| Creator: | Indiana University Center for the Study of History and Memory |
| Title: | IU Folklore Institute |
| Collection No.: | ohrc070 |
| Dates: | 1987 |
| Quantity: |
Quantity: 41 Interviews (Audio files, transcripts, and collateral materials ) |
| Abstract: | The project deals with the beginning, the building, and the growth of the Indiana University (IU) Folklore Institute into an internationally recognized program. The interviewees are mostly students and/or faculty of the folklore program from the 1940s to the 1980s. They discuss those who most influenced and impacted the institute, namely Stith Thompson and Richard M. Dorson. They share their memories and experiences of the time they spent, or continue to spend, in the IU Folklore Institute. |
| Location: | Interviews are housed in Franklin Hall, Room 0030A. Contact ohrc@indiana.edu for more information. Copies of interview transcripts are also held by the IU Libraries University Archives. For other locations housing the interviews from this project, please contact the Center for Documentary Research and Practice office. |
| Language: | Materials are in English |
| Repository: | Center for Documentary Research and Practice Franklin Hall 0030B 601 E. Kirkwood Avenue Bloomington, Indiana 47405 Business Number: 812-855-2856 ohrc@indiana.edu URL: https://cdrp.mediaschool.indiana.edu/ |
This collection contains forty-one interviews conducted over four years. The interviews range from thirty minutes to approximately three hours. All interviews consist of audio tapes and typed transcripts.
The archive of the Center for Documentary Research and Practice at Indiana University is open to the use of researchers. Copies of transcript pages are available only when such copies are permitted by the deed of gift. Scholars must honor any restrictions the interviewee placed on the use of the interview. Since some of our earlier (pre-computer) transcripts do not exist in final form, any editing marks in a transcript (deletions, additions, corrections) are to be quoted as marked. Audio files may not be copied for patrons unless the deed of gift permits it, and a transcript is unavailable for that interview. The same rules of use that apply to a transcript apply to the audio interview. Interviews may not be reproduced in full for any public use, but excerpted quotes may be used as long as researchers fully cite the data in their research, including accession number, interview date, interviewee's and interviewer's name, and page(s).
[interviewee first name last name] interview, by [interviewer first name last name], [interview date(s)], [call number], [project name], Center for Documentary Research and Practice, Indiana University, Bloomington, [page number(s) or tape number and side if no transcript; if digital audio and no transcript, cite time when quote occurs].
Oral history interviews conducted by the Indiana University Center for the Study of History and Memory from 1968 to the present, with particular focus on the history of twentieth-century America and the Midwest.
No(s): 87-018
Physical Description: 32 pages; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 1 hour 30 minutes; index; Boston Globe article on folklore
Scope and Content Note: Roger Abrahams, born in June of 1933, speaks of his early life and education. He discusses how he became interested in folklore in college, but did not pursue it until later. He talks about how anthropology became intertwined in his application of folklore . Abrahams discusses the interrelations between folklorists and why they are sometimes misunderstood. He recalls the institutionalization of folklore as well as his own teaching experiences.
Indexed Terms:
Access Status: Open
No(s): 87-031
Physical Description: 68 pages; 3 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 2 hours 57 minutes; no index; reading list
Scope and Content Note: Ernest "Ernie" Baughman, born in 1916, discusses how he was first introduced to folklore by a grade school teacher with a knack for storytelling. It was reintroduced to him while in college as an English major, but he did not pursue the area until later. While teaching, Baughman began to use folklore to spark the interest of his students. Through a fellow teacher, he learned of the courses offered at Indiana University and ended up remaining there for six years (four as a tutor and student, two as an instructor while writing a dissertation). He discusses the growth of the folklore program at Indiana University and those who were instrumental in it, including Stith Thompson and Richard Dorson. He also discusses his enjoyment of the job he worked after Indiana University and the area he lives in.
Indexed Terms:
Access Status: Open
No(s): 87-030
Physical Description: 38 pages; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 1 hour 11 minutes; index
Scope and Content Note: Richard Bauman, born on October 28, 1940, discusses the need he had for something more as an English major at the University of Michigan. His backbround in folklore gained from a childhood summer camp and his parents, led to his decision to pursue this interest at Indiana University. Bauman talks about the many courses he took, his teachers and classmates, and how this area of study led him to an interest in Anthropology and American history which he then studied at the University of Pennsylvania). He discusses the folklore program at Indiana University as it was when he attended, its beginnings, and the changes that have since occurred. He compares the program to that of other universities and discusses those who had the greatest influence, including Richard Dorson and Stith Thompson.
