Guide to the Steinbeck - Ainsworth Collection
Stewart Nielson, Michelle Traub, and Bill O'Hanlon
Department of Special Collections
Green Library
Stanford University Libraries
Stanford, CA 94305-6004
Phone: (650) 725-1022
Email: specialcollections@stanford.edu
URL: http://library.stanford.edu/spc/
© 2008
The Board of Trustees of Stanford University. All rights reserved.
Guide to the Steinbeck - Ainsworth Collection
Collection number: M1501
Department of Special Collections and University Archives
Stanford University Libraries
Stanford, California
- Processed by:
- Michelle Traub, Bill O'Hanlon, Stewart Nielson
- Date Completed:
- 2008
- Encoded by:
- Bill O'Hanlon
© 2008 The Board of Trustees of Stanford University. All rights reserved.
Descriptive Summary
Title: Steinbeck - Ainsworth collection
Dates: 1880-1992
Collection number: M1501
Creator:
Steinbeck, John
Creator:
Ainsworth, Elizabeth Steinbeck
Collection Size:
3 linear feet
Repository:
Stanford University. Libraries. Dept. of Special Collections and University Archives.
Abstract: A collection of materials relating to John Steinbeck, including letters manuscripts, photographs, books, and other materials.
Languages:
Languages represented in the collection:
English
Access
Collection is open for research; materials must be requested at least 36 hours in advance of intended use.
Publication Rights
Property rights reside with the repository. Literary rights reside with the creators of the documents or their heirs. To obtain
permission to publish or reproduce, please contact the Public Services Librarian of the Dept. of Special Collections.
Preferred Citation
Steinbeck - Ainsworth collection, M1501. Dept. of Special Collections, Stanford University Libraries, Stanford, Calif.
Acquisition Information
Purchased, 2005. Accession 2005-274.
Scope and Content of Collection
This collection features 65 letters and cards from John Steinbeck to his sister Beth Steinbeck Ainsworth during the 1950s
and 1960s, and 10 additional letters written jointly to Ainsworth and another sister, Esther Steinbeck Rodgers. Additional
correspondence includes letters from Elaine Steinbeck to Beth, and to Jean Groshong; several letters from John Steinbeck to
"Uncle Joe" Hamilton; and other letters among members of the Steinbeck and Hamilton families. Manuscript material includes
several short stories composed in the 1920s, and a galley proof of "East of Eden" with at least six minor corrections in John
Steinbeck's hand. Other material includes legal documents, photographs, and scrapbook clippings. Individual letters have scope
and content notes provided by members of the Wiltshire familiy, descendents of Elizabeth Steinbeck Ainsworth.
Other Finding Aids
Steinbeck (John) Collection, 1902-1979 (M0263)
Steinbeck (John). Steinbeck : A Life of Letters : production materials, 1975 (M0354)
Steinbeck (John). Wells Fargo Steinbeck Collection, 1892-1981 (M1063)
Box 1, Folder 1
From Elizabeth Otis to Beth 5/24/1962
Physical Description: letter, typed, 1 p.
Scope and Content Note
Returning El Gabilan and pictures; typed on McIntosh & Otis notepaper; ; location(s): NYC, M&O office
Box 1, Folder 2
From Elizabeth Otis to JS no date
Physical Description: letter, typed, 3 p.
Scope and Content Note
Lots of news, then a P.S. - a Mr. Wallace arrived and they agreed on "$3000 a piece"; typed on McIntosh & Otis notepaper;
location(s): NYC, M&O office
Box 1, Folder 3
From Beth to Family 1905, 1914
Physical Description: 5 letters, booklet, hand pencil and ink, 23 total p.
Scope and Content Note
Beth's letters home from Mills College with Esther; one letter to "Dear Chicken Pox" (John), one to "Brother"; with a 1905
piano recital booklet in which Esther is listed; location(s): Mills College
Box 1, Folder 4
From Beth to Bea and Stanford Steinbeck 2/6/1969
Physical Description: letter, typed, 2 p.
Scope and Content Note
Talks of John going to Stockton and being with her during her husband's sickness and death; location(s): Pacific Grove
Box 1, Folder 5
From Beth to Elaine no date
Physical Description: letter, typed, 1 p.
