Dorothy M. Johnson-Kay Burnham Correspondence

Dorothy M. Johnson-Kay Burnham Correspondence, 1952-1977

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: 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: 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 NoteReturn to Top

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 DescriptionReturn to Top

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 CollectionReturn to Top

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 InformationReturn to Top

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 CollectionReturn to Top

Series I: Correspondence , 1956-1977 Return to Top

6 folders

This 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.

Container(s)	Description	Dates
Box/Folder
1/1	Correspondence	1956-1959
1/2	Correspondence	1960-1963
1/3	Correspondence	1966-1969
1/4	Correspondence	1970-1977
1/5	Correspondence	undated
1/6	Correspondence, (From third parties)

Series II: Clippings , 1952-1969Return to Top

1 folder

This series consists of several newspaper clippings primarily pertaining to Dorothy Johnson.

Container(s)	Description	Dates
Box/Folder
1/7	Clippings	1952-1974

Series III: Writings , 1974Return to Top

1 folder

This 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.

Container(s)	Description	Dates
Box/Folder
1/8	Poems

Series IV: Personal , 1960Return to Top

1 folder

This series contains Catherine Burnham's 1960 Mexican visa.

Container(s)	Description	Dates
Box/Folder
1/9	Visa	1960

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Personal Names

Burnham, Kay--Correspondence

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