Dorothy M. Johnson-Kay Burnham Correspondence, 1952-1977
Table of Contents
Overview of the Collection
- Creator
- Johnson, Dorothy M., 1905-1984
- Title
- Dorothy M. Johnson-Kay Burnham Correspondence
- Dates
- 1952-1977 (inclusive)19521977
- Quantity
- 0.5 linear feet
- Collection Number
- Mss 210 (collection)
- Summary
- Catherine (Kay) Burnham was a clinical psychologist and close friend of Montana writer Dorothy Johnson. This collection primarily consists of correspondence from Johnson to Burnham.
- Repository
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University of Montana, Mansfield Library, Archives and Special Collections
Archives and Special Collections
Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library
University of Montana
32 Campus Dr. #9936
59812-9936
Missoula, MT
Telephone: 406-243-2053
library.archives@umontana.edu - Access Restrictions
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Researchers must use collection in accordance with the policies of Archives and Special Collections, the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library, and The University of Montana--Missoula.
- Languages
- English
- Sponsor
- Funding for encoding this finding aid was provided through a grant awarded by the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Biographical Note
Catherine (Kay) Burnham was a clinical psychologist and close friend of Dorothy Johnson. The two women met while living in New York City and often traveled together. Dorothy Johnson dedicated The Hanging Tree to "Kay Burnham" and, according to Burnham's brother, Catherine helped select shooting locations for the film adaptation. Catherine Burnham died of a heart attack in June 1988.
Content Description
This collection primarily consists of correspondence from author Dorothy M. Johnson to Catherine Burnham from 1956 to 1977. It also includes newspaper clippings, two poems, and a travel visa.
Use of the Collection
Restrictions on Use
Researchers are responsible for using in accordance with 17 U.S.C. and any other applicable statutes. Copyright not transferred to The University of Montana.
Preferred Citation
[Name of document], Dorothy M. Johnson-Kay Burnham Correspondence, Archives and Special Collections, Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library, The University of Montana--Missoula.
Administrative Information
Arrangement
The collection is divided into four series:
Series I: Correspondence, 6 folders, 1956-1977
Series II: Clippings, 1 folder, 1952-1969, 1 folder
Series III: Writings, 1 folder, 1974
Series IV: Personal, 1 folder, 1960
Custodial History
The materials in this collection remained with Catherine Burnham until her death, at which time her brother assumed custody of her estate. The materials remained with him until he donated the collection to the K. Ross Toole Archives six years after her death.
Acquisition Information
Gift of Mark Burnham, 1994
Processing Note
The actions of the original processor are unknown. The collection was slightly reorganized and re-described in 1998. The collection includes a series for clippings; however, clippings mentioned within correspondence are filed with the letter in which they are mentioned. Most of the collection was in fair condition though some brittle pages were placed between acid-free sheets.
Detailed Description of the Collection
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Series I: Correspondence, 1956-1977
6 foldersThis series primarily consists of correspondence from Dorothy Johnson. Folders 1-4 are a chronological series of correspondence from Dorothy Johnson to Kay Burnham. Folder 5 consists of undated correspondence. Folder 6 consists of correspondence from third parties. Notable items in this series include Dorothy Johnson's recounting of: a story of a human skull which was said to have been given to the Knights Templar and used by them in ceremony; her interaction with Hollywood figures including Gary Cooper; her adoption by the Blackfoot Tribe; and the death of her mother.
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Description: CorrespondenceDates: 1956-1959Container: Box/Folder 1/1
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Description: CorrespondenceDates: 1960-1963Container: Box/Folder 1/2
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Description: CorrespondenceDates: 1966-1969Container: Box/Folder 1/3
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Description: CorrespondenceDates: 1970-1977Container: Box/Folder 1/4
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Description: CorrespondenceDates: undatedContainer: Box/Folder 1/5
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Description: Correspondence, (From third parties)Container: Box/Folder 1/6
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Series II: Clippings, 1952-1969
1 folderThis series consists of several newspaper clippings primarily pertaining to Dorothy Johnson.
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Description: ClippingsDates: 1952-1974Container: Box/Folder 1/7
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Series III: Writings, 1974
1 folderThis series consists of two poems, one item entitled The Lucky Lady, and an article entitled "Montana," written by Dorothy Johnson for the Encyclopedia Britannica and dated 1974.
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Description: PoemsContainer: Box/Folder 1/8
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Series IV: Personal, 1960
1 folderThis series contains Catherine Burnham's 1960 Mexican visa.
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Description: VisaDates: 1960Container: Box/Folder 1/9
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Names and SubjectsReturn to Top
Personal Names
- Burnham, Kay--Correspondence