Indexed Terms:
Access Status: Open
No(s): 87-005
Physical Description: 63 pages; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 1 hour, 48 minutes; no index
Scope and Content Note: Dan Ben-Amos, born in Israel on September 3, 1934, came to the United States in order to study for a master's degree. He chose Indiana University at the suggestion of a professor. Unsatisfied with the courses in his chosen area of study, he inadvertently fell into folklore. Ben-Amos recalls many of his classmates from whom he learned a great deal, as well as professors and those who influenced the program. He refers to Indiana University as the mecca of folklore for reasons such as its international connections and its focus and resources in the field. He speaks a great deal about working with Richard Dorson and all that he did forming the program, both positively and negatively.
Indexed Terms:
Access Status: Open
No(s): 87-029
Physical Description: 64 pages; 3 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 2 hours 45 minutes; index; correspondences of interviewee
Scope and Content Note: Ralph Steele Boggs, born on November 17, 1901, discusses his interest in folklore. His interest in linguistics in college introduced him to folklore by way of Professor Archer Taylor who convinced him to do his dissertation in this area. Through Taylor and the dissertation, he became acquainted with Stith Thompson. This friendship brought Boggs in contact with Indiana University, where he helped to develop the first folklore institute, using the same methods he had developed in the past developing folklore institutes at other institutions. He discusses what made the folklore program so strong at Indiana University, including its international appeal, and the zest of both Stith Thompson and Richard Dorson that helped make the program strong. Boggs talks about his dislike of the artificiality that is often connected with folklore. He also discusses some terms in folklore, particularly the definition of folklore itself.
Indexed Terms:
Access Status: Open
No(s): 87-036
Physical Description: 33 pages; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 1 hour 33 minutes; no index
Scope and Content Note: Mary Ellen Brown, born on January 6, 1939, talks about being introduced to folklore while studying theater in college. The interest she felt for this area of study brought her to the University of Pennsylvania, where folklore was offered in the English Department. Through a twist of events, Brown had the opportunity to take courses at Indiana University as well. She talks about the conflict that was apparent between the program heads of the two Universities. She talks about teaching at Indiana University. She discusses the beginnings of the folklore program and those who had great influence upon it including Stith Thompson and Richard Dorson. Brown talks particularly about Dorson, his positive and negative influence on folklore, and the strained relationship she had with him.
Indexed Terms:
Access Status: Open
No(s): 87-022
Physical Description: 61 pages; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 1 hour 54 minutes; no index; biographical data of interviewee
Scope and Content Note: Jan Harold Brunvand, born on March 23, 1933 to Norwegian immigrants, discusses being introduced to folklore in college through courses with Richard Dorson at the University of Michigan. He got a Fulbright Scholarship in Norway, where he studied folklore, then went to Indiana University for graduate work in English. Ironically, Dorson had also come to Indiana and convinced Brunvand to go into folklore. Brunvand discusses his classmates and the great relationships they formed, his professors and what he learned from them, and getting a job afterwards. He talks about Dorson's role in his life and various publications both have had. He discusses both the positive and negative aspects of the program and how it has changed over time.
Indexed Terms:
Access Status: Open
No(s): 87-015
Physical Description: 65 pages; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 1 hour 57 minutes; no index; photo of first summer institute, institute programs, photocopy of section from American civilizations, dissertation announcement
Scope and Content Note: Ken Clarke, born on January 6, 1917, developed an interest in linguistics while in college. Later, while teaching, he discovered from the department head that folklore courses were offered at Indiana University, and decided to pursue it. The program was just beginning at this time and Clarke recalls his classmates, courses, and professors, as well as the first summer institute. He talks about the relationship between the students and theirs with Stith Thompson. He discusses his own friendship with Thompson and all that he contributed to the program. He also discusses Richard Dorson, his different approach to folklore, his contributions to the program, and their strained relationship.
Indexed Terms:
Access Status: Open
No(s): 87-025
Physical Description: 79 pages; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 1 hour 47 minutes; no index
Scope and Content Note: Frank deCaro, born in 1943, was in college during the 'folksong revival' and became interested in folklore. He recalls his fellow graduate students during his time at Indiana University, how much he learned from them, the raport they had and continue to have, and the tension that was sometimes evident between students and faculty. deCaro speaks a great deal about Richard Dorson, his great power base and control in the folklore department, his contributions to the program, and the struggles many had with him. deCaro talks about the strengths of the Indiana University folklore program and what really makes it the best, including its international reputation and its openness. He also talks about the time period during which he was at Indiana University and what was happening then.
