Archives Directory for the History of Collecting in America

Archives related to: Lilly, Josiah Kirby, 1893-1966

titleJosiah K. Lilly papers relating to Frank V. Smith, 1946-1962.
repositoryArchives of American Art
descriptionCorrespondence with Frank Vining Smith concerning Smith's painting; photographs; Smith's autobiographical sketch; and obituary; and a list of Smith paintings owned by Lilly at the time of his death in 1966.[microfilm title-Frank Vining Smith papers]
extent68 items (on partial microfilm reel) reel 663
formatsMicrofilm
accessPatrons must use microfilm copy.
record linkn/a
record sourcehttps://www.aaa.si.edu/collections/josiah-k-lilly-papers-relating-to-frank-v-smith-10468
acquisition informationLent for microfilming 1973 by Josiah Kirby Lilly, III, Lilly's son. Originals returned to lender, J.K. Lilly, III, after microfilming.
updated06/20/2023 11:34:28
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titleHerman B Wells Interview, 1979.
repositoryIndiana Historical Society
descriptionA 91-page typescript transcript of an interview with Wells that took place July 2, 1979. The interview was probably conducted by Gene E. McCormick, the historian of Eli Lilly and Company. The focus of the interview is on Wells’ association with Josiah K. Lilly Sr. and his sons Josiah K. Jr. and Eli.

Biography/History Note:
A native of Jamestown, Ind., Wells attended Indiana University and remained affiliated with the school until he retired. He was dean of the School of Business Administration, president for 25 years, then chancellor. He is considered an authority on business administration and economics.
extent2 folders (91 p.)
formatsTranscript Interview
accessRESTRICTED COLLECTION: for reference use only. The Indiana Historical Society cannot grant permission for photocopying or publishing. Permission to reproduce or publish material in the collection must be obtained in writing from the Indiana University Oral History Research Program or Saundra Taylor at the Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington.
record linkhttp://www.indianahistory.org/library/manuscripts/collection_guides/sc2622.html
record sourcehttp://opac.indianahistory.org
finding aidCollection guide available in repository and on repository's web site.
acquisition informationEvaline H. Rhodehamel, Indianapolis, IN, 20 May 1997
updated11/12/2014 11:29:50
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titleSelma Neubacher Steele Papers, 1906-1940 (bulk 1926-1940).
repositoryIndiana State Library
descriptionPrincipally correspondence regarding paintings and exhibitions of work of Steele's husband, painter T.C. Theodore Clement) Steele, after his death; maintenance of House of the Singing Winds, their Brown County house and studio; her shawl collection; activities in Indiana Federation of Art Clubs and other organizations; and family, personal, and social affairs. Correspondents include Alfred M. Brooks, William Lowe Bryan, Mary Q. Burnet, Frank Hohenberger, Josiah K. Lilly, and Herman B. Wells.

Biographical Notes:
Art teacher; b. Selma Neubacher; of Indianapolis and Brown County, Ind.

extent14 boxes.
formatsCorrespondence Inventories Personal Papers
accessContact repository for restrictions and policies.
record sourcehttp://www.loc.gov/coll/nucmc/
finding aidFinding aid in the repository.
updated11/12/2014 11:29:57
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titleRichard Lieber Papers, 1892-1958 (bulk 1933-1944).
repositoryIndiana State Library
descriptionMinutes, correspondence, reports, book reviews, and other papers relating to Lieber's work as a consultant to National Park Service (1933-1944), inspection tours of state and national parks, plans for restoration of New Harmony, Ind., and other topics; materials documenting his activities as member of National Park Service's Advisory Board on National Parks, Historic Sites, Buildings, and Monuments (1936-1944), and with Indiana Lincoln Union (1897-1943) relating to location of Nancy Hanks Lincoln's grave and construction, architecture, and sculpture of Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial and Nancy Hanks Lincoln State Memorial in Spencer County, Ind.; and information concerning other organizations with which he was involved, including Indiana World's Fair Commission for Century of Progress International Exposition in Chicago, Ill., American Planning and Civic Association, and National Conference on State Parks, and his book, America's Natural Wealth (1942). Includes correspondence concerning state and national Republican Party politics, conservation, state parks, flood control in Ohio River Valley, reorganization of U.S. Dept. of Interior, and Civilian Conservation Corps; personal correspondence (1896-1945) with his family in Germany and elsewhere; speeches (1918-1944) on conservation, state parks, politics, Germans, and patriotism; scrapbooks (1892-1900) on German social activities in Indianapolis; and brochures and pamphlets on Indiana and state parks.

