Contributing Institution: Sacramento Public Library

Title: MC 129: Guide to the William J. Hughes Papers

Identifier/Call Number: MC 129

Identifier/Call Number: /repositories/31/resources/1277

Physical Description: 1 Linear Feet 1 acid-free box

Date (inclusive): 1986 to 2024

Abstract: Collection contains essays, poetry, editorial letters, and other written items – created between 1986 and 2024 – by Sacramento writer William J. Hughes.

Language of Material: English .

William J. Hughes was born on July 19, 1946, in Rockville Center, New York, and grew up in East Rockaway, Long Island, New York. He went on to graduate from East Rockaway High School in 1964. He joined the United State Marines in August of the same year and was assigned to the First Marine Division. He served in Viet Nam in 1966 and 1967 in Quang Tri Province, Camp Carroll, and Danang. His highest rank was Sergeant. Upon returning to New York, he worked as a police officer in Nassau County and then entered college, graduating from the State University of New York at Stonybrook with a degree in American Literature in 1974. From there, he came west to Yellowstone National Park, where he eventually became a ranger. He also spent time at Everglades National Park. A friendship with a burgeoning politician brought him further west to California and Sacramento. By the early 1980s, Hughes served as a staffer on his friend's staff at the State Capitol. He eventually served as a tour guide within a restored Capitol building. Soon after that, he transitioned into writing full time, using his experiences from East Rockaway to I Corps as influences. Major influences on his writing of short stories, plays, poems, and books are Jack London, Emily Dickenson, Ernest Hemingway, Thomas McGuane, and Tom Wolfe.

Most of Hughes's writing falls under the umbrella of his American Mural series, a personal interpretation of the American saga – history, culture, fame, memory, and other compelling topics. Day-to-Day Life in Sacramento, Yellowstone National Park, Spanish Civil War, the Abraham Lincoln Brigade, Baseball, James Dean, the Oscars, and Hollywood acting scene are all recurring themes in his writing. He adds that - within his poetic work - "the title is the kiss and hug and the poem is the love."

[Identification of item], William J. Hughes Papers, MC 129, Sacramento Room, Sacramento Public Library, Sacramento, California.

The collection is divided into three series: I. Essays; II. Poetry; and III. Miscellaneous. Series I is a compilation of both fiction and non-fiction writing, distilled into short stories or works that take on the characteristics of new journalism. Series II is the collection of poetic anthologies that have the look and rough timing of haiku but, to Hughes, are more reflective of his own style of rhyme. The final series is composed of a miscellany of items relative to Hughes's life in Sacramento.

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