Guide to the Ric and Billie Barbara Masten papers MS.7
Finding aid prepared by Robin Guthrie, with the assistance of Laura Berger.
California State University, Monterey Bay Archives and Special Collections
2017
Tanimura & Antle Family Memorial Library
100 Campus Center
Seaside, CA 93955
archives@csumb.edu
Language of Material:
English
Contributing Institution:
California State University, Monterey Bay Archives and Special Collections
Title: Ric and Billie Barbara Masten papers
Creator:
Masten, Ric
Creator:
Masten, Billie Barbara
Identifier/Call Number: MS.7
Physical Description:
15.73 Linear Feet
(7 record Cartons, 4 file boxes, 1 half file box, 2 flat boxes, and 1 oversize folder)
Date (inclusive): 1894-2008
Date (bulk): 1929-2008
Abstract: 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.
Arrangement
Materials are arranged in 8 series:
Series 1: Music and Sun Ink Publishing, 1959-2007
Series 2: Performances, 1959-2008
Series 3: Billie Barbara Masten, 1932-2008
Series 4: Personal, 1894, 1929-2008
Series 5: Clippings, 1952-2008
Series 6: Publications, 1970-2007
Series 7: Audiovisual, 1970-2001
Series 8: Oversize and artifacts, 1947-2008
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Donated by Billie Barbara Masten and April F. Masten, 2010.
Conditions Governing Access
The collection is available for research by appointment only. Please contact Archives and Special Collections staff in advance
to request access.
Conditions Governing Use
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.
Biographical
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.
Billie Barbara Masten was an actress, poet and artist. She was born Billie Barbara Bolton in San Bernardino, California in
1932 and moved with her parents to Carmel five years later. Billie Barbara studied voice and theatre at Monterey Peninsula
College. An aspiring actress, Billie Barbara married Ric Masten after they met at Carmel’s Forest Theatre. After raising their
family, Billie Barbara joined her husband on tour in the mid-seventies and began performing with him and on her own at universities,
churches, prisons, women’s shelters, and retirement homes. Billie Barbara died December 4, 2012 from a stroke.
Scope and Contents
Writings, correspondence, clippings, ephemera, photographs, business records, notes, scrapbooks and other personal papers
of Ric and Billie Barbara Masten. The bulk of the collection documents Ric’s career as a poet and performer from 1959 until
his death in 2008 and includes photocopied sheet music of Ric’s songs, correspondence, business records from Sunflower Ink
Publishing, contracts, touring calendars, performance materials, promotional items, photographs, artwork, published works,
and audio recordings. The collection includes materials related to Ric’s early education and career, as well as materials
documenting Ric’s involvement with the Unitarian Universalist Association. It also contains personal documents, correspondence,
photographs, and a few items from Ric’s father and grandfather, which date back to 1894. Additional items include materials
documenting Billie Barbara’s work as a poet, author, artist, and performer, as well as more personal items of Billie Barbara’s,
such as her dream logs and journals.
Processing Information
This collection was processed based on its original organization at the time of its donation to CSUMB. This collection was
processed by Robin Guthrie, with the assistance of Josiah Peralta and Peter Alvarez.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Health
Middle age
Popular music -- Writing and publishing
Poetry
Monterey Peninsula (Calif.) -- Poetry
Wit and humor
Masten, Billie Barbara
Masten, April F.
Masten, Billie Barbara
Masten, Ric
Music and Sun Ink Publishing
1959-2007
Scope and Contents
This series includes photocopied sheet music of Ric’s songs, correspondence related to public use authorization and copyright
clearance requests, and business records from Sunflower Ink Publishing (later SunInk) related to material published by Ric
and Billie Barbara Masten, as well as published works of other authors. This series also includes personal correspondence
and essays about the Mastens’ music and publications.
Carton 1, Folder 2
Music Off the Record
Undated
Carton 1, Folder 6
BMI Correspondence
1959-1996
Carton 1, Folder 8-10
Public Use Authorizations
1968-2007
Carton 1, Folder 11
Don Nichols Investor, Book Sales
1981-1994
Carton 1, Folder 12
Let It Be A Dance Tape
1978-1990
Carton 1, Folder 13-14
Speaking Poems
1976-1978, Undated
Carton 1, Folder 16-17
His & Hers 2: Marriage Contract
1974-2003
Box 7, Folder 1
His & Hers Publishers Mockup
1984
Carton 1, Folder 19
They Are All Gone Now
1980-1989
Carton 1, Folder 20
Even As We Speak
1982-1986
Carton 1, Folder 21
Billie Beethoven
1983-1986
Carton 1, Folder 22
The Deserted Rooster
1982-1985
Carton 1, Folder 25
Voice of the Hive
1981-1987
Carton 1, Folder 26
Dragonflies, Codfish & Frogs
1980-1984
Carton 1, Folder 29
Stark Naked (Soft)
1980-1982
Carton 1, Folder 30-31
I Know It Isn't Funny
1990-1991
Carton 1, Folder 34-35
Writings About Masten's Poems and Essays
1979-2001
Carton 1, Folder 37
Library of Congress Copyright
1978-1985
Carton 1, Folder 40
Betty Evans, California
1985-1990
Carton 1, Folder 41
Betty Evans, Venice
1986-1988
Carton 1, Folder 42
Betty Evans, Paris
1987-1988
Carton 1, Folder 45
Betty Evans, California Wine Country
1989-1992
Carton 1, Folder 46
Betty Evans, Honolulu
1989-1993
Carton 1, Folder 47
Betty Evans, San Francisco
1990
Carton 1, Folder 48
Charles and Peggy Downes, Dialogue of Hope
1993
Carton 1, Folder 49
Bob Nash, On My Way
1991-1996
Carton 1, Folder 50
Beverly Borgman, Mothering Heights
1991
Carton 1, Folder 51
Tom Owen-Towle, Staying Together
1985-1987
Carton 1, Folder 52
Tom Owen-Towle, Generation to Generation
1986-1991
Carton 1, Folder 53
Tom Owen-Towle, New Men
1989-1994
Carton 1, Folder 54
Tom Owen-Towle, Spiritual Fitness
1989-1990
Carton 1, Folder 55
Tom Owen-Towle, Love Meets the Dragon
1997
Carton 1, Folder 56
Tom Owen-Towle, Hard Blessings
1999
Carton 1, Folder 57
Vincent Di Girolamo, Whispers Under the Wharf
1990
Carton 1, Folder 58
Victor Carpenter, Stations of the Spirit
1991-1991
Carton 1, Folder 59
Lynn Nelson, Hearts' Vision
1994
Carton 2, Folder 1
Walt Whitman Extension
1996
Carton 2, Folder 2
Tony Perrino, Holy Quest
1988-1990
Carton 2, Folder 4
Frederic John Muir, A Reason For Hope
1993-1998
Carton 2, Folder 5
Roberta Richards, The Devil Next Door
1993-1994
Carton 2, Folder 6
Lin Jensen and Elliot Roberts, Bowing to Receive the Mountain
1991-2003
Carton 2, Folder 7
Alice Pero, Thawed Stars
1999
Carton 2, Folder 9
Receipts for Orders
1978-2006
Carton 2, Folder 10
Sunflower Enterprises
1981-1982
Carton 2, Folder 14
Bowker ISBN Forms
1993-1995
Carton 2, Folder 16
Printing Companies
1995-1996
Carton 2, Folder 17
Peninsula Laser Print
1985-1987
Carton 2, Folder 18
Bookcrafters Inc.
1992-1996
Carton 2, Folder 22
Bookcrafters, Inc.
1985-1987
Carton 2, Folder 23-27
Island Mornings, Untitled
1998-2001, Undated
Performances
1959-2008
Scope and Contents
This series includes primarily black and white photographs of Ric’s performances, as well as some photos of Ric and Billie
Barbara together. It also includes contracts, touring calendars, correspondence, promotional materials, and performance materials
related to the Mastens’ appearances at workshops, conferences, schools, and churches.
