Ruth Gipson Plowhead Papers

Ruth Gipson Plowhead Papers, 1931-1956

Overview of the Collection

Title: Ruth Gipson Plowhead Papers
Dates: 1931-1956 (inclusive)
19311956
Quantity: 3 linear feet, (2 oversize boxes)
Collection Number: MSS 237
Summary: Ruth Gipson Plowhead, children's author and newspaper editor, wrote eight books all published by Caxton Printers. Her small collection consists of biographical information (including information about illustrators she worked with) as well as manuscript drafts and original artwork used in her books.
Repository: Boise State University Library, Special Collections and Archives
Special Collections and Archives
1910 University Drive
Boise ID
83725
Telephone: 2084263990
archives@boisestate.edu
Access Restrictions: Collection is available for research.
Languages: English

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

The collection consists of brief biographical information about Plowhead (including two photographs) as well as brief biographical information about three illustrators she work with for her books. Also in the collection are undated typed manuscript drafts from several of her books. Original artwork, including proofs and dust jacket mock-ups, are included from several of her books.

A typescript of her memoirs, "Silver Heels: A Memory Book of Pioneering in the Far West," is available at Lehigh University in the Lawrence Henry Gipson Papers (Box 103, Folder 4). The memoirs were never published.

See also the Plowhead's collection housed at the University of Oregon's Special Collections.

Biographical NoteReturn to Top

Ruth Gipson Plowhead (1877-1968) was an author of eight juvenile books, the most well known of which was her "Lucretia Ann" series. All of her books were published by Caxton Printers of Idaho, a Caldwell-based publishing firm founded by her brother, James H. Gipson. She also regularly contributed to Child Life magazine as well as Better Homes and Gardens and Garden Magazine.

She married Edward Hayes Plowhead on June 20, 1906.

Use of the CollectionReturn to Top

Preferred Citation

[item description], Ruth Gipson Plowhead Papers, Box [number], Folder [number], Boise State University Special Collections and Archives.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Acquisition Information

Donated to Boise State by the Idaho State Library in 2005. Material was previously used in an exhibit at ISL.

Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top

Container(s)		Description	Dates
Box	Folder
1	1	Ruth Gipson Plowhead Biographical Information	1949-1959
1	2	Johanna Lund Biographical Information	undated
1	3	Agnes Randall Moore Biographical Information (includes photograph)	1956
1	4	Marguerite de Angeli Biographical Information	undated
1	5	The Silver Nightingale Manuscript Drafts	undated
1	6	Manuscript Drafts	undated
2	1	Lucretia Ann on the Oregon Trail Original Illustrations	1931
2	2	Lucretia Ann in the Golden West Original Illustrations	1935
2	3	Josie and Joe Picture and Dust Jacket Proofs	1938
2	4	Holidays with Betty Sue and Sally Lou Picture and Jacket Proofs	1939
2	5	Holidays with Betty Sue and Sally Lou Picture Page Proofs	1939
2	6	Mile High Cabin Dust Jacket Proof	1945
2	7	The Silver Nightingale Original Illustrations	1955

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