Jay J. Kalez Papers, 1960-1973
Table of Contents
Overview of the Collection
- Creator
- Kalez, Jay J.
- Title
- Jay J. Kalez Papers
- Dates
- 1960-1973 (inclusive)19601973
- Quantity
- 4 containers., (1.5 linear feet of shelf space.), (200 items.)
- Collection Number
- Cage 162
- Summary
- Typescript drafts, research notes, clippings, correspondence, photos and other sources for his books: Saga of a western town (1972), This town of ours (1973), and Harnessed waters (1976).
- Repository
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Washington State University Libraries' Manuscripts, Archives, and Special Collections (MASC)
Manuscripts, Archives, and Special Collections
Terrell Library Suite 12
Pullman, WA
99164-5610
Telephone: 509-335-6691
mascref@wsu.edu - Access Restrictions
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This collection is open for research use.
- Languages
- English
- Sponsor
- Funding for encoding this finding aid was provided through a grant awarded by the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Biographical Note
Born into a pioneer family in 1895, newspaper man and historical buff Jay J. Kalez has been an ardent student of Spokane history since his youth. He served in the Navy in World War I, graduated from the University of Washington, and later began a career as a newspaperman and freelance writer of mystery, detective, and adventure stories. During the Great Depression Kalez was personnel director for the Spokane district of the Works Progress Administration. In addition, his work required that he become deeply involved with the District Federal Historical records and the Writers and Newspapers Indexing projects. He was also connected with several historical projects sponsored by Washington State University during this period. Familiarity with these historical projects of the Depression years added another dimension to Kalez's dual roles as civil servant and writer. For a time he served on the editorial staff of the Spokesman-Review and the Spokane Daily Chronicle. In 1965 Jay J. Kalez retired from U.S. Corps of Engineers. However, he continued freelance writing and has written many feature stories retelling the unique history of Spokane and eastern Washington from the viewpoint of a native resident.
Content Description
The Jay J. Kalez papers consist of typescript drafts of Kalez's Saga of a Western Town...Spokane (1972), This Town of Ours. . . Spokane (1973), and Harnessed Waters (1976). In addition, there are some research notes, clippings, and correspondence. Many of the chapters which comprise the above works originally appeared over several years as feature articles in Spokane newspapers.
Use of the Collection
Preferred Citation
[Item Description]. Cage 162, Jay J. Kalez Papers. Manuscripts, Archives, and Special Collections, Washington State University Libraries, Pullman, WA.
Administrative Information
Arrangement
The papers are arranged in four series. Each folder in series 1, 2, and 4 corresponds to a chapter in the Kalez works cited above. The author's original arrangement has been retained, each folder contains a typescript draft of his story about some personal experience or incident in Spokane history. A newspaper clipping, notes, and correspondence pertinent to each story (a chapter in one of his books) are also contained in each folder. Series 3 contains typescript drafts of speeches and informal talks.
Acquisition Information
The Jay J. Kalez papers were donated to Washington State University Library by Mr. Kalez in August 1975. Additional papers were added in June 1976.
Related Materials
Additional Kalez material may also be found at the University of Oregon (see Catalogue of Manuscripts in the University of Oregon Library, compiled by Martin Schmitt. Eugene: 1971.)
Detailed Description of the Collection
The following section contains a detailed listing of the materials in the collection.
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Series 1: Saga of a western town... Spokane; a collection of factual incidents and anecdotes relating to the pioneer past of the West's most friendly city, Spokane, Washington. Commemorating the centennial anniversary, 1972, by Jay J. Kalez. Graphics and illus. by Ivan D. Munk. Edited by Robert S. Stevens. 1st ed. Spokane, Wash., Lawton Print, [1972], 136 p. illus.
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Description: Drafts, clippings, notes, correspondence and other sources pertaining to the articles used by Kalez in compilation of Saga of a Western Town.Container: Box/Folder 1 / 1-30
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Description: Photocopy draft of the Forward to Saga and photocopies of chapters which pre viously appeared as a feature series in the Spokane Daily ChronicleDates: 1963-1970Container: Box/Folder 1 / 31
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Series 2: This town of ours... Spokane; a chronological anthology of Spokane's historical past from Indian trading post to trading center of an Inland Empire, 1804-1974, by Jay J. Kalez. Graphics and illustrations by Ivan D. Munk; pictures furnished by Cowles Memorial Museum. Spokane, Wash., Lawton Printing, 1973. 136 p. illus., ports.
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Description: Drafts, clippings, notes, correspondence and other sources pertaining to the articles used by Kalez in compiling This Town of Ours.Container: Box/Folder 2 / 32-62
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Description: Series 3: Speeches and informal talksContainer: Box/Folder 2 / 63
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Series 4: Harnessed waters: legend of the mighty Columbia, river of the setting sun. A chronological anthology of the mighty Columbia from the days of Lewis and Clark's expedition into the western wilderness to the ever advancing program of the federal government for the full development of the resources of the Columbia and its tributaries, by Jay J. Kalez. Spokane, Lawton Printing, Inc., [1976] First printing.
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Description: Drafts, clippings, notes, correspondence and other sources pertaining to the articles used by Kalez in compilation of Harnessed Waters.Container: Box/Folder 3 / 1-23, Box/Folder 4 / 24-32
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Description: Additional notes, anecdotes and other materials used in Harnessed Waters.Container: Box/Folder 4 / 33-61
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Names and SubjectsReturn to Top
Personal Names
- Kalez, Jay J., 1895-1982 --Archives (creator)
Geographical Names
- Columbia River--History
- Spokane (Wash.)--History
Titles within the Collection
- Harnessed waters
- Saga of a western town
- This town of ours
