Kenneth (Kenny) E. Johnson Collection, 1948-1993

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The following section contains a detailed listing of the materials in the collection.

Abbreviations used in finding aid: WS = William Stafford, DS = Dorothy Stafford, KJ=Kenny Johnson, JJ=Jean Johnson, tls=typed letter signed, and als=autograph letter signed.

• Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993

  • Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993

    Container: Box 1

    • Description: WS to KJ

      1 card

      Christmas card with photo of baby Brett.

      Dates: December 21, 1948
      Container: Item 1
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      2 pages tls.

      From Iowa. Cover letter for the four-page typed response to the Hoxie Fairchild booklet (corrected text), sent to Odell and to Hazen Foundation July 27, 1950. See following two items.

      Dates: July 27, 1950
      Container: Item 2
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to Morgan Odell

      One-page tls

      From Iowa (newly settled there). See previous and following item. Sent to KJ as an attachment to previous item.

      Dates: July 27, 1950
      Container: Item 3
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to Paul Braisted

      One-page tls

      Related to, and same date as, two previous items [see also related item in typescript folders from this date, 7/27/50]

      Dates: July 27, 1950
      Container: Item 4
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: Dorothy Stafford to KJ

      Two-page tls

      With a hand-written note signed by “Bro Bill, Ph. D-less”. Both writers in good form.

      Dates: November 6, 1950
      Container: Item 5
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Two-sided tls from Iowa

      Headed in red pencil by WS: “!Dangerous communication—to be read secretly and burned at once. Keep away from all responsible and respectable people!” In part describes the Grosses’ marital troubles.

      Dates: ca. Late Summer 1950
      Container: Item 6
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      1 envelope

      Envelope that contained a one-page letter from Iowa September 11, 1950, and one-page letter from Iowa October 26, 1951 (now item 27).

      Dates: September 11, 1950
      Container: Item 7
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Unsigned one-page typed letter

      From Iowa. With envelope mailed two days later in Iowa City, annotated “Bills poem on the Gross Housewarming,” though that poem was sent later, on November 21, 1950.

      Dates: October 16, 1950
      Container: Item 8
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Two-page tls

      Letter from Iowa accompanying and explaining typescript draft of “At the Grosses’ Housewarming,” written earlier. Three pencil marks circled by WS, with the ironic comment “the sacred doodlings of P. Engle.” See item 112.

      Dates: November 21, 1950
      Container: Item 9
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      One Brown Envelope

      Contained the following items: a) One-page tls from Iowa December 19, 1950, originally enclosing poem about the “shady side” of KJ from its use at the Iowa workshop. This was apparently “Farewell to a Certain Student,” for which WS noted later there was no documentary copy. b) Typescript (used in the Iowa Workshop) of “Farewell to a Certain Student,” written 12/19/50. Valuable manuscript notes by WS.

      Dates: December 19, 1950
      Container: Item 10
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      One-page letter

      From Iowa

      Dates: January 4, 1951
      Container: Item 11
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      1 Envelope

      From Iowa, containing the following item.

      Dates: February 17, 1951
      Container: Item 12
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Two-page letter

      From Iowa

      Dates: February 17, 1951
      Container: Item 13
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Two-page tls

      Includes envelope post marked in Iowa City the following day

      Dates: February 26, 1971
      Container: Item 14
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: Dorothy Stafford to Johnsons

      1 Note and 1 Envelope

      From Iowa City, Note is three sided on pink paper with matching envelope

      Dates: Mailed March 9, 1951
      Container: Item 15
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Two-page tls

      From Iowa

      Dates: March 20, 1951
      Container: Item 16
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Three-page als and 1 envelope

      From Iowa, shortly before traveling west in 1951, with a year still to go at Iowa. With envelope post marked Iowa April 23, 1951.

      Dates: April 22, 1951
      Container: Item 17
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      One-page tls

      From Glendale

      Dates: June 5, 1951
      Container: Item 18
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Two-page tls

      From Glendale

      Dates: 28 June [1951]
      Container: Item 19
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to Dr. Wolle

      1 Page Letter

      Copy of WS letter to Dr. Wolle in Boulder, asking for a copy of the loyalty oath he’d need to sign for a job at U of Colorado. See following two items.

      Dates: July 11, 1951
      Container: Item 20
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to Dr. Francis Wolle

      3 Pages

      Three items in one communication: carbon copies of two letters to Francis Wolle of the Dept. of English and Speech at U of Colorado in response to the third item, a copy of the Colorado Oath of Allegiance (see previous and following items).

      Dates: July 11, 1951
      Container: Item 21
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to Dr. Wolle

      One-page tls

      From Glendale, discussing problems with signing Colorado loyalty oath.

      Dates: July 17, 1951
      Container: Item 22
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      One-page tls

      From Glendale, with handwritten marginal note by WS

      Dates: July 24, 1951
      Container: Item 23
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      One-page handwritten WS note and 1 envelope

      Letter giving new Quonset address, and headed “Dear Sybarites.” With envelope mailed the next day in Iowa City. Perhaps enclosed with this letter was the WS photo of quonsets at Iowa. WS note on back: “Note the Stafford home—with 2 bicycles (middle quonset) Palaces of the gentry visible across the river, on the heights . . .”

      Dates: August 29, 1951
      Container: Item 24
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: Dorothy to WS

      One Card

      Card written from Iowa by Dorothy at start of school year 1951 (Kim had poison ivy.)

      Dates: Envelope postmarked September 12, 1951
      Container: Item 25
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: DS to Johnsons

      Two-sided tls, envelope, and 2-page WS tls

      Also a two-page WS tls of October 3, 1951 at Iowa City, sharing envelope with Dorothy’s letter

      Dates: fall 1951, Envelope postmarked October 5, 1951
      Container: Item 26
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      One-page letter

      From Iowa (see item 7), on cheap (browned) paper.

