Letters to Minnie Whiteside

Scope and Content

This series contains both original and copy letters sent to Minnie by various correspondents over a long period, although the majority post-date Wallace's death. Minnie kept in touch with many of Wallace's contacts and with their mutual friends both in Britain and across the Atlantic. Correspondents include: remaining members of the Bolton Whitman fellowship, such as Fred Wild, John Ormrod, and William Broadhurst; other friends in Britain, such as Katharine Glasier and Caroline Eccles; Anne and Gertrude Traubel in America; and various Whitman enthusiasts in Canada, including the Bains, Saunders, and Aylwards.

Topics covered in the correspondence include: the last illness and death of Wallace; reminiscences of his life, character and exceptional gifts; news of family and friends; Minnie's attempts to sell some of Wallace's Whitman books, and to find homes for his manuscripts; the Bolton collection of Whitman material; and the world of Whitman collecting, particularly in 1950s America. Occasional references are made to Minnie's changes of address: after the death of Wallace she seems to have moved back to Bolton, where she remained until the 1950s, residing at various addresses, including 34 Brooklyn Street, 31 Arkwright Street, 20 Aldersyde Street, and 23 Roseneath Road.

All letters are autograph and consist of one sheet of paper unless stated otherwise.