Indexed Terms:
Access Status: Open
No(s): 87-032
Physical Description: 91 pages; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 2 hours; no index
Scope and Content Note: Sandy Dolby-Stahl, born on November 26, 1946, discusses how she became interested in folklore through reading a book by Indiana University professors, and her subsequent decision to study there as a graduate student. She recalls the courses she took, her fellow students, and the great community within the folklore department. She talks a great deal about Richard Dorson, her relationship with him and his with others, his great works, and the contributions and influence he had on the program. She also discusses Stith Thompson's influence. Dolby-Stahl discusses the many strengths of Indiana University's folklore program and what makes it the best including its international reputation and broad spectrum.
Indexed Terms:
Access Status: Open
No(s): 87-003
Physical Description: 56 pages; 3 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 2 hours 38 minutes; index (only for transcription of third tape)
Scope and Content Note: Alan Dundes discusses wanting to study great literature after his master's degree which brought him to the Indiana University Folklore Institute. He recalls the professors he had as well as his fellow students. He discusses the strengths of the program, including its international reputation, and its wonderful library; as well as its weaknesses such as its lack of theoretical study. He compares this program to that of other universities both past and present, and discusses the rivalry between Indiana University and the University of Pennsylvania. Dundes discusses his interest in the psychoanalytical aspect of folklore, which was not an easily accepted topic. He talks about getting a job in this field and the one's he's held. He speaks a great deal about Richard Dorson, the kind of man he was, the relationship they had, and the contributions he made to the folklore program and to the field in general.
Indexed Terms:
Access Status: Open
No(s): 87-028
Physical Description: 17 pages; 1 tape, 1 7/8 ips, 33 minutes; no index
Scope and Content Note: Helen Leneva Flowers, born around 1910, went to Indiana university to study for a Ph.D. in English. At that time, she believes she was the only black student in the graduate program and she was not allowed to live in the dormitories. She became interested in folklore after taking a folklore course from Stith Thompson. She recalls Thompson as a professor, and vaguely remembers the summer institutes. Flowers talks about using folklore in her children's literature courses.
Indexed Terms:
Access Status: Open
No(s): 87-002
Physical Description: 80 pages; 3 cassettes, 1 7/8 ips, 160 minutes; partial index; thesis presentation flyer for interviewee
Scope and Content Note: Robert A. Georges discusses his time at the Indiana University Folklore Institute as a graduate student in the 1960s. He talks about his decision to attend Indiana University even though his background was in English literature. Professor Georges describes his first meeting with Stith Thompson. He discusses his impressions of Richard Dorson, then director and driving force behind the institute. Georges describes the atmosphere and attitudes of the folklore graduate students of the time as one of awakening and discovery, which he feels helped contribute to the evolution of folklorists from collectors and indexers to comparative analysts and interpreters. He speaks of his work with Richard Dorson on the Journal of American Folklore and how it ran on a day to day basis. Georges speaks of the quality and reputation of the IU Folklore Institute and compares it to other American and European graduate programs. He also evaluates the future of the study of folklore.
Indexed Terms:
Access Status: Open
No(s): 87-023
Physical Description: 115 pages; 5 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 3 hours 45 minutes; index
Scope and Content Note: Henry Glassie speaks of his early life and early exposure to folklore which led to a passion for and a life-long goal of working in the field. He talks about college experiences, getting into the field and working his way up, and people that influenced him. Glassie talks a great deal about Richard Dorson, their relationship, and Dorson's relationships others, as well as his personality, his guidance, his ideology of folklore and changes he went through. Glassie discusses the time he began to study at Indiana University, what the students did, what they believed, and what changes occurred.
Indexed Terms:
Access Status: Open
No(s): 87-006
Physical Description: 43 pages; 2 cassettes, 1 7/8 ips, 80 minutes; no index
Scope and Content Note: Herbert Halpert, professor emeritus from the Folklore Department at Memorial University of Newfoundland, speaks of his development as a folklorist and his time at the Indiana University Folklore Institute. Professor Halpert's first experiences with folklore involved singing and collecting folksongs for the Works Progress Administration. He also collected other genres of folklore as well, specifically from the Pineys in New Jersey, from whom he collected both songs and narratives. He came to Indiana University to study under Stith Thompson, who was just getting the Folklore Institute underway. Halpert discusses his relationship with Thompson and his impressions of his impact on the field of folklore and the development of the Institute. Prof. Halpert also comments on his relationship with Richard Dorson. He also touches upon his career path, which finally led him to the Memorial University of Newfoundland in Canada.