Scope and Content Note
After Beth's hip replacement; in response to John and Elaine's request for some addresses; she mentions that it's not easy
to understand the Steinbecks; location(s): Pacific Grove(?)
Box 1, Folder 6
From Elaine to Bethie 2/1/1965
Physical Description: letter, hand, ink, 2 p.
Scope and Content Note
Elaine adds to Beth's coin collection from Ireland; desribes their trip, bad week; news of Harold Guinzberg dying (on previous
trip to Dublin); Mary is gone; John got sick; location(s): Ireland(?)
Box 1, Folder 7
From Elaine to Bethie; John Steinbeck Memorial 1/31/1969; February 1970
Physical Description: 2 letters, hand, felt pen (copy), 2 total p.
Scope and Content Note
Elaine quotes Robert Louis Stevenson's poem, which Henry Fonda read at John's funeral; location(s): NYC
Box 1, Folder 8
From Elaine to Bethie; Mrs. Riggs 2/25/1975
Physical Description: 2 letters, hand, 4 total p.
Scope and Content Note
Elaine's letter to Beth explaining "Pigasus" (original); second letter from Elaine to Mrs. Riggs with "ad astra per alia parci"
(Latin), translated "to the stars on the wings of a pig", or "go as high as you can with the equipment you've got" (copy);
location(s): NYC, 190 E 72nd
Box 1, Folder 9
From Elaine to Bethie - and Liz+Jim 7/24/1989
Physical Description: letter, reviews, hand, ink, 2 p.
Scope and Content Note
Clippings about Grapes of Wrath play in London; location(s): Sag Harbor
Box 1, Folder 10
From Elaine to Bethie no date
Physical Description: letter, hand pencil, 2 p.
Scope and Content Note
Referring to enclosed Middle Eastern coins for Beth's collection; location(s): Sag Harbor
Box 1, Folder 11
From Elaine to Beth no date
Physical Description: letter, hand, ink, 4 p.
Scope and Content Note
John's gall bladder attack (fall of the year of the attack); they're good, getting better; life together; location(s): NYC,
206 E 72nd
Box 1, Folder 12
From Elaine to Bethie no date
Physical Description: letter, hand, ink, 2 p.
Scope and Content Note
Note about some money John left for Beth, etc.; location(s): NYC, 190 E 72nd
Box 1, Folder 13
From Elaine to Darling (Beth) no date
Physical Description: letter, hand, ink, 1 p.
Scope and Content Note
About spending a day together just prior; after John died; location(s): NYC, 190 E 72nd
Box 1, Folder 14
From Elaine to Beth no date
Physical Description: letter, hand, ink, 5 p.
Scope and Content Note
After Gwyn died; the boys making overtures about writing a damning book about John, etc.; possibly 2.5 years after John's
death; explaining she shares copies of royalties which have gone into 2nd copyright after John's death; the judgements; threats
from the boys; location(s): NYC, 190 E 72nd
Box 1, Folder 15
From Elaine to Dear Ones no date
Physical Description: letter, typed, 17 p.
Scope and Content Note
Trip to Russia, Poland, Eastern European countries
Box 1, Folder 16
From Elaine to Jean/Bean-bag/Darlink 1969-1975
Physical Description: postcard, 4 letters, hand, ink, 7 total p.
Scope and Content Note
location(s): NYC, 190 E 72nd/Sag Harbor
Box 1, Folder 17
From Elaine to Jean 8/8/1972
Physical Description: letter, hand, ink, 4 p.
Scope and Content Note
With envelope; location(s): Sag Harbor
Box 1, Folder 18
From Elaine to Darling One (Jean) 1/6/1975
Physical Description: letter, clippings, hand, ink, 2 p.
Scope and Content Note
With envelope; reviews of Broadway revival of Of Mice and Men; location(s): NYC, 190 E 72nd
Box 1, Folder 19
From Elaine to Liz 3/1/1994
Physical Description: letter proof, hand, ink, 2 p.
Scope and Content Note
Letter with cover of Parini proof; location(s): NYC
Box 1, Folder 20
From Elaine to Steinbeck House Guild(?) no date
Physical Description: letter, hand, ink, 3 p.
