Collection ID: LMC 1278
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Collection context

Summary

Creator:
Dillon, Alice Christie, 1876- and Coe, Ida
Abstract:
The Dillon mss., 1912-1931, consists of the correspondence, drawings and writings of Alice Julia (Christie) Dillon, 1876-, primary teacher in the New York City public schools and author.
Extent:
1 Box (1 standard)
Language:
Materials are in English .
Preferred citation:

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

Background

Biographical / Historical:

Alice Julia (Christie) Dillon, 1876-1941, was an author and a primary school teacher in the New York City public schools. She was born in Brooklyn to George and Isabelle Christie. She attended high school in Yonkers, and then attended teachers' training school in New England. On August 9, 1915 she married Sidney O. Dillon.

She is most well known for her Story Hour Readers book series, the first of which was published in 1913. These books endeavored to teach children to read through their simple stories and engaging illustrations. In 1912 she signed a contract with the American Book Company for the series with co-author Ida Coe. Later, in 1927, Dillon endeavored to publish her manuscript for a "combination arithmetic and supplementary reader" for the primary grades, apparently without success. She died on December 29, 1941 on Staten Island.

Scope and Content:

Drawings, as separate items in the collection, include: Arithmetic Numbers 1-10, Set I, 5 leaves, n.d.; Arithmetic Numbers 1-10, Set II, 3 leaves, n.d.; Figures for Addition and Subtraction, 2 leaves, n.d.

The Writings are as follows:

1) Arith. As an Arithmetic, autograph document, 6pp., n.d. Plan for a beginning arithmetic book, accompanied by a holograph draft of 5pp.

2) Arith. A Study Primer, carbon copy of typescript document, [157]pp., n.d. Interspersed with holograph drafts of pages 6, 7, 14, 16, 31. Accompanied by ribbon copies of pages 113-147 and wrapper postmarked 1927.

3) Johnny Jingles, Book One, signed typescript document, [71]pp., n.d. Includes Introduction, 10pp., ribbon copy signed by Dillon and stamped "Received Oct 5-1920 Benton," and carbon copy; Text, carbon copy of pages 1-29 and word lists (ribbon and carbon) interspersed with 6 drawings of jesters for illustrations.

4) Johnny Jingles, Book Two, typescript document, [60]pp., n.d. Mixture of ribbon and carbon pages.

5) Lesson X. Story Selected - "Cold Dusk" by Lillian Barnard Gilkes, from New Copy, 1931, typescript document., 6pp., n.d. Critique of short story.

6) Reddy The Tramp. Carbon copy of typescript document, [43]pp., n.d. Pages 2-44.

7) The Study Primer: Foreword, 2 drafts, [6]pp. each; Notes, autograph document, [19]pp.; Rhymes and Stories - Baby Show, accompanied by study questions, Come with me, [first line], Firefly and the Elf, Once I saw a little Bird, autograph documents, [11]pp., all n.d.

8) Use of Rhyme in Arithmetic, autograph document signed, 4pp., n.d.

9) Vocabulary for Book Two, autograph document, [3]pp., n.d.

The collection is accompanied by three printed copies of textbooks co-authored by Coe and Christie (later Dillon): Story Hour Readers Revised, Book One and Book Two and Manuel Story Hour Readers Revised. Royalty reports for the Story Hours Readers are present for the years 1927 and 1930.

Acquisition information:
Gift: 1984
Arrangement:

The collection is arranged in alphabetical order.

Physical location:
Lilly - Stacks

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], Dillon 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