Indexed Terms:
Access Status: Open
No(s): 87-014
Physical Description: 58 pages; 2 cassettes, 1 7/8 ips, 120 minutes; index; subject list for Encyclopedia of American Popular Beliefs and Superstitions ; two sample articles from Encyclopedia of American Popular Beliefs and Superstitions
Scope and Content Note: Wayland Hand discusses his experiences with the Indiana University Folklore Institute. He outlines his educational background and his work with mentor Archer Taylor. He discusses his early involvement with Stith Thompson and his experiences attending and teaching at the IU Folklore Summer Institute for several years. He also outlines the development of other folklore groups at the time. Hand discusses the offer from Herman B Wells for the directorship of the Folklore Institute after Thompson retired, which he ultimately turned down. Hand reminisces about Stith Thompson, Richard Dorson and other Indiana University alumni he has known through the years. He also describes both Thompson's and Dorson's contributions to the success of the IU program. Hand tells several anecdotes related to the Institute and other experiences in folklore. Finally Hand compares the IU program to other folklore programs in the United States and outlines IU's strengths and weaknesses.
Indexed Terms:
Access Status: Open
No(s): 87-024
Physical Description: 50 pages; 2 cassettes, 1 7/8 ips, 116 minutes; index
Scope and Content Note: Joseph C. Hickerson, an archivist at the Library of Congress, discusses his connection to the Indiana University Folklore Institute. He first discusses his educational background, especially at Oberlin College where he was heavily involved in the folksong revival. His interest in folksongs led him to the folklore program at IU, which Richard Dorson has just taken over. Hickerson discusses his experiences with and impressions of Dorson and Stith Thompson. He discusses the influence of the folksong revival on the field of folklore. Hickerson describes the classes he took and the extra-curricular activities he participated in while he was as student at IU. Finally he discusses his position at the Library of Congress as an archivist. He also talks about his general impressions of the IU folklore program today in comparison with other American folklore programs.
Indexed Terms:
Access Status: Open
No(s): 87-026
Physical Description: 54 pages; 1 tape, 1 7/8 ips, 41 minutes; no index
Scope and Content Note: Linda and Theodore Humphrey speak a little about their early lives and education. They discuss their interest in folklore and their experience at a summer seminar for folklore at Indiana University with Richard Dorson. They talk about their impressions of Dorson, his beliefs about the discipline of folklore, and the memorial service following his death held at an American Folklore Society (AFS) meeting. Eleanor Wachs talks about discovering folklore while in college and loving it. She recalls coming to Indiana University and working with Dorson, his jokes, and his great writing abilities.
Indexed Terms:
Access Status: Open
No(s): 87-008
Physical Description: 28 pages; 1 tape, 1 7/8 ips, 56 minutes; index
Scope and Content Note: Edward D. "Sandy" Ives, born on September 4, 1925, discusses singing folksongs as a supplemental income to teaching, which led him to write a book. A colleague influenced him to bring his writings to the American Folklore Society (AFS), where he met Richard Dorson who then brought him to Indiana University. Ives recalls the courses he took, his professors , and his classmates and social life. He talks about fields that are related to folklore including anthropology and literature, as well as those that pushed the boundaries of folklore. He speaks about Dorson's personality and their relationship. He also discusses what Dorson and Stith Thompson brought to the Indiana University folklore program.
Indexed Terms:
Access Status: Open
No(s): 87-017
Physical Description: 73 pages; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 1 hour 30 minutes; no index
Scope and Content Note: Roger L. Janelli, born on September 21, 1943, talks about his education and how it led to a career in folklore. He enjoyed folksong as an undergraduate, took a folklore summer course as a graduate, and since he did not enjoy his major, switched and became increasingly interested in the field. After serving in Korea with the United States Army, he cultivated an interest in Asian folklore. Janelli discusses the image of Indiana University (IU) as a student at the University of Pennsylvania, and compares the two colleges. He talks about the beginning of the program at IU and the great influences of Stith Thompson and Richard Dorson who made it great. He also speaks of working with Dorson and Dorson's personality.
