edgewater stationary (Madison, Wisconsin)
In ink; one page
folder 68 May 17, 1968
In ink; one page
folder 69 February 1969
AW on his writing and researching false legends of popular music [for his book On American popular song?]
In ink; 2 pages
folder 70 March 20, 1969
AW’s thoughts on a review of DD’s string quartet – “angered by the presumption that if a piece is not in the moment, it is not worth considering critically”
In ink; one page
folder 71 March 28, 1969
Written on Algonquin stationary
In ink; two pages
folder 72 [undated]
George in hospital, AW with fake teeth, is happy that DD enjoyed the book [On American popular song?]
In ink; one page
folder 73 October 1971
AW mentions having attended first of the premieres and heard an unspecified piece and “Consortium” by Schwantner – discusses his own philosophies and how they don’t line up with modern music
In ink; 5 pages
folder 74 January 14, 1972
AW on three premieres in one evening, including pieces of DD and AW, conducted by Walter. AW notes that the pieces were not rehearsed well enough and will be performed again
In ink; 2 pages
folder 75 July 24, 1972 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
Postcard
AW delighted to read sections of DD’s book
In ink
folder 76 September 17, 1973 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
AW mentions book he wrote, DD heading to Juilliard [DD became professor of composition at Juilliard in 1973]
In ink; 3 pages
folder 77 June 26, 1974
In ink; 3 pages
folder 78 July 26, 1974 – postmark illegible
In ink; 3 pages
folder 79 June 26, 1974 – postmarked U.S.P.S., NY 144
AW mentions Hildegarde Watson’s irritation at not being mentioned in his book [Letter I never mailed] and that not all good friends were mentioned [DD was not mentioned in book either]
In ink; 3 pages April 23, 1975 – postmarked Chicago, IL
Hoping DD’s work goes well at Juilliard
In ink; 3 pages
folder 80 July 14, 1975 – postmarked U.S.P.S., NY 144
In ink; one page
folder 81 [undated]
Postcard
In ink
folder 82 October 15, 1976 – postmarked U.S.P.S., NY 10001
AW offering assistance for DD after his heart attack, mentions Nancy and Howard Hanson
In ink; 4 pages
folder 83 July 6, 1978 – Postmarked Rochester, NY
AW wishing DD well and noting that he must continue to compose despite age and regardless of the music quality
In ink; one page
folder 84 April 1979 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
Postcard
Sympathy over Ity’s death
In ink May 12, 1980 – postmarked George Town, Cayman Islands
AW on receiving his fellowship and worried about composing since he knows of his inevitable dry spells
“May 1980 – Alec’s last letter to me” written in pencil by DD at heading
In ink; one page

Box 4

folder 1 From: [unidentified – initials appear to be W.R.]
To: AW
April 19, 1961From: Julius Monk
To: AW
[Sunday – undated]
folder 2 Letters, 1964-1966
From: AW
To: Frank
[undated]
From Lillian Ross
To AW
February 12, 1964
From: Bernard Reis & Company, CPAs
To: “Gentlemen” Re: “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?”
February 18, 1964
Regarding recent audit of The Woolf Company; includes statements of receipts, disbursements, expenses as of February 1, 1964 and profit for New York and Road Company run for the eight weeks ended February 1, 1964
From: Lillian Ross
To AW
February 27, 1964
From: [unsigned – on AW’s behalf]
To: Mr. Leonard Carroll
March 1, 1964
From: Howard Richmond, The Richmond Organization
To: AW
November 19, 1965
New bridge for Pretty Walk, lyrics by Fran Landesman
From: Walter P. Sheppard, program director Riverside Radio WRVR 106.7
To: AW
March 3, 1966
Part 1 of interview with Harry Bouras, to be broadcast at 10:30pm on March 15 and repeated at 5pm March 18; Part 2 broadcast at 10:30pm on March 17 and repeated at 5pm on March 21From: AW
To: Arlene
April 1966
On sending her a draft of pieces he intended to call Suite for me and the eneme[sic]
folder 3 From: AW
To: Bill Hay, South Carolina Educational Television Network
[undated]
AW’s recommendation of Marian McPartland as mediator and interviewer for radio jazz series
folder 4 From: AW
To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.:
[undated]
Thank you note
October 10, 1979
Letter
October 13, 1979
Letter of confessions
Page titled, “Alec Wilder Punning and Clowning”
By Hildegarde Watson
[undated]
Hildegarde’s reminisces of AW (one page)
folder 5 Envelope with MS sketch
Envelope from: Carroll Case
To: AW
May 15, 1933
Lyrics: “What do you think of Margaret dear, these were the only words she said, Father and I who lived all alone”
folder 6 Letters to Glenn [Bowen?]
April 26, 1973
On securing an ensemble to perform a wind ensemble piece
May 3, 1973
On progress of wind ensemble piece
October 23, 1973
On progress of wind ensemble piece
folder 7 From: AW
To: Dr. Max Presburg
[undated]
On AW’s intention to compose a violin sonata for him as a measure of gratitude and affection
Provenance: Max Presberg
folder 8 From: AW
To: Joyce Armitage (sister of Marian McPartland)
Copy of AW poem “Beauty! Art! Wit!…”
[undated] original
[undated] Photocopy [original not present]
Provenance: Marian McPartland
folder 9 From: Jayne?
To: AW
January 30, 1967From: AW
To: Shirley
[undated]
AW’s response to romantic rejection
From: AW
To: [not addressed]
[undated]
AW on relationships and rejection [possibly also intended for Shirley (see above)]
From: Major Labia
To: Dudley Frashier
March 7, 1958
From: AW
To: [not addressed]
[undated]
Draft of liner notes from Cy Walter’s album Rodgers Revisited –  Cy Walter plays Richard Rodgers compositions – Atlantic records (Atlantic 1236),  1956.
Provenance: Bruce M. Creditor
folder 10 From: AW?
To: Mitchell [Miller?]From: Frank D’Amanda
To: J. S. Watson, Jr.:
May 19, 1942
On meeting AW and working on his draft problem From: AW?
To: J. S. Watson, Jr.
January 2, 1970
Prose: “Front Street” (In envelope)From: AW
To: J. S. Watson, Jr.
December 27, 1978 – Cayman Islands
Provenance: Nancy Watson Dean
folder 11 Letters from AW to John Barrows (Sept – Dec 1973)
September 4, 1973
Fartalia #1September 5, 1973
Fartalia #2
Mentions writing The Truth about WindmillsSeptember 15, 1973
Fartalia #4
Mentions meeting with Arnold [Sundgaard] to consult with “opera people” and listen to a rehearsal. Also mentions that he will stay on and get to work on a new trio for Bernie and some more unaccompanied solos for Harvey September [between 15-29], 1973
Fartalia #5
Mentions Milton Kaye’s request for ragtime, the rudeness of David Diamond, Cahill requesting to perform the piece AW wrote for Verne, Harvey putting some pieces he recorded on the back of the trio he recorded with John Barrows, progress on the Sundgaard opera, creating a piano reduction of Glenn’s concerto and Harry Boures FM station putting a couple of Grappelli records on cassettes September 29, 1973
Fartalia #6
Mentions setting three lyrics sent by a talented woman living in London; has rewritten Ethan Ayer’s lyrics, finished 6 unaccompanied tuba solos for Harvey, and had a difficult time starting a new trio for Bernie; attempting to finish a new entertainment for wind ensemble November 19, 1973
Fartalia #9
Mentions sending a piece to Keith Brion, who subsequently lost the 3rd and 4th pages of the fourth movement and upset AW; speaks of his adeptness with crossword puzzles; mentions wishing to compose the trio for Bernie as well as a piano and wind ensemble piece for Marian McPartland November 20, 1973
Fartalia #10
Rant about Keith Brion losing pages of AW’s music and having to rewrite them.November 27, 1973
Fartalia #11
Keith Brion issue continues, mentions the book of letters [Letters I never mailed?] accepted by Little Brown.December 7, 1973
Fartalia #12
Mentions that a wind ensemble has been assembled (not from the music school, but of competent musicians); mentions that Marian McPartland suggested Joe Morello, who can’t make the performance and as such was going to send a student; also mentions that Penderecki was there [New Haven?] with his published Pittsburg Overture.
folder 12 From AW
To Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
July 22, 1943
Mentions that a record called Paper Doll sold for half a million and contains a tune of his which should bring him some royalties.
folder 13

Miscellaneous correspondence to AW

From J. S. Watson, Jr.
November 25, 1976
October 10, 1979

From Tony Reavell

  1. VIII. 78
    Of the Martello Bookshop in Rye, East Sussex England
    Mentions E. F. Benson, Miss Mapp and the Rye Festival

From: TED
May 1979
Poem for AW entitled, “The Star Thrower” after Loren Eiseley

From: Robert Freeman, director – Eastman School of Music
January 14, 1980
Document identifying AW as an honorary degree recipient of the University of Rochester

From: Gordon N. Ray, president
February 23, 1980
Letter regarding interest in AW’s proposed Guggenheim fellowship studies and a request to secure financial details

From Max Presburg
July 5, 1980
Regarding the violin piece written for him

From: G. Thomas Tanselle, vice president of the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation|
July 8, 1980
Notice of appointment by the board of trustees to a fellowship for the period from June 1, 1980 to May 31, 1981

From: Hugh Martin
November 2, 1980
Addressed to “Uncle Al”

From: LB [Lorraine Bouras – daughter of Harry and Arlene Bouras]
November 25, 1980

From: Lavinia Russ
[undated postcard]
[undated card]

From John and Gloria Kessel
December 13 [no year]

From: Tish [St. Clair?]
[undated]
Mentions daughters Amy and Jane

folder 14 Louis Ouzer to AW (1942-1945)
Consists predominantly of prose, stories and war accounts, some mention of AW pieces
February 26, 1942
April 1, 1943
March 5, 1944
Signed as “Dee Azur”
October 2, 1944 (France – written for Sgt. Blaker)
October 13, 1944 (France)
Prose on war
October 25, 1944 (France)
November 13, 1944 (France)
November 29, 1944 (France)
Includes letter and holiday card from Headquarters Twelfth Army Group
December 19, 1944 (France)
Mentions that “I’ll be around” performed by Georgia Carroll was used in a movie short made for the G.I.s
December 26, 1944 (France)
Profound thoughts on war
January 18, 1945 (France)
February 13, 1945 (France)
March 11, 1945 (France)
March 19, 1945 (France)
March 20, 1945 (France)
April 3, 1945 (France)
April 14, 1945 (Europe)
May 17, 1945 (Wiesbaden, Germany)
On his travels during the war and his points earned
May 23, 1945 (Wiesbaden, Germany)
Notes that although the war is over, it doesn’t feel over; mentions having heard Heifetz give an outdoor concert
August 15, 1945 (Fort Benning, Georgia)
Signed as Dee Azur
Mentions atomic bomb and returning to civilian life soon
August 26, 1945 (Fort Benning, Georgia)
Signed as Dee Azur
September 5, 1950
December 18, 1951 (“Double Feature” – story)
Signed as Dee Azur
[undated] Wednesday
[undated] Tuesday
Signed as Dee Azur
March 25(Wednesday) [no year present]
[undated] Friday
Mentions performance of Neurotic Goldfish at Eastman and the audience reception
[undated]  “Post War Planning” by Dee Azur
[undated] “We are tired…”
Contains MS sketch in AW’s hand (pencil) at bottom of page, noting “Solo to H.M. Harry”
folder 15 From: AW
To: Jackie and Roy Kral
May 7, 1983 [likely meant to be 1973]
Photocopied letter re: death of their eldest daughter – Nicoli Kral. Also includes copy of Wilder’s words in memory of Niki Kral written in ink by Jackie Kral (original copy in AW’s hand was left on the beach where they took Niki’s ashes)
[see also Box 1 folder 4]
folder 16 From: Peter Shaw, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation
To: Louis Ouzer
April 29, 1969
Thank-you letter for photographs of recording session. Also mentions Pat’s pregnancy and the hope to have AW involved in future programming.

Series 5: Personal Papers

Sub-series 1: Poetry

Box 1

folder 1 Poems, pages 1-100 [copy 1]
[not dated]
Titles included but not limited to:
Club car (page 3)
Hymn (page 8)
Vacation (page 9)
St. Regis (page 14)
Pastorale (page 20)
Jingle (page 26)
Epitaph (page 26)
Sacre du printemps (page 30)
Defeatism (page 35)
Debutante (page 46)
Mob (page 49)
Plagal Cadence (page 56)
Idyll (page 57)
Palmistry (page 59)
Puberty (page 63)
Conversation (page 69)
Until it hurts (page 70)
Luncheon (page 71)
U.S. (page 85)
Autumn (page 96)
folder 2 Poems, pages 1-100 [copy 2]
[not dated]
See folder 1 for contents
folder 3 Poems, pages 1-100 [copy 3]
[not dated]
See folder 1 for contents
folder 4 Poems, pages 1-100 [copy 4]
[not dated]
See folder 1 for contents
folder 5 Poems, pages 101-200 [copy 1]
[not dated]
Titles included but not limited to:
Punctuation (page 108)
Egotist (page 112)
For my girl (page 129)
To my best boy Charles Henri Ford (page 135)
Pro (page 139)
Con (page 140)
Hymn (page 149)
Trinity (page 150)
Love (page 151)
Lilacs once (page 157)
Fifty years from home (page 160)
Propriety (page 164)
To the Helen who never launched (page 166)
A prayer (page 179)
[5/27/64] (page 180)
Vacation (page 190)
[5/27/64] (page 196)
[Letter from Arlene Bouras – July 16 (1964?)] (page 197)
folder 6 Poems, pages 101-200 [copy 2]
[not dated]
See folder 5 for contents
folder 7 Poems, pages 101-200 [copy 2]
[not dated]
See folder 5 for contents
folder 8 Poems, pages 101-200 [copy 4]
[not dated]
See folder 5 for contents
folder 9 Poems, pages 201-269 [copy 1]
[not dated]
Titles included but not limited to:
Melange (page 222)
A love song (page 240)
Nightmare #1 (page 245)
Nightmare #2 (page 246)
In defense of indulgence (page 247)
Agnes Day (page 254)
XVI (page 264)
In memoriam (page 267-268)
folder 10 Poems, pages 201-269 [copy 2]
[not dated]
See folder 9 for contents
folder 11 Poems, pages 201-269 [copy 3 – incomplete]
[not dated]
Last page missing
See folder 9 for contents
folder 12 Poems, pages 201-269 [copy 4 – incomplete]
[not dated]
Contains pages 201-209, 236-269
See folder 9 for contents
folder 13 Poems, pages 201-269 [copy 5 – incomplete]
[not dated]
Contains pages, 210-235
27 pages total
See folder 9 for contents

Box 2

folder 1 Early poems
Found together in envelope
154 leaves and one manila envelope
Includes letter addressed to Alec [from J. S. Watson, Jr.?)
124 pages typed
57 pages by hand
Contains drafts and early sketches of verse “Early Verse” written on manila envelope“The value of the first glance”
Typed; one page“There is an end to conceit”
Typed; one page“Is it true of that inbound face over there?”
Typed; one page“Do you envy the man with the fierce desire?”
Typed; two pages“Love song” –
Typed; one page

“He sat on the edge of the bed”
Typed; one page
Two copies; one with edits in pencil

Page titled, “Mistakes and Dupes” 2/14/66

“You’re sixty-two years old” – [omit] 5/15/64
Typed; one page
Two copies

“I see you doing the quiet things” – [omit]
Typed; one page
Two copies

“The child saw all the grownups” – [omit]
Typed; one page
Two copies

“My dearest enemy” – omit
Typed; one page
Two copies

“Before I figured it out” – omit
Typed; one page
Two copies

“You’d never believe it, Mac” – omit
Typed; one page
Two copies

“Death would have been” – omit
Typed; one page
Two copies

“Communication #1”/”Communication #2” – omit
Typed; one page

One copy of the following poems on yellow paper, second copy on orange paper:

“Mr. Lowell and I” – 1 omit
Typed; one page
Yellow copy contains note from Dr. J. S. Watson

“As you know” – 1 omit
Typed; one page

“Some summers ago” – 1 omit
Typed; one page

“A lady drew my face” – 1 omit
Typed; one page

“As the slender bridge” – 1 omit
Typed; one page

“Vacation” – 1 omit
Typed; one page

“You with tigress violence” 1 omit
Typed; one page

“Communication #1”/ ”Communication #2” – 1 omit
Typed; one page

“Take my hand, stranger” – 1 omit
Typed; one page

“Even Auden is God ‘n’” – 1 omit
Typed; one page
[Second copy of above on orange paper]

“Inadequate animal”
Typed; one page

“Pastorale”
Typed; one page

“It hurts too much sometimes”
Typed; one page

“The marching frieze of conscious days”
Typed; one page

“You have slowed my pulse and deepened it”
Typed; one page

“Pity becomes an inquisitor”
Typed; one page

“Fulfillment is static”
Typed; one page

“Do my ways and words seem real to you?”
Typed; one page

“He tried to laugh cynically about his trembling”
Typed; one page

“Yours is a space problem”
Typed; one page

“Large with calm and instantaneous readjustment”
Typed; one page

“Idyll”
Typed; one page

“There’s a constant risk of more than pain”
Typed; one page

“Slowly am I made well”
Typed; one page

“Rags Dustin made money”
Typed; one page

“Can your disturbing little, sullen little, selfish face soften the rumble of guns”
Typed; one page

“Until it hurts”
Typed; one page

“Flow!”
Typed; one page
2 copies

“Impulse had done almost everything for him”
Typed; one page

“Defeatism”
Typed; one page

“That tree breathes no less for my weakness”
Typed; one page

“Imagine such a device as subtlety”
Typed; one page

“Do not begrudge the sick the sun”
Typed; one page

“No, I am not percussive”
Typed; one page
Note on back about Fire Dept. training school on Genesee St.

