A Guide to the Papers of
Joanne De Longchamps
Collection No. 84-09

Joanne De Longchamps

Joanne Cutten de Longchamps was born in Los Angeles in 1923 and attended schools in Los Angeles and Paris, where she studied painting and music. She was encouraged to pursue her artistic and literary talents by her mother, herself a drama coach and producer. When Joanne was 18 she married Galen de Longchamps, the son of a prominent Nevada architect, and moved to Reno, where she lived for the rest of her life.

From an early age, poetry dominated de Longchamps' life. She wrote her first poem at the age of 5, and her poems were regularly published in her school newspaper. She took poetry seriously and was persistent in her efforts to publish, eventually publishing poems in more than 300 magazines and producing seven volumes of poetry. She won the Reynold's Lyric Award, the Carolina Quarterly Award, and the Nevada Governor's Art Award for Literature in 1983. In 1989 she was inducted in the Nevada Writer's Hall of Fame.

In the 1950s, de Longchamps began exploring the medium of collage as a way of adding a visual element to her poetry. She audited virtually every course offered by the Art Department at the University of Nevada, Reno, and became involved with both campus and community galleries. Joanne de Longchamps accumulated several awards for her artwork, which was exhibited throughout Nevada and northern California.

Thematically, both de Longchamps' poetry and art embraces the natural and animal world, and after moving to Reno her poems focus on a distinctly Nevadan landscape. She loved the air, open spaces, and light of Nevada, and imbedded in her poems and collages are images of stones, insects, mountains, animals, and the colors and sounds of the high desert.

Beginning in 1962, and continuing intermittently for the next decade, de Longchamps taught poetry at the University of Nevada, Reno, and in 1973 she was appointed the first Walter Van Tilburg Clark Chair in Creative Writing. Throughout her career, she continued to attend poetry workshops, give readings, and lecture to clubs and student groups on the subject of poetry.

de Longchamps is listed in Who's Who in Poetry; World Who's Who of Women; Who's Who of American Women; Writer's Directory; Directory of American Poets; Dictionary of International Biography; and Contemporary Authors. Shortly before her death in 1983, she received an Honorary Doctor of Letters degree from the University of Nevada, Reno.

Scope and Content

The Joanne de Longchamps papers comprise 9 cubic feet of material and span fifty years. The majority of the papers were bequeathed to Special Collections upon de Longchamps' death in 1983, and another small group of materials was donated in 1993. One cubic foot of de Longchamps' letters to Harold Witt were purchased from Witt's widow in 1995.

The papers consist primarily of materials relating to de Longchamps' career as a poet. Document types represent all aspects of her poetic endeavors, from journals containing ideas and images, to final printed versions of her poems. Journals and magazines containing individual poems have not been retained, although the title pages and poems have been photocopied. Although there are several folders entitled "Published poems," there is no complete listing of de Longchamps' published poetry. All seven volumes of poetry published in her lifetime are contained in the papers, as well as one unpublished manuscript.

A significant amount of materials in this group consists of publisher's correspondence. Early in her career this takes the form of unsigned rejection forms; within a few years, however, the rejections become more personal and interspersed with acceptances. The original chronological arrangement has been retained. Publisher correspondence relating to specific books has been kept with the manuscript, personal correspondence, and reviews of each book. Except for an occasional check stub or royalty statement, there are no financial records in the collection, and except for one publisher's contract, there are no legal materials.

A small group of materials relates specifically to de Longchamps' artistic endeavors, especially the collages she created to complement her poetry. Only a few sketches and drawings exist, all undated and untitled. Most of the material in this group consists of a spotty account of de Longchamps' exhibitions. Correspondence relating specifically to her collage work retains its original separateness from poetry and personal correspondence. Except for two collages held in the Art Department at the University of Nevada, Reno, all of de Longchamps' collages have been either sold or given to friends.

About a third of the material consists of de Longchamps' personal papers, including personal correspondence. Prominent among the correspondence are letters to and from Harold Witt, a fellow poet and lifetime friend. The correspondence includes lengthy discussions of poetry and art, and often contains poems and criticism from one poet to the other. Also noteworthy is the correspondence from Robert Caples, a friend and fellow artist in Reno. All correspondence is arranged first alphabetically and then chronologically. There are no letters or memorabilia from her husband or her son.

