De Jong was the author of 13 novels, 5 children’s books, several books of poetry and numerous short stories. His poems and articles were published in publications such as Nation, Poetry, Southern Review, and Atlantic Monthly.
He was born in 1905 in Blija, Friesland Province, The Netherlands. Soon after, his family moved to Groningen, and then to Wierum in the Netherlands. His family came to the United States in 1918 when he was thirteen. They settled in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He finished grammar school at Baldwin Street Christian School, went to business school for a time, worked in offices and banks for the next three years, including G. R. Savings and Home State banks. He received his undergraduate degree from Calvin College (A. B. 1929). He taught at the high school in Edmore, Michigan for one year and then went on a fellowship to Duke University (M. A. 1932). De Jong began his doctorate at Brown University in 1932 but shifted to writing full time before completing his Ph.D. He remained in Providence the remainder of his life. He died September, 1967.
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.
The David Cornel De Jong papers include drafts of his writings, correspondence with friends and colleagues, diaries, photographs, scrapbooks, and personal papers. The correspondence dated after De Jong's death in 1967 was addressed to him and answered by his wife and some of it was addressed to Helen as the executor of his literary estate. Of particular note is De Jong's card catalog, consisting of annotated card entries for his written works. The cards are arranged alphabetically by title and include the publication history for each one. His writings include novels and longer works, short stories, essays, and poems.
David Cornel De Jong Papers, Ms.92.8, Brown University Library.
The collection is organized in two series:
The David Cornel De Jong papers were a gift to Brown University from Mrs. Helen E. De Jong. The scrapbook of artwork was a gift from the Providence Public Library in 2016.
Card catalog of De Jong's works with publication history.
Artwork mostly on postcards and clipped from magazines pasted to scrapbook pages and organized by artist. Includes European masters and 20th century American painters. Also includes an original watercolor drawing by De Jong depicting a seaside landscape with a man and woman standing near the water.
Master of Arts thesis (Duke University)
Includes five folders of unsorted poems.