      Dates: October 26, 1951
      Container: Item 27
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Two-sided tls

      Letter on self-confessedly cheap (now browned) paper, Iowa, in envelope mailed the next day.

      Dates: November 10, 1951
      Container: Item 28
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Two-page tls

      From Iowa

      Dates: December 10, 1951
      Container: Item 29
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Two-sided tls

      From Iowa

      Dates: January 4, 1952
      Container: Item 30
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      One-page tls

      from Iowa with envelope postmarked the following day.

      Dates: January 20, [1952]
      Container: Item 31
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Three-page als

      from Iowa about plans for return to Lewis & Clark College, with envelope postmarked the following day.

      Dates: March 29, 1952
      Container: Item 32
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Envelope mailed in Iowa City enclosing handwritten note from Dorothy Stafford.

      Dates: May 5, 1952
      Container: Item 33
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Envelope addressed from Iowa City by DS. Contained undated tls (two sides) from DS, three weeks before end of time in Iowa. WS studying for comps.

      Dates: May 19, 1952
      Container: Item 34
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to Johnsons

      als (two sides)

      On the road from Iowa in Junction City, Kansas. Envelope mailed there on June 23, 1952.

      Dates: undated
      Container: Item 35
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      One-page tls

      (signed by WS “Caesar”) from Portland to KJ in Hospital in Seattle.

      Dates: Fall 1952
      Container: Item 36
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Two-page tls

      from Lewis & Clark College to University of Washington; describes birth of Kit. Contains typescript of “Literature I” (“Lit Instructor”) written 11/15/52, headed by handwritten WS comment.

      Dates: November 18, 1952
      Container: Item 37
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Envelope

      mailed in Portland, containing cyclostyled note (presumably from Morgan Odell) on the role of the college “in loco parentis”—with marginal comment by WS.

      Dates: December 12, 1952
      Container: Item 38
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to Jean Johnson

      One-page tls

      from Manchester College, enclosing check from The New Republic in payment for poem “A Visit Home” written 10/11/53.

      Dates: October 21, 1955
      Container: Item 39
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Envelope mailed from Saratoga Springs, with one-page tls of previous day written on yellow paper from Yaddo. (WS says he has currently eighty-two items out for consideration. Expects a net acceptance of around four.)

      Dates: June 24, 1956
      Container: Item 40
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Carbon made for the Johnsons of a letter of April 4, 1957 from San Jose to John and Cleo Gross. Mention of Jim Harmon, “strenuously San Francisco bohemian.”

      Dates: 1957
      Container: Item 41
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: George [Jensen?] to WS

      One-page typed letter

      from George [Jensen?] to WS requesting a recommendation. On verso a handwritten request for a copy to go elsewhere. See next item.

      Dates: 10 April 1957
      Container: Item 42
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      One-page tls

      Letter from San Jose that enclosed George’s letter, previous item.

      Dates: 12 April 1957
      Container: Item 43
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Two-page tls

      from San Jose

      Dates: May 5, 1957
      Container: Item 44
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      two-page tls

      from Iowa in envelope mailed May 11, 1951.

      Dates: Undated
      Container: Item 45
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Carbon made for the Johnsons of a letter of June 4, 1957 from San Jose to John and Cleo Gross, with envelope postmarked June 6.

      Dates: June 6, [1957]
      Container: Item 46
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Copy of one-page unsigned typed letter, evidently from Kenny Johnson, to President Odell.

      Dates: May 5, 1960
      Container: Item 47
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: "Lona" to KJ

      three-page tls

      To KJ from Lewis & Clark College colleague “Lona” on college letterhead, criticizing WS for an aversion to suffering and consequent lack of profundity. A strange outpouring. With undated envelope to “Kenneth Johnson,” annotated “Lona on Bills Poetry.” No mention of National Book Award, so presumably before 1963.

      Dates: undated
      Container: Item 48
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      typescript

      Typescript of WS poem “A Final Examination: American Renaissance,” Hand-addressed by WS on verso to “Prof Kenneth Johnson.”

      Dates: May 25 1962
      Container: Item 49
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      One page

      Typed letter from Sunningdale

      Dates: September 18, 1962
      Container: Item 50
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: DS to Johnsons

      Air letter

      Dorothy to Johnsons from London with news from June 25th onwards.

      Dates: July 12, 1962
      Container: Item 51
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to Johnsons

      Aérogramme

      L & C College to Johnsons in Japan

      Dates: October 4, 1962
      Container: Item 52
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to Johnsons

      Aérogramme

      L & C College to Johnsons in Japan

      Dates: October 21, 1962
      Container: Item 53
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to Johnsons

      Aérogramme

      WS to Johnsons in Japan , giving news of Arthur Throckmorton’s death.

      Dates: December 25, 1962
      Container: Item 54
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Four-page als

      From San Blas, Mexico, on sheets from a lined steno notebook (tj3)

      Dates: 3 May 1964
      Container: Item 55
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to Johnsons

      One-page tls

      From Portland to Johnsons in Italy, enclosed in the following item.

      Dates: August 18, 1964
      Container: Item 56
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to Johnsons

      Empty airmail envelope

      From Sunningdale to Johnsons in Rome, originally containing the previous and following items.

      Dates: August 20, 1964
      Container: Item 57
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      twopages

      Copy of “An Informal Will,” Portland. Enclosed in previous item.

      Dates: August 20, 1964
      Container: Item 58
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Tear-sheet (back cover) from Satire Newsletter

      Tear-sheet (back cover) from Satire Newsletter, poem by WS, “A Defense of My Uncle,” written 5/31/63. Note by KJ on last stanza: “Hovers on the edge of nonsense but manages to keep from going over.”

      Dates: [August 20, 1964]
      Container: Item 59
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      One-page typescript

      One-page typescript (yellow paper, red type) of two poems, annotated “1962 Bill Stafford”. Poems “Seeing the Students Off for Japan’ (written 9/29/66) and “For a Stone at Balmers’ Ranch” (Written 9/22/66). Date of annotation must be wrong. Sent with following item.