Books which were part of de Longchamps' library were transferred to either the Special Collections or Main library stacks, and photocopies of title pages remain with the papers. Photographs were extracted from the collection and are housed in the photo archives.

The papers of Joanne de Longchamps have been divided into three series:

I: Literary career

Materials in this grouping consist of papers relating to all aspects of de Longchamps' literary endeavors. Although the majority of the papers focus on writing and publishing poetry, there is a small group of manuscript stories, never published, as well as drafts and final versions of Reno, fantastic Reno, composed by de Longchamps in 1973. Poetry notebooks, manuscript and typescript versions of poems, records of submissions, and publisher correspondence make up the bulk of these materials.

Also included in this series are materials relating to de Longchamps' career as a teacher and speaker. Clippings, articles, lecture notes, and other curriculum materials for classes taught at the University of Nevada, Reno, are included, as well as speech drafts for talks given to various student and community groups.

II: Artistic career

Materials in this series relate to de Longchamps' artistic endeavors, particularly in the medium of collage. A few early sketches and drawings are included, but most of the material relates to announcements by various galleries of upcoming exhibits; these materials are arranged alphabetically by gallery and then chronologically. One group of materials, chronologically arranged, contains materials on Pinon Gallery, which de Longchamps was a member and part owner of, and consists of newsletters and gallery business. The exhibit correspondence is arranged chronologically and consists of invitations to exhibit, exhibit programs and arrangements, purchases, and clippings and reviews.

III: Personal papers

Materials in this series reflect de Longchamps' personal life, and consist of diaries, memorabilia, school notebooks, scrapbooks, clippings relating to current events, and personal correspondence. This series contains extensive correspondence to and from Harold Vernon Witt, a California poet and de Longchamps' lifelong friend. The de Longchamps-Witt correspondence spans forty years and, like all personal correspondence in this series, is arranged chronologically.

 

Series I Literary career. 1928-1983. 5 cu. ft.

Box 1

I/1-17 Notebooks of manuscript prose and poetry. 1940-1971.

The notebooks of manuscript prose and poetry contain diary-like descriptions of daily life, study notes, quotes, fragmented observations and thoughts, and the beginnings of poems.

I/1 Notebook of ms. prose and poetry, 1940-1941

I/2 Notebook of ms. prose and poetry, 1947-1952

I/3 Notebook of ms. prose and poetry, 1952-1954

I/4 Notebook of ms. prose and poetry, 1954-1955

I/5 Notebook of ms. prose and poetry, 1956-1957

I/6 Notebook of ms. prose and poetry, 1957-1959

I/7 Notebook of ms. prose and poetry, 1957-1960

I/8 Notebook of ms. prose and poetry, 1959-1960

I/9 Notebook of ms. prose and poetry, 1960-1962

I/10 Notebook of ms. prose and poetry, 1962-1963

I/11 Notebook of ms. prose and poetry, 1963-1964

I/12 Notebook of ms. prose and poetry, 1965-[1966], Greece Trip

I/13 Notebook of ms. prose and poetry, 1963-1967

I/14 Notebook of ms. prose and poetry, 1969-1970

I/15 Notebook of ms. prose and poetry, 1971-1972

I/16 Notebook of ms. prose and poetry, 1973-1981

I/17 Notebook of ms. prose and poetry, 1981-1983

I/18-29. Poetry notebooks. 1928-1959. 12 folders.

The poetry notebooks contain poems only, usually typescripts, some published.

I/18 Poetry notebook, 1928-1937

I/19 Poetry notebook, 1938

I/20 Poetry notebook, 1939

I/21 Poetry notebook, 1940-1942

I/22 Poetry notebook, 1943-1944

I/23 Poetry notebook, 1945

I/24 Poetry notebook, 1946-1947

I/25 Poetry notebook, 1947-1952

I/26 Poetry notebook, 1950-1953

I/27 Poetry notebook, 1955-1956

I/28 Poetry notebook, 1957-1958

I/29 Poetry notebook, 1959

 

Box 2

I/30-37. Records of submissions. 1942-1980. 8 folders.