Scope and Content Note
Appears to be a speech to the Steinbeck House Guild (re: recipe book, John's love of California food); date unknown, but appears
to be after 1975; location(s): NYC, 190 E 72nd
Box 1, Folder 21
From JS to Beth and Gene 8/25/1937
Physical Description: postcard, hand, ink, 1 p.
Scope and Content Note
Will not stay in Pennsylvania for rehearsals; location(s): Doylestown, PA
Box 1, Folder 22
From JS to Beth 8/5/1951
Physical Description: letter, hand pencil, 2 p.
Scope and Content Note
Pat Hamilton's death and the end of the Hamilton name; while writing East of Eden; Liz arriving; location(s): Nantucket,
MA
Box 1, Folder 23
From JS to Beth 10/16/1952
Physical Description: postcard, hand pencil, 1 p.
Scope and Content Note
John working on speeches and Elaine is running "the talent pool" for election in November; location(s): NYC, 206 E 72nd
Box 1, Folder 24
From JS to Beth 5/23/1957
Physical Description: letter, typed, 2 p.
Scope and Content Note
location(s)Rome
Box 1, Folder 25
From JS to Beth no date (1959?)
Physical Description: letter, hand, ink, 1 p.
Scope and Content Note
location(s): Somerset
Box 1, Folder 26
From JS to Beth no date (1959?)
Physical Description: letter, hand pencil and ink, 2 p.
Scope and Content Note
Date sometime while in Somerset; discussion of recent illness; location(s): Somerset
Box 1, Folder 27
From JS to Beth no date (1959?)
Physical Description: letter, hand, ink, 2 p.
Scope and Content Note
Easter Sunday from Somerset; refers to Mary's illness; rain; US vs. England; location(s): Somerset
Box 1, Folder 28
From JS to Beth no date (1959?)
Physical Description: letter, hand, ink, 4 p.
Scope and Content Note
Boys with Beth while JS and Elaine are in the UK; lamenting about boys; sending guns to the safe; going home in October; selling
house at 206 E 72nd for $90-$100K (bought for $50K) or rent for $600 or $700 per month; seems to be short of money; political
references to Stevenson, Averrill, Harriman; location(s): England
Box 1, Folder 29
From JS to Beth Summer 1959
Physical Description: letter, hand, ink, 2 p.
Scope and Content Note
Boys' studies and time with Beth; location(s): NYC, 206 E 72nd(?)
Box 1, Folder 30
From JS to Beth 7/1/1959
Physical Description: air letter, hand, ink, 2 p.
Scope and Content Note
location(s): Somerset
Box 1, Folder 31
From JS to Beth 7/19/59(?)
Physical Description: air letter, hand, ink, 2 p.
Scope and Content Note
location(s): Somerset
Box 1, Folder 32
From JS to Beth and Boys 7/20/1959
Physical Description: letter, hand, ink, 2 p.
Scope and Content Note
Boys' studies and American kids in general; location(s): Somerset
Box 1, Folder 33
From JS to Beth 8/27/59(?)
Physical Description: letter, typed, 2 p.
Scope and Content Note
Misc., including itinerary while in the UK; location(s): Somerset
Box 1, Folder 34
From JS to Beth 3/18/1960
Physical Description: letter, hand pencil, 1 p.
Scope and Content Note
Thom received 1st prize State of Connecticut, 1st prize nationally; location(s): NYC, 190 E 72nd
Box 1, Folder 35
From JS; Tom to Beth; JS 6/9/1960
Physical Description: 2 letters, typed; hand, ink, 4 total p.
Scope and Content Note
3 typed pages from John to Beth, 1 in pen from Tom to John (no date); a year after the boys stayed with Beth; laments about
Gwyn, the boys, money; mentions Jean's forthcoming baby; his plans to travel the USA in a truck any why; location(s): Sag
Harbor
Box 1, Folder 36
From JS to Beth 6/22/1960
Physical Description: letter, hand pencil, 3 p.
