Wade Hall Collection of American Letters: Anita Kirker papers

Abstract

The Anita Kirker papers (dated 1926-1939; 0.25 cubic feet; 1 box, 1 folder) comprise one memory book and a homemade book that document the life of Anita Kirker living in Savannah, Georgia in the 1920s and 1930s.

Descriptive Summary

Title: Wade Hall Collection of American Letters: Anita Kirker papers

Date: 1926-1939 (inclusive)

Creator: Kirker, Anita

Extent: 0.25 Cubic Feet

Subjects: Memory books.; Autobiography.; Families.; Women -- Employment; Man-woman relationships -- United States -- 20th century; Education -- Women.; Friendship.

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

Finding Aid Author: Sarah Coblentz

Preferred Citation: 2009ms132.1070: [identification of item], Wade Hall Collection of American Letters: Anita Kirker papers, 1926-1939, University of Kentucky Special Collections Research Center.

Repository: University of Kentucky

Collection Overview

Biography / History: Anita Kirker (1912-1992) was born in Ohio to Earl Kirker (1886-1964) and Priscilla Koehler (1889-1968). By 1930, the family was living in Georgia. By 1940, Anita was married to William Dickman (1904-1981). No other biographical information available.; 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 Anita Kirker papers (dated 1926-1939; 0.25 cubic feet; 1 box, 1 folder) comprise one memory book and a homemade book that document the life of Anita Kirker living in Savannah, Georgia in the 1920s and 1930s. The memory book includes photographs, programs, calling cards, invitations, letters, homework, school report cards, notes from friends, autographs from celebrities, newspaper clippings, wedding announcements, school pennants, and personal notes. The homemade book, titled "A Book of Sorts", details a decade of Anita's life, from her attending college to become a secretary, making friends, getting employed, going on dates, moving with her mother, breaking off relationships, changing jobs, desires to take the Civil Service exam, her mother's divorce, and her acceptance of a marriage proposal.; The Anita Kirker papers collection is part of the Wade Hall Collection of American Letters, 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

"A Book of Sorts", 1929-1939

Box WH-151, folder 1

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Memory book, 1926-1932

Box 1

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

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