The journals of work submitted for publication consist of a chronological record of poems submitted to specific publications, the number of times the poem was submitted, and whether it was accepted or rejected.

I/30 Record of submissions, 1942-1981, including sale of collages

I/31 Record of submissions, 1942-1959

I/32 Record of submissions, 1944-1950

I/33 Record of submissions, 1959-1981

I/34 Record of submissions, 1960-1980

I/35 Trace issues, 1953-1959, showing journals selected for submissions.

I/36 Trace issues, 1963-1964, showing journals selected for submissions.

I/37 Trace issues, 1967-1968, showing journals selected for submissions.

I/38-50 Single poems. 1937-1983. 13 folders.

The folders of single poems may be drafts or final versions, published and unpublished, in either manuscript or typescript form; many are undated and untitled.

I/38 Ms. poem outlines and verse to be revised. 1936-

I/39 Draft poems, undated

I/40 Draft poems, 1947; 1954; 1963; not dated.

I/41 Draft poems, ca 1962-1963

I/42 Poems, 1937-1952

I/43 Poems, 1940-1942, given to JDL's mother

I/44 Poems, some published, 1942-1947, not dated.

I/45 Poems, 1954-1980

I/46 Dionysus," ca.1960

I/47 Poems, published, 1960-1968

I/48 Poems, most published, 1969-1983

I/49 "Frogs," [1970]

I/50 Last poems and others, 1983

 

I/51-78 Poetry collections. 1955-1982. 28 folders.

The folders of collected poems include draft and final manuscript versions for de Longchamps' published books, as well as correspondence with publishers and reviews.

I/51 Eden under glass ms.

I/5 Publisher's correspondence regarding EUG, 1955-1959

I/53 Personal correspondence regarding EUG, 1957

I/54 Reviews of EUG, 1957-1959

I/55 The hungry lions ms.

I/56 Publisher's correspondence regarding THL, 1960-1962

I/57 Publisher's correspondence regarding THL, 1963-1975

I/58 Personal correspondence regarding THL, 1963

I/59 Reviews of THL, 1963-1964

I/60 The winter dancer ms. (unpublished)

I/61 Publisher's correspondence regarding TWD, 1965-1968

 

Box 3

I/62 The wishing animal ms.

I/63 Publisher's correspondence regarding TWA,1968-Jan. 1970

I/64 Publisher's correspondence regarding TWA, Feb. 1970-Oct. 1970

I/65 Publisher's correspondence regarding TWA, Nov. 1970-1980.

I/66 Personal correspondence regarding TWA, 1970-1971

I/67 Reviews of TWA, 1970-1972

I/68 The schoolhouse poems ms.

I/69 Publisher's correspondence regarding TSP, 1974-1975

I/70 Personal correspondence regarding TSP, 1975-1976

I/71 Reviews of TSP, 1976

I/72 One creature ms.

I/73 OC ms., notes.

I/74 Personal correspondence regarding OC, 1977-1980

I/75 Reviews of OC, 1977-1978

I/76 Warm bloods, cold bloods ms.

I/77 Publisher's correspondence, reviews of WBCB, 1981

I/78 Personal correspondence regarding WBCB, 1981-1982

 

I/79-112 Poetry correspondence. 1947-1982. 34 folders.

The poetry correspondence consists of letters of either acceptance or rejection for de Longchamps' individual poems.

I/79 Poetry correspondence, 1947-1948

I/80 Poetry correspondence, 1949-1952

I/81 Poetry correspondence, 1949-1952, undated

I/82 Poetry correspondence, 1953

I/83 Poetry correspondence, 1954

I/84 Poetry correspondence, 1955

I/85 Poetry correspondence, 1953-1955, undated

I/86 Poetry correspondence, 1956

I/87 Poetry correspondence, 1957

I/88 Poetry correspondence, 1958

I/89 Poetry correspondence, 1956-1958, undated

I/90 Poetry correspondence, 1959

I/91 Poetry correspondence, 1959, undated

I/92 Poetry correspondence, 1960-1961

I/93 Poetry correspondence, 1960-1961, undated

I/94 Poetry correspondence, 1962

I/95 Poetry correspondence, 1962, undated

 

