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Masten (Ric and Billie Barbara) papers
MS.7  
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Collection Overview
 
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Description
Writings, correspondence, clippings, photographs, business records, recordings, publications, fliers, posters, artwork, notes, scrapbooks and other personal papers of Carmel poet Ric Masten and his wife, poet Billie Barbara Masten, from 1894, 1929-2008. The bulk of the collection documents Ric’s career as a traveling poet and folk singer. Additional items include materials documenting Billie Barbara’s work as a poet, artist, and performer.
Background
Ric Masten was an artist, songwriter, folksinger, poet and Unitarian minister. He was born in Carmel, California on June 20, 1929. Ric graduated from Montezuma High School in Los Gatos, California in 1946, and attended several colleges, but never received a degree. Ric studied painting in Paris at the Institut des Beaux Arts, but upon returning to Carmel, began writing and producing musical comedies at the Forest Theater, where he met his future wife, Billie Barbara. He settled with his family in Palo Colorado Canyon, the area of Big Sur which was often the subject of his 23 books and other performance pieces. Ric started songwriting and eventually began performing his own poetry. Beginning in 1966, he traveled extensively, performing at hundreds of conferences, colleges, schools, and churches. Through the years, Ric received numerous awards and honors, both nationally and internationally. In 2007, he was awarded an honorary doctorate from CSUMB. Ric Masten died May 9, 2008 of prostate cancer.
Extent
15.73 Linear Feet (7 record Cartons, 4 file boxes, 1 half file box, 2 flat boxes, and 1 oversize folder)
Restrictions
California State University, Monterey Bay does not hold copyright to all materials in this collection. Archives and Special Collections recognizes that it is incumbent upon the researcher to procure permission to publish information from this collection from the owner of copyright.
Availability
The collection is available for research by appointment only. Please contact Archives and Special Collections staff in advance to request access.