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Summary

Abstract:
The Louis C. Jones Papers consist primarily of the circular letters sent by Jones during World War II to former students of the State Teachers College and replies to these letters from service men and women. Jones was employed by the New York State College for Teachers, first as an Instructor (1934-42) and later as an Associate Professor of English (1942-46).
Extent:
1 cubic ft.
Language:
English .
Preferred citation:

Preferred citation for this material is as follows:

Identification of specific item, series, box, folder, Louis C. Jones Papers, 1936. M.E. Grenander Department of Special Collections and Archives, University Libraries, University at Albany, State University of New York (hereafter referred to as [shortened name]).

Background

Scope and Content:

The Louis C. Jones Papers consist primarily of the circular letters sent by Jones during World War II to former students of the State Teachers College and replies to these letters from service men and women.[1] The primary focus of this correspondence was the activities of former students, but interspersed in the letters are comments about social conditions at home and abroad and a few observation about combat conditions. The papers contain numerous photographs of serving personnel. The papers also contain a sampling of Jones' publications, primarily relating to New York folklore and specifically to ghostlore. Four of the circular letters written by Jones were transcribed for the University at Albany Veterans Project. The letters dated October 9, 1943; February 11, 1944; April 28, 1944; and March 14, 1945 are availalbe online. The New York State Historical Association holds the Louis C. Jones Folklore Archives in the Special Collections Department of its Research Library. It contains materials collected by Jones' students in American Folklore at the New York State College for Teachers. Related manuscript collections in the M.E. Grenander Department of Special Collections and Archives can be found in the University Archives, Folklore subject page, and Military and Armed Conflict subject page.

1. In 1943, Jones took over the task of corresponding with State College service personnel from Dr. D. V. Smith who had left State College to assume the presidency of Cortland State Teachers' College. State College News, September 24, 1943, p. 3.

Biographical / Historical:

Louis C. Jones was born in Albany, New York, on June 28, 1908. He received a B.A. in English from Hamilton College in 1930 and an L.H.D. in 1962. Jones obtained his master's degree in 1931 and a Ph.D. in 1941, both from Columbia University. Jones began his teaching career as an Instructor of English at Long University (1931-32) and at Syracuse University (1933-34). Jones was employed by the New York State College for Teachers, first as an Instructor (1934-42) and later as an Associate Professor of English (1942-46). In 1946 Jones was appointed Executive Director of the New York State Historical Association and Farmers Museum in Cooperstown, New York. Jones also served as a professor and director of the Cooperstown graduate program of the State University of New York at Oneonta. Jones was fascinated with folklore and ghostlore. This interest led Jones to publish Spooks of the Valley (1948) and Things That Go Bump in the Night (1959). The latter emphasizes the traditional folklore about ghosts and ghost hauntings in New York State.

Acquisition information:
Louis C. Jones initially donated his papers to the M.E. Grenander Department of Special Collections and Archives.
Processing information:

Processed in 2012 by David Ackley.

Arrangement:

The collection is organized into the following series:

Series 1 is arranged alphabetically by subject while Series 2 is arranged chronologically, by publication.

Physical location:
The materials are located onsite in the department.

Contents


Access

Using These Materials

ACCESS:
The archives are open to the public and anyone is welcome to visit and view the collections.
RESTRICTIONS:

Access to this record group is unrestricted.

TERMS OF ACCESS:

The researcher assumes full responsibility for conforming with the laws of copyright. Whenever possible, the M.E. Grenander Department of Special Collections and Archives will provide information about copyright owners and other restrictions, but the legal determination ultimately rests with the researcher. Requests for permission to publish material from this collection should be discussed with the Head of Special Collections and Archives.

PREFERRED CITATION:

Preferred citation for this material is as follows:

Identification of specific item, series, box, folder, Louis C. Jones Papers, 1936. M.E. Grenander Department of Special Collections and Archives, University Libraries, University at Albany, State University of New York (hereafter referred to as [shortened name]).

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