Ruth Muriel Eddy was born in 1921. She graduated from Central High School in Providence, Rhode Island in 1939, and from Eastern Nazarene College in 1943. In 1966, she received an extension diploma from Brown University. She was a proofreader for Oxford Press, a newsroom typist for the Providence Journal, and a public relations writer for WJAR-TV. Other jobs included stints in the departments of Employment Security and of Social Welfare for the state of Rhode Island, director of senior citizens groups in both Providence and East Providence, Rhode Island, typing instructor and creative writing instructor. In 1950, she founded the Rhode Island Writers' Guild. She was primarily a poet and several of her books of poetry,
Clifford Martin Eddy, Jr. (1896-1967), was born in Providence, Rhode Island and graduated from Classical High School in Providence. He is known primarily for his short stories in the horror, science fiction and supernatural genres but he also wrote songs, both words and music, sometimes collaborating with others, particularly his daughter, Ruth. He was a theatrical agent, a proof reader for Oxford Press, the principal clerk of the State of Rhode Island and a creative writing instructor. He was also a friend and confidant of H.P. Lovecraft, the horror and occult writer, and the magician Harry Houdini. He served from 1954 to 1956 as president of the Rhode Island Writers' Guild, and as secretary treasurer of the Rhode Island Theatrical Booking Agents' Association.
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.
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.
Clifford M. and Ruth M. Eddy musical compositions, Ms. 2005.69, Brown University Library.
The Clifford M. and Ruth M. Eddy musical compositions consist chiefly of printed and manuscript music mostly by Clifford and his daughter, Ruth. Other materials include a few letters and some poetry. The collection is divided into three series: music, correspondence and proposed lyrics. The music series consists of the music of Clifford Eddy, including primarily fully developed songs, but also a few sketches of tunes. This series also includes the music of Ruth Eddy and others, as well as music without the name of a composer or lyricist attached. A few of the songs have been published, but the majority of them were not and are handwritten. The topics range from the blues to hymns to love songs. The correspondence series is very short and for the most part concerns the use of poems as song lyrics. The last series consists of poems which the Eddys were considering for use as lyrics.
The collection is arranged into the following three series:
This collection was purchased from Ruth Eddy in 1983.
Brown University Library catalog record for this collection: