Wade Hall Collection of American Letters: Vass family letters

Abstract

The Vass family letters (dated 1931-1937, undated; 0.06 cubic feet; 2 folders) comprise postcards, letters, and sympathy cards that document the lives and deaths of the Vass family while they lived in Pembroke, Kentucky during the early part of the 20th century.

Descriptive Summary

Title: Wade Hall Collection of American Letters: Vass family letters

Date: 1931-1937, undated (inclusive)

Extent: 0.06 Cubic Feet

Subjects: Christmas cards.; Correspondence.; Death; Families -- Kentucky -- History -- 20th century; Letters.

Arrangement: Collection is arranged by subject. The Wade Hall Collection of American Letters has been processed into discrete collections based on provenance.

Finding Aid Author: Hanna Rumbarger

Preferred Citation: 2009ms132.0433: [identification of item], Wade Hall Collection of American Letters: Vass family letters, 1931-1937, undated, University of Kentucky Special Collections Research Center.

Repository: University of Kentucky

Collection Overview

Biography / History: The Vass family of Pembroke, Kentucky consisted of parents Charles Graves Vass (1851-1937) and Phoebe "Ollie" Peden Vass (1866-1947) and their children Ernest Allen Vass (1887-19550 and Ruby Vass Hurt (1899-1995). Charles and Phoebe wed in October of 1886 in Pembroke and shortly after started their family.; American Letters collector Wade Hall (1934-2015) was a native of Union Springs, Alabama. Starting in 1962, he lived in Louisville, where he taught English and chaired the English and Humanities/Arts programs at Kentucky Southern College and Bellarmine University. He also taught at the University of Illinois and the University of Florida. He held degrees from Troy State University (B.S.), the University of Alabama (M.A.), and the University of Illinois (Ph.D.). He served for two years in the U.S. Army in the mid-fifties. Dr. Hall was the author of books, monographs, articles, plays, and reviews relating to Kentucky, Alabama, and Southern history and literature. His most recent books include A Visit with Harlan Hubbard; High Upon a Hill: A History of Bellarmine College; A Song in Native Pastures: Randy Atcher's Life in Country Music; and Waters of Life from Conecuh Ridge.

Scope and Content: The Vass family letters (dated 1931-1937, undated; 0.06 cubic feet; 2 folders) comprise postcards, letters, and sympathy cards that document the lives and deaths of the Vass family while they lived in Pembroke, Kentucky during the early part of the 20th century. The collection contains one Christmas card sent to Charles and Phoebe in 1931 from a friend, as well as one post card from Charles brother, John M. Vass in 1934. The rest of the collection consists of sympathy cards and postcards sent to the Phoebe after the death of Charles in 1937. Different family members and friends send their condolences, as well suggestions for getting through her grief.; The Vass family letters are part of the Wade Hall Collection of American Letter, which includes correspondence and diaries from all over North America covering the time period of the Civil to Korean Wars. The materials were collected by Wade Hall and document everyday men and women.

Restrictions on Access and Use

Conditions Governing Access: Collection is open to researchers by appointment.

Use Restrictions: The physical rights to the materials in this collection are held by the University of Kentucky Special Collections Research Center.

Contents of the Collection

Letters to Mrs. Charles Vass, 1931-1937

Box WH-25, folder 13

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Sympathy cards, 1937, undated

Box WH-25, folder 14

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Abstract
Descriptive Summary
Collection Overview
Preferred Citation
Restrictions on Access and Use
Contents of the Collection

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