US-RPB-ms78.2 Guide to the Edward De Forest Metcalf papers Finding aid prepared by John E. Ingram, Manuscripts Processor, under the direction of Clifton H. Jones, Manuscripts Curator, April 1978. Brown University Library
Box ABrown UniversityProvidence, RI 02912Tel: 401-863-2162Fax: 401-863-1272email: rock@brown.edu
 Finding aid encoded by Daniel Mejia 2008 September 26 English English Brown University LibrarySpecial Collections
Box A, John Hay LibraryBrown UniversityProvidence, RI 02912Tel: 401-863-2146Fax: 401-863-2093email: hay@brown.edu
 Metcalf, Edward De Forest, 1924-1968 Edward De Forest Metcalf papers 1950-1976 Metcalf (Edward De Forest) papers 1.75 linear feet (2 oversize boxes) Edward De Forest Metcalf (1924-1968) was a Providence writer of poetry and short stories. Metcalf's papers contain numerous drafts and fragments as well as complete literary works. Included in the papers is a compilation Edward De Forest Metcalf's writings that was published after his death by his father, George T. Metcalf. Ms. 78.2 Biographical note

Edward De Forest Metcalf was born in 1924 in Providence, was educated in a series of schools (grammar and high) but never recieved a school diploma, acquiring an equivalency document in 1945. He travelled in Europe in the late 1940's and early 1950's, earned his living irregularly, including a job at the Providence Journal, but was mainly supported by his father, George T. Metcalf. He died in 1968, an apparent suicide. (See In Memoriam Edward De Forest Metcalf, George T. Metcalf, Providence, R.I. 1970, for further biographical details.)

 Collection Information

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.

Edward De Forest Metcalf papers, Ms. 78.2, Brown University Library.

The collection consists of poetry and prose; the poetry is represented chiefly by ballads, mostly of a humorous nature, while the prose consists of a number of short stories or fragments thereof. In addition to the finished products which can be found assembled into one folder (the original In Memoriam Edward De Forest Metcalf by G.T. Metcalf), there are numerous draft copies of unfinished as well as completed literary works, mostly verse.

After Edward Metcalf committed suicide in 1968, his father, George Tucker Metcalf (Brown class of 1913) put together into loose-leaf binders 25 copies of his son's writings (including introductory and explanatory notes), which were to be sent to select friends of his and his son's acquaintance, including a copy sent to the Harris Collection of American Poetry and Drama at Brown University.

Two years later Metcalf had formally published a memorial to his son, incorporating all of the material in the previous loose-leaf edition as well as some additional items of Edward's. Titled In Memoriam Edward De Forest Metcalf, this volume is the basis for the largest part of the correspondence included in the collection. Most of the correspondence is sympathetic and congratulatory to the father, George, for having published the volume in honor of his son; there is, however, also some substantive comment on the problems caused by society's attitudes towards homosexuals, of which group Edward was one.

In the correspondence addressed to Edward Metcalf, one finds criticism of his literary talent as well as comments on his desire to have his work published. There are also two letters by Metcalf in one of which he describes the political situation in Europe in 1950, while in the other, addressed to the editors of Life magazine, he gives his views on Catholicism versus Protestantism.

The papers have been arranged in two series: Series 1. Edward De Forest Metcalf Series 2. George Tucker Metcalf et alia

The collection was given to the John Hay Library from 1970 to 1977; partly by George T. Metcalf in 1970 and 1972 and partly from Metcalf's estate in 1977 subsequent to his apparent suicide in 1976.

 Names Metcalf, Edward De Forest, 1924-1968 Metcalf, George Tucker, 1891-1976 Subjects Poetry Short stories Prose literature Metcalf, Edward De Forest, 1924-1968 Homosexuality--Social aspects Homophobia RIAMCO Browsing Terms Race, Ethnicity and Gender Language and Literature Social Life and Customs Titles In memoriam Edward De Forest Metcalf Types of materials Poetry Short stories Occupations Poets Authors Additional Information

Brown University Library catalog record for this collection: Edward De Forest Metcalf papers

 Series 1. Edward De Forest Metcalf1950-1968 1 1 Correspondence by Edward De Forest Metcalf1950,1954 2 items

Letter to father (G.T. Metcalf), 1950, discusses political situtaiton in Europe. Letter to Life magazine, 1954, replies to an article on Catholicism versus Protestantism.

 1 2 Correspondence to Edward De Forest Metcalfundated 4 items

Criticism of his literary works; also, comments on his plans to publish.

 1 3 Documentsundated 8 items

Materials giving the date of birth, attendance at schools by E. D. F. Metcalf; high-school equivalency diploma.

 1 4-7 Poetryundated 25 items

Verse, chiefly humorous ballads; draft and completed, original and processed copies. Also several draft fragments of prose contained on verso of poems.

 1 8 Poetryundated 4 items

Drafts of short stories.