Indexed Terms:
Access Status: Open
No(s): 87-043
Physical Description: 82 pages, 4 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 3 hours 7 minutes, no index
Scope and Content Note: John W. Johnson, born on March 14, 1942, talks about his early life and education and his fascination with all things foreign. He talks about his subsequent study of linguistics at the University of Texas and a single folklore class that sparked his interest. He speaks extensively about his experiences in the Peace Corps working in Somalia. He talks especially about his great interest in Somalian literature, which led him to pursue a master's degree in London, at which he wrote a dissertation which in turn led him to Indiana University (IU). Johnson discusses the great base Stith Thompson created at IU and for the field of folklore in general. He talks about Richard Dorson's contributions to the program, as well as some of his hindrances. He speaks about the changes that have occurred in the folklore program over time and the wonderful reputation the institution still holds today.
Indexed Terms:
Access Status: Open
No(s): 87-016
Physical Description: 69 pages; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 2 hours; no index
Scope and Content Note: Michael Owen Jones, born on October 11, 1942, recalls, as an undergraduate, hearing others discuss folklore courses, which sparked his interest in the subject. When he was finally able to enroll in one himself, he loved it. Although he graduated from the University of Kentucky with three majors, he wanted something more. His interest in folklore led him to Indiana University (IU). Jones recalls classmates, courses, and professors at IU; all that he learned, liked, and disliked. He talks about Richard Dorson, his contributions, his personality, and the love/hate relationship he had with many. Jones talks about what IU has to offer and compares that with UCLA, where he now works.
Indexed Terms:
Access Status: Open
No(s): 87-027
Physical Description: 35 pages; 1 cassette, 1 7/8 ips, 42 minutes; no index
Scope and Content Note: Barbara Kirshenblatt-Gimblett talks of her early education in English literature at the University of Toronto and University of California-Berkeley, and her interactions with Alan Dundes, which led her to attend the Indiana University Folklore Institute to earn her doctoral degree in folklore. She discusses the people at IU that influenced her. She discusses the strong and active student population, who led a small revolt against the poor teaching methods of the folklore faculty, and later initiated the Folklore Forum , a student run journal. She speaks of the development of the field of folklore over time and the diversification of the study of folklore today.
Indexed Terms:
Access Status: Restricted: Contact the Center for Documentary Research and Practice for more information
No(s): 87-004
Physical Description: 47 pages; 2 cassettes, 1 7/8 ips, 80 minutes; no index
Scope and Content Note: Dorothy Letsinger and Margarite Thompson Hays, daughters of Stith Thompson, discuss their father's career as an English professor and folklorist, which ultimately led to the development of the Indiana University Folklore Institute. They touch upon his early education in English literature and his position as the head of English Composition at Indiana University. They talk about his interests in folklore and English. They discuss home life, daily routine, interactions with students and faculty members, and his relationship with his family members. They talk about the creation of the Folklore Institute with the blessing of Herman B Wells, and his souring relations with Richard Dorson after he took over the program in the late 50s.
Indexed Terms:
Access Status: Open
No(s): 87-001
Physical Description: 38 pages; 1 tape, 1 7/8 ips, 60 minutes; index
Scope and Content Note: John McDowell, born on September 24, 1946, discusses his early life and education. He talks about how he got into folklore at the University of Texas due to his interest in music and poetry, and about how he came to work at Indiana University (IU). He speaks of the rivalries that existed and continue to exist between the folklore programs of various colleges and compares a few of those programs. McDowell recalls fellow teachers in the IU folklore department and the politics that occurred within the department, centering usually around Richard Dorson. He discusses what made the folklore program so great including its eclecticism and its international reputation. He also discusses the IU folklore Institute's public image and its influence over the field of folklore in general.
Indexed Terms:
Access Status: Open
No(s): 87-011
Physical Description: 27 pages; 1 cassette, 1 7/8 ips, 53 minutes; no index; newspaper article
Scope and Content Note: Dov Noy discusses his involvement with the Indiana University Folklore Institute. Originally from Poland, Noy was educated in Israel, when he was stranded there when World War II started. During his time with the British Army, Noy became interested in folk narrative. He originally came to IU to study comparative literature, but quickly switched to folklore. Noy speaks of the Summer Institute and the classes he taught. He also describes his perceptions and relationship with Stith Thompson, whom he felt was very welcoming to students, even though he may not have been a good lecturer. Noy discusses his relationship with Richard Dorson. Noy discusses the development of folklore studies in Israel, which he has been active in promoting since his return in the late 1950s.