Correspondents include Louis Adamic, Charles A. Beard, Thomas Hart Benton, Herbert E. Bolton, Claude Bowers, Paul V. Brown, William Lowe Bryan, Stanley Coulter, Charles C. Deam, James P. Goodrich, Warren G. Harding, Will H. Hays, J.I. Holcomb, Cordell Hull, Harold L. Ickes, Waldo G. Leland, Harry G. Leslie, Josiah K. Lilly, Medill McCormick, Harry S. New, Meredith Nicholson, Gifford Pinchot, Henry F. Schricker, Thomas Taggart, M. Clifford Townsend, Tom Wallace, and Evans Woollen.

Biographical Notes:
German American conservationist, public official, businessman, and journalist, of Indianapolis, Ind.
extent16 boxes.
formatsAdministrative Records Correspondence Writings Business Papers Scrapbooks
accessContact repository for restrictions and policies.
record sourcehttp://www.loc.gov/coll/nucmc/
finding aidFinding aid in the repository.
updated11/12/2014 11:29:57
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titleChrist Church Cathedral (Indianapolis, Ind.) Records, 1840-1977.
repositoryIndiana State Library
descriptionFinancial records (1855-1867, 1920-1972); indentures, mortgages, blueprints, and other records relating to church property (1840-1950s); correspondence (1930s-1960s) pertaining to Josiah K. and Eli Lilly's involvement with the church; attendance records (1941-1950); confirmation class records (1932-1947); parish reports (1950s); scrapbooks and histories of the church (1957-1972); records (1842-1954) of church women's groups and other charitable organizations; church bulletins and special service programs (1888-1977); Christ Church Chimes (1931-1945); Christ Church Bulletin (1924-1930); and other church publications.

Historical Notes:
Christ Church, first Episcopal church in Indianapolis, Ind.; first building erected, 1838; replaced in 1858; became cathedral for Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis, 1954.
extent18 linear ft.
formatsFinancial Records Correspondence Legal Papers Scrapbooks Printed Materials
accessAccess restricted.
record sourcehttp://www.loc.gov/coll/nucmc/
updated11/12/2014 11:29:57
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titleSmith Clarence Herbert Papers, 1775-1955.
repositoryIndiana Historical Society
descriptionThe collection is almost all correspondence, with some journals, diaries, clippings, and photos. Contents are the Smith family papers, 1775-1911, including correspondence, documents, journals, account books, Quaker meeting minutes (1790s-1830s), and genealogies; personal correspondence, 1894-1952; Sons of the American Revolution papers, 1921-1951; Henry County Historical Society papers, including correspondence (1925-1952), publicity, and membership information (1887-1931); Correspondence with Indiana historical agencies, 1915-1951; Henry County history, including clippings, settler family papers, and correspondence, 1921-1950; general genealogical activities, 1922-1952; and papers of other organizations and correspondence, including that of Albert J. Beveridge and Josiah K. Lilly.

Location: Manuscript Collection
Call Number: M 0254

Biographical and Historical Notes:
Smith was born in New Castle, Henry County, Ind. His family was from Loudoun County, Va. Smith was a local historian, genealogist, and amateur naturalist. He served as curator of the Henry County Historical Society Museum from 1922 to 1957, and for several years wrote an historical column for the New Castle Courier entitled "Happenings of Other Days." He formed the Patrick Henry chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution in Henry County, and belonged to numerous historical and nature organizations. As a genealogist he collected information on many Henry County settlers as well as his own family.

