Born in 1903, Mary Borland Thayer Fox, poet and author, died in 1938 of cancer. A resident of Pennsylvania for most if not all her life, she married William Logan Fox, had at least one child, Joseph M. Fox, and was the sister of Charles Wheeler Thayer (1910 - 1969), a writer and diplomat.
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.
Mary Borland Thayer Fox papers, Ms. 78.14, Brown University Library.
The collection consists chiefly of Fox's poetry and prose dating from 1919-1938. Much of the collection remained unpublished during Fox's lifetime, not coming to press until printed in a memorial volume in 1960. The analysis of the collection which follows closely corresponds to the physical arrangement of the papers.
Approximately one hundred separate poems are represented in the collection, most of which appear in manuscript or typed draft versions. The collection also includes typed transcripts (made more that twenty years later) which served as a selection tool for the posthumous volume of her poetry,
A total of 38 different examples of her prose appear in the collection, many of which are in two or three drafts. This material consists of short stories some of which were written obviously for juveniles as well as other material that is of a purely didactic nature. Her essays deal with contemporary subjects of her time and include articles on the Depression and its effects on the common man; fears of totalitarianism; social mores, and socialism. The titles of the works are usually a good indication of the content, and in some instances, the author's attitudes towards a subject. Also included in this section is a diary account written in 1936 of her trip to the Soviet Union to visit her brother, Charles W. Thayer (Thayer was attached to the United States Embassy there). Good descriptions of Russian historical places and of the Soviet people themselves are included in the narrative.
The final section of the collection containing the original writings of Fox consists of a number of original libretti for ballet, at least one of which was professionally produced; also, two scrapbooks of clipped verse and illustrations, some of which may have served as inspiration and/or models for Fox's own work. Likewise there are newspaper clippings relevant to her work as well as some copies of publications in which her writings appeared.
The second major division of the collection contains material not directly authored by Mary Fox. It consists chiefly of correspondence and includes: a) 34 letters written to Mary Fox in response to her essay in the April 1935 issue of
Finally in this section are seven pieces of sheet music, two of which are in manuscript, by Charles Cohen and Arthur Farwell. Cohen's work includes a song set to verse of Fox: "Alas, that spring should vanish with the rose". Farwell's music includes songs set to the poetry of William Blake: "The Lamb" and Emily Dickinson's: "These Saw Vision."
The collection is arranged in five series:
In Series 1. Writings, both the poetry and the prose are arranged alphabetically by title and by first line where no title is given. The verse precedes the prose which in turn is followed by the ballet libretti.
The correspondence is arranged by subject: a) Letters to Mary Borland Thayer Fox in response to "The Art of Dying" (arranged alphabetically by correspondent); b) Other letters directed to Mrs. Fox; c) Correspondence in regard to the publication of
The Mary Borland Thayer Fox Papers were given to Brown University in 1975 by Joseph M. Fox and Catharine M. Wright.
Brown University Library catalog record for this collection:
Folders 2-33 are an alphabetical arrangement of poems written by Fox. Originals and carbon copies; also, later (1950's) typed manuscripts of these poems which were used as the basis for the posthumous volume 'A Path Across the Night'.
Two originals, two typed manuscripts.
Typescripts which were drafts for publisher, including final submitted version.
Draft versions of poetry contained in Box 1: folders 2 - 33.
Draft versions of poetry contained in Box 1: folders 2 - 33
Original verse by Fox (typescripts in box 1: folders 2-33) and verses by others.
Transcriptions made by Fox
Under the pseudonym of Penelope Deveruex.
Basically, a tourist's description of Leningrad, Moscow and Kiev, some very perceptive accounts of the Russian people and mores.
Libretti for ballets, some of which were performed.
Verse and illustrations clipped from journals and/or hand-written by Fox.
Verse and illustrations clipped from journals and/or written by Fox.
Letters addressed to Fox replying to her article on approaching death, which appeared anonymously in "The Atlantic Monthly", April 1925. The letters are arranged alphabetically by author.
Letters addressed to Fox complimenting her on her poetry.
Correspondence dealing with publication of book, including lay-out, forword, and poems which were not selected; chiefly between literary executor of Fox, Mrs. Sydney L. (Kit) Wright and Fox's husband and son. Familial and personal matters are discussed. Arrangement is chronological.
Letters addressed to Fox's husband, William Logan Fox, congratulatory on posthumous volume of wife's writings.
Miscellaneous matters discussed including his comments on a decision of the Supreme Court and his opinion of Felix Frankfurter.
Two copies of the issue containing Fox's anonymously printed "The art of dying."
Contains Fox's "Minor and Major Poetry".
Contains Fox's "The Swan Maiden".
Contemporary commenst on Fox's poetry and prose and also some comments on posthumous volume, "A path across the night."