Carton 2, Folder 28
Correspondence-Agents
1985-1988
Carton 2, Folder 35
Billie and Ric's Weekend & Maps
1980-1999
Carton 2, Folder 36-37
Touring Calendars
1966-2008
Carton 2, Folder 39
Fee Schedule/Contracts, Maps
1972-2005
Carton 2, Folder 40
Performance Contracts / Tour Mailings
1966-1998
Carton 2, Folder 41
Artist Engagement Agreement
1978-1996
Carton 2, Folder 43
Other Traveling Troubadors
1976-1987
Carton 2, Folder 44-45
Promotional Material
1967-1996
Carton 2, Folder 46
Publisity / Publicity-More
1959-1975
Carton 2, Folder 47
Conference PR / Ric Masten Speaking
1993-1994, Undated
Carton 2, Folder 48
News Release / In the Church
Undated
Carton 2, Folder 49
In the College / In the High School
1989-1990
Carton 2, Folder 50
Pen.Itentiary, Alameda High School
1981-1985
Carton 2, Folder 51
In the Middle School / Elementary
1982-1989
Carton 2, Folder 52
School Review - Kisling
Undated
Carton 2, Folder 53
On Relationships / Interpendence
Undated
Carton 2, Folder 54
Billie Barbara - College, Church
Undated
Carton 2, Folder 56
Wedding PR / SI Booklist
1998
Carton 3, Folder 1
Addresses in Jeanne's Computer
Undated
Carton 3, Folder 4
Wedding Documents
1997-2005
Carton 3, Folder 5
Invitations to Perform
1985-2006
Carton 3, Folder 6
UUA Performances
1971-2002
Carton 3, Folder 9-28
PR Photos-Working
Undated
Carton 3, Folder 29-31
PR-BB+Ric Performing
2007
Carton 3, Folder 36
Headshots-Negatives
Undated
Carton 3, Folder 37-38
Words & One-Liners 00-50
Undated
Carton 3, Folder 39-40
Words & One-Liners 51-100
1998
Carton 3, Folder 41-42
Words & One-Liners
Undated
Carton 3, Folder 43, Carton 4, Folder 1
Carton 4, Folder 2-3
"Herald P and E" Pen & Inks
1991-1996
Carton 4, Folder 4
Traveling Notebook - Brown Book
Undated
Carton 4, Folder 5
Traveling Notebook - Black Book
Undated
Billie Barbara Masten
1932-2008
Scope and Contents
This series includes Billie Barbara’s personal journals and notebooks, work binders, correspondence, ephemera, photographs,
and news clippings. It also includes two of Billie Barbara’s publications: "Owning the Beast and the Bad Girl" and "Billy
Beethoven."
Carton 4, Folder 6-7
Dream Logs + Journals
1968-2003
Carton 4, Folder 8
Artwork and Inspration
1953-2000
Carton 4, Folder 12
Women and Religion
1984-2000
Carton 4, Folder 13
Marriage Counseling
1971-1983
Carton 4, Folder 14
Rage and Alcoholism
1976-2004
Carton 4, Folder 15-16
Aging and Ceremony
1973-2001
Carton 4, Folder 18
Friends and Correspondence
1984-2007
Carton 4, Folder 19-20
Life and Health Notes
1971-2004
Carton 4, Folder 22-23
Billie Beethoven
1983-1996
Carton 5, Folder 1
Scrach Paper Binder
1995-2003
Carton 5, Folder 3
Owning the Beast...
1975-1982
Carton 5, Folder 10
Purple Folder Photos
1997-2002
Carton 5, Folder 11
Croning - Coming of Age Binder
1998-2008
Box 8
Scrapbook
1972-1978, 1981
Box 13, Folder 1
When I Am An Old Woman I Shall Wear Purple
1985
Box 13, Folder 2
I Am Becoming The Woman I Wanted
1989
Personal
1894-2008
1929-2008
Scope and Contents
This series includes materials related to Ric’s early education and career, as well as materials documenting Ric’s involvement
with the Unitarian Universalist Association. It also includes personal documents, correspondence, photographs, books given
to the Mastens by friends, and a few items from Ric’s father and grandfather.
Carton 5, Folder 14
Building Bixby Bridge Photo
1932
Carton 5, Folder 15
The Plumber and the Singer
Undated
Carton 5, Folder 16
Scripts and Stories
Undated
Carton 5, Folder 22
Correspondence - Charles Nelson Reilly
2002-2004
Carton 5, Folder 24
Ric Over the Years
Undated
Carton 5, Folder 26
Roger Steffin's / Toby Lurie / Eliot Roberts
1973-2004
Carton 5, Folder 28
Owen Greenan's Versions of Ric's Lyrics
2001, Undated
Carton 5, Folder 35
Friends Over the Years
1988-2003
Carton 5, Folder 36
Montezuma 1943-1947
1943-1947, 1985-1994
Carton 5, Folder 1
Carmel Art / Paris Trip
1949
Carton 6, Folder 1
Pre-1950s People
1985-2006
Carton 6, Folder 2
Mastenville Music Co.