      Dates: undated
      Container: Item 60
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      One-page tls

      Red type on yellow paper. Just finished article on Roethke [“Roethke’s Way,” housed at 5E.74 and published in Crossing Unmarked Snow, 50 ff.].

      Dates: October 20, 1966
      Container: Item 61
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      One-page tls
      Dates: December 5, 1966
      Container: Item 62
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      One-page tls

      From Portland, originally enclosing photos (no longer present) of KJ and of Jack Radow and of Mrs. Netboy.

      Dates: September 4, 1967
      Container: Item 63
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to Steve Johnson

      One-page tls

      on Alaska Methodist letterhead

      Dates: June 29, 1968
      Container: Item 64
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      One-page tls

      On Alaska Methodist letterhead. With matching envelope postmarked two days later.

      Dates: July 5, 1968
      Container: Item 65
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      als

      On verso of Wooster college map, posted Cincinnati October 24 (date on letter must be an error for 23 or 24) originally enclosing Bouwsma quote on Wittgenstein [this quote housed in archives L1].

      Dates: October 25, 1968
      Container: Item 66
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to Jean Johnson

      Envelope

      From London addressed to Jean J, containing a) WS thankyou note for a money transfer, and b) WS note of May 25, 1969 to both Johnsons from Bergen, Norway.

      Dates: June 19, 1969
      Container: Item 67
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Christmas card

      Christmas card with photo of family on station platform in Britain (Scotland, perhaps Waverly Station, Edinburgh).

      Dates: December 22, 1969
      Container: Item 68
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      two stanzas

      Handwritten poem by Kenny Johnson

      Dates: 1969
      Container: Item 69
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      One-page tls

      From Sunningdale, mentioning and enclosing a “Secular Prayer,” (“The Saint of Thought, a Secular Prayer,”. Response to discussion of WS’s character.

      Dates: July 5, 1970
      Container: Item 70
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Six-page typescript

      By WS of KJ’s long letter. Typed so KJ “might be able to read your writing, as I can—Bill”. Further deep discussion of character. Annotated “K.E.J. to Bill Stafford.”

      Dates: August 8, 1970
      Container: Item 71
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Two-page tls

      From Virginia.

      Dates: September 10, 1970
      Container: Item 72
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Envelope

      Mailed with (apparently misdated) letter of September 20, 1970, and poem on the death of John Gross, also dated 9/20/70. Johnson note on envelope: “Make copy for cynical Sam.” See following two items.

      Dates: September 19, 1970
      Container: Item 73
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Two copies of WS poem

      On John Gross’s death. Poem written 9/20/70. In Portland Teachers Credit Union envelope. See previous and following item.

      Dates: Undated
      Container: Item 74
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      One-page typescript

      Poem “To Kenny & Jean Johnson on Hearing of John Gross’s Death,”. See previous two items.

      Dates: September 20, 1970
      Container: Item 75
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      One-page tls

      With envelope postmarked the following day, McLean, Virginia.

      Dates: October 2, 1970
      Container: Item 76
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to Jean Johnson

      One-page tls

      from Virginia.

      Dates: October 17, 1970
      Container: Item 77
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Christmas card

      With photo of Barb holding Nicholas and Lief.

      Dates: December 1970
      Container: Item 78
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Two-page tls

      From Virginia, originally enclosing Wang Hui-Ming’s James Agee woodcut (copies of woodcut in broadsides drawers). With envelope postmarked the following day.

      Dates: December 30, 1970
      Container: Item 79
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Two-sided tls

      From Dorothy in Virginia, undated, but written February 3, 1971, describing Vonnegut’s aborted reading of Monday February 1st at the Library of Congress.

      Dates: February 3, 1971
      Container: Item 80
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      One-page tls

      From Virginia, with unpostmarked envelope.

      Dates: March 12, 1971
      Container: Item 81
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Two-page (three sides) tls

      Envelope postmarked the following day, in Washington DC.

      Dates: April 11, 1970
      Container: Item 82
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Two-page tls

      From Virginia, typed on verso of folded 1971 Williams College poster.

      Dates: May 20, 1971
      Container: Item 83
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Typescript of poem

      “My Friends My Enemies My Lonely Hours,” no record of publication. Text differs from that in D1 (personal reference to Sam Yorks and Ken Johnson).

      Dates: 2/21/72
      Container: Item 84
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Typescript

      On goldenrod paper of poem “Kenny’s Office,” with annotations by KJ.

      Dates: 10/24/73
      Container: Item 85
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to Virgil Baldwin Day

      Small printed homily

      On poverty by Cabeza de Vaca, 1538, sent as a Christmas greeting to WS (as noted by WS on verso) from Virgil Baldwin Day.

      Dates: 1973
      Container: Item 86
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Christmas card

      Dates: December 17, 1973
      Container: Item 87
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Pages from American Poetry Review, Vern Rutsala’s essay “Poetry in the Classroom,” and his poem “The Journey Begins.”

      Dates: May/June 1974
      Container: Item 88
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      One-page tls

      Accompanying typescript of “Paragraphs to Tack on the Wall,” written 8/14/74. This is the same poem (with different lineation and order of stanzas) as “Notes on the Refrigerator Door,” a Bellevue Press broadside 1976. It differs also (slightly) from the poem used as the prospectus for the WS class “Notes for the Refrigerator Door.”

      Dates: September 6, 1974
      Container: Item 89
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      one-page typescript

      Copy (signed “Greetings, fellow wage slaves—Bill, on the road Nov ‘74”) of poem “Dreams of Retirement.” Added note from Bob Dusenbery: “Ken—could I get this back—Bob D.” See following item.

      Dates: 11/4/74
      Container: Item 90
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Copy of previous item

      Dates:
      Container: Item 91
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to Jean Johnson

      Empty envelope

      From New York to KJ. No obvious enclosure present in this collection. Johnson note on envelope “Letter from Bill S to Jean.”