RELATED HOLDINGS:
Henry County Miscellaneous Papers (M 0060); Robert B. Smith Papers (M 0257)
extent14 boxes, 1 folder of photographs.
formatsDiaries Correspondence Business Papers Financial Records Writings
accessNone
record linkhttp://www.indianahistory.org/library/manuscripts/collection_guides/m0254.html
record sourcehttp://opac.indianahistory.org
finding aidCollection guide available in library and on repository's web site (folder level control).
acquisition informationHerbert L. Heller, Greencastle, Indiana, May 1956
updated11/12/2014 11:29:57
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titleFrederic G. Melcher-Robert Frost Collection, Accession #13024
repositoryUniversity of Virginia Library
descriptionThis collection consists of the personal and professional papers of Frederic G. Melcher, editor of The Publishers' Weekly, particularly those dealing with his collection of materials concerning Robert Frost, but also his relationships to other writers, publishers, and others of the book world. Frederic G. Melcher maintained a warm friendship with Robert Frost throughout his life and this relationship is reflected in the correspondence between the two men.

These papers, 1865-1963, include correspondence, printed ephemera, news clippings, photographs, manuscripts, etc., ca. 1,375 items (6 Hollinger boxes, 2.5 linear feet).

Most of the correspondence in series five is addressed to Melcher; when it is not addressed to Melcher either personally or as editor of The Publishers' Weekly, the recipient is noted in the guide. Many of the letters in this section were generated by responses to the invitation to a dinner celebrating Robert Frost's 50th birthday; by Melcher's invitation to various authors or other individuals to come and speak at Montclair, New Jersey; or to answer Melcher's 1934 question for The Publishers' Weekly concerning recommendations for essential reading in the coming year.

Biographical/Historical Information
Frederic Gershom Melcher (1879-1963) was born in Malden, Massachusetts, and died on March 9, 1963, only a short while after his friend, Robert Frost. Melcher's influence in the world of books was notable, having worked as a publisher and editor for more than a half century; a bookseller at Charles E. Lauriat Company of Boston and W.K. Stewart Company, Indianapolis, Indiana (1913-1918), for almost a quarter of a century; becoming co-editor of The Publishers' Weekly in 1918, and chairman of R.R. Bowker & Company in 1958.

Melcher contributed to the promotion of good literature for children by helping develop Children's Book Week (1919), establishing the John Newbery Medal (1921) for the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children, and establishing the Caldecott Medal, for the best American picture book for children (1937).
extentca. 1375 items.
formatsBusiness Papers Personal Papers Clippings Correspondence Ephemera
accessContact repository for restrictions and policies.
record linkhttp://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaead/published/uva-sc/viu00607.xml.frame
record sourcehttp://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaead/
acquisition informationThe papers consisting of Robert Frost items were purchased by the University of Virginia Library from Sue A.W. Melcher, Appleton, Wisconsin, on March 31, 2004. The additional related Melcher material was given to the University of Virginia Library by Sue A.W. Melcher, Appleton, Wisconsin, on May 28, 2004.
updated11/12/2014 11:29:57
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titleTheodore Dreiser Papers, ca. 1890-1965 (bulk 1897-1955).
repositoryUniversity of Pennsylvania
descriptionArchival/Manuscript Material

Contained in: Theodore Dreiser Papers, ca. 1890-1965. Folder 5497.

Summary: Correspondence with Theodore Dreiser from Gilbert R. Gabriel, director, and Josiah K. Lilly, on behalf of, Schneider-Gabriel Galleries.

Notes: Comprises 6 items to Dreiser and 8 items from Dreiser or his representative.

Other Contributors: Gabriel, Gilbert R.
Lilly, Josiah Kirby, 1893-1966.

