Processed by: Archives Staff ; machine-readable finding aid created by:Eric Weig
Rebecca Caudill papers
1919-1984
University of Kentucky Special CollectionsLexington, Kentucky 40506
Manuscript series: Books, arranged chronologically. Manuscript series: Poetry and short stories, arranged alphabetically by title. Article and pamphlet series, arranged alphabetically by name of publication, thereunder chronologically. Lecture series, arranged chronologically. Personal series, arranged chronologically.
Collection is open for research.
[Identification of item], Rebecca Caudill papers, 1919-1984, 1VF63M269, Special Collections, University of Kentucky.
33 cubic ft. (66 boxes)
Author Rebecca Caudill was born in Harlan County, Kentucky, in 1899, and frequently drew upon her Appalachian background for material in her writings. After attending Wesleyan College in Macon, Georgia, and Vanderbilt University, she taught in Tennessee and Brazil, worked as an editor in Nashville, and traveled extensively. She married James S. Ayars in 1931, and it was only after their children were in school that she took up writing in earnest. She wrote mainly for children. She died in 1985.
The collection consists primarily of materials related to Ms. Caudill's work as a writer. It includes drafts and final versions of stories, including many written for THE PORTAL, magazine articles, and her published novels, BARRIE AND DAUGHTER, HAPPY LITTLE FAMILY, TREE OF FREEDOM, SCHOOLHOUSE IN THE WOODS, UP AND DOWN THE RIVER, SATURDAY COUSINS, THE HOUSE OF THE FIFERS, SUSAN CORNISH, SCHOOLROOM IN THE PARLOR, TIME FOR LISSA, HIGGINS AND THE GREAT BIG SCARE, THE BEST-LOVED DOLL, THE FAR-OFF LAND, A POCKETFUL OF CRICKET, A CERTAIN SMALL SHEPHERD, DID YOU CARRY THE FLAG TODAY, CHARLEY?, MY APPALACHIA, CONTRARY JENKINS, COME ALONG, SOMEBODY GO AND BANG A DRUM and WIND, SAND AND SKY. Included also are the manuscripts of nine unpublished works, ARTHUR'S GIRL, BIG BEAR HUNT, CHILDREN OF APPALACHIA, DAVY CROCKETT, HOUSE THAT JACK LIVED IN, RED DAWN, STILL NO ROOM, and WHERE ARE YOU CROW?
Also included are correspondence with editors, publishers, etc., book reviews, radio scripts adapted from her works, lecture notes, personal correspondence, biographical materials, photographs, newspaper clippings, scrapbooks, memorabilia, and twelve reels of recording tape of interviews conducted by Ms. Caudill as part of her research for MY APPALACHIA.