      Dates: January 29, 1975
      Container: Item 92
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      typescript

      Signed typescript of poem “On the Poetry Circuit,” writtenas “Surviving a Poetry Circuit,” with accompanying brief comment by WS.

      Dates: 2/19/75
      Container: Item 93
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Tearsheet

      From Literary Half-Yearly with WS poem “Little Sermon.” With KJ notation “Bill this is my perennial sermon to you—you took the words right out of my mouth.”

      Dates: 1/9/75
      Container: Item 94
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Half-sheet typescript

      WS concrete poem in shape of spectacles, “Dark Glasses.”

      Dates: 5/19/76
      Container: Item 95
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Two poems

      Two WS poems typed on National Endowment for the Humanities half-sheet letterhead: “An Invitation to Explore,” written 5/23/76, and “A Myth to Live By,” written 6/26/76.

      Dates: 5/23/76 and 6/26/76
      Container: Item 96
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Typescript

      WS poem “For Everybody Ambitious, on Retirement of the Undersigned.” Extensive annotations by KJ.

      Dates: 2/1/78
      Container: Item 97
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      One page

      Goldenrod sheet with typed poem “Retirement Speech.”

      Dates: 4/4/78
      Container: Item 98
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      one page

      Single sheet of lined lemon-yellow pad paper, with introspective notes by KJ headed “The Sacred.”

      Dates: April 8, 1978
      Container: Item 99
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      one-page tls

      Envelope addressed to KJ from Sunningdale, with one-page tls of same date, including WS poem “Places with Meaning,” about the Johnson Fourth of July, written that same morning.

      Dates: July 5, 1978
      Container: Item 100
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      One-page tls

      WS’s last day of teaching before spring break and apparently retirement.

      Dates: March 16, 1979
      Container: Item 101
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      One-page tls

      (Jean’s date of 1980 is incorrect) enclosing Tony Piccione’s letter of August 24, 1979,

      Dates: August 30, 1979
      Container: Item 102
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Three-page letter

      (Apparently typed by Jean Johnson) on green paper, KJ to WS and DS. Followed by KJ’s draft of the same letter on yellow lined paper, with clarifications (by JJ?) in red ink.

      Dates: September 20, 1979
      Container: Item 103
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      one-page tls

      Mentions Dorothy’s gallstone operation, and encloses items from Tony Piccione. See following item.

      Dates: November 27, 1979
      Container: Item 104
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Two-page tls

      From Tony Piccione with covering one-page reply to Piccione from WS November 27, 1979 promising to send his letter to KJ. See previous item.

      Dates: November 22, 1979
      Container: Item 105
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Poem-card

      From Service-berry Press, poem “Atoms” by Anthony Piccione, sent by him on 11/22/79 to Ken, originally in envelope from Portland August 1,1981 (repostmarked Eagle Creek 8/3/81) with annotation “Piccione,” but containing WS poem “With Neighbors One Afternoon,” small undated broadside from hit & run press. Poem written 12/7/78, first published Poetry January 1980. See item 110

      Dates: 11/22/79
      Container: Item 106
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Christmas card

      Dates: December 21, 1979
      Container: Item 107
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      One-page tls

      From Tony Piccione, accompanying his six-page response to a question from the editor of Manassas Review.

      Dates: January 17, 1980
      Container: Item 108
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Letter and typed poem

      “Starting the Day,” written on that date. Included also typed poem “It’s All Right,” written the same day.

      Dates: February 4, 1980
      Container: Item 109
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      octavo broadside

      Undated octavo broadside from hit & run press of “With Neighbors One Afternoon,” written 12/7/78 and published in Poetry, January 1980, this publication noted on broadside. See item 106.

      Dates: Undated
      Container: Item 110
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Handwritten note

      Dates: April 15, 1980
      Container: Item 111
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      One-page tls

      Enclosing typescript of “At the Chairman’s Housewarming.” Poem written on or before 11/21/50. See item 9: Also mentioned and included: essay on Samuel Johnson from Sewanee Review, annotated by KJ.

      Dates: November 25, 1980
      Container: Item 112
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Envelope

      Sent from Sunningdale, perhaps originally containing carbon copy (yellow) of WS (misdated?) letter to Piccione April 9, 1981. Later also contained the items in 117.

      Dates: April 8, 1981
      Container: Item 113
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Long (nine-sided) handwritten letter

      KJ to WS and DS.

      Dates: May 1, 1981
      Container: Item 114
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Long (ten-sided) handwritten letter

      KJ to WS and DS.

      Dates: May 26, 1981
      Container: Item 115
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Empty envelope

      From Portland with annotation “Arrivaderci” (sic).

      Dates: June 2, 1981
      Container: Item 116
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Letter from Portland referring to and enclosing the double-sided first page of the tribute booklet for John Howard May 22, 1981, containing WS poem “The Weather Beyond the Weather,” written 12/21/74. Handwritten WS note indicating total length of booklet and describing argument with Howard and wife.. Also responds to KJ’s “May 26 indictment.”

      Dates: June 4, 1981
      Container: Item 117
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Carbon copy

      Carbon copy for Johnsons of Piccione letter with short typed signed note by WS.

      Dates: April 9, 1981
      Container: Item 118
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Carbon copy for Johnsons of WS letter to Piccione.

      Dates: April 29, 1981
      Container: Item 119
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Handwritten draft (nine sides of ruled paper )

      Incomplete letter by KJ to WS.

      Dates: July 3, 1981
      Container: Item 120
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      One-page tls

      From Sunningdale containing “Why I Am Happy,” written the same day, in the body of the letter. On verso of flier for “Death & Suicide” anthology. In envelope from Portland postmarked July 22, 1981.