“Pallid as the lip of dusk”
Typed; one page

“The bar, waist-high”
Typed; one page

“What a child knows”
Typed; one page

“We do very well with beauty”
Typed; one page
Notes on back, in pencil

It does not seem a man is small”
Typed; one page
Notes on back in pencil

“I am never elated by my success”
Typed; one page

“It must be false”
Typed; one page

“May I value my weakness”
Typed; two pages

“Watch as I write”
Typed; one page

“If it were spring”
Typed; one page

“I find that I’m sharing these things with you”
Typed; one page

“It’s quite safe and social”
Typed; one page

“It isn’t so much that I want to share this feeling”
Typed; one page

“I had left a paper cup on a ledge”
Typed; one page
Notes on the back, in pencil

“Must I relate the perfect warmth”
Typed; one page

“It’s as true as your trying not to stand there”
Typed; one page

“How presumptuous”
Typed; one page

“Skip a stone into the path of the sun”
Typed; one page
Two copies

“When I look upon the evening”
Typed; one page

“I knew when I fashioned my tempo tonight”
Typed; one page

 “Debutante”
Typed; one page
Edits in ink

“Plagal Cadence”
Typed; one page
Originally titled, “Transition”
Edits in ink

“Gregarious one, thrust up until you feel response”
Typed; one page

“Hymn”
Typed; one page

 “Palmistry”
Typed; one page
Edits in pencil; notes in pencil on back

“Just for a moment”
Typed; one page

“Strength is as good as a tree”
Typed; one page

“Maybe your mother was scared by a monk”
Typed; two pages

“It’s wearying to see too much”
In ink; two pages

“It wasn’t books, was it”
Typed; two pages

“Fear is too innate”
Typed; one page

“I did this all alone”
Typed; one page
Edit in pencil

“Who nurses the nurses”
Typed; one page

“What becomes clearer under fire?”
Typed; two pages

“Sacre du printemps”
Typed; one page
Notes in pencil

“It’s good to be with you”
Typed; one page

“A city is unfamiliar in mist”
Typed; one page

“The devil is fair and female”
Typed; one page

“It’s good to have loved”
Typed; one page
Edits in ink

“Would any of you like to know”
Typed; one page
Dated January 22, 1968

Nature Ombrageuse for title?” [typed at bottom]

“Creatures of habit”
Typed; one page

“Marching about your life”
Typed; one page

“Club Car”
Typed; one page
Title in pencil

“Right now, my very dear”
Typed; one page

“Notice the scent of life?”
Typed; one page

“So I’ve run out of paper, said the word man”
Typed; one page

“You’re wrong!”
Typed; one page

“They’re waiting for you, Mister”
Typed; one page

“This is how easy it is”
Typed; one page

“I’ve tried to track this down”
Typed; one page

To: AW
From: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
Letter from 1976 – JSW Jr. sent typed copy of Upstairs (AW’s book about the Algonquin)

“Let this be a reminder”
 In ink; one page
Written on Algonquin stationary
Notes in pencil on reverse

“Vacation”
In pencil; four pages

“This thing answers me perhaps too much”
In ink; four pages
Written on Algonquin stationary

“I listened to the ruthless repetition of the waves”
In pencil; one page

“So”
In pencil; two pages
Written on Algonquin stationary

“I sit here, loving you”
In pencil; two pages
Written on Red Lion Inn stationary

“Lovely little girl”
In pencil; one page
“For my girl” written in pencil on reverse

“Maybe my health was good”
 In ink; 4 pages

“I live in a world of fools”
In ink; two pages

“My beguiling friend”
 In pencil; 3 pages

“This thing is too beautiful…”
Typed; one page

 “A single brazen trumpet”
In ink; one page

On reverse of “This thing is too beautiful…”

“I am fed by their faces”
In ink; 2 pages
Written on The Sagamore stationary (Rochester, NY)

“Yes, child, the dream had to die”
In ink; 2 pages

“There were slow nostalgic nights”
 In ink; 2 pages
Written on Hotel Seaglade stationary (Palm Beach, FL)

“You have found me”
 In ink; one page
Written on Algonquin stationary

“Understand finality!”
In ink; 2 pages
Written on Algonquin stationary

“She thinks she is fact”
In ink; 3 pages
Written on Algonquin stationary

“And so I’ve come to the new place”
 In ink; one page

“A wise child in any way”
In pencil; 2 pages

“I have demanded”
 In pencil; 2 pages

“As we stand about”
In pencil; 2 pages

“Youth is the best device”
In ink; 2 pages
Written on the back of Towne Tavern menus

“Anything seen once and without deliberation”
In ink; 2 pages
Written on Sagamore Hotel stationary (Rochester, NY)

“Where is the beauty in me?”
In ink; one page
Partially scribbled out with pencil

folder 2 Poems, Gift of Marian McPartland
[not dated]
Photocopy of “Beauty! Art! Wit!…” in AW’s hand (2 pages)
Plus 8 typed copies (8 pages)
10 typed copies of “Dear next reader…” (10 pages)
In ink, 5 pages of verse
One photocopy of inked page, “Is it something that makes you act crazy?”
folder 3 Poems, Gift of Nancy Watson Dean
To: Dr. James S. Watson, Jr.
December 30, 1977 – postmarked Kansas City
There’s a death that’s a gurgle…”
In ink; one pageTo: Dr. James S. Watson, Jr.
January 2, 1978 – postmarked San Diego, CA
“Give me the most limped, jellied madrilène..”
“View the passing, to and fro…”
In ink; 2 pages
folder 4 Poems, mailed to friends [1930?], 1967-68
March 23, 1968 – no envelope
“If I respect myself, I forgive myself…”
 In ink; 3 pages To: Dr. James S. Watson, Jr.
[not dated – 1930?] –N.Y.C., NY
“It’s becoming a chore, a trial”
 In ink; 2 pages – enveloped labeled “Any color but white”
December 1940 – no envelope
Perforate”
Typed; one page
1940 – no envelope
“The Rendering”
Typed; one pageTo: Hildegarde Watson
February 5, 1941 – postmarked Rochester, NY
Written on Hotel Sagamore stationery
“Don’t be surprised at anything you see…”
 In ink; 2 pages
September 29, 1967 – no envelope
“Two poems received by A. Wilder”

  1. “Do not concern those who sleep with waking”
  2. “Heart-breaking towns…”

2 pages typed;
In ink, 4 pages labeled pages 3-6 [pages 1 and 2 not present]

March 23, 1968 – no envelope
“COOL IT, WALTER!”
In ink, 2 pages

To: Dr. James S. Watson, Jr.
April 9, 1968 – N.Y.C., NY
“Why in the name of names…”
            In ink, 2 pages
“I’m much too old…”
            In ink, 1 page

[not dated, not addressed]

  • “The lost wallet, glasses…”
    Typed; 1 page
  • “March”
    Typed; 1 page
  • “Pavane for the U.S.”
    Typed; 1 page
  • “Jazz Waltz”
    Typed; 2 pages
folder 5 Poems, mailed to friends 1970-1971
To: Dr. J. S. Watson
January 21, 1970 – postmarked Rochester, NY
“To Nancy”
“Had I the flair to do it if I would make my homage rhyme…”
 In ink; one page January 21, 1970
“America”
Note in AW’s hand, “These are samples of what members of a children’s choir thought they had been singing. I know the choir master and it’s not a jape”
Typed, one pageTo: Dr. J. S. Watson
January 28, 1970 – postmarked Rochester, NY
“Those who fail to wonder…”
 In ink; 2 pages To: Dr. J. S. Watson
February 19, 1970 – postmarked Key West, FL
“Never tell this to the dying…”
 In ink; one pageTo: Dr. J. S. Watson
October 6, 1970 – postmarked Rochester, NY
“Much in the mind can change a memory…”
 “Poem on the past” written on envelope in JSW’s hand
In ink; one page[not dated, not addressed]
“Upstairs”
Typed; one page

To: Dr. J. S. Watson
October 6, 1970 – postmarked Rochester, NY
“After a long vacation of living…”
“Eagle scout lost his badge” written on envelope in JSW’s hand

To: Dr. J. S. Watson
November 16, 1970 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
“Advice to the starry-eyed”
            “Poem about love” written on envelope in JSW’s hand
In ink; one page

To: Dr. J. S. Watson
December 14, 1970 – postmarked Key West, FL
“Golden Wedding”
In ink; 2 pages

To: Dr. J. S. Watson
December 22, 1970 – postmarked Key West, FL
“Do poets write of pigeon’s feet”
In ink; 2 pages

To: Dr. J. S. Watson
December 27, 1970 – postmarked Key West, FL
“No matter what you hear me pompously proclaim…”
“The palm has dropped its coconuts” written on envelope in JSW’s hand
In ink; 4 pages

To: Dr. J. S. Watson
December 28, 1970 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
“I have a hundred homes…”
“I have a hundred friends” written on envelope in JSW’s hand
In ink; 4 pages

[not addressed – no envelope]
1971
“Ideas oeuvres and people rejected…I accept rejection”
In ink; one page

To: Dr. J. S. Watson
January 3, 1971 – postmarked Boston, MA
“Prose may walk a slack wire”
 In ink; one page

To: Dr. J. S. Watson
January 4, 1971 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
“When someone who is closer to the secret than I am…”
 In ink; one page

“I shall resist the growing fever…”
In ink; 2 pages

“That you can face its loss…”
 In ink; one page

To: Dr. J. S. Watson
January 12, 1971 – postmarked Rochester, NY
“I do not admire you for being unafraid…”
In ink; one page

To: Dr. J. S. Watson
January 20, 1971 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
“I know you, you heavy breathing lover…”
In ink; 2 pages

