Brief Description: Correspondence from publishers, friends, family, and fans sent to Josephine Johnson in Norfolk, Virginia. The correspondence sent from publishers include both acceptance and rejection letters for Johnson's poetry submissions. The letters from Arthur Stanley Roberts, which comprise a notable quantity of correspondence, have an amorous flair, and Roberts's salutations to Johnson typically begin "Dear Philomela." The collection contains poetry verses dispersed throughout the collection.

Record Series Number: 001/01/MSS 0000-220

Created by: Johnson, Josephine (1887-1976)

Volume: 5.0 Boxes

Acquired: 11/30/2006.

Arrangement: Correspondence from various authors is arranged in chronological order; notable correspondents are arranged in alphabetical order by surname, and each folder is arranged in chronological order internally. The correspondence of Arthur Stanley Roberts was placed at the end of the collection and organized chronologically.

Biographical Note for Johnson, Josephine (1887-1976) : Josephine Johnson was born on February 22, 1887 in Norfolk, Virginia. She was a poet, publishing several poems in publications such as The Commonwealth, Harper's Magazine, The New York Sun, and The New York Times. Johnson founded The Poets Club of Norfolk and was an active member in both The Poetry Society of Virginia and The Norfolk Society of the Arts. In the 1930 United States Federal Census, she was listed as a librarian for Norfolk Public Library. Of note, her book of poetry titled The Unwilling Gypsy was published in 1936. Johnson died on November 23, 1976 in Norfolk, Virginia and was buried at Elmwood Cemetery in Norfolk, Virginia.

Access Restrictions: This collection is open to all researchers.

Subject Index

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Languages of Materials

Rights/Use Restrictions: The status of copyright for these materials is governed by Copyright Law of the United States (Title 17, U. S. C.). Copyright restrictions may apply.

Acquisition Notes: Purchase

PreferredCitation: Josephine Johnson Papers, MSS 0000-220, Sargeant Memorial Collection, Norfolk Public Library, Norfolk, Virginia