Collection ID: LMC 2411
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Collection context

Summary

Creator:
Collins, John W., 1912-2001
Abstract:
The Collins mss., ca. 1926-2001, consists of the correspondence, writings, photographs, albums and chess club records of influential American chess teacher John William (Jack) Collins, 1912-2001.
Extent:
35 Boxes
Language:
Materials are in English .
Preferred citation:

[Item], Collins mss., Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana. .

Background

Biographical / Historical:

Collins was born Sept. 23, 1912, in Newburgh, N.Y. His father, John Thomas Collins, a flutist and piccolo player, frequently played in John Philip Sousa's orchestra. His mother, Carolyn LaSears Collins, was a homemaker. Collins lived most of his life in New York City, becoming a chess master in the 1930s. He was a major figure in the early days of modern organized chess, serving as the first correspondence chess editor of Chess Review magazine (which later merged with Chess Life). This program laid the groundwork for the correspondence chess conducted by the United States Chess Federation. He was one of the few players who excelled nationally at both correspondence and over-the-board play, winning the U.S. correspondence championship and ranking as one of the top OTB players in the U.S. He remained an active tournament player through the 1960s, representing the United States in the first World Correspondence Chess Championship. A prolific author, he taught thousands of players through his books and articles, and was co-editor of the ninth edition of Modern Chess Openings.

Scope and Content:

Writings and Accompanying Materials include original drafts, typescripts, galley proofs, columns, and articles written by Collins along with related correspondence, royalty statements, contracts, and publisher agreements. The Professional series includes game submissions, income statements, awards and honors, and other materials relating to Collins' activities as Correspondence Chess Editor, chess mentor and expert.

The Bobby Fischer series includes correspondence written by Bobby Fischer to Jack and Ethel Collins; the diaries of Ethel Collins, written during Fischer's 1972 World Chess Championship victory over Boris Spassky of the USSR; and an unsigned, undated, handwritten plea for Fischer to return to playing chess professionally. The Game Records series features more than 70 years of materials pertaining to chess matches, tournaments and championships.

Correspondents in the general Correspondence series include: Lev Alburt; Emil J. Balthazar; Gigi Benson; Robert F. Brand; Robert Byrne; Irving Chernev; Church of the Larger Fellowship; E. Malcolm Cohen; John W. (Jack) Collins; Arthur Dake; E. B. Edmondson; George F. Gant; Steven Josefowicz; Kurt Landsberger; William Lombardy; Norman Monath; Milton Pauley.

Acquisition information:
Acquired: 2004, 2007
Processing information:

Processed by Susan Bogner.

Completed in 2013

Arrangement:

Organized into the following series: I. Writings and Accompanying Materials; II. Professional; III. Bobby Fischer; IV. Game Records; V. Publications; VI. Correspondence; VII. Personal; VIII. Clippings; IX. Memorabilia; X. Photographs; XI. Albums and Scrapbooks; XII. Audio-Visual; XIII. Realia.

Physical location:
ALF (Auxiliary Library Facility)

Access

RESTRICTIONS:

This collection is open for research.

Many collections are housed offsite; retrieval requires advance notice. Please make an appointment a minimum of one week in advance of your visit.

TERMS OF ACCESS:

Photography and digitization may be restricted for some collections. Copyright restrictions may apply. Before publishing, researchers are responsible for securing permission from all applicable rights holders, then filling out the Permission to Publish form.

PREFERRED CITATION:

[Item], Collins mss., Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana. .

CAMPUS:
Indiana University Bloomington
LOCATION OF THIS COLLECTION:
1200 East Seventh Street
Bloomington, Indiana 47405-5500, USA
CAMPUS:
Indiana University Bloomington
CONTACT:
(812) 855-2452
liblilly@indiana.edu