Akins-Jannay Collection and Addenda, 1920-1992

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Summary

Title:
Akins-Jannay collection and addenda
Dates:
1920-1992
Creators:
Akins, Zoë, 1886-1958
Abstract:
This collection consists of manuscripts by dramatist, novelist, poet and screenwriter Zoë Akins (1886-1958), and other Akins family members.
Extent:
6.16 Linear Feet (6 boxes)
Language:
Materials are in English.
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item]. Akins-Jannay collection and addenda, The Huntington Library, San Marino, California.

Background

Scope and content:

The collection consists of the following material:

1. Manuscripts (Boxes 1-3) are arranged alphabetically by author and title. Included in this series are manuscripts by Zoë Akins, including: "The Daughter of Mars," "Others Than Myself," (her unpublished memoir), "Papa," "Plans for Tomorrow," and "The Singing Swans." This series also includes manuscripts by Akins' family members: Sarah Elizabeth Akins (mother), Laurie Metcalf (great-niece), Marie Prewitt (sister), and Thomas Akins (nephew); also, an extensive appraisal for Akins' Brigden Road home, and a poem by Dorothy Robinson.

2. Correspondence, Photograph Album, Drawings and Ephemera (Box 3) is arranged alphabetically by author and subject. This series includes three business letters concerning "The Old Maid," by Edith Wharton, and two personal letters to Thomas Prewitt. Also included are a family photograph album of the Maginty and Mars families (relatives of Zoë Akins), two pencil drawings and two folders of Ephemera.

3. Addenda - Manuscripts, Photograph and Ephemera (Box 4) is arranged alphabetically by author and subject. This series includes the teleplay "Dinner Party," a dissertation by Ronald Mielech, a photograph of Zoë Akins, and printed material.

4. Addenda - Printed Material, Ephemera, Reel-to-Reel Tapes and Printed Books (Boxes 5-6) is arranged alphabetically by author and format. This series includes printed material, tapes of interviews, and books inscribed by and to Zoë Akins.

Biographical / historical:

Zoë Akins (1886-1958) was a dramatist, novelist, poet and screenwriter. In 1935, she won the Pulitzer Prize for her dramatization of Edith Wharton's story, "The Old Maid." In addition to many screenplays and plays, Akins also authored two volumes of poetry, criticism, two novels, teleplays, magazine and newspaper articles.

Acquisition information:
The collection was acquired by the Huntington from Carla Jannay in April 2009; addenda purchased from Carla Jannay, May 2010.
Custodial history:

James Nigra and Carla Jannay-Nigra, inherited the estate of Zoë Akins' nephew, Thomas Prewitt (Tommy's mother, Marie Prewitt, was Zoë Akins' sister). The estate included many papers, books, and furniture which originally belonged to Zoë Akins.

Arrangement:

Organized in the following manner:

  1. Box 1: Manuscripts (Akins) (HM 71484-71489)
  2. Box 2: Manuscripts (Akins cont. - Prewitt) (HM 71490-71497)
  3. Box 3: Manuscripts (Prewitt cont. - Robinson), Correspondence, Photograph Album, Drawings and Ephemera HM 71498-71509)
  4. Box 4: Manuscripts, Photograph & Ephemera (HM 80300-80302)
  5. Box 5: Printed Material & Addenda: Ephemera, Reel-to-Reel Tapes, Printed Books
  6. Box 6: Addenda: Printed Books
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Gayle M. Richardson
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on 2024-01-05 13:58:31 -0800 .

Access and use

Restrictions:

Open to qualified researchers by prior application through the Reader Services Department. For more information, contact Reader Services.

Terms of access:

The Huntington Library does not require that researchers request permission to quote from or publish images of this material, nor does it charge fees for such activities. The responsibility for identifying the copyright holder, if there is one, and obtaining necessary permissions rests with the researcher.

Preferred citation:

[Identification of item]. Akins-Jannay collection and addenda, The Huntington Library, San Marino, California.

Location of this collection:
1151 Oxford Road
San Marino, CA 91108, US
Contact:
(626) 405-2191
reference@huntington.org
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