[not addressed – no envelope]
1971
“Perhaps posterity is so greedily desired…”
In ink; 2 pages

folder 6

Poems mailed to friends, 1972

[not addressed – no envelope]
[undated] – loose page
“Precipitate” indeeds the word…”
 In ink; one page

 [not addressed – no envelope]
July 23, 1972 plus variations in October 1972 version
“Love Song”
 Typed; one page

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
1972? – no postmark on envelope
“My fondest wish”
In ink; 2 pages

[not addressed- no envelope]
1972?
“I’m harried and haunted by all that has happened”
Typed; one page
“Did I ever send you this one?” in ink at bottom

[not addressed – no envelope]
1972
“Just now I felt as a slip-coach”
 Typed; one page

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
January 22, 1972 or 4? – postmarked Rochester, NY
“Life exists like shells on sand”
 In ink; 2 pages

To: Dr. J. S. Watson
January 13, 1972 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY

“Simply to hold by one’s side”
 In ink; 2 pages

“The arrogance of the living”
In ink; 2 pages

“Failure builds sinew and calluses”
In ink; 2 pages

“The poet bursts from a circle’s center”
 In ink; one page

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
March 13, 1972 – postmarked U.S.P.S. NY 144

“I shall continue to cling”
 In ink; 2 pages

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
April 21, 1972 – postmarked U.S.P.S. NY 144

“I saw a dozen squills”
In ink; 2 pages

“A poet needs”
In ink; one page

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
April 29, 1972 – postmarked Key West, FL

“Profession”
In ink; one page

“Speculation”
In ink; one page

“To a parlor poet”
 In ink; one page

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
May 12, 1972 – postmarked O’Hare, IL
“The inconsequence of human life”
 In ink; 2 pages

 To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
May 14, 1972 – postmarked Chicago, IL
“When swelling buds make a violet haze”
In ink; 2 pages

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
July 11, 1972 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
“Before the hand of man”
In ink; 2 pages

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
July 23, 1972 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
“Love song” [original version]
In ink; 3 pages

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
August 7, 1972 – postmarked Key West, FL
“The goblins are with us, they’re marching about”
In ink; 3 pages

 To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
August 14, 1972 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY

“PIBROCH OR DONUIL DHU”
 In ink; one page
Photocopy included

 To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
September 26, 1972 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
“Why don’t you stop dressing up in dead animals?”
In ink; one page

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
October, 1972 – postmarked Key West, FL
“In the face of despair”
 In ink; one page

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
October 17, 1972 – postmarked U.S.P.S. NY 144
“How can the passions of poets”
In ink; 2 pages

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
October 19, 1972 – postmarked U.S.P.S. NY 144
Sent in 111 East Ave envelope

“The dead and the dying”
 In ink; 3 pages

“Beginnings are atlases”
In ink; 2 pages

“Jazz”
In ink; 3 pages

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
October 20, 1972 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
Sent in Algonquin envelope

“Once I wrote”
In ink; 2 pages

“One of my few joys”
In ink; 4 pages

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
October 30, 1972 – postmarked Key West, FL
“Love song” [later version – for original see first document in folder]
In ink; 2 pages

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
November 3, 1972 – postmarked U.S.P.S. NY 144
“Fame”
In ink; 5 pages

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
November 6, 1972 – postmarked U.S.P.S. NY 144
“Birds of America”
In ink; 2 pages

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
November 6, 1972 – postmarked U.S.P.S. NY 144

“The questions which have gripped my addled mind”
In ink; 2 pages

“Thoughts on resurrection”
In ink; one page

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
November 8, 1972 – postmarked U.S.P.S. NY 144
“Just now I felt as a slip-coach”
In ink; 5 pages

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
November 11, 1972 – postmarked U.S.P.S. NY 144
“Sitting by a freshly filled in grave”
In ink; 3 pages

“ I hear the self-elected critics”
 In ink; 2 pages

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
November 19, 1972 – postmarked U.S.P.S. NY 144
“To lovers of rhyme”
 In ink; 3 pages

“It’s a cellar”
In ink; 2 pages

[not addressed – no envelope]
1972
“Could Charles Dana Gibson draw Ibsen?”
In ink; one page
Handwriting of Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.

folder 7

Poems mailed to friends, 1973-1974

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
March 9, 1973 – postmarked George Town, Cayman Islands
“Diary II”
In ink; one page

 To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
March 22, 1973 – postmarked U.S.P.S. CA 940
“I hear the merchants plot their bloody, bloodless battle plans”
 In ink; 2 pages

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
May 31, 1973 – postmarked U.S.P.S. NY 144
“I prefer the quiet time”
In ink; two pages

“As the funnel narrows”
In ink; 2 pages

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
September 7, 1973 – postmarked Nantucket, MA
“Travelling salesmen learn to live”
 In ink; 3 pages

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
September 12, 1973 – postmarked U.S.P.S. NY 144
“Recognition”
In ink; 2 pages

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
September 26, 1973 – postmarked U.S.P.S. NY 144

“Sounds”
 In ink; 4 pages

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
From October 4, 1973 letter [see correspondence box 2 folder 6]
– postmarked U.S.P.S. NY 144
“Is it round or as square as a table?”
In ink; 2 pages

[not addressed – no envelope, perhaps also from October 4, 1973 letter]
“Attitudinizing”
 In ink; 2 pages

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
October 21, 1973 – postmarked U.S.P.S. NY 144
“Did you ever see a quiet country town”
In ink; 2 pages

 To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
November 15, 1973 – postmarked U.S.P.S. NY 144
“If there is beauty in you”
 In ink; 2 pages

[not addressed – no envelope, 1974?]
Is the coward more inclined to sadness than the hero?”
In ink; 2 pages

Envelope addressed to J. S. Watson, Jr.
April 20, [1974?] – postmarked U.S.P.S. NC 275
“Such a dark flirtation [sic] with death
In ink; 3 pages

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
June 4, 1974 – postmarked U.S.P.S. NY 144
“The poets know”
In ink; 2 pages

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
June 26, 1974 – postmarked U.S.P.S. NY 144
“The white-haired man in the peaked cap”
In ink; one page

folder 8

Poems mailed to friends, 1975

 To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
No postmark – 1975
“If I should wake before I die”
In ink; one page

[not addressed, no envelope]
March 6, 1975
“The succulence of Trollope’s scallops”
Photocopy of original in AW’s hand, 2 pages; plus two typed copies, 2 pages

“I love the ladies with gracious ways”
Two typed copies on same page as typed copy of “The succulence of Trollope’s scallops”

 To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
March 29, 1975 – postmarked U.S.P.S. NY 144
“When the poet ages”
In ink; 2 pages

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
April 13, 1975 – postmarked N.Y.C.. NY
“I write my private thoughts to you”
In in; one page

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
April 21, 1975 – postmarked U.S.P.S. NY 144
“In defense of rhyme?”
In ink; 2 pages

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
June 19, 1975 – postmarked U.S.P.S. NY 144
“Time”
In ink; one page

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
June 20, 1975 – postmarked U.S.P.S. NY 144
“The cynic”
In ink; 4 pages

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
July 12, 1975 – postmarked U.S.P.S. NY 144
“Poets at their business posts”
In ink; 2 pages

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
July 16, 1975 – postmarked U.S.P.S. NY 144
“When you start needing the beloved dead”
In ink; 3 pages

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
August 18, 1975 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
“Attack!”
In ink; 3 pages

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
August 20, 1975 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
“I blossom as I wither”
In ink; 2 pages

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
August 20, 1975 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
“Watch them as they seek a substitute for God”
In ink; 3 pages

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
August 22, 1975 –postmarked N.Y.C., NY
“In honor of little reason and much rhyme”
 In ink; 2 pages

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
August 25, 1975 –postmarked U.S.P.S. MA 012
“That Berkshire hill”
In ink; 2 pages

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
September 8, 1975 –postmarked N.Y.C., NY
“Warning!”
 In ink; 3 pages

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
September 19, 1975 –postmarked U.S.P.S. NC 280
“Frustration”
In ink; 1 page

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
September 24, 1975 –postmarked N.Y.C., NY
“When casual crowds collect”
In ink; 1 page

“Admonition to perennials”
 In ink; 1 page

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
October 14, 1975 –postmarked N.Y.C., NY
“Odd that one who has moved as much as I”
 In ink; 1 page

To: Hildegarde Watson
October 14, 1975 –postmarked N.Y.C., NY
“It’s sadder than you might believe”
In ink; 1 page
Includes one photocopy

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
October 23, 1975 –postmarked N.Y.C., NY
“It’s a long thin lake”
In ink; 2 pages

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
November 24, 1975 –postmarked N.Y.C., NY
“It can’t be other than sad”
 In ink; 1 page

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.|
December 1, 1975 [date received per note in JSW’s hand]
“I’m told of a man who sings while he eats”
 In ink; 1 page
Typed copy

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
December 26, 1975 –postmarked N.Y.C., NY
“Upstairs”
 In ink; 1 page

folder 9

Poems mailed to friends, 1976

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
[“Received unsealed at NY NY 10001” on envelope – sent from NYC, NY]
[no date – 1976]
“I’ve settled my score with the macrocosmic”
 In ink; 1 page

[undated, no envelope]
“Apologia”
1976
In ink; one page
With 2 photocopies

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
January 31, 1976 –postmarked George Town, Cayman Islands
“Parable”
In ink; 1 page

