Collection context
Summary
- Title:
- Ruth Ikerman Collection
- Dates:
- 1926-1990
- Creators:
- Ikerman, Ruth C. (19100904)
- Abstract:
- This collection contains writing and memorabilia from writer and University of Redlands alumna Ruth Ikerman (1910-1990).
- Extent:
- 26 Linear Feet (24 containers)
- Language:
- English .
Background
- Scope and content:
-
The Ruth Ikerman collection contains 25 linear feet of writing, correspondence, and scrapbooks. Materials within this collection represent Ruth Ikerman's entire career as a freelance writer for religious magazines and book reviewer for the Los Angeles Times. Also included is drafts of published articles, unpublished articles, and multiple drafts of her devotional books. Additional materials include copies of magazines in wich her writing appeared, awards and certificates, and scrapbooks containing clippings of her writing among other memorabilia.
- Biographical / historical:
-
Born in southern California, Ruth C. Ikerman (1910-1990) was a freelance writer of devotional books and book reviews. After graduating from the University of Redlands (1931), Ikerman began her writing career at regional newspapers throughout southern California, including The Brawley News, Pasadena Post, and Redlands Daily Facts.
Ikerman's 50 year long career as a freelance writer saw her publish in nearly 50 different magazines, including Christian Herald, The Hearthstone, and The War Cry. By 1956, her work had earned acclaim, and she was called "One of Christian Herald's most popular writers" by the editors. Ikerman's writing also earned her several awards, including a Freedom Foundation award for her article "A Housewife Declares War on Stalin" in 1952 and several awards from the National League of American Pen Women for her writing and designating her as a Woman of Achievement.
In addition to her magazine articles, Ikerman also wrote over a dozen devotional books including Prayers of a Homemaker, On Morning Trails, and Let Prayer Help You. Though long out of print, the "tiny but unyielding lessons" in Ikerman's "heartfelt" devotionals still resonate decades later, as they did for Guideposts senior editor Jim Hinch in 2010.
Throughout her life, Ikerman remained committed to the University of Redlands. For her service, Ikerman was awarded with citations from the Friends of the Armacost Library and University of Redlands Alumni Association. In 1979, Ikerman was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University for her contributions to religious writing.
References
Hinch, J. (May 13, 2010). Morning Trails. Guideposts. https://guideposts.org/inspiring-stories/stories-of-faith-and-hope/morning-trails/
Indexed terms
- Subjects:
- Christianity
Devotional literature
About this collection guide
- Date Encoded:
- This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on 2024-08-08 12:56:18 -0700 .
Access and use
- Restrictions:
-
This collection is open for research use.
- Terms of access:
-
Items in this collection are believed to still be under copyright. It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain the necessary permissions for use of these materials that fall outside of fair use.
- Location of this collection:
-
1249 E Colton Ave.Redlands, CA 92374, US
- Contact:
- (909) 748-8022