Indexed Terms:
Access Status: Open
No(s): 87-042
Physical Description: 28 pages; 2 cassettes, 1 7/8 ips, 79 minutes; no index; copy of Felix J. Oinas Bibliography by Ronald F. Feldstein
Scope and Content Note: Felix J. Oinas discusses his ties to the Indiana University Folklore Institute. Oinas spends most of the interview discussing his relationship with Richard Dorson, which he describes as very close. Oinas taught classes for the folklore department, published papers in the field of folklore, and gave lectures at folklore conferences. Dorson confided in Oinas about many things, including departmental politics and personal conflicts. Oinas discusses Dorson's personal characteristics, and his professional contributions to the field of folklore. Oinas briefly touches upon his relationship with Stith Thompson, which he describes as formal in nature. The interview ends with a discussion of Dorson's love of tennis and a description of his untimely death on a tennis court.
Indexed Terms:
Access Status: Open
No(s): 87-012
Physical Description: 105 pages; 3 cassettes, 1 7/8 ips, 125 minutes; no index
Scope and Content Note: Elliott Oring discusses his connections with the Indiana University Folklore Institute. He describes his time as a graduate student and the classes he took at IU. He discusses the atmosphere of the student body, which he felt was where most of his learning about folklore took place. He spoke of some shortcomings of his education at IU. He talks about many different aspects of Richard Dorson: his relationship to students, his relationships with other faculty members and administrators, his teaching methods, and his contributions to the folklore program at IU. Oring talks about Thompson's contributions to the folklore program at IU as well. Oring evaluates the folklore education he received at IU and the folklore educational opportunities students today have. He compares IU's present program with other around the United States and describes his perception of the reputation of Indiana University today.
Indexed Terms:
Access Status: Open
No(s): 87-007
Physical Description: 55 pages; 3 cassettes, 1 7/8 ips, 1 hour 44 minutes; index
Scope and Content Note: Richard Reuss discusses his involvement with the Indiana University Folklore Institute. He originally became interested in folklore through the folksong revival and decided to attend IU in the mid nineteen-sixties to earn a PhD. Reuss discusses the solidarity of the student body. He talks about various graduate assistantships that were available to students at the time. Reuss spends most of the interview discussing his interactions with and impressions of Stith Thompson and Richard Dorson. Reuss feels that Thompson left a "long shadow" for Dorson to come out of. He cites Dorson's motivation as one of the reasons that the Folklore Institute is well-known. Reuss discusses the "four Ps" of promoting a new academic discipline: performance, publish, propaganda and power. He then relates the four Ps to the steps Dorson took to promote the study of folklore. Finally Reuss reflects on Dorson's influence on his own studies in folklore and tells a few anecdotes that characterize Dorson's personality.
Indexed Terms:
Access Status: Restricted: Contact the Center for Documentary Research and Practice for more information.
No(s): 87-020
Physical Description: 23 pages, only partially transcribed; 2 cassettes, 1 7/8 ips, 115 minutes; no index
Scope and Content Note: W. Edson Richmond discusses his involvement with the Indiana University Folklore Institute. Richmond came to IU as an English professor in 1945 and because of his interest in ballads, began teaching folklore courses. Due to of his early involvement in the Institute, he became acting director during the interim between directors Stith Thompson and Richard Dorson. Richmond discusses the purpose of the Folklore Fellows. Much of the interview is untranscribed due to a poor recording.
Indexed Terms:
Access Status: Open
No(s): 87-019
Physical Description: 51 pages; 2 cassettes, 1 7/8 ips, 103 minutes; no index
Scope and Content Note: Warren Roberts discusses his interests in folklore and his involvement in the Indiana University Folklore Institute. Roberts became interested in folklore as an undergraduate at Reed College in Oregon where he studied ballads. He came to IU to study under Stith Thompson and received what is considered to be the first folklore doctoral degree given at IU. He was then hired as a professor and first taught Thompson's folktale classes. Subsequently he started teaching material culture classes as his interests in folklore changed. Roberts discusses his relationship with Thompson, and Thompson's influence on the IU Folklore Institute, and the study of folklore in general. Roberts also describes Richard Dorson's personality and his influence on the Institute. Roberts discusses his participation in the IU Folklore Summer Institutes. He describes the development of the animosity between Pennsylvania State University and Indiana University folklorists, stemming from a clash of personalities and dealing within the American Folklore Society. Roberts talks about his work with material culture and his hopes for a folk museum which never came to be. He speaks of collecting log buildings and other artifacts from around Indiana for his museum.