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
February 1976 –postmarked NY
“Zen monastery”
In ink; 2 pages

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
February 5, 1976 –postmarked Miami, FL
“Upstairs #2”
In ink; 2 pages

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
February 6, 1976 –postmarked N.Y.C., NY
“Old age is treated like an ailment”
In ink; 1 page

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
February 20, 1976 –postmarked N.Y.C., NY
“In spite of the wine”
In ink; 2 pages

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
February 25, 1976 –postmarked N.Y.C., NY
“The last open door”
 In ink; 2 pages

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
March 1, 1976 –postmarked N.Y.C., NY
“More about age”
In ink; 1 page

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
March 2, 1976 –postmarked N.Y.C., NY
“Manic depressive??”
In ink; 2 pages
With one photocopy

To: Hildegarde Watson
March 2, 1976 –postmarked N.Y.C., NY
“I fall in love with strangers”
 In ink; 1 page

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
March 3, 1976 –postmarked N.Y.C., NY
“As a vulture”
 In ink; 1 page

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
March 6, 1976 –postmarked Columbia, SC
“Stop looking for answers!”
 In ink; 4 pages

[not addressed, no envelope]
March 9, 1976
“Did Eith [sic] Cavell ever meet M. Ravel?”
In ink; one page

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
March 10, 1976 –postmarked N.Y.C., NY
“Men of vision walked about Athens”
In ink; 2 pages
With one typed copy

To: Hildegarde Watson
March 11, 1976 –postmarked N.Y.C., NY
“I find it strange”
In ink; 4 pages
With one photocopy

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
March 12, 1976 –postmarked N.Y.C., NY
“A stranger, a shy young man”
In ink; 4 pages
With typed copy

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
March 12, 1976 –postmarked N.Y.C., NY
“Soothsayers and the tea-leaf readers”
In ink; 1 page

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
March 13, 1976 –postmarked N.Y.C., NY
“Dear, dear friend”
 In ink; 4 pages

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
March 16, 1976 –postmarked N.Y.C., NY
“An adherent of Trotsky I doubt was Blavatsky”
In ink; 1 page

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
March 18, 1976 –postmarked N.Y.C., NY
“I try to refuse”
In ink; 2 pages

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
March 18, 1976 –postmarked N.Y.C., NY
“Men of vision walked about Athens”
Typed, with edits in ink

“Did Edith Cavell ever meet M. Ravel?”
Typed with edits
Accompanied by note in ink from AW noting corrections for J. S. Watson, Jr. to type up for him

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
March 22, 1976 –postmarked N.Y.C., NY
“Does size create more meaning?”
 In ink; 1 page

To: Hildegarde Watson
March 22, 1976 –postmarked N.Y.C., NY
“Would you be more impressed”
In ink; 2 pages
With one photocopy

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
March 23, 1976 –postmarked N.Y.C., NY
“My hunger is to prove”
In ink; 1 page

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
March 24, 1976 –postmarked N.Y.C., NY
“Apologia #98”
In ink; 1 page

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
March 25, 1976 –postmarked N.Y.C., NY
“Professional point of view”
 In ink; 3 pages

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
March 25[?], 1976 –postmarked N.Y.C., NY
“If the CIA were to question me”
In ink; 1 page

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
March 29, 1976 –postmarked N.Y.C., NY
“Keep thinking of the fingers of the willow”
In ink; 1 page

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
April 1, 1976 –postmarked Jacksonville, FL
“Take your pick”
 In ink; 1 page

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
April 14, 1976 –postmarked N.Y.C., NY
“As I and Uta Hagan approach the big toboggan”
In ink; 1 page
With three photocopies of original, one typed copy with, “The Toboggan by Alec Wilder 4- 14-76” written in J.S.W’s hand, and photocopy of typed version

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
April 17, 1976 –postmarked Madison, WI
“More of you are ghosts to me”
 In ink; 2 pages

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
April 20, 1976 –postmarked Madison, WI
“Posterity”
In ink; 1 page

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
May 8, 1976 –postmarked Indianapolis, IN
“After I ride on a long distance train”
 In ink; 2 pages
Plus one photocopy and one typed copy

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
May 22, 1976 –postmarked U.S.P.S. MA 021
“Do anything too much except demand”
In ink; 1 page

To: Hildegarde Watson
June 1, 1976 –postmarked N.Y.C., NY
“Never fear forgetting!”
In ink; 1 page
With two photocopies

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
July 5, 1976 –postmarked N.Y.C., NY
“Old women praying”
 In ink; 1 page

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
July 14, 1976 –postmarked N.Y.C., NY
“Acknowledging nettles from old herbacious”
 In ink; 2 pages

“Classroom mid-west Eliot”
In ink; 3 pages

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
July 19, 1976 –postmarked N.Y.C., NY
“When did I discover”
In ink; 2 pages

folder 10

Poems mailed to friends, 1977                                   

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.|
May 31, 1977 –postmarked N.Y.C., NY
“Oh, that long, hooded file of silent choices”
In ink; 1 page
Written on Algonquin stationary
With one photocopy

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
June 5, 1977 –postmarked N.Y.C., NY
“The thunderstorm outside”
In ink; 3 pages
“Once I thought that any tree”
In ink; 2 pages

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
June 6, 1977 –postmarked N.Y.C., NY
“A life”
In ink; 3 pages
With one photocopy

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
June 7, 1977 –postmarked N.Y.C., NY
“Chatterton wrote and forged”
 In ink; 3 pages

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
June 8, 1977 –postmarked Rochester, NY
“Upstairs revisited”
 In ink; 2 pages

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
July 2, 1977 –postmarked N.Y.C., NY
“I love ladies with gracious ways”
In ink; 1 page
With one photocopy

“The succulence of trollope’s scallops”
In ink; 2 pages
With one typed copy

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
August 16, 1977 –postmarked N.Y.C., NY
“My friend”
 In ink; 2 pages

“I was a coward”
 In ink; 2 pages

“Innocent objects, euphonious sounds”
In ink; one page

“Adrenalin”
In ink; 3 pages

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
December 30, 1977 –postmarked Kansas City, MC
“Two beginnings”
In ink; 3 pages
With one photocopy

folder 11

Poems mailed to friends, 1978

[not addressed, no envelope – 1978?]
“Gratitude”
In ink; 2 pages

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
January 24, 1978 –postmarked N.Y.C., NY
“The phoenix”
In ink; 3 pages
With one photocopy

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
February 4, 1978 –postmarked Charleston, SC
“Oh the plotted and the planned”
In ink; 1 page
With one photocopy

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
February 6, 1978 –postmarked Charleston, SC
“Well, you idiot!”
In ink; 1 page
“You swore you’d never sit at a bar”
In ink; two pages

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
February 12, 1978 –postmarked N.Y.C., NY
“Twentieth Century Eulogy”
In ink; 2 pages
With one photocopy

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
February 18, 1978 –postmarked N.Y.C., NY
“Dilemma”
 In ink; 2 pages
With one photocopy

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
March 15, 1978 –postmarked George Town, Cayman Islands
“Teapot tempest”
In ink; 3 pages

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
May 8, 1978 –postmarked Rochester, NY
“Why don’t you two go away together?”
In ink; 1 page
With two photocopies

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
June 15, 1978 –postmarked N.Y.C., NY
“Mem’ry”
In ink; 1 page

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
June 26, 1978 –postmarked Rochester, NY
“When Tennyson was chosen Laureate”
In ink; 3 pages

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
June 26, 1978 [?] –postmarked Bangor, ME
“Not eye but my rhyme”
includes letter to JSW
Photocopy; 3 pages
Original in correspondence box 2, folder 9

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
July 6, 1978 –postmarked Rochester., NY
“Tribute”
In ink; one page

“Once more to prophets”
 In ink; one page

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
July 28, 1978 –postmarked Blue Hill, ME
“Shall I ever know”
In ink; 2 pages

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.|
September 18, 1978 –postmarked N.Y.C., NY
“The jack-booted tramp of egos”
 In ink; 2 pages

“Group therapy”
 In ink; 2 pages

 “A crownless king”
 In ink; 2 pages

[not addressed, no envelope]
September 22, 1978 –no postmark
“98th Search”
In ink; 2 pages

[not addressed, no envelope]
October 26, 1978 –no postmark
“Maudlin imagery is for the middle class”
 In ink; 1 page

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
December 15, 1978 –postmarked George Town, Cayman Islands
“I don’t mind going into that longest, endless dark”
 In ink; 1 page

Box 3

folder 1 Poems mailed to friends, 1979
[not addressed, no envelope]
1979?
“The Guest”
In ink; one page[not addressed, no envelope]
1979?
“The one who writes this truly knows the value of this treasure”
In ink; one page [possibly page two of another poem][not addressed, no envelope]
1979?
“Doctors and Patience”
Transcribed in purple
ink; 2 pages[not addressed, no envelope]
1979?
“The jack-booted tramp of egos”
In ink; one page
Second copy – transcribed in purple ink; one pageTo: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
May 20, 1979 –postmarked N.Y.C., NY
“Apologize?”
In ink; 2 pages To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
May 23, 1979 –postmarked Rochester, NY
“My friend proffers an elusive smile”
In ink; 3 pages To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
May 24, 1979 –postmarked Rochester, NY
“Posterity? Not for a minute!”
In ink; 1 page
Edit to the end of the last poem AW sent to JSW To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
July 12, 1979 –postmarked N.Y.C., NY
“Death wasn’t precisely a gym”
In ink; 1 pageTo: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
October 3, 1979 –postmarked N.Y.C., NY
“For Frances”
In ink; 1 page
Written on the back of “Emilio Ristorante” menuTo: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
October 8, 1979 –postmarked N.Y.C., NY
“Another search”
In ink; 1 page
Transcribed in purple ink; 1 page