      Dates: July 22, 1981
      Container: Item 121
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Letter from Portland, originally enclosing letter of Tony Piccione to WS from Kendall, NY, studying Chinese, July 23, 1981. Folded with yellow carbon of WS letter to Piccione April 29, 1981.

      Dates: August 1, 1981
      Container: Item 122
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Christmas card

      “Seeing an Old Snapshot,” written 11/28/81 and published in “Yankee” and The Long Sigh the Wind Makes.

      Dates: December 14, 1981
      Container: Item 123
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Envelope with typescript of WS poem

      Poem of 2/16/82, “A Letter None of My Children Has Got Round to Writing,” bearing a handwritten note by WS

      Dates: February 24, 1982
      Container: Item 124
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Card

      To WS from Tony Piccione sent from Beijing, written on verso of the BOA advertisement (“Answerers”) for Things That Happen When There Aren’t Any People.

      Dates: September 8, 1982
      Container: Item 125
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Two-page tls

      KJ to WS and DS.

      Dates: October 11, 1982
      Container: Item 126
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Christmas card

      Addressed by Dorothy to K & J from Portland, containing WS poem “Childish Things,” written 12/26/82.

      Dates: December 1982
      Container: Item 127
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      one-page typed WS poem

      Envelope containing “Bill’s poem on [Kenny’s] pain,” a one-page typed WS poem, “Having Pains,” written 6/1/83 and later titled “Pain.” Annotation on verso “June 3, 1983 Bill S”.

      Dates: June 3, 1983
      Container: Item 128
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Tearsheet

      From Southern Humanities Review of poem “1940” (“It is August. Your father is walking you”) annotated by KJ: “The certainties are specific sense experiences. All the rest you don’t know.”

      Dates: 6/14/83
      Container: Item 129
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      One-page typescript

      “Fame”

      Dates: 9/6/83
      Container: Item 130
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Christmas card

      Dates: December 17, 1983
      Container: Item 131
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Card

      From WS on his photo-card of the John Haines homestead, and signed “Goldpen” in the month of his seventieth birthday.

      Dates: 1/1984
      Container: Item 132
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Page of quotes

      From Stafford letters out of Iowa in 1951 and 1952, gathered for “Bill Stafford’s 70th.”

      Dates: January 17, 1984
      Container: Item 133
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Caricatures of Nietzsche and Schopenhauer tagged (by an unknown hand) “B. in his 50’s” and “B. in his 80’s” respectively, with note “We named a cat after you, he’s solidly black and he’s called Willy or Uncle Willy.” On verso, note by KJ: “Bills only remark—I guess it says I need a haircut.”

      Dates: Jan 18, 1984
      Container: Item 134
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      note on lined paper

      Penciled note on lined paper torn from notebook, DS and WS having dropped by to see K and J.

      Dates: February 27, 1984
      Container: Item 135
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      One-page tls

      Enclosing WS typed poem “Deserters,” written 4/23/84.

      Dates: April 26, 1984
      Container: Item 136
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      One-page tls

      Dates: May 23, 1984
      Container: Item 137
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      One-page tls

      From Portland, enclosing a two-page copy of the translation from Yoshihara, “From the Afterworld,” made in Japan 8/29/84 (tj8.5v).

      Dates: December 18, 1984
      Container: Item 138
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Christmas card

      With unpublished poem “Traction Devices Required.”

      Dates: December 19, 1984
      Container: Item 139
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Envelope

      (Governor Vic Atiyeh stationery) mailed to Johnsons. Johnson annotation “Bill S Jan 85”. Contained letter of January 3, 1985 typed on back of Columbia Basin College flier.

      Dates: January 4, 1985
      Container: Item 140
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      One-page tls

      From Portland , accompanying typescript of poem “That Day,” completed 6/4/85.

      Dates: June 22, 1985
      Container: Item 141
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Typescript with WS note

      Poem “Saint Matthew and All,” written 10/16/83.

      Dates: July 28, 1985
      Container: Item 142
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Postcard

      Postcard (of a giant jackrabbit being saddled up by a cowboy) sent by Dorothy from Rock Springs, WY, on the cross-country drive to Florida for the Verbal Events workshop (see following item).

      Dates: October 28, 1985
      Container: Item 143
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Two-sided tls

      From Dorothy from Florida (Verbal Events workshop). With manuscript postscript from WS.

      Dates: November 12, 1985
      Container: Item 144
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Envelope with excerpts and letter.

      Envelope with excerpts from Bernanos, Diary of a Country Priest, and a letter of the same date with quotes from Wittgenstein.

      Dates: August 8, 1986
      Container: Item 145
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      One-page tls

      Dates: September 11, 1986
      Container: Item 146
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      One-page tls

      Originally enclosing a quote from Goethe’s Dichtung und Warheit, no longer present.

      Dates: October 1, 1986
      Container: Item 147
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      program

      Copy of program for “The Animal That Drank Up Sound,” presented at the Capitol, Salem, Oregon.

      Dates: February 6, 1987
      Container: Item 148
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Large (double-size) sheet with WS tls and poem

      Large (double-size) sheet with WS tls and WS typed poem of the same day, “In Any Country.”

      Dates: May 1, 1987
      Container: Item 149
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      One-page tls

      With typed poem “Conviction,” written 6/12/87.

      Dates: October 6, 1987
      Container: Item 150
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to Dan [Labby]

      One-page tls

      Dates: November 10, 1987
      Container: Item 151
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Typescript

      Typescript of poem “Trying to Tell It,” written 12/29/87, enclosed in envelope postmarked 1/11/88, found inside Jean’s copy of An Oregon Message.

      Dates: 12/29/87
      Container: Item 152
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Christmas card

      Christmas card of December 19, 1988, mourning Bret, who died November 7.

      Dates: December 19, 1988
      Container: Item 153
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Christmas card

      Christmas card December 19, 1989, with parody of a popular song.