Indexed Terms:
Access Status: Open
No(s): 87-009
Physical Description: 62 pages; 3 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 1 hour 59 minutes; index
Scope and Content Note: Neil Rosenberg, born on March 21, 1939, discusses his great enjoyment of music. He recalls his involvement in the 'folksong revival' as an undergraduate, which developed into an interest in the field of folklore. He continued his musical involvement by playing in a bluegrass band while studying folklore at Indiana University (IU) as a graduate. Rosenberg recalls professors whom he studied under, what student life was like, and the frustration and work he put into his dissertation. He talks about Richard Dorson, his impact on the program, and his anti-folkmusic attitude. He compares the IU folklore program to that of other universities, talks about rivalries between them, and about what brought IU out on top including its internationalism. He also talks about working at IU and what he learned from it.
Indexed Terms:
Access Status: Open
No(s): 87-041
Physical Description: 85 pages; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 1 hour 49 minutes; no index
Scope and Content Note: Thomas A. Sebeok, born on November 9, 1920, discusses how he first became involved in folklore through studying and publishing in related fields. He speaks of the very beginning of the folklore program at Indiana University (IU) as a summer institute, and the people involved with it including Stith Thompson and Herman B Wells. Although not directly involved in the department, Sebeok talks about his experiences in the field and those in it, as well as his part in bringing Richard Dorson to IU. He speaks a great deal about Dorson, his accomplishments, his role in the Institute, and his influences overall. Sebeok gives a general account of the history of the IU folklore institute, and the changes it has undergone since its beginning, as an objective observer.
Indexed Terms:
Access Status: Open
No(s): 87-039
Physical Description: 95 pages; 2 cassettes, 1 7/8 ips, 118 minutes; no index
Scope and Content Note: Ronald Smith speaks of his educational background and his subsequent involvement with the Indiana University Folklore Institute. Smith describes the New York City Public School system where he was first a student, then a teacher and administrator. After teaching music for a few years, Smith decided to go back to school to earn a PhD in folklore because he was interested in ethnomusicology. Smith attended the IU Folklore Institute while Richard Dorson was director, and later became a professor of ethnomusicology in the folklore department. Smith describes his relationship to Dorson first as a student and then as a faculty member. Smith also evaluates both Dorson's and Stith Thompson's impact on the IU Folklore Institute and the field of folklore as a whole.
Indexed Terms:
Access Status: Restricted: Contact the Center for Documentary Research and Practice for more information.
No(s): 87-037
Physical Description: 15 pages; 1 cassette, 1 7/8 ips, 30 minutes; no index
Scope and Content Note: Shirley Steiner discusses her interests in folklore and her perceptions of folklore as a discipline. She describes her educational background and her decision to go back to school after many years to study folklore at University of California Los Angeles. She spends some time discussing the teaching methods used in her classes, and their frequent mention of Richard Dorson and his writings. Although Stith Thompson is mentioned she does not have the perception that he was one of the modern folklore scholars. She touched upon the differences between the different folklore programs in the United States, the prominent folklore scholars and the "friendly rivalry" between schools. She also spends some time discussing her interests in folklore, which mostly focused on tarot cards.
Indexed Terms:
Access Status: Restricted: Contact the Center for Documentary Research and Practice for more information.
No(s): 87-035
Physical Description: 128 pages; 3 cassettes, 1 7/8 ips, 160 minutes, no index
Scope and Content Note: Ellen Stekert speaks of her involvement with the Indiana University Folklore Institute. She outlines her early education and her early interests in folklore, mostly from classes at Cornell University and from her involvement in the folksong revival. She attended IU to earn her master's degree and then the University of Pennsylvania to earn her PhD. Stekert describes at length her turbulent relationship with Richard Dorson as a student and then a colleague. She describes her fellow students at IU and the intellectual environment they created. She touches upon her reasons for leaving IU after earning her master's degree. She describes her experiences as a doctoral student at U Penn. She also speaks briefly of her time at Wayne State University and her work in the Wayne State University Archives. Throughout the interview she mentions her childhood bout with polio, and how it has affected her life. She describes some pictures she has saved from her time at IU. She also evaluates the education she received at IU.
Indexed Terms:
Access Status: Restricted: Contact the Center for Documentary Research and Practice for more information.