Location: Rare Book & Ms Library Manuscripts
Call Number: Ms. Coll. 30
extent14 items (18 leaves).
formatsCorrespondence
accessThe Theodore Dreiser Papers may be examined by researchers in the reading room of the Rare Book and Manuscript Library, University of Pennsylvania. Permission to quote from and to publish unpublished materials must be requested in writing from the Curator of Manuscripts.
record linkhttp://www.library.upenn.edu/collections/rbm/dreiser/findingaid/td01.html
record sourcehttp://www.franklin.library.upenn.edu/
acquisition informationGifts with some additional purchases, received: 1942 through 1991.
updated11/12/2014 11:29:57
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titleMary V. Black Collection, 1855-1993 (bulk 1899-1993)
repositoryIndiana Historical Society
descriptionBlack family papers, including the correspondence between Frank M. and Agnes Herd Black, and papers and correspondence of Dorothy Black and Charles J. Lynn. The Frank and Agnes Black correspondence comes from their courtship and early marriage.

Dorothy Lynn’s papers deal with her involvement with Butler University class reunions and the Visiting Nurse Association. Charles J. Lynn’s papers concern his work as a Purdue University trustee, Lynnwood Farm and its well-known livestock breeding programs, the English-Speaking Union, and Eli Lilly & Co. Also included are World War I letters from Ralph L. Low from France; Black and Lynn family history materials; a 1901 hand-painted calendar; Black and Lynn family and vacation photographs; and photographs of Josiah K. Lilly Jr.

Location: Manuscript Collection
Call Number: M 0675, OM 0303

Biographical and Historical Notes:
Black was a graduate of Butler University and a life-long resident of Indianapolis, Ind. Her father, Frank M. Black, worked for Wasson’s Department Store. Her sister, Dorothy Black Lynn, married Charles J. Lynn, a vice-president of Eli Lilly & Co.
extent3 boxes, 3 oversize folders, and 1 photograph box.
formatsCorrespondence Writings Personal Papers Clippings Printed Materials
accessNone
record linkhttp://www.indianahistory.org/library/manuscripts/collection_guides/m0675.html
record sourcehttp://opac.indianahistory.org
finding aidCollection guide available in library: folder level control, and on the repository's web site.
acquisition information Estate of Mary Black, Robert Lowe, Jr., Lowe Gray Steele & Hoffman, Suite 4600, Bank One Tower, Indianapolis, IN 46204-5106, 23 November 1993, 17 January 1995.
updated11/12/2014 11:29:57
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titleJosiah K. Lilly, Jr. collections photographs [graphic], May 1966.
repositoryIndiana Historical Society
descriptionThe collection consists of 16 mounted color photographs of Mr. Lilly’s collections at Twin Oaks taken May 1966. The Twin Oaks studio was built as a workshop and to store the collections. The photographs were taken by the bank after Mr. Lilly’s death, but before the collections were removed. Twin Oaks was located on the south side of Kessler Blvd, West Drive. The photographs show collections such as stamps, firearms, ships, banners and ephemera.

The photographs are grouped by room with a brief description of each room’s contents.

Location: Visual Collection
Call Number: P0200

Biographical and Historical Notes:
Josiah K. Lilly, Jr. (Sept. 25, 1893-May 5, 1966), (Joe), was born in Indianapolis. As the younger son of Josiah K. Lilly, Sr, he was destined to become part of the family business. He laid the foundation for his career by earning his pharmacy degree at the University of Michigan. He joined the family business, Eli Lilly and Co, in 1914, where he did much to reorganize the firm, applying improved business procedures. In 1944 he became president of the newly formed Eli Lilly International Corporation, and in 1948, president of the Eli Lilly Company.