Box 4

 I/96 Poetry correspondence, 1963-1964

I/97 Poetry correspondence, 1963-1964, undated

I/98 Poetry correspondence, 1965-1966

I/99 Poetry correspondence, 1965-1966, undated

I/100 Poetry correspondence, 1967-1969

I/101 Poetry correspondence, 1967-1969, undated

I/102 Poetry correspondence, 1970; undated

I/103 Poetry correspondence, 1971; undated

I/104 Poetry correspondence, 1972; undated

I/105 Poetry correspondence, 1973; undated

I/106 Poetry correspondence, 1974; undated

I/107 Poetry correspondence,1975; undated

I/108 Poetry correspondence, 1976; undated

I/109 Poetry correspondence, 1977-1978; undated

I/110 Poetry correspondence, 1979; undated

I/111 Poetry correspondence, 1980-1982; undated

I/112 Poetry correspondence, undated

 

I/113-137 Record of published work. 1944-1983. 24 folders.

Photocopies of poems published in magazines and literary journals.

I/113 Published poems, 1944-1945

I/114 Published poems, 1946-1947

I/115 Published poems, 1949-1950

I/116 Published poems, 1951

I/117 Published poems, 1952-1953

I/118 Published poems, 1954-1955

I/119 Published poems, 1956-1957

I/120 Published poems, 1958-1959

I/121 Published poems, 1960-1961

I/122 Published poems, 1962-1963

I/123 Published poems, 1964-1965

I/124 Published poems, 1966-1967

I/125 Published poems, 1968-1969

I/126 Published poems, 1970-1971

I/127 Published poems, 1972-1973

I/128 Published poems, 1974-1975

I/129 Published poems, 1976-1977

I/130 Published poems, 1983

I/131 And ever Venus, 1944.

I/132 Eden under glass, 1957.

I/133 The hungry lions, 1963 and reprint, 1974.

I/134 The wishing animal, 1970.

I/135 The schoolhouse poems, 1975.

I/136 One creature: poems and collages, 1971. 2 copies.

I/137 Warm bloods, cold bloods: poems and collages, 1981. 3 copies.

 

Box 5

I/138-141 Prose work.

I/138 Ms. stories, poems, undated.

I/139 "Unfinished material"-stories, undated.

I/140 Triplet stories, undated.

I/141 Reno, fantastic Reno: ms., sheet music, clippings. 1973.

 

I/142-144 Journals edited by Joanne de Longchamps

I/142 Destinies. 1944.

I/143 Nevada Magazine. 1945.

I/144 Brushfire. 1961; undated.

 

I/145-154.  Poetry workshops, meetings, lectures, and associations.

 I/145 Penwomen poetry contest 1956-1957

I/146 Poetry club, 1957

I/147 Poetry meetings, 1962

I/148 Poetry Society of America membership rosters. 1954-1983.

I/149 Reviews. 1959-1964.

I/150 Clippings. 1957-1982.

I/151 Commencement, University of Nevada, Reno, 1983. Honorary Doctor of Letters degree.

I/152 Lectures, speeches, and talks on poetry. 1944-1976

I/153 Notes on meanings of words.

I/154 Clippings on writers and writings.

I/155 Curriculum materials for UNR poetry class. 1962.

I/156 Poetry class, 1962.

I/157 Poetry lecture notes, 1965-1974 and undated.

I/158-170.     Works by others.

I/158 Work by de Longchamps' students, Spring 1971.

I/159 Work by de Longchamps' students, Spring 1971.

I/160 Term papers by de Longchamps' students, Spring 1971.

I/161 Papers and poetry by de Longchamps' students, Spring 1972

I/162 Papers and poetry by de Longchamps' students, Fall 1972

I/163 Prose, autobiographical sketch and clippings for 1973 UNR class.

I/164 Poetry typescripts, some by others, some may be de Longchamps', ca 1972.

I/165 Prose and poetry by other authors/ Title pages of books in JdL's library.

