Norman Edson papers, undated (before 1971)

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Edson, Norman,  -1968
Title
Norman Edson papers
Dates
undated (before 1971) (inclusive)
Quantity
0.18 cubic feet (1 box)
Collection Number
0884 (Accession No. 0884-001)
Summary
Memoir and poetry by painter, photographer and poet Norman Edson
Repository
University of Washington Libraries, Special Collections
Special Collections
University of Washington Libraries
Box 352900
Seattle, WA
98195-2900
Telephone: 2065431929
Fax: 2065431931
speccoll@uw.edu
Access Restrictions

Open to all users.

Request at UW

Languages
English

Biographical NoteReturn to Top

Painter, photographer, and poet Norman Stewart Edson was born in Montreal, Canada, in 1876. He was the son of Allen Edson, an oil painter whose paintings were purchased by Queen Victoria. After first studying in his father’s studio, Edson studied figure painting at the Delecuse Studio in Paris. He later taught art at Standstead College in Quebec, served as the head of the art department at the Omaha College of Music and Fine Arts, and taught classes in Vermont and in Everett, Washington. Edson was also a commercial photographer for thirty years, as well as a prolific writer who produced an autobiography, three books of poetry, and other poems that were published in national magazines.

Edson’s first experience in the Pacific Northwest occurred in 1905, when he traveled to Everett, Washington, where he performed many different odd jobs before working as a photographer’s apprentice under Bert J. Brush. He later opened his own studio and became well known for his photographs of Tulalip Indians, logging camps, and other Northwest scenes. After returning to Canada for four years in 1907, he once again settled in Washington with his wife, Henrietta, and daughter in 1911. Edson and his family resided for many years in Burton, Washington (on Vashon Island) and died in 1968.

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

Edson's memoir, "One Girl after Another," twenty-one poems by Edson, and two poems by other writers.

Use of the CollectionReturn to Top

Restrictions on Use

Creator's literary rights not transferred to the University of Washington Libraries.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Acquisition Information

Mrs. Edson, 4/11/1968, and on 1/13/1971

Processing Note

Processed by Jen MacDowell, 2016. During processing, accession 1517-001 was merged into accession 0884-001.

Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top

 

Memoir, "One Girl after Another", undatedReturn to Top

Container(s): Box-folder 1/1-3

Poetry by EdsonReturn to Top

Container(s) Description Dates
Box/Folder
1/4
"Best to Live Below"
undated
1/4
"The Chinook Wind"
undated
1/4
"The Cigar Store Indian"
undated
1/4
"Delphiniums"
undated
1/4
"The Forest Window"
undated
1/4
"Harmony"
undated
1/4
"Humming Birds"
undated
1/4
"The Indian Fiddler"
undated
1/4
"Kulshan (Mount Baker)"
undated
1/4
"The Light Upon the Hill"
undated
1/4
"Pilchuck Julia"
undated
1/4
"Recompense"
undated
1/4
"The Romance of Salmon Bay"
undated
1/4
"The Rose and Fell with the Tide"
undated
1/4
"Should Nature Organize?"
undated
1/4
"Sitcum Dolla Hyas Klose"
undated
1/4
"The Sky Canoe"
undated
1/4
"The Sun's Last Glow"
undated
1/4
"What's in a Name"
undated
1/4
"Why Totem Poles"
undated
1/4
"Who Beauty Sees"
undated

Poetry by othersReturn to Top

Container(s) Description Dates
Box/Folder
1/4
"Echos from the South" by The Twin Hummers
undated
1/4
"On Norman Edson" by Mrs. John Stanley
undated

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • Poets--Washington (State)--Vashon Island

Personal Names

  • Edson, Norman,  -1968--Archives

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • Personal Papers/Corporate Records (University of Washington)