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Merton G. L. and Lula Bailey papers

 Collection
Identifier: M007

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Scope and Content

The collection contains correspondence, notes, drafts, photographs, and clippings. There are letters relating to Lula Bailey's bookplate collection, to Merton Bailey's Bowdoin classmates and colleagues, and his efforts to get books signed by authors, such as Booth Tarkington, Edna Ferber, Stephen Vincent Benet, Pearl Buck, and Upton Sinclair, as well as an extensive exchange with illustrator Edward C. Caswell. There are notes concerning Louis Adamic, and a fragmentary draft of Thames Williamson's Hunkey. The papers are supplemented by Lula Bailey's extensive bookplate collection.

Dates

  • Creation: 1904-1967, undated
  • Creation: Majority of material found within 1914 - 1948

Creator

Biographical/Historical Note

Merton G.L. Bailey (1888-1969), of Bowdoin's class of 1911, was circulation manager, managing editor, and director of Vickery & Hill Publishing Co. of Augusta, Maine, 1911-1941. From 1930 to 1941, Bailey was also director of Needlecraft Publishing Co. After leaving Vickery & Hill, Bailey worked for Williams Realty in Augusta (1941-60), serving as Vice-President from 1946-48. He was also active in city government and in the state and national Unitarian associations.

In 1931, Bailey, a book collector, married Lula Barber (d.1969), an avid bookplate collector who corresponded actively with other collectors and with celebrities from whom she hoped to obtain bookplates.

Extent

1 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Merton G. L. Bailey (Bowdoin 1911) worked in publishing, real estate, and government. His wife, Lula Bailey, was an avid bookplate collector. Their papers contain notes, photographs, clippings, and correspondence, much of which relates to Lula Bailey's bookplate collection, to Merton Bailey's Bowdoin classmates and colleagues, and his efforts to get books signed by notable authors. Lula Bailey's sizable bookplate collection is also included.

Related Names

Finding Aid & Administrative Information

Title
Guide to the Merton G. L. and Lula Bailey Papers
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Repository Details

Part of the George J. Mitchell Department of Special Collections & Archives, Bowdoin College Library, Brunswick, Maine 04011 Repository

http://library.bowdoin.edu/arch/index.shtml
Contact:
3000 College Station
Brunswick Maine 04011 USA
(207) 725-3288

Acknowledgment of non-neutrality

The George J. Mitchell Department of Special Collections & Archives, like all archives and special collections libraries, is the creation of human beings who have collected, organized, and described things in ways that reflect personal, cultural, societal, and institutional biases. Although we strive to preserve and present collections in a manner that is respectful to the individuals and communities who create, use, and are represented in the collections, we acknowledge that our systems are neither neutral nor perfect. We encourage you to let us know if you encounter materials, descriptive language, or practices that are offensive or harmful, particularly those for which inadequate context or warning is offered. We are committed to modifying and updating our descriptive practices to use respectful and inclusive terminology and appreciate your help in this work. We look forward to supporting you in your research and learning together.