I/166 Bliss, Marc F. "Marc's epistles." Poetry and correspondence, 1970-1972.

I/167 DeLongchamps, Fred. "Man above self." Essay, 1956-1958.

I/168 Hanson, Nels. "Whittlewhite." Short story, not dated.

I/169 Jennings, Elaine. Poetry and correspondence, 1971.

I/170 Witt, Harold. "Eros on the shield: a play about Alcibiades." not dated.

 

Box 6

Series II Artistic career. 1928-1991.  0.25 cu. ft.

Records in this series consist primarily of gallery announcements of de Longchamps' shows, correspondence with various galleries, and membership material for the Pinon Gallery. Color slides of the Twentieth Century Club show were extracted to the photo archives.

II/1 Drawings, undated.   

II/2/1-2 Exhibits and shows. 1961-1991

II/3 Pinon Gallery membership materials, newsletter, exhibit accounts. 1974-1977.

II/4 Pinon Gallery exhibits 1975-1977.

II/5 Twentieth Century Club awards, ribbons, correspondence. 1968-1977.

II/6 Correspondence about exhibits, 1962-1983.

II/7 Misc. art, see manuscript map case.

II/8 Clippings.

 

Series III Personal papers. 1930-1983.     3.75 cu. ft.

III/1 Diary. 1934-Paris.

III/2 Daily diaries. 1934, 1937, 1940.

III/3 Diary. 1947.

III/4 Diary and short story. 1962-1963.

III/5 Autobiography. ca. 1945.

III/6 Scrapbook, ca. 1974, entitled "This is Joanne."

III/7 Calendar with appointments. 1962.

III/8 Saved articles.

III/9 Sheet music. 1909, 1926, 1933.

III/10 Richardson v. Board of Regents clippings

III/11/1 Death certificate, 1983

 

III/11-20 Student work and papers. 1931-1974.

III/11/2 School report on China. 1931.

III/12 Story of Opal (1920) and 1931 calendar.

III/13 Carthay Center Pioneer. 1930-1931.

III/14 Institut Saint Pierre, France. ca1934-1935.

III/15 French primer, not dated.

III/16 Report cards, diplomas.

III/17 Los Angeles City College Point

III/18 Los Angeles City College pennant

III/19 Class notes, "Philosophy of History," [1959-1960?]

III/20 Class notes, "Literary History," 1974.

 

III/21-26 Youthful memorabilia

III/21 Programs, tickets. 1934-1939.

III/22 Clippings. 1934-1941.

III/23 Empty scrapbook (originally held Canyon Herald issues)

III/24 Canyon Herald. 1936.

III/25 Genealogical notes

III/26 Religious cards.

Two scrapbooks are in Box 11 and one small chest containing paper dolls are housed in Box 10.

 

Box 7

III/27-48.  Correspondence. 1934-1983.

III/27 Early correspondence, greeting cards, etc., undated.

III/28 Correspondence to Joanne. Jan.-Oct., 1934.

III/29 Correspondence to Joanne while in France. Nov.-Dec. 1934.

III/30 Greeting cards. 1934-1936.

III/31 Correspondence to Joanne. 1935.

III/32 Correspondence to Joanne. 1936

III/33 Correspondence to Joanne. 1937-1938.

III/34 Correspondence to Joanne. 1939-1940

III/35 Correspondence to Joanne. 1941-1983.

III/36 Correspondence from Robert Caples. 1966-1973

III/37 Correspondence from Robert Caples. 1974-1976

III/38 Correspondence from Robert Caples. 1977-1979.

III/39 Cards and clippings from Robert Caples. 1970-1980.

III/40 Correspondence from Rosemary Caples. 1980.

III/41 Correspondence to Ruth Avery Cutten, undated.

III/42 Correspondence to Ruth Avery Cutten from JdL. 1934-1935.

III/43 Correspondence to Ruth Avery Cutten from JdL. 1950-1951.

III/44 Ruth Avery Cutten clippings, programs, notes. 1937-1943.

III/45 The servant in the house (1908) and Seven short plays (1903) owned by Ruth Avery Cutten.

