Baatz mss., 1940-2010

Papers of Wilmer Henry Baatz, 1940-2010, at the Lilly Library, Indiana University

Finding aid created by Mary McSparran

Title: Baatz mss.
Collection No.: LMC 1043
Dates: 1940-2010
Quantity:

Quantity: 2 Boxes

Quantity: 1 standard, 1 custom

Abstract: The Baatz mss., 1940-2010, consists of correspondence from prominent literary and political figures to librarian Wilmer Henry Baatz, 1915-1991.
Location: Lilly - Stacks
Language: English .
Repository: Lilly Library
1200 E. Seventh St.
Bloomington, Indiana 47405-5500
Business Number: 812-855-2452
liblilly@indiana.edu
URL: https://libraries.indiana.edu/lilly-library

Biographical Note

Wilmer Henry Baatz, 1915-1991, earned his B.A. in English from Indiana University in 1940 and an M.A. in English in 1941. He then served in the U.S. Army Air Corps and Air Force before earning his degree in library science at the Univesrity of Chicago. He began his librarian career in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, moving on to Beloit College, the Veterans Administration, University of Rochester, Milwaukee Public Library, the Federal Aviation Agency, and eventually Indiana University. At Indiana University he also served as a professor and assistant director of IU Libraries. He retired in 1986 and began volunteering at the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center library. He also authored several books and articles throughout his career. Baatz died in 1991.

Scope and Contents

The items in the Baatz mss., 1940-2010, deal with literary topics, federal aid to libraries, correspondence between Baatz and his family throughout his service ovesreas in World War II, and mimeographed newsletters written and reproduced by Baatz during the war for distribution in the army camp. Also included is a bibliography of the works by Harry Allen Overstreet, 1875-1970, by John George Lorenz dated August 12, 1940, and a bibliography of the works of Harry Allen and Bonaro (Wilkinson) Overstreet, 1902-1985, by Baatz in February 1966 (final typed copy, draft, and set of cards). Correspondents represented in the collection include Birch Evans Bayh, Ralph Albert Beals, John Brademas, William Blackwell Branch, William Gilmer Bray, Ralph Johnson Bunche, Cecil Kash Byrd, William Rea Cagle, Lee Corso, James Gould Cozzens, James Thomas Farrell, Rupert Vance Hartke, H. D. Kneeland, Robert Montgomery Knight, Sarah Catherine (Wood) Marshall LeSourd, Richard Green Lugar, John Thomas Myers, Bonaro (Wilkinson) Overstreet, Claiborne Pell, Hyam Plutzik, John Pont, John W. Posey, David Anton Randall, John Edward Roush, Mary E. Ryan, Upton Sinclair, Mary Elinore Smith, Matthew Empson Welsh, and Alexander Wiley.

Arrangement

This collection is arranged following original order.

Restrictions

Conditions Governing Access:

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.

Conditions Governing Use:

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.

Indexed Terms

Administrative Information

Preferred Citation

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

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift: 1968-1987

Collection Inventory

box 1
Baatz: Checklist by and about the Overstreets
box 2
1942-1948
box 2
1949-1986
box 2
COPY 1: Baatz, Wilmer H. Writings and checklist of material about the Overstreets, February 1966
box 2
COPY 2: Baatz, Wilmer H. Writings and checklist of material about the Overstreets, February 1966
box 2
Newsletters, 1944
box 2
Lorenz, J.G. Writings and author bibliography of Harry Allen Overstreet, August 12, 1940
box 2
Newsletters, 1942-1943
box 2
Newsletters, 1945
box 2
Photos & Printed, 31st Fighting Group
box 2
Printed