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
October 14, 1979 –postmarked N.Y.C., NY
“Guess what?!”
In ink; 1 page
Transcribed in purple ink; 1 page

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
October 14, 1979 –postmarked N.Y.C., NY
“I love you in stone”
In ink; 1 page
Transcribed in purple ink; 1 page

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
October 14, 1979 –postmarked N.Y.C., NY
“Pubic hair is poison ivy”
In ink; 1 page
Transcribed in purple ink; 1 page

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
October 14, 1979 –postmarked N.Y.C., NY
“You can’t wait; you’re mortal”
In ink; 2 pages
Transcribed in purple ink; 2 pages

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
December 10, 1979 –postmarked N.Y.C., NY
“The flickering under-water blue”
In ink; 2 pages

One photocopy of poem; 2 pages

Two photocopies of front and back of envelope; 4 pages

Original envelope not present; see correspondence box 2 folder 10

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
April 7, 1980 –postmarked N.Y.C., NY
“At 73”
In ink; 1 page

To: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.
June 16, 1980 –postmarked N.Y.C., NY
“Putting words to paper”
In ink; 1 page

folder 2

Miscellaneous poems, manuscript

“Beauty! Art! Wit!” – [undated]
Photocopy; 2 pages

“Would any of you like to know” January 22, 1968
In ink; 2 pages

“My fondest wish” – [undated]
Original not present
Transcribed in purple ink; 3 pages

“The sexual act at its best” – [undated]
In ink; one page

“I guess that when the end of it” – [undated]
In ink; one page

Written on the back of book jacket for “Wolf to the Slaughter” by Ruth Rendell

“Monkey-shines” – [undated]
In ink; 2 pages

“Some celestial accountant” – [undated]
In ink; 2 pages

Envelope

To: Hildegarde Watson
From: AW

Postmarked April 19, 1976 – Madison WI
No letter accompanying envelope

“Whitman Revisited”
In ink; 3 pages

“Diary”
In ink; 3 pages

“I wrote you once of reverence”
In ink; one page                                               

“To J.S.W. from A.L.C.W.” written in heading
Notes in JSW’s hand on reverse

folder 3

Miscellaneous poems, typescript                                 

“Introducing A.W.” – [undated]
Typed twice on same page; corrections noted in ink and pencil

On reverse:
“Paging A.W.”                                                

Typed twice on same page; note in pencil
Provenance: Dr. J. S. Watson, Jr.

“I” [and] “II” – March 20, 1966
4 copies of both poems on same page
3 copies of each poem individually

“There’s a marvelous mystery” – May 1966
2 copies; 2 pages each
“From AW 5 ’66” written in pencil in upper right corner

“On showing off” – May 1966
2 copies; one page each
“From AW 5-66” written in pencil in upper right corner

“Why do I steam about” – May 1966
2 copies; one page each
“From AW 5 ’66” written in pencil in upper right corner

“Poor little children!” – [undated]
2 copies; one page each

“Pavane for the U.S.” – April 25, 1966
2 copies; one page each

“The reassurance that comes” – April 25, 1966
2 copies; one page each

 “Please shoot the piano player” – April 25, 1966
2 copies; one page each

“March” – April 25, 1966
2 copies; one page each

“Jazz Waltz” – April 25, 1966
2 copies; two pages each

“A ditty” – April 25, 1966
2 copies; one page each

“In order to speak or write of death” – April 25, 1966
2 copies; one page each

“The lost wallet, glasses,” – April 25, 1966
2 copies; one page each

“Could Charles Dana Gibson” – March 10, 1976
One copy; one page

“Two poems by A. Wilder” – September 29, 1967
3 copies; one page each

“Would any of you like to know” – January 22, 1968
One copy; one page

“I guess that when the end of it” – July 12, 1968
One copy; one page

“Such a dark flirtation with death” – [undated]
One copy; one page

“That he was thirty five” – [undated]
One copy; one page

“A crownless king” – [undated]
2 copies; one page each

“Group therapy” – [undated]
One copy; one page

“Some new year resolutions” – [undated]
One copy; printed on a greeting card

“The Bird” – [undated]
Excerpt from the Eastman School Magazine

folder 4 Miscellaneous poems, undated
“In or out”
                                   
In ink; 2 pages
One copy; 2 pages“O sea O sky O planet round”
In ink; 5 pages
Written on Hotel Seneca stationary – Rochester, NY“The island trip with the jolly fellow”
In ink; 2 pages
2 photocopies; 2 pages each“What can I say to the sun from your sky?”
In ink; 3 pages
“Yes for poetry book” written on back in ink
One photocopy; 3 pages“Parable”
In ink; one page
One photocopy; one page“What was your mother’s maiden name?”
In pencil; two pages
One photocopy; one page
On reverse: “I’m looking for someone”
Poem scratched out but still legible
In pencil; one page
One photocopy; one page
Written on Sheraton Hotel stationary – Rochester, NY“For every evil under the sun”
In purple ink (not AW’s hand); one page“The cross we bear”
In ink; one page
One photocopy; one page“It’s becoming a chore, a trial”
Photocopy; 2 pages“The sexual act at its best”
Photocopy; one page
Original in same box, folder 2

“Upstairs”
4 photocopies; one manuscript [not in AW’s hand]
One page each

Envelope
To: Dr. James S. Watson, Jr.
From: AW
Likely contained the brown copy of the following three poems:
“Skip a stone into the path of the sun”
2 copies; one page each
“When I look upon the evening”
2 copies; one page each
“What a child knows”
2 copies; one page each

folder 5

Poems sent by Arlene Bouras to Mrs. James Sibley Watson for AW’s book

 October 1, 1981
To: Mrs. James Sibley Watson
From: Arlene Bouras
Letter sent along with AW poem

All letters in typescript:
“I waited thirty years” – 2 pages
“How extremely good” – 1 page
“How can I boast”
— 1 page
“I am a gentleman, gentlemen” –
1 page
“In good time” – 1 page
“Just because the answers” — 1 page
“A entered these doors a mere twenty years ago” – 1 page
“Please tell me, Mr. Know-it-all” –
1 page
“Beverly, or whatever your name is” –
1 page
“Little girl” –
1 page
“True posterity in the mind of a living man” –
1 page
“How guarded are you?” –
1 page
“You truly are actors.” –
1 page
“Goodbye! Goodbye!” –
1 page
“Suzannah, when a child” –
2 pages
“If you want a lot” – 1 page
“If it is at all possible to recognize the miracle of one’s own self” – 1 page
“Poets write before illness and after” – 1 page
“This is the sort of evening” – 1 page
“Shall I take a memory course?” – 1 page
“Certainly you’re good!” – 1 page
“Mr. Lowell and I” – 1 page
“I salute you!” – 2 pages
“We elder lechers” – 1 page
“Lilacs once” – 2 pages
“Agnes day” – 1 page
“Once there was a time” – 1 page
“Right now, my very dear” – 1 page
“Notice the scent of life?” – 1 page
“So I’ve run out of paper, said the word man” – 1 page
“You’re wrong!” – 1 page
“They’re waiting for you, Mister” – 1 page
“You’re sixty-two years old”1 page
“I see you doing the quiet things” – 1 page
“The child saw all the grownups” – 1 page
“Before I’d figured it out” – 1 page
“You’d never believe it, Mac” – 1 page
“Death would have been a tougher assignment” – 1 page
“I’ve tried to track this down” – 1 page
“This is how easy it is” – 1 page
“I keep seeking small talk” – 2 pages
“I admit it” – 1 page
“Melange” – 2 pages
“I saw you, you terribly desirable one!” – 1 page
“To the Helen who never launched” – 1 page
“How horrid!” – 1 page
“Propriety” – 1 page
“Dear, dear man” – 2 pages
“For those of us who know” – 1 page
“My dear, I am a dreadful snob” – 1 page
“Sometimes, when your life is motionless” – 3 pages
“My dearest enemy” – 2 pages
“I’ll never forget you” – 2 pages
“Is this birth?” – 2 pages
“I mustn’t dwell on your face” – 1 page
“Fifty years from home” – 2 pages
“‘I’ is not a very familiar word” – 1 page
“Forgive me, ladies and gentlemen” – 1 page
“Listen to the dear” – 1 page
“Let’s get behind everything we sell” – 1 page
“I, the white man, stand dying” – 1 page
Now, about secrets!” – 1 page
“My doppelganger” – 2 pages

folder 6 Poems, manuscripts
Provenance: Gift of Arlene Bouras (2/23/94)
“How extremely good”
 In ink; one page “How can I boast”
In ink; one page“I am a gentleman, gentlemen”
In ink; one page“In good time”
In ink; one page“Just because the answers are spewing from my ticked-up mouth”
In ink; one page“Wait! Just one second!” scratched out on reverse; still legible“A entered these doors a mere twenty years ago”
In ink; two pages
Written on Santa Fe Super Chief stationary“Please tell me, Mr. Know-it-all”
In ink; two pages
Written on Santa Fe Super Chief stationary“Beverly, or whatever your name is”
n ink; one page
Written on back of a dinner menu sales sheet from March 28, 1966“Now, about secrets!”
In ink; 2 pages
Written on Santa Fe Super Chief stationary

