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John Richards Diary and Correspondence

 Collection
Identifier: MS-1399

  • Staff Only

This collection consists primarily of a diary that John Richards Jr. of Knoxville, Tennessee kept between April 6, 1917 and October 20, 1918. After warning his readers that "he or she who read these pages without my consent are cussed by me," Richards discusses his desire to fight in World War I, his admiration for classmates who have joined the Navy, seeing these new recruits off at the train station, his studies and activities at Central High School, cross-dressing in order to play pranks, and his feelings of loneliness. The collection also houses a number of letters discussing Richards' later career in the theater and various social activities.

Dates

  • 1917 April 6-1940 May 23

Conditions Governing Access

Collections are stored offsite, and a minimum of 2 business days are needed to retrieve these items for use. Researchers interested in consulting any of the collections are advised to contact Special Collections.

Conditions Governing Use

The copyright interests in this collection remain with the creator. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library.

Extent

0.83 Linear Feet

Abstract

This collection consists primarily of a diary that John Richards Jr. of Knoxville, Tennessee kept between April 6, 1917 and October 20, 1918. After warning his readers that "he or she who read these pages without my consent are cussed by me," Richards discusses his desire to fight in World War I, his admiration for classmates who have joined the Navy, seeing these new recruits off at the train station, his studies and activities at Central High School, cross-dressing in order to play pranks, and his feelings of loneliness. The collection also houses a number of letters discussing Richards' later career in the theater and various social activities.

Biographical/Historical Note

John Richards was born to John and Margaret Richards in Tennessee on July 17, 1900. He graduated from the University of Tennessee with a BA on June 6, 1932 and went on to pursue a career in theater. Richards died in July 1986 in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Arrangement

This collection consists of a single box.

Repository Details

Part of the Betsey B. Creekmore Special Collections and University Archives, University of Tennessee, Knoxville Repository

Contact:
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Knoxville TN 37996 USA
865-974-4480