Collection context
Summary
- Creator:
- Felker, J. A. (Josephine Ann), 1911-1991
- Abstract:
- The Felker mss., 1971-2015, consist of annotated crossword drafts, clippings, and correspondence relating to crossword creator J. A. (Josephine Ann) Felker.
- Extent:
- 1 linear feet
- Language:
- English .
- Preferred citation:
[Item], Felker mss., Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana.
Background
- Biographical / Historical:
J. A. (Josephine Ann) Felker, 1911-1991, was a crossword puzzle artist with a bachelor's of art from Carnegie Tech and a master's of art from Penn State College. From 1971-1977, The New York Times published 11 of Felker's diagramless puzzles and four Sunday puzzles, as well as a Friday puzzle (published anonymously). Bantam Books published two large puzzles designed by Felker, for which she won cash awards for 4th and 5th place in the Bantam Great Master's Crossword Puzzle Hunt. Felker was also a talented seamstress and polyglot, learning several languages throughout her life's travels.
Further biographical information and comments from Felker's daughter, Janet, can be found in David Steinberg's blog post for the Pre-Shortzian Puzzle Project on 8 March 2016.
- Scope and Content:
The collection consists of 5 folder of crosswords (drafts and newspaper copies) prepared by Josephine Ann Felker for the New York Times and Bantam book collections. Many of them include NYT crossword editor Will Weng's comments, both positive and critical; also included is a compilation of emails, an obituary, and two Bantam Great Master's Crossword Puzzle Hunt awards (4th and 5th place).
- Acquisition information:
- Gift: 2016
- Arrangement:
The collection is arranged following original order.
- Physical location:
- Missing
Indexed Terms
- Subjects:
- Crossword puzzle makers
Crossword puzzles
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], Felker mss., Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana.
- CAMPUS:
- Indiana University Bloomington
- LOCATION OF THIS COLLECTION:
-
1200 East Seventh StreetBloomington, Indiana 47405-5500, USA
- CAMPUS:
- Indiana University Bloomington
- CONTACT:
-
(812) 855-2452liblilly@indiana.edu