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Walter (Mildred) Manuscripts and Papers
MS.236
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Contributing Institution:
Library and Archives at the Autry
Title: Mildred Walter Manuscripts and Papers
Creator:
Walter, Mildred
Identifier/Call Number:
MS.236
Physical Description:
5.3 Linear Feet
(9 boxes)
Date (inclusive): 1933-1986
Abstract: Mildred Walter (1896-1993) was a Spanish teacher in Los Angeles public high schools and an avid fan of traditional Mexican
costumes and folk dances. Mildred and her husband, Keamer Walter, danced in performances in Southern California in the 1950s
and 1960s. This collection of manuscripts and papers created and collected by Mildred Walter spans from 1933-1986 and includes
correspondence, personal papers, business and travel papers, lecture and draft manuscripts, and research files.
Language of Material:
English
, Spanish; Castilian
, Nahuatl languages
, English
.
Appointments to view materials are required. To make an appointment please visit
https://theautry.org/research-collections/library-and-archives and fill out the Researcher Application Form.
Copyright has not been assigned to the Autry Museum of the American West. All requests for permission to publish or quote
from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Head of Research Services and Archives. Permission for publication is
given on behalf of the Autry Museum of the American West as the custodian of the physical items and is not intended to include
or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained by the reader.
Mildred Walter Manuscripts and Papers, 1933-1986, Braun Research Library Collection, Autry Museum of the American West, Los Angeles;
MS.236
; [folder number] [folder title][date].
MS.236
; [folder number] [folder title][date].
Donation by Mildred Walter, 1986 August 20.
Mildred Josephine Hall was born on 1896 May 28 in Canada and raised in Chicago, Illinois. Mildred married R. H. (Robert Henry)
Keamer Walter in 1917, and the couple moved to Los Angeles in 1921. Mildred taught Spanish in the Los Angeles public schools
until her retirement in 1941.
Mildred developed a strong interest in Mexican folk dances and costumes and compiled an annotated list on Mexican folk culture
and a 112-page manuscript titled
Dances of Mexico. According to Mrs. Walter,
Dances of Mexico was written by her in the 1950s and 1960s and reflects her experiences observing dances on approximately 40 trips to Mexico
as well as additional research in libraries in the United States and Mexico. Together, Mildred and Keamer traveled through
and collected information on folklore and dances in all states of Mexico. The Walters' repeated travels through Mexico culminated
in a collection of Mexican cultural items such as artwork, baskets, men's and women's costumes, dolls, jewelry, masks, pottery,
toys, and wood carvings. The Walters called their collection
Museo Mexicano Mildre and they would open this collection in their home and give lectures or slide shows by appointment.
Mildred Walter was a devoted student of dance and remained active as a teacher and performer through her late 80s, even giving
tango lessons at her house. Mildred danced often with the Antique Academy of Genteel Dance, which gave performances at Christmas
programs at Heritage Square in Los Angeles. Mildred passed away on 1993 March 7.
Sources:
Notes prepared by Michael Heisley on 1986 September 5 based on a conversation with Mildred Walter in her home at 12125 Herbert
Street, Mar Vista, California on 1986 August 20.
This collection of manuscripts and papers created and collected by Mildred Walter spans from 1933-1986 and includes correspondence,
personal papers, business and travel papers, lecture and draft manuscripts, a file on Oscar Lewis's book
Pedro Martinez, a Mexican Peasant and His Family and research files.
Correspondence and personal papers make up a small amount of the collection. The majority of the collection can be found in
the Business and Travel Papers series, the Lecture and Draft Manuscripts series, and the Research Files. Business and Travel
Papers include information on Mexican dance, legends, and fiestas, as well as an extensive collection of maps, brochures,
and tourist information for different locations in Mexico, as well as information on the Walters'
Museo Mexicano Mildre. The Lecture and Draft Manuscripts series includes manuscripts for lectures on Native Americans and dance and a 112-page
annotated list of Mexican dances and dance terms. The Research Files include Walter's research files from 1935-1985 on costume,
dance, and Mexican history and culture.
Materials in this collection includes books, drawings, magazines, newsletters, newspaper clippings, manuscripts, notes, photographs,
and sheet music.
Initial processing by Braun Library Staff. Biographical notes prepared by Michael Heisley 1986 September 5. Finding aid completed
by Holly Rose Larson, NHPRC Project Archivist, 2012 September 20, made possible through grant funding from the National Historical
Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC).
- Series 1: Correspondence, 1948-1978
- Series 2: Personal papers, 1963-1971
- Series 3: Business and travel papers, 1953-1986
- Series 4: Lecture and Draft Manuscripts, 1952-1960
- Series 5: Oscar Lewis, 1964
- Series 6: Research Files, 1933-1985
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Sheet music
Photographs
Clippings
Newsletters
Drawings
Indians of North America
Books
Mexico -- Description and travel
Indian dance
Mexico -- History
Legends -- Mexico
Travel literature
Brochures
Maps
Dance -- Mexico
Lectures and lecturing
Manuscripts
Correspondence
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