III/46 Correspondence to William L. Fox and unpublished ms., "The glass hammer." 1973-1983. (Originals in 93­39/II/la, William L. Fox Papers.)

III/47 Correspondence from Beverlee Shafer. 1962-1973.

III/48 Correspondence from Chuck Yates. 1970-1973.

Subseries I.  Harold Witt correspondence. 1944-1983. cu. ft.

III/I/1 Correspondence from Harold Witt. 1944-1949.

III/I/2 Correspondence from Harold Witt. 1950-1952.

III/I/3 Correspondence from Harold Witt. 1952-1955.

III/I/4 Correspondence from Harold Witt. 1956-1957.

III/I/5 Correspondence from Harold Witt. 1958-1959

 

Box 8

III/I/6 Correspondence from Harold Witt. Jan. 1960-Aug., 1960.

III/I/7 Correspondence from Harold Witt. Sept.1960-Feb. 1961.

III/I/8 Correspondence from Harold Witt. Mar.1961-June 1961.

III/I/9 Correspondence from Harold Witt. July 1961

III/I/10 Correspondence from Harold Witt. 1962

III/I/11 Correspondence from Harold Witt. Jan.1963-June 1963

III/I/12 Correspondence from Harold Witt. July 1963

III/I/13 Correspondence from Harold Witt. 1965

III/I/14 Correspondence from Harold Witt. 1965

III/I/15 Correspondence from Harold Witt. 1966

III/I/16 Correspondence from Harold Witt. 1967

III/I/17 Correspondence from Harold Witt. 1968

III/1/18 Correspondence from Harold Witt. Jan.1969-June 1969

III/I/19 Correspondence from Harold Witt. July 1969-Dec. 1969

III/I/20 Correspondence from Harold Witt. Jan. 1970-July 1970

III/1/21 Correspondence from Harold Witt. Aug. 1970-Dec. 1970

III/1/22 Correspondence from Harold Witt. 1971.

III/1/23 Correspondence from Harold Witt. Jan.1972-July 1972

III/1/24 Correspondence from Harold Witt. Aug. 1972-Dec. 1972

III/1/25 Correspondence from Harold Witt. Jan. 1973-July 1973

III/1/26 Correspondence from Harold Witt. Aug. 1973-Dec. 1973

III/1/27 Correspondence from Harold Witt. Jan.1974-June 1974

III/1/28 Correspondence from Harold Witt. July 1974-Dec. 1974

III/1/29 Correspondence from Harold Witt. Jan.1975-June 1975

III/I/30 Correspondence from Harold Witt. July1975-Dec. 1975

III/I/31 Correspondence from Harold Witt.Jan.1976-July 1976

III/1/32 Correspondence from Harold Witt. Aug. 1976-June 1977

III/1/33 Correspondence from Harold Witt. July 1977-Dec. 1977

III/1/34 Correspondence from Harold Witt. 1978.

 

Box 9

III/1/35 Correspondence from Harold Witt. 1979

III/1/36 Correspondence from Harold Witt. 1980

III/1/37 Correspondence from Harold Witt. 1981

III/1/38 Correspondence from Harold Witt. 1982

III/1/39 Correspondence from Harold Witt. 1983

III/1/40 Harold Witt poetry

III/1/41 Correspondence from Emily Witt Domazlicky. Nov. 1982- Sept. 1983

III/1/42 Correspondence to Harold Witt, 1940's [1945], some 1950's; undated.

III/1/43 Correspondence to Harold Witt. 1950-1954

III/1/44 Correspondence to Harold Witt. 1958-1960.

III/1/45 Correspondence to Harold Witt. 1961-1963.

III/1/46 Correspondence to Harold Witt. 1964-1966.

III/1/47 Correspondence to Harold Witt. 1967-1969.

III/1/48 Correspondence to Harold Witt. 1970-1973.

III/1/49 Correspondence to Harold Witt. 1974-1976.

III/1/50 Correspondence to Harold Witt. 1977-1980.

III/1/51 Correspondence to Harold Witt. 1981-1983

III/1/52 Correspondence, articles, ms. to Harold Witt, undated.