Of his many personal interests, collecting was one. He amassed a collection of first editions and manuscripts that he donated to Indiana University, forming the core of the Lilly Library rare book and manuscript collection. He also collected sets of miniature soldiers representing every regiment that ever served in the United States armies up to 1900. The collection also included accurate uniforms, flags insignia and arms

Another interest resulted in his collection of gold coins, stamps, firearms, and 18th century paintings. The Twin Oaks studio was built as a workshop and to store the collections. There he would retreat and spend time with the collections he loved.
extent1 OVB box of color photographs
formatsPhotographs
accessNone
record linkhttp://indianahistory.org/library/manuscripts/collection_guides/P0200.html
record sourcehttp://opac.indianahistory.org
finding aidCollection guide available in library and online.
acquisition informationJohn G. Rauch, Jr. 1969
updated11/12/2014 11:29:57
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titleJosiah Kirby Papers, 1919-1954 (Lilly Correspondence)
repositoryIndiana University
descriptionConsists of the correspondence, 1919-1954, of Josiah Kirby Lilly, 1893-1966, corporation executive of the Lilly Pharmaceutical Company of Indianapolis, Indiana, with bookdealers and individuals concerning the purchase of books and manuscripts for his library which reveal a concentration of interest in Edgar Allan Poe and James Whitcomb Rilley, concerning the construction and equipment of Eaglecrest Library at his home, his membership in the Grolier Club, and the acquisition of materials for his collection of miniature military figures.

Location
Lilly Correspondence, Lilly Library - Manuscripts.
extentca. 6000 items
formatsCorrespondence
accessContact repository for restrictions and policies.
record sourcehttp://www.iucat.iu.edu/authenticate.cgi?status=start
finding aidManuscripts index in the library includes entries at the item level. Collection description on library web site includes list of correspondents.
acquisition informationGift 1978
updated11/12/2014 11:29:57
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titleStephen Collins Foster papers, 1856-1946, 1931-1946 (bulk dates)
repositoryUniversity of Kentucky Libraries
descriptionThis collection consists primarily of correspondence of Samuel M. Wilson concerning the life and work of composer Stephen Collins Foster. Much of the Wilson correspondence was with Josiah Lilly, an heir to the Eli Lilly pharmaceutical company and an expert on Foster.

There are other letters to and from Foster descendants and copies of correspondence of Young E. Allison and John Wilson Townsend. Some of the letters describe efforts to ascertain if Foster actually visited Bardstown, and if so, when. Other letters concern memorials to the composer and commemorations of his anniversaries. The collection also includes pamphlets, printed Foster sheet music, periodicals, clippings, and a speech given by Wilson at My Old Kentucky Home State Park. There is also a copy of a verse of "My Old Kentucky Home" written and autographed by Marion Foster Welch in 1934.

Biography:
Composer. Foster, a native of Pennsylvania, began writing and publishing music in the 1840's. In 1851 he entered into an agreement with E. P. Christy, leader of the Christy's Minstrels, which permitted the singers to introduce his compositions in public before publication. According to tradition, Foster's visits to the Rowan family mansion near Bardstown, Federal Hill, inspired the writing of "My Old Kentucky Home." The tune, published in 1853, was later adopted as Kentucky's state song. Foster died in New York in 1864. Marion Foster Welch was Stephen Foster's daughter.


Processing Action: Processed by 1950.
Conservation evaluation, 1981; Bell, Fair.

Spec Coll Library - Manuscripts Collection - 50W1

extent.8 cubic ft. (144 pieces)
formatsCorrespondence Clippings
accessContact repository for restrictions and policies.
record sourcehttp://libraries.uky.edu/
finding aidCard catalog.
acquisition informationWilson, Samuel M. estate, gift, December 10, 1946.
updated11/12/2014 11:29:57
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titleRosenbach Company Correspondence, 1903-1953.
repositoryRosenbach Museum & Library
descriptionRosenbach Company Correspondence, found in: Rosenbach Company Records, 1903-1953.

Historical Note
Book sellers
extent186 boxes (ca. 153,750 items)
formatsCorrespondence
accessContact repository for restrictions and policies.
record sourcehttp://www.loc.gov/coll/nucmc/
finding aidComputer-generated guide available in library; folder-level control.
updated11/12/2014 11:29:57
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