No(s): 87-013
Physical Description: 121 pages, 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 1 hour 25 minutes; no index
Scope and Content Note: Stephen Stern, born on June 12, 1947, talks about his early life and education, and how that later affected the direction of his collegiate studies. He discusses studying philosophy at UCLA and not being completely satisfied until he found folklore, which brought him to Indiana University (IU) for a Ph.D. He recalls courses and professors, classmates and social atmosphere, and all that he learned. He talks about the great sense of community within the department as well as the politics that also took place usually in league with Richard Dorson. He discusses Dorson, his teaching style, his personality, and his power within the department. Stern speaks of the great opportunity he had as a graduate student to create and teach a course in Jewish folklore. He talks about writing his dissertation, the support he had from both Dorson and fellow students. He compares the program at IU to that of UCLA where he now works. He also comments on the many people who have remained close since his time at IU.
Indexed Terms:
Access Status: Open
No(s): 87-034
Physical Description: 46 pages; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 1 hour 31 minutes; no index
Scope and Content Note: Beverly Stoeltje, born in 1940, discusses studying folklore at the University of Texas (UT) at the graduate level and her interest in the American west. She discusses the courses and the different techniques of teaching used by the instructors. She discusses her impressions of Indiana University (IU) as a student of UT, many of which concern Richard Dorson, and goes on to compare the universities including the University of Pennsylvania. She talks about the process of coming to work at IU, about teaching, and about marrying within the field. Stoeltje discusses Dorson, their relationship, his treatment of women, his influence and power, and his contributions to both the institute and the field. She also discusses folklore as a discipline, especially in America, and what influences the Folklore Institute has had upon folklore and vice versa.
Indexed Terms:
Access Status: Open
No(s): 87-040
Physical Description: 59 pages; 3 cassettes, 1 7/8 ips, 129 minutes; index
Scope and Content Note: Ruth Stone discusses her involvement with the Indiana University Folklore Institute. She discusses her educational background: first living in a village in Liberia and later returning to the United States to attend Juilliard and Hunter College. She discusses her reasons for choosing the IU Folklore Institute to earn her PhD and spends time comparing IU's program to other programs active during that period. She discusses the atmosphere of the Institute while she was a student and names her mentors. She speaks of the competitive atmosphere that was also informal, leading to many parties. She also speaks of her involvement as a professor in developing the ethnomusicology program at IU. She compares the interdisciplinary and international nature of IU's program with others in America. She spends some time discussing the Indiana University Archives of Traditional Music, the Mathers Museum, and the Hoagy Carmichael memorabilia. She outlines the influences of Richard Dorson and Stith Thompson on the development of IU's Folklore Institute and on the discipline of folklore as a whole.
Indexed Terms:
Access Status: Open
No(s): 87-010
Physical Description: 16 pages; 1 cassette, 1 7/8 ips, 34 minutes; index
Scope and Content Note: Herman B Wells speaks of his relationship with Stith Thompson and his role in founding the Indiana University Folklore Institute. He speaks of the slow process of developing a new academic discipline. He also touched upon his relationship with Richard Dorson.
Indexed Terms:
Access Status: Restricted: Contact the Center for Documentary Research and Practice for more information.
No(s): 87-021
Physical Description: 94 pages; 3 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 2 hours 29 minutes; no index
Scope and Content Note: William A. "Bert" Wilson, born on September 23, 1933, talks about his early life and education. He talks about going to Finland on a Mormon trip and becoming interested in Finnish literature. Through a National Defense Education Act (NDEA) language fellowship, he was able to study Finnish literature further at Indiana University (IU) and its roots in folklore. He recalls courses that he took, the professors, what he learned from them, and how the program expanded his interest to include Mormon and American folklore. He also recalls students who studied at IU during his different times there, and their great camaraderie and lasting friendships. Wilson talks a great deal about Richard Dorson and his huge impact on IU folklore through his amazing power, his high expectations and aspirations for his students and for the field. He talks about Dorson's relationships with others, mostly in terms of love-hate, and about the conflicts Dorson had with many including David Bidney and Duncan Emerich. Wilson goes on to talk about the great contributions Stith Thompson made to the IU program, creating a strong supportive base for Dorson, and to the field, through his work on the historic-geographic method. He compares this program building on a smaller level to that of Alta and Austin Fife at Utah State University and talks about the growth of folklore programs at other universities. He discusses his work for his dissertation and at editing over the years. He also discusses the changes the IU Folklore Institute has undergone since Dorson's death.
Indexed Terms:
Access Status: Open