“Little girl”
In ink; one page
Written on the back of lead sheet manuscript

“True posterity in the mind of a living man”
In ink; one page
Written on back of a luncheon menu sales sheet from March 28 [likely 1966]

“I, the white man, stand dying”
 In ink; two pages
Written on the back of letter to AW from Ernest Williams, Jr. dated May 17, 1964

“How guarded are you?”
In ink; two pages
Written on Santa Fe Super Chief stationary

“You truly are actors.”
In ink; two pages
Written on Santa Fe Super Chief stationary

“Goodbye! Goodbye!”
In ink; 2 pages
Written on Broadway Limited Pennsylvania Railroad stationary

“Suzannah, when a child”
In ink; 2 pages

“Fifty years from home”
In ink; 2 pages

“I musn’t dwell on your face”
In ink; 1 page

“Lilacs once”
In ink; 2 pages

“Is this birth?”
In ink; 4 pages
Written on Golden State Rock Island Southern Pacific stationary

“I’ll never forget you, little big one”
Partial ink and pencil; 4 pages
Written on Golden State Rock Island Southern Pacific stationary

“Agnes day”
In pencil; 2 pages

“I waited thirty years”
In ink; 3 pages

“My dear, I am a dreadful snob” [dated 7/1/64]\
In ink; 1 page

“Sometimes, when your life is motionless”
In ink; 3 pages

“Melange”
In ink; 2 pages

“My doppelganger”
 In ink; 2 pages

“I saw you, you terribly desirable one!”
In ink; 1 page

“To the Helen who never launched”
 In ink; 2 pages

“How horrid!”
In ink; 1 page

“Propriety”
 In ink; 1 page

“Once there was a time”
In ink; 2 pages
Written on Broadway Limited Pennsylvania Railroad stationary

“Right now, my very dear”
In ink; 2 pages
Written on Broadway Limited Pennsylvania Railroad stationary

“Notice the scent of life?”
In ink; 2 pages
Written on Broadway Limited Pennsylvania Railroad stationary

“My dearest enemy”
In ink; 4 pages
Written on Broadway Limited Pennsylvania Railroad stationary

“You’d never believe it, Mac”
In ink; one page

“The child saw all the grownups”
In ink; 1 page

“Death would have been a tougher assignment”
In ink; 2 pages

“I see you doing the quiet things”
In ink; 2 pages

“You’re sixty-two years old”
In ink; 1 page

“I’ve tried to track this down”
In ink; 2 pages

“Before I’d figured it out”
In ink; 1 page

“‘Sleepy, sleep, sleep,’ crooned the mother” [in envelope]
In ink; 2 pages
Written on Algonquin stationary

On reverse: “The calling, the constant calling” [in envelope]
In ink; 2 pages

“We elder lechers”
In ink; 3 pages
Written on Broadway Limited Pennsylvania Railroad stationary

“I salute you!”
In ink; 4 pages
Written on Broadway Limited Pennsylvania Railroad stationary

“Forgive me, ladies and gentlemen”
In ink; 1 page
Written on the back of a paper placemat from the Milwaukee Road railroad

“Mr. Lowell and I”
In ink; 2 pages

“Even Anden is God n’ Even McNeice.”
In ink; 2 pages

“Take my hand, stranger”
In ink; 2 pages

“Communication #1”
In ink; one page

On reverse: “Communication #2”
In ink; one page

“As you know”
In ink; 4 pages

“You with tigress violence”
In ink; one page
Written on unfolded Sheraton Hotel Rochester, NY envelope
Notes in ink on reverse

“Some summers ago”
In ink; one page
Written on back of letter from Howard S. Richmond to AW about  a meeting involving the two of them, Jean Palitz and Bill Engvick, dated August 8, 1963

“As the slender bridge”
 In ink; 2 pages

“A lady drew my face”
In ink; 2 pages

“Had I touched you”
In ink; 2 pages
Written on Santa Fe Super Chief stationary

“Please, God”
In ink; 2 pages
Written on Santa Fe Super Chief stationary

“When I had a garden”
In ink; 2 pages

“You simply won’t believe it”
In ink; 2 pages

“I admit it”
In ink; 2 pages

“From more directions than I can stand”
 In ink; 3 pages
Written on Broadway Limited Pennsylvania Railroad stationary

“I’m harried and haunted by all that has happened”
In ink; 4 pages

“No one fears death”
In pencil; 2 pages

“I, as some worthies are, am an observer”
In ink; 2 pages

  1. “Shall I take a memory course” (7/15/64)
    In ink; 2 pages
  2. “Certainly, you’re good!”
    In ink; 2 pages
  3. “What on earth are you going to do with me?!
    In ink; 2 pages
  4. “A love song”
    In ink; 4 pages
  5. “Here goes a great big secret”
    In ink; 2 pages
  6. “My dear, dear friend”
    In ink; 2 pages
  7. “Tomorrow”
    In ink; 2 pages
  8.  “In defense of indulgence”
    In ink; 2 pages
  9. “My!”
    In ink; 2 pages
  10. “Were I one given to prayer”
    In ink; 4 pages
  11. “He needs a mite of taking care of”
     In ink; 3 pages
  12. “For the frightened man”
    In ink; 3 pages
  13. “Have you been for your “mental”, lately?
    In ink; one page
  14. “A prayer”
    In ink; one page

“I keep seeing small talk” (7/28)
 In ink; 3 pages

“Sweetie-pie!”
In ink; 2 pages
Written on Santa Fe Super Chief stationary

“Dear wonderer”
In ink; 2 pages
Written on Santa Fe Super Chief stationary

“Imagine, imaginary reader”
 In ink; one page
Written on Santa Fe Super Chief stationary

“Okay!”
In ink; 2 pages
Written on Santa Fe Super Chief stationary

“For those of us who know”
In ink; 2 pages
Written on Santa Fe Super Chief stationary

“Nightmare #1”
In ink; one page

“Nightmare #2”
In ink; 4 pages
Written on Santa Fe Super Chief stationary

“Darling little girl!”
In ink; 2 pages

“My madness is a vaudeville joke”
In ink; 2 pages

“Dear, dear man”
In ink; 4 pages

“Matriarchs of America!”
In ink; 2 pages
Written on Santa Fe Super Chief stationary

“My darling!”
In ink; 2 pages
Written on Santa Fe Super Chief stationary

“Hey! Old lovers!”
In ink; 2 pages

“Hello, Dolly”
In ink; one page

“Listen to the dear darling scream” [in envelope]
In ink; 3 pages (12.5cm x 7.5 cm)

“This is the sort of evening”
In ink; 2 pages

“Poets write before illness and after”
In ink; 2 pages

“Pavane for America”
In ink; 2 pages

“The reassurance that comes with idle, talk”
In ink; 3 pages

“Please shoot the piano player”
In ink; one page
Dated April 1966

“March”
In ink; one page

“Jazz waltz”
In ink; 3 pages

“A ditty”
In ink; 2 pages

“In order to speak or write of death”
In ink; one page

“The lost wallets, glasses”
In ink; 2 pages

“The reassurance that comes with idle talk”
In ink; 3 pages

“Pavane for the U.S.A.”
In ink; 2 pages

“Why do I steam about looking slightly out of my mind?”
In ink; 3 pages

“Poor little children”
In ink; 2 pages

‘There’s a marvelous mystery”
In ink; 4 pages

“On showing off”
In ink; 2 pages

“Cummings said he’d only met two lemmings”
In ink; one page

“Shrieking” [marked as page 3]
In ink; one page
Written on the back of Hotel Algonquin stationary

“Let’s get behind everything we sell”
In pencil; one page

“Our hope’s in soap”
In pencil; one page

“If it is at all possible to recognize the miracle…” [half-way down page]
In ink; one  page

“If you want a lot” [continued at top of previous page]
In ink; 2 pages

Envelope – postmarked June 15, 1964 – Los Angeles, CA
From: AW
To: Arlene Bouras

folder 7 Miscellaneous poems from Bruce M. Creditor
“After societal hours, he becomes a cigarette glow”

Typed; one page“Pro”
Typed; one page“Con”
Typed; one page“If a man could be filled with an unholy joy”
Typed; one page“Like a placid Harlequin”
Typed; one page“Vacation”
Typed; three pages“What on earth do you want?
In ink; 3 pages“The psychosomatic waltz”
Typed; one page
folder 8 Lyrics for eight songs of AW                                   “
While we’re young”
(lyric by William Engvick)
Typed; one page“I’ll be around” (lyric by AW)
Typed; one page“It’s so peaceful in the country” (lyric by AW)
Typed; two pagesTrouble is a man” (lyric by AW)
Typed; one page“Remember, my child” (lyric by William Engvick)
Typed; one page“The winter of my discontent” (lyric by Ben Ross Barenberg)
Typed; one page“Who can I turn to?” (lyric by William Engvick)
Typed; one pageSoft as spring” (lyric by AW)
Typed; one page
folder 9 Poems
“A life”