1958-2006
Carton 6, Folder 3
Carmel Forrest Theatre
1940-1991
Carton 6, Folder 4
Herald Printers and Union Card, 1961
1956-1968
Carton 6, Folder 5
Misc. Documents
1959-1987
Carton 6, Folder 6
Unicon Casting, 1968
Undated
Carton 6, Folder 8
Ordination and Fellowship UUA
1971-1975
Carton 6, Folder 11
1980s Snapshots
1984-1989
Carton 6, Folder 12
1990s Snapshots
1994-1997
Carton 6, Folder 13
Palo Colorado / Big Sur
1987-2005
Carton 6, Folder 14
First Night / Morgan's Coffee House
1997-2005
Carton 6, Folder 15
2000s Snapshots
1999-2005
Carton 6, Folder 19
News Clippings, Masten / Taylor
1929-1949
Carton 6, Folder 20
Richard L. Masten
1929-1941
Box 8
Richard L. Masten's Scrapbook
1938-1939
Carton 6, Folder 22
Hutch, Manuscript
Undated
Carton 6, Folder 23
Uncle Ruthie Bell Poetry + Songs / CD
1993-1996
Carton 6, Folder 24
Potpourri / 1987 - Pocket Poetry
1981-1987
Carton 6, Folder 25
What Next? / For Aliyat
1989-2001
Carton 6, Folder 26
Algol in Scorpio / 10 Ways to Meditate
1965-1979
Carton 6, Folder 27
The Last Running / Body Poems for Deaf Men
1977-1980
Carton 6, Folder 28
Tapestry / Winter Roses, by Charlene Baldridge
1982-1990
Carton 6, Folder 29
In Praise of Stories / Tales From the Taxicab
1973-1997
Carton 6, Folder 30
Comet Halley, the mag 2 / Idiomatic Expressions
1985
Box 7
The People's Book, by John McCleary
1972
Box 7
Trial Poems, by Daniel Berrigan and Thomas Lewis
1970
Clippings
1952-2008
Scope and Contents
This series includes newspaper clippings about the Mastens and clippings of Ric’s “Pen and Ink” series from
Alta Vista Magazine.
Carton 6, Folder 33
Articles, Ric and Owen Greenan
1991-1992
Carton 6, Folder 36
Words and One-Liners
1996-1998
Publications
1970-2007
Scope and Contents
This series includes books written by Ric Masten, as well as works he collaborated on with others, including "His & Hers:
A Passage Through the Middle-Age Crazies," which he co-wrote with Billie Barbara. It also contains works by other writers
published through Sunflower Ink Publising.
Box 9, Folder 1
Who's Wavin'?
1970 (3rd Printing 1975)
Box 9, Folder 2
Sunflowers
1971 ( 3rd Printing 1975)
Box 9, Folder 3
Sunflowers
1971 (6th Printing 1979)
Box 9, Folder 6
Dragonflies, Codfish & Frogs
1977 (3rd Printing 1979)
Box 9, Folder 7
The Voice of the Hive
1978
Box 9, Folder 8
Voice of the Hive
1978 (4th Printing 1987)
Box 9, Folder 9
His & Hers (Annotated)
1978
Box 9, Folder 11
Stark Naked (Paperback)
1980
Box 9, Folder 12
Stark Naked (Hard Cover)
1980
Box 9, Folder 13
The Deserted Rooster
1982
Box 9, Folder 15
They Are All Gone Now...And So Are You
1985
Box 10, Folder 2
Looking For Georgia O'Keefe and Other Observations
1987
Box 10, Folder 4
I Know It Isn't Funny But I Love To Make You Laugh
1991
Box 10, Folder 5
I Know It Isn't Funny But I Love To Make You Laugh
1996
Box 10, Folder 6
Let It Be A Dance (Limited Edition)
Undated
Box 10, Folder 7
Words & One-Liners Take 2
2005
Box 10, Folder 8
Words & One-Liners Not Dead Yet Take 3
2008
Box 11, Folder 3
Troubadour And Poet: The Magical Ministry of Ric Masten
2007
Box 11, Folder 6
Reprints of Poems
1991-2005
Box 11, Folder 7
Generation To Generation
1986
Box 12, Folder 1
How To Take A Walking Field Trip On The Monterey Peninsula And Live To Tell The Story
Undated
Box 12, Folder 4
Venice Italy Cooking
1986
Box 12, Folder 6
London England Cooking
1989
Box 12, Folder 7
San Francisco California Cooking
1990
Box 12, Folder 8
California Wine Country Cooking
1992
Box 12, Folder 9
Survival Games Personalities Play
1992
Box 12, Folder 10
Sacred Service In Civil Space
2007
Carton 14
Audiovisual
1970-2001
Scope and Contents
This series coontains primarily LP recordings of Ric's poetry performances. It also includes reel-to-reel audio tapes, a cassette,
a CD, and a DVD of Ric and Billie Barbara performing.
Carton 14, Case 1
Oversize and artifacts
1947-2008
Scope and Contents
This series consists of large format posters, photographs, and artwork. It also includes an award statue from the Arts Council
for Monterey County and a small plaque for a school appearance.