George Montgomery was a poet and writer who lived in the Ulster County area of New York State. Montgomery was born in New Jersey to a family that had spent years on the vaudeville circuit, and growing up he came to be known as an amateur stuntman who drove in demolition derbies and worked professional wrestling events. After some time in the army, Montgomery become part of Greenwich Village’s poetry scene where he befriended Allen Ginsberg, Jack Kerouac and others. He moved to Ulster County in 1965, where he resided until the end of his life in 1987. During this time he wrote an extensive collection of poetry, which he routinely published with small presses and read at local events in the Hudson Valley area. Montgomery was also a popular columnist for local newspapers as well as a community college poetry teacher and youth organization leader. A noted member of the community for his public persona and literary activism, Montgomery once ran for mayor of Rosendale, NY but lost.
The George Montgomery Papers document the professional career of the writer and poet, George Montgomery. The collection contains original manuscripts, published work, correspondence, and newspaper clippings related to Montgomery. Of particular note is the robust selection of work from 1985-1987, comprised of poetry manuscripts and his newspaper column, “Van Gogh’s Ear.” The collection also includes two binders (dated 1981-1982 and 1986) of manuscripts, flyers, and newspaper clippings that were collected and arranged by Montgomery and which are left in the original order. The remainder of the materials, which were donated over the course of many years, were rearranged both topically and chronologically in order to trace Montgomery’s career.
Although Brown University has physical ownership of the collection and the materials contained therein, it does not claim literary rights. Researchers should note that compliance with copyright law is their responsibility. Researchers must determine the owners of the literary rights and obtain any necessary permissions from them.
There are no restrictions on access, except that the collection can only be seen by prior appointment. Some materials may be stored off-site and cannot be produced on the same day on which they are requested.
George Montgomery papers, Ms.2011.026, Brown University Library
The collection is arranged into three series. Folders are arranged alphabetically within each series.