Typed; one page
“By Alec Wilder” written in JSW’s hand“Gratitude”
Typed; one page

Box 4

folder 1 List of poems
Contained within University of Rochester spiral-bound notebook
Pages pertaining to AW in middle of notebook, between purple flags
In ink; 19 pages in J. S. Watson Jr.’s hand
First page dated January 17, 1966
Index of first lines dated August 18, 1965
In ink; 2 pages titled, “Complete List” and “Mistakes and dupes” with numbered lists. [Not J. S. Watson’s hand – perhaps Arlene Bouras?]
First carbons dated February 14, 1966

Sub-series 2: Prose

Box 1

folder 1 “At noon, no shadows” – [undated]
Typescript; 13 pages
folder 2 “The biggest dog in the world” – [undated]
Typescript; 10 pages
folder 3 “The cultural explosion” – [undated]
Typescript; 30 pages
Corrections and additions in ink in AW’s
folder 4 “Don’t be surprised at anything you see” – [undated]
Typescript; one page
folder 5 “The elegant refuge – Memoir of a life at the Algonquin Hotel” – copyright 1976
Chapters I-III; pages i-104
Dedication to Lavinia Russ
Foreword; pages i-xv
Invitation

  1. While we’re young
  2. The curtain raisers: Front desk and bellmen
  3. The lively artists

Typescript; 122 pages total

folder 6

“The elegant refuge – Memoir of a life at the Algonquin Hotel” – copyright 1976

Chapter IV – XII; pages 105-233

  1. The Strategists
  2. “When the spirit moves you…”
  3. “Mrs. Russ’s Chair”
  4. “Kind hearts and gentle people”
  5. Pause for cats
  6. Stone-hearted men
  7. Kaleidoscope
  8. In loco parentis
  9.  “Where do you go when it starts to rain?”

Epilogue
Prominent men and women who have come to the Algonquin Hotel
Typescript; 128 pages total

folder 7 Essay on jazz and non-jazz musicians
Photocopy of manuscript; 4 pages
Typed copy; one page
Manuscript copy in same series Box 2, folder 2
folder 8 “For he looked for a city…”
Sub title, “Familiar objects be as if they were not familiar”
Typescript; 3 pages
folder 9 “Letters I never mailed – Clues to a life”
Copy of published book; 243 pages
Little, Brown and Company: Boston, MA; 1975, first edition.
Jacket design by Marge Anderson, cover photograph by Louis Ouzer
Dedicated to James Sibley Watson
Card inserted into front matter, “With the compliments of the author” in typescript, “Little, Brown and Company 34 Beacon Street Boston, MA 02106” in bottom right corner (10.5cm x 7.5cm)
folder 10 “The man who put shit on the map”
Photocopy of manuscript; 14 pages
folder 11 “The man who thought about nothing but cunts”
Photocopy of manuscript; 24 pages
folder 12 “Poncho and the pigeons”
Typescript; 19 pages
folder 13 Scenario for film “Good morning!” – January 27, 1931
Typescript; 2 pages
Notes in ink
Two photocopies; 2 pages each
folder 14 Prose and scenario for film, The wedding night or “Let thy will be done”
Prose:
“When I find myself in an unfriendly smoking compartment…”
Typescript; 1 page
“By Alexander Wilder” signed in pencil at foot of page Scenario for film:
The wedding night or “Let thy will be done” – January 27, 1931
Typescript; 3 pages
Photocopy; 3 pages Envelope
From: AW
To: J. S. Watson Jr.
January 27, 1931 – postmarked N.Y.C., NY
folder 15 The search
Manuscript of book in AW’s hand contained in 2 spiral-bound notebooks First notebook:
Preface
The Search, pages 1-113
In ink; 116 pages totalSecond notebook:
The Search, pages 114-171
In ink; 57 pages total

Box 2

folder 1 Prose, gift of Arlene Bouras 2/23/94
“There is a current book of superlatives”
In ink; 3 pages
Notes in pencil on back“You’ve never had it so good”
In ink; 11 pages“Here’s an average side street” [scenario]
In ink; 2 pages
Written on Hotel Bel-Air stationary – Los Angeles, CA“On the moral side…”
In ink; 5 pages
Written on Golden State Rock Island – Southern Pacific stationary“Our capacity to produce limitlessly…”
In ink; 7 pages
Written on Golden State Rock Island – Southern Pacific stationary “When a quiet, reasonable second generation Italian…”
In ink; 4 pages
folder 2 Essay on jazz and non-jazz musicians – undated
In ink; 4 pages
Typed copy in Box 1 folder 7
folder 3 The search
Photocopy of manuscript (manuscript in same series box 1, folder 15)
Also contains 4 inserted pages starting from page 44 titled, “The twig is bent”
Preface
Pages
[numbered] 1-44
“The twig is bent” [insert]
Typescript; 4 pages
Title page written in ink; in AW’s hand
Pages [numbered] 45-171
186
pages total
folder 4 “The semen’s saving bank”
Photocopy of manuscript; 15 pages
folder 5 “The tappings”
Typescript; 13 pages
folder 6 “The symbolist painters of 1890”
[no indication this pertains to AW]Notes on the accompanying journal article
In J. S. Watson, Jr.’s hand
In ink; one page Photocopy of journal article:
Wallis, Anne Armstrong, “The symbolist painters of 1890,” Marsyas 1, no 1
(1941): pages 117-152.
Includes Plate XXIII-XX
44 pages
folder 7 Essays
Provenance: Bruce M. Creditor
“Hope, when it becomes a mass attitude…”
In ink; 3 pages
“I guess that about here starts the publisher…”
In ink; 15 pages
“This constitutes a flash-front”
In ink; 7 pages
folder 8 “The tuxedo”
“The tuxedo” pages 1-27

“The entertainer”
pages 28-40
“VI or VII” pages 41-43
[Numbering restarts] pages 1-18
“(Eastman School)” pages 22-28
Typescript; 60 pages
Corrections in pencil; in AW’s hand
Per edits, pages have been reshuffled
Provenance: Bruce M. Creditor
folder 9 List of celebrities at the Algonquin
In ink; 11 pages  
Provenance: Gift of Herbert Kaplan
folder 10 The elegant refuge (draft part 1)
Typescript and ink; 128 pages
Provenance: Gift of Herbert Kaplan
folder 11 The elegant refuge (draft part 2)
Typescript and ink; 181 pages
Provenance: Gift of Herbert Kaplan
folder 12 [untitled]
Typescript; 7 pages
About The Sunlight Dialogues, visiting Milford Fargo’s relatives
folder 13 I’ll be around: A play with music                       
Based on the life, music and writings of Alec Wilder
First draft; labeled as “Lou’s copy”
Script; 33 pages
folder 14 The song writer
Typescript; 16 pages
folder 15 Litmus paper test
Typescript; 10 pages
folder 16 By the wind grieved
Typescript; 11 pages
folder 17 The rhododendrons
Typescript; 11 pages
folder 18 Poncho and the pigeons
Typescript; 19 pages
folder 19 Now
Typescript; 11 pages
folder 20 The amateur
Typescript; 17 pages
folder 21 Tony
Typescript; 5 pages

Box 3

folder 1 Donald and Mr. Constable
Typescript; 10 pages
folder 2 The son
Typescript; 21 pages
folder 3 The bobble birds
Typescript; 18 pages
folder 4 Mrs. Albertini
Typescript; 10 pages
folder 5 All of a piece
Typescript; 6 pages
folder 6 Every other inch a God
Typescript; 17 pages
folder 7 Mistaken identity
Typescript; 18 pages
folder 8 The “smalls”
Typescript; 13 pages
folder 9 Jack Spratt
Typescript; 9 pages
folder 10  The tappings
 Typescript; 13 pages
folder 11 Mister Bouquet
Typescript; 14 pages
folder 12 Another portrait of a lady
Typescript; 18 pages
In ink; 2 pages
folder 13 The difference
Typescript; 11 pages
folder 14 Jesus wept
Typescript; 5 pages
folder 15 The listener
Typescript; 7 pages
Accompanied by Hotel Algonquin tag reading, “Fred Binkley will call from Alec Wilder”; in ink
folder 16 The runaway
Typescript; 37 pages
folder 17 The be-ers
Typescript; 9 pages
folder 18 Further reflections on art and the artist
For AW
By James T Maher
Typescript; 4 pages
folder 19 [Untitled]
In ink; 20 pages
Parts written on Algonquin stationary
folder 20 Where do you go when it starts to rain?
In ink; 21 pages
folder 21 The elegant refuge
Typescript; 241 pages
folder 22  The elegant refuge
Manuscript; 219 pages
Accompanied by manila envelope

Box 4

folder 1 The elegant refuge
Pages grouped as found, not necessarily in order
Typescript; 130 pages
folder 2 The elegant refuge
Pages grouped as found, not necessarily in order
Typescript; 80 pages
folder 3 The elegant refuge
Pages grouped as found, not necessarily in order
Typescript; 110 pages
folder 4 The elegant refuge
Pages grouped as found, not necessarily in order
Typescript; 89 pages
folder 5 The elegant refuge
Pages grouped as found, not necessarily in order
Typescript; 126 pages