 1 9 Scrapbookundated

Compilation of clippings from "sacred writings", journals, and "picture-Magazines".

 1 10 List of books in E. D. F. Metcalf's personal libraryundated 1 11-13 Clippings, maps, ephemeraundated 30 items Series 2. George Tucker Metcalf et alia1968-1976

The Correspondence re: In Memoriam contains comments on personal acquaintance with Edward Metcalf as well as his writing ability and other talents; several references to his homosexuality, chiefly from a negative standpoint. Prominent Providence and Brown University individuals are represented in this correspondence.

 2 1 Miscellaneous materialsundated 16 items

Items deal chiefly with George Metcalf's memorial volume of his son's literary work; contains lists of persons to whom this volume (published and/or unpublished edition) was sent; also some copies of the explanatory pages written by the elder Metcalf for the volume.

 2 2 In Memoriam Edward De Forest Metcalfundated

One set (of 25) of George Metcalf's original and unbound tribute to his son; consists of general introductory (biographical) comments on his son; most of the literary output of the son is contained in the work with brief comments of the father; includes photograph of the younger Metcalf; his attempts at advertising illustration; poetry; and prose: "The Adventures of Copy Kitten" (for children) and "The Mad One Dances."

 2 3 Correspondence re: In Memoriam...undated

Includes correspondence from: Elizabeth (Betty) Allen Thomas Appleget (class of 1917) Mrs. Henry L.P. Beckwith Anthony Black Zenas R. Bliss (class of 1918)

2 4 Correspondence re: In Memoriam...undated

Includes correspondence from Florence Oliver Brown and Lorna Bruen.

 2 5 Correspondence re: In Memoriam...undated

Includes correspondence from: Woody Calder Wally Campbell Mrs. H. M. Carruthers Harriet Champlin Robert L. Childs Edith Childs Camilla Churchill

2 6 Correspondence re: In Memoriam...undated

Includes correspondence from: Roger Clapp (b. 1910) Helen E. Donaldson Clapp Thomas and Phyllis Cocroft Albro N. Dana

2 7 Correspondence re: In Memoriam...undated

Includes correspondence from: William Eastwood (d. 1976; class of 1913) William H. Edwards (1898-1976; class of 1919) Alice Emmons William and Majorie Feeter Louis C. Fitzgerald William McLeod Fraser (class of 1919)

2 8 Correspondence re: In Memoriam...undated

Includes correspondence from: William Gammell Jeffrey S. Granger (b. 1891; class of 1913) Hubert N. Graves Polly Grosvenor

2 9 Correspondence re: In Memoriam...undated

Includes correspondence from: Richard Harrington Robert S. Holding (d. 1974; class of 1914) William M. Howe (class of 1913) David D. Huntoon

2 10 Correspondence re: In Memoriam...undated

Includes correspondence from Frank J. Jones (class of 1928).

 2 11 Correspondence re: In Memoriam...undated

Includes correspondence from: Israel J. Kapstein (b. 1904; class of 1926) Barnaby Keeney (b. 1914) Bertram Lippincott Gorton Thayer Lippitt Bancroft Littlefield (class of 1934)

2 12 Correspondence re: In Memoriam...undated

Includes correspondence from: Marian McIntyre Virginia (Ginny) MacLeod Ruth McLeod H. Stanford McLeod(d. 1974; class of 1916) Edna Menke

2 13 Correspondence re: In Memoriam...undated

Includes correspondence from: John Tucker Metcalf (class of 1914) Angela L. Minet Louis Israel Newman, rabbi (1893-1972; class of 1913)

2 14 Correspondence re: In Memoriam...undated

Includes correspondence from: Jill Pardee Jackson Phillips(class of 1913) Reginald H. Poland (d. 1975; class of 1914)

2 15 Correspondence re: In Memoriam...undated

Includes correspondence from Ruth Frances Rapelye and Herbert M. Ross (class of 1913).

 2 16 Correspondence re: In Memoriam...undated

Includes correspondence from: Edith Sawin Mrs. Henry D. (Mary Elizabeth) Sharpe June Skinner Dorothy B. Smith

2 17 Correspondence re: In Memoriam...undated

Includes correspondence from: Dorothy Hackny Smith Walter Henry Snell (class of 1913) Leonard Walter Smith (class of 1913) John K. Starkweather (1891-1972; class of 1913) Helen Tegner W. Allen Traver Payson Waite Tucker (class of 1913)

2 18 Correspondence re: In Memoriam...undated

Includes correspodence from John Chester Anderson Watkins (b.1912) and Winter Arnold White (d 1973; class of 1913).

 2 21-23 In Memoriam Edward De Forest Metcalfundated 1 item

This second copy of the In Memoriam manuscript is a gift to the Library from Robert S. Hazlett -- October 1983; see Box 2, Folder 2 for description.