      Dates: December 19, 1989
      Container: Item 154
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Empty envelope

      Empty envelope from Portland March 5, 1990, with letter of the same day quoting WS poem “Kenny’s Office,” also sent on an earlier occasion (probably around the time of its composition on 10/24/73) as item 85. Both these typescripts have the same text, the first in two stanzas, the second in three, the later copy bearing WS’s marginal comment “(not perfect yet)”. Other annotations indicate other items once housed in this envelope: “Kenny’s Pain” (see item 128) and “An Informal Will” (see item 58).

      Dates: March 5, 1990
      Container: Item 155
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      One-page typescript

      One-page typescript of poem “My NEA Poem,” (7/28/90); Johnson annotation “8-10-90”

      Dates: 7/28/90
      Container: Item 156
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Envelope containing letter

      Envelope dated September 19, 1990 from WS at Sunningdale containing letter of previous date, with thanks for Johnson presence at dinner. Note by KJ on envelope recording its other enclosures: Vaclav Havel’s self-effacing speech on Kafka printed in NY Review of Books, and an Economist article on Portland as urban success.

      Dates: September 19, 1990
      Container: Item 157
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Card

      Card (of Pump Room, Bath) from Dorothy in England, October 22 [1990].

      Dates: October 22 [1990]
      Container: Item 158
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Envelope enclosing one-page tls

      Envelope to KJ & JJ from Sunningdale November 26, 1990, with Johnson notation “A Dream.” Enclosing one-page tls of November 25, 1990 with a dream about KJ.

      Dates: November 26, 1990
      Container: Item 159
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Christmas card

      Christmas card December 16, 1991, with parody photo of “American Gothic” and copy of poem “Starting with Little Things,” written 9/20/73.

      Dates: December 16, 1991
      Container: Item 160
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Manilla envelope

      from Sunningdale, originally containing ten items now distributed by date. Kenny Johnson inscription on envelope: “I must return to the family creek where I fished as a boy and lingered with myself under the shelter of and cover of sun & shade.” Items gathered in this envelope (and now distributed to their appropriate positions) were:

      a) Two-sided tls from Dorothy in Washington D.C., undated, but written February 3, 1971, describing Vonnegut’s aborted reading of Monday February 1st at the Library of Congress. Item 80.

      b) Poem-card from Service-berry Press, poem “Atoms” by Anthony Piccione, sent by him on 11/22/79 to Ken. Item 106.

      c) Tear-sheet (back cover) from [Spring 1965] Satire Newsletter, poem by WS, “A Defense of My Uncle,” written 5/31/63. Note by KJ on last stanza: “Hovers on the edge of nonsense but manages to keep from going over.” Item 59.

      d) One page tls (signed by WS “Caesar”) from Portland to KJ in Hospital in Seattle, Fall 1952. Item 36

      e) Empty envelope from Portland July 22, 1981. Item 121.

      f) Empty envelope from Portland June 2, 1981 with annotation “Arrivaderci” (sic). Item 116.

      g) Envelope from Portland August 1,1981 (repostmarked Eagle Creek 8/3/81) with annotation “Piccione” but containing WS poem “With Neighbors One Afternoon,” small undated broadside from hit & run press. Poem written 12/7/78, first published Poetry January 1980. Item 110.

      h) Letter of Tony Piccione to WS from Kendall, NY, studying Chinese, July 23, 1981. Item 122.

      i) Letter from Portland June 4, 1981 referring to and enclosing the poem for President Howard and describing argument with Howard and wife.. Also responds to KJ’s “May 26 indictment.” Folded with letter, carbon copy (yellow) of WS letter to Piccione April 9, 1981. Items 117 and 113.

      j) Letter from Portland August 1, 1981, originally enclosing Piccione’s “Chinese” letter from New York, and folded with yellow carbon of WS letter to Piccione April 29, 1981. Items 122 and 113.

      Dates: Undated
      Container: Item 161
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Envelope

      Envelope with Johnson notation “Epitaph Bill Stafford & Mark Twain,” containing four-line epitaph by Mark Twain in WS’s hand. No date.

      Dates: Undated
      Container: Item 162
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: KJ

      Two pages (yellow lined pad)

      three sides of KJ commentary, apparently on WS..

      Dates: Undated
      Container: Item 163
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      1 small page

      Small undated note to say that WS and DS had stopped by. Signed “Sister and Brother Hicks.”

      Dates: Undated
      Container: Item 164
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: KJ

      1 note page

      Notations by KJ on Equitable Savings paper, beginning “All I want is a garden—Bill.”

      Dates: Undated
      Container: Item 165
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: KJ

      1 note page

      Undated note by KJ on Portland Teachers Credit Union notepaper: “Bill has decided that he lives in an egocentric world & to accept it Vanity vs. egocentricity.”

      Dates: Undated
      Container: Item 166
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS

      business card

      Pleasing keepsake on glossy white stock; business card with a laurel wreath alongside “WILLIAM STAFFORD Poet Laureate of Oregon,” with Sunningdale address, and imprint “Printed at The Elliott Press Pacific Lutheran University.” No date.

      Dates: Undated
      Container: Item 167
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Folly Press single-sheet chapbook

      Mutilated copy of Folly Press single-sheet chapbook, “Prophets,” number 110.

      Dates: Undated
      Container: Item 168
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: WS to KJ

      Three-pages

      Three-page typed poem by Earle A. Taylor

      Dates: Undated
      Container: Item 169
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993
    • Description: Newspaper Clippings

      Twenty-six newspaper cuttings

      Newspaper cuttings and other Stafford memorabilia, collected under the title "Stafordiana" by the Johnsons, listed as follows, a-z.

      a. Article on Anthony Piccione (Brockport, NY) in December 4, 1979 Stylus.

      b. Kim’s “A Separate Hearth,” in Oregonian Northwest Magazine 2/17/85.

      c. Clamshell Press broadside “Ode to Garlic.”

      d. Kim’s poem “Rosemary at Four,” Winter Solstice 1986. Mailed 12/24/86.

      e. Kim’s poem “Night Work in June,” Winter Solstice 1984. Mailed 12/26/84.

      f. WS poem “The Arts at the Coast,” in Oregonian Northwest Magazine 1/20/80.

      g. Paul Pintarich on WS, with review of A Scripture of Leaves, in Oregonian 10/3/89.

      h. Paul Pintarich review of An Oregon Message in Oregonian Northwest Magazine 7/5/87.

      i. Publicity flier of “Answerers” for BOA Editons Things That Happen When There Aren’t Any People.

      j. Poster for WS reading at Columbia Basin College, November, no year.

      k. Paul Pintarich on NW Writing Institute and Having Everything Right, in Oregonian 10/27/86.

      l. Kim’s “Should We Pave Our Dead End Road?” in Rain. Jan/Feb 1985.

      m. WS poem “Many tomorrows ago . . .” from Oregonian Northwest Magazine 9/15/85. Reprinted in A Scripture of Leaves.

      n. Rick Rubin on WS in Oregonian Northwest 2/6/66.

      o. Paul Pintarich on Judson Jerome Contest (WS 1st) from Poets’ Market, in Oregonian11/9/86.

      p. “Father and Son,” by Ellen Emry Hetzel, Oregonian 6/19/83, Brent Wojahn photographer.

      q. Copy of “Notice to All Patrons” (“I have been obliged by the sheer weight of fatigue . . .”)

      r. Remodeling article in Oregonian Foodday 2/9/88.

      s. Flier for Wixon/Markee video “What the River Says.”

      t. Fout WS poems (“The Secret,” “Why the Sun Comes Up,” “From the Ink on This Page,” “Selina.”) in Oregonian Northwest Magazine 2/3/91.

      u. Paul Pintarich on WS turning over job of Oregon Poet Laureate, Oregonian 8/16/87.

      v. Judy McDermott on WS workshop at Reed, Oregonian 8/10/85.

      w. Paul Pintarich on Kim at New Orleans, Oregonian 6/1/86.

      x. Poem (rather unsuccessful) by Harry Davidov in memory of WS, using phrases from Passwords. In Sunday Oregonian 9/20/93.

      y. Profile of Craig Lesley and Bill Stafford, “So You Want to Be a Writer,” by Douglas Freeman, Oregonian 8/13/86.

      z. Newspaper clipping, John Gross letter to the editor on Korea.

      Dates: Date in description
      Container: Item 170
      Location: Series 1: Correspondence, William Stafford to Kenny Johnson, 1948-1993 / Box 1: Correspondence, 1948-1993

• Series 2: Publications from the Johnson Collection, 1947-1994

  All items are listed on the Watzek Library online catalog and housed with Special Collections rare books.

  • Description: : Glen Coffield, The Metaphysics of Wrong Numbers (poems), East Portland Station

    Dates: 1955
    Location: Series 2: Publications from the Johnson Collection, 1947-1994
  • Description: : Glen Coffield, Bay Area Poems, San Francisco

    Dates: 1958
    Location: Series 2: Publications from the Johnson Collection, 1947-1994
  • Description: : Glen Coffield, Creative Method Essays (prose), Carthage, Missouri,

    Dates: 1960
    Location: Series 2: Publications from the Johnson Collection, 1947-1994
  • Description: : William Stafford, Down in My Heart, Brethren Press,

    first edition—archives have only second ed. title still with Kim

    Dates: 1947
    Location: Series 2: Publications from the Johnson Collection, 1947-1994
  • Description: : William Stafford, West of Your City, Talisman Press

    paper or cloth, title still with Kim

    Dates: 1960
    Location: Series 2: Publications from the Johnson Collection, 1947-1994
  • Description: : William Stafford, Traveling through the Dark , Harper

    first or later printing, title still with Kim

    Dates: 1962
    Location: Series 2: Publications from the Johnson Collection, 1947-1994
  • Description: : William Stafford, Eleven Untitled Poems, Perishable

    title still with Kim

    Dates: 1968
    Location: Series 2: Publications from the Johnson Collection, 1947-1994
  • Description: : William Stafford, Weather, Perishable

    title still with Kim

    Dates: 1969
    Location: Series 2: Publications from the Johnson Collection, 1947-1994
  • Description: : William Stafford, That Other Alone, Perishable

    title still with Kim

    Dates: 1973
    Location: Series 2: Publications from the Johnson Collection, 1947-1994
  • Description: : William Stafford, In the Clock of Reason, Soft

    title still with Kim

    Dates: 1973
    Location: Series 2: Publications from the Johnson Collection, 1947-1994
  • Description: : William Stafford, I Would Like to Mention Aluminum , Slow Loris

    title still with Kim

    Dates: 1976
    Location: Series 2: Publications from the Johnson Collection, 1947-1994
  • Description: : William Stafford, Braided Apart, Confluence

    title still with Kim

    Dates: 1976
    Location: Series 2: Publications from the Johnson Collection, 1947-1994
  • Description: : William Stafford, My Name Is William Tell, Confluence

    paper or cloth, title still with Kim

    Dates: 1976
    Location: Series 2: Publications from the Johnson Collection, 1947-1994
  • Description: : William Stafford, Someday, Maybe, Harper

    cloth, Jean Johnson’s copy (Title shelved behind the books on the Prose shelf)

    Dates: 1973
    Location: Series 2: Publications from the Johnson Collection, 1947-1994
  • Description: : William Stafford, An Oregon Message, Harper

    paper, Jean Johnson’s copy. (Two small sheets of notes by Kenny Jonson laid in, and a typescript of “Trying to Tell It,” in an envelope dated 1/11/88, this item merged with the correspondence.)(Title shelved behind the books on the Prose shelf)

    Dates: 1987
    Location: Series 2: Publications from the Johnson Collection, 1947-1994
  • Description: : William Stafford, Learning to Live in the World, Harcourt, Brace,

