Lillian P. Davis Papers
The Lillian P. Davis Papers, 1958-1974, consist primarily of manuscript copies of short stories, plays, and books that Davis wrote after her retirement in 1948. Prominently represented are A Member of the Jury, The Tennessee Story, and her unpublished autobiography. Both A Member of the Jury and The Tennessee Story are fictionalized accounts of the 1925 Scopes Trial in Dayton, Tennessee.
Dates
- 1958-1974
Conditions Governing Access
Collections are stored offsite and must be requested in advance. See www.special.lib.utk.edu for detailed information. Collections must be requested through a registered Special Collections research account.
Conditions Governing Use
The UT Libraries claims only physical ownership of most material in the collections. Persons wishing to broadcast or publish this material must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants on www.special.lib.utk.edu for detailed information. Collections must be requested through a registered Special Collections research account.
Extent
0.5 Linear Feet
Abstract
The Lillian P. Davis Papers, 1958-1974, consist primarily of manuscript copies of short stories, plays, and books that Davis wrote after her retirement in 1948. Prominently represented are A Member of the Jury, The Tennessee Story, and her unpublished autobiography.
Biographical/Historical Note
Lillian Perrine was born to John Fletcher and Carrie Duncan Andrews Perrine in Waverly, Mumphreys County, Tennessee on February 6, 1883. She moved to Lexington, Massachusetts, after marrying Christoper C. Davis. While in Lexington, Lillian Davis taught at the city's Girls High School.
Beginning in 1933, Davis was employed as a case worker for the Federal Emergency Relief Administration. She transferred to the United States Employment Service in September of 1936, and retired at the end of 1948.
After her retirement, Davis moved to Varina, Virginia, to be near her son. In Virginia, she was very active with the Sailors' Tavern Playhouse, where she not only directed a number of plays but also served as president. After her home burned, Davis moved to Knoxville, where she died on April 21, 1980.
Acquisition Note
This collection is property of the University of Tennessee Libraries, Knoxville, Special Collections.
Repository Details
Part of the Betsey B. Creekmore Special Collections and University Archives, University of Tennessee, Knoxville Repository