Joseph R. Paquette Poetry Collection, 1979-1990
Online content
Collection context
Summary
Background
- Scope and content:
-
The Joseph R. Paquette Poetry collection is arranged into two format-based series: Series I: Loose Poetry, and Series II: Bound Poetry. Arrangement of the collection reflects the creator’s organization of the poetry he authored during his later years at the Park.
- Biographical / historical:
-
Born in Fall River, Massachusetts on February 20, 1922, Joseph R. Paquette attended Syracuse University where he trained his voice in opera. He was in the United States Marine Corps, before gaining employment at Yellowstone National Park for eleven years. He began employment with the Yosemite Park and Curry Company on April 26, 1959, where he worked as the manager of the Yosemite Lodge storeroom.2 He worked in the park for over twenty nine years, where he also held frequent opera appreciation meetings.3 In 1979, Paquette was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and became very religious as a result of the diagnosis. He then began to write poetry influenced by nature and religion. Paquette died on June 3, 1999, and is buried at Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church Cemetery in Mariposa, California.
- Acquisition information:
- The Joseph R. Paquette collection consists of one donation to the park by Joseph Paquette’s brother, Mr. Claude Paquette, who also was a long-time employee of the Yosemite Park and Curry Company.
Access and use
- Restrictions:
-
No restrictions.
- Preferred citation:
-
Joseph R. Paquette Poetry Collection. Yosemite National Park Archives
- Location of this collection:
-
5083 Foresta RoadEl Portal, CA 95318, US
- Contact:
- (209)379-1282