    Jean Johnson’s copy (Title shelved behind the books on the Prose shelf)

    Dates: 1994
    Location: Series 2: Publications from the Johnson Collection, 1947-1994
  • Description: : William Stafford, That Other Alone., Perishable Press

    A single-page announcement sheet from Perishable Press from Labor Day 1973, containing an announcement of That Other Alone. (This item in broadside case, folder 1H)

    Dates: 1973
    Location: Series 2: Publications from the Johnson Collection, 1947-1994
  • Description: : Kim Stafford, A Gypsy’s History of the World, Copper Canyon

    Paper

    Dates: 1976
    Location: Series 2: Publications from the Johnson Collection, 1947-1994
  • Description: : Kim Stafford, Having Everything Right, Confluence

    Cloth

    Dates: 1986
    Location: Series 2: Publications from the Johnson Collection, 1947-1994
  • Description: : Kim Stafford, Lochsa Road, Confluence

    Paper, signed

    Dates: 1991
    Location: Series 2: Publications from the Johnson Collection, 1947-1994
  • Description: : Vern Rutsala, The Window , Wesleyan

    Paper

    Dates: 1964
    Location: Series 2: Publications from the Johnson Collection, 1947-1994
  • Description: : Vern Rutsala, Selected Poems , Story Line

    Paper, signed

    Dates: 1991
    Location: Series 2: Publications from the Johnson Collection, 1947-1994
  • Description: : Lawrence Ferlinghetti, Tentative Description of a Dinner Given to Promote the Impeachment of President Eisenhower , Golden Mountain

    Paper

    Dates: 1954
    Location: Series 2: Publications from the Johnson Collection, 1947-1994
  • Description: : Lawrence Ferlinghetti, A Coney Island of the Mind , New Directions

    paper, twelfth printing

    Dates: 1958
    Location: Series 2: Publications from the Johnson Collection, 1947-1994
  • Description: : Tony Piccione, Anchor Dragging, BOA

    paper

    Dates: 1977
    Location: Series 2: Publications from the Johnson Collection, 1947-1994
  • Description: : Anthony Ostroff, Imperatives, Harcourt, Brace

    Cloth

    Dates: 1962
    Location: Series 2: Publications from the Johnson Collection, 1947-1994
  • Description: : O. K. Bouwsma,, New Directions

    offprint of talk on a fragment of Descartes

    Dates:
    Location: Series 2: Publications from the Johnson Collection, 1947-1994
  • Description: : J. A. Stauffer, Shore Encounter , Adams Press

    paper

    Dates: 1986
    Location: Series 2: Publications from the Johnson Collection, 1947-1994
  • Description: : Antaeus 18

    Poetry Journal

    Dates: Summer, 1975
    Location: Series 2: Publications from the Johnson Collection, 1947-1994
  • Description: : Carolina Q 25:3

    Poetry Journal

    Dates: Fall, 1973
    Location: Series 2: Publications from the Johnson Collection, 1947-1994
  • Description: : Dialogue 8:1

    Poetry Journal

    Dates: 1975
    Location: Series 2: Publications from the Johnson Collection, 1947-1994
  • Description: : The Genesis

    Poetry Journal

    Dates: May, 1966
    Location: Series 2: Publications from the Johnson Collection, 1947-1994
  • Description: : Modern Poetry Studies 6: 1

    Poetry Journal

    Dates: Spring, 1975
    Location: Series 2: Publications from the Johnson Collection, 1947-1994
  • Description: : Northwest Review

    Poetry Journal

    Dates: Summer 1959
    Location: Series 2: Publications from the Johnson Collection, 1947-1994
  • Description: : Northwest Review

    Poetry Journal

    Dates: 1973
    Location: Series 2: Publications from the Johnson Collection, 1947-1994
  • Description: : Northwest Review

    Poetry Journal

    Dates: Spring 1975
    Location: Series 2: Publications from the Johnson Collection, 1947-1994
  • Description: : Northwest Review

    Poetry Journal

    Dates: 1976
    Location: Series 2: Publications from the Johnson Collection, 1947-1994
  • Description: : Open Letter 9

    Poetry Journal

    Dates: Fall, 1974
    Location: Series 2: Publications from the Johnson Collection, 1947-1994
  • Description: : Paris Review 20

    Poetry Journal

    Dates: 1959
    Location: Series 2: Publications from the Johnson Collection, 1947-1994
  • Description: : Parnassus

    Poetry Journal

    Dates: Spring/Summer 1974
    Location: Series 2: Publications from the Johnson Collection, 1947-1994
  • Description: : Philosophy East and West

    Poetry Journal offprint

    Dates: Unknown
    Location: Series 2: Publications from the Johnson Collection, 1947-1994
  • Description: : Poetry Northwest 6: 3

    Poetry Journal

    Dates: Autumn, 1965
    Location: Series 2: Publications from the Johnson Collection, 1947-1994
  • Description: : Sewanee Review 65: 1

    Poetry Journal

    Dates: Winter, 1957
    Location: Series 2: Publications from the Johnson Collection, 1947-1994
  • Description: : Tennessee P J 1: 1

    Poetry Journal

    Dates: Fall, 1967
    Location: Series 2: Publications from the Johnson Collection, 1947-1994
  • Description: : Tennessee P J 1: 1

    Poetry Journal

    Dates: 1950-1970
    Location: Series 2: Publications from the Johnson Collection, 1947-1994
  • Description: : Western Humanities Review 27: 2

    Poetry Journal

    Dates: Spring, 1973
    Location: Series 2: Publications from the Johnson Collection, 1947-1994
  • Description: : West Coast Review 1: 1

    Poetry Journal

    Dates: Spring, 1966
    Location: Series 2: Publications from the Johnson Collection, 1947-1994
  • Description: : World Order 9: 3

    Poetry Journal

    Dates: Spring, 1975
    Location: Series 2: Publications from the Johnson Collection, 1947-1994