Scope and Content Note
Truck to be delivered in a week; working on Winter of Our Discontent, first line from Richard III; concern for Esther; Holiday
magazine buying 25K words of Travels; location(s): NYC or Sag Harbor
Box 1, Folder 37
From JS to Bethie no date (1961?)
Physical Description: letter, hand, ink, 2 p.
Scope and Content Note
Just after Beth's hip operation; John is 59, has written 26 books; words came to him while awake at 3am...RELAX!
Box 1, Folder 38
From JS to Beth 6/1/1961
Physical Description: letter, hand, ink, 2 p.
Scope and Content Note
Writes of sending special edition of Winter of Our Discontent to Beth, other copies to Mary and Esther; still working on Charley;
going to Sag Harbor. NOTE - he says he means the words in the dedication "To Beth, my sister, whose light burns clear". (Has
just turned down an honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts from the University of California.); location(s): NYC, 206 E 72nd(?)
Box 1, Folder 39
From JS to Beth 7/26/1961
Physical Description: postcard, hand, ink, 1 p.
Scope and Content Note
To Beth in Fresno hospital; refers to Beth's hip surgery; location(s): Sag Harbor
Box 1, Folder 40
From JS to Beth 7/30/1961
Physical Description: postcard, hand, ink, 1 p.
Scope and Content Note
To Beth who was in Fresno Community Hospital, general update; location(s): Sag Harbor
Box 1, Folder 41
From JS to Beth 12/7/1961
Physical Description: letter, hand, ink, 2 p.
Scope and Content Note
Traveling with the boys; concern for Esther at Carroll Rodgers' death; mentions Christmas at the Vatican, midnight mass seats
for Pope and choir; location(s): Florence
Box 1, Folder 42
From JS to Beth no date (1962?)
Physical Description: letter, hand, ink, 2 p.
Scope and Content Note
Talks of speech for Nobel Prize; asking Beth to clean out his mess at 147 11th St. and mentions the safe ("in our garage")
Box 1, Folder 43
From JS to Beth 2/1/1962
Physical Description: letter, hand pencil and ink, 2 p.
Scope and Content Note
Boys in northern Italy; Mary off on a tirp; Holiday magazine; location(s): Villa Panorama, Capri
Box 1, Folder 44
From JS to Beth 2/17/1962
Physical Description: letter, hand pencil, 2 p.
Scope and Content Note
Mary on cruise to Europe; boys to join in a few days; speaks highly of Terrance McNally working with the boys; awaiting news
of John Glenn's space trip; more ramblings; location(s): Capri
Box 1, Folder 45
From JS to Beth 2/19/1962
Physical Description: letter, hand, ink, 2 p.
Scope and Content Note
location(s): Villa Panorama, Capri
Box 1, Folder 46
From JS to Beth 8/9/1962
Physical Description: letter, hand pencil and ink, 2 p.
Scope and Content Note
Ramblings; location(s): NYC, 206 E 72nd(?)
Box 1, Folder 47
From JS to Beth no date (Fall 1962?)
Physical Description: letter, hand, ink, 1 p.
Scope and Content Note
Late Nov./early Dec. before accepting the Nobel Prize in 1962; Natalia Lovejoy's address; London, then Sweden Dec. 7-18
Box 1, Folder 48
From JS to Esther and Beth no date (Christmas 1962?)
Physical Description: letter, typed, 2 p.
Scope and Content Note
Last Christmas in this house; refers to new apartment; location(s): NYC, 206 E 72nd
Box 1, Folder 49
From JS to Beth and Esther 1/2/1963
Physical Description: letter, hand, ink, 2 p.
Scope and Content Note
Mary's cancer and going to Washington; location(s): NYC, 190 E 72nd(?)
Box 1, Folder 50
From JS to Beth 1/31/1963
Physical Description: letter, hand, ink, 2 p.
Scope and Content Note
Talk of selling the house and moving into an apartment (condo); location(s): NYC, 206 E 72nd(?)
Box 1, Folder 51
From JS to Beth 3/16/1963
Physical Description: letter, hand, felt pen, 3 p.
Scope and Content Note
More on the problems with the boys, very detailed; location(s): NYC(?)
Box 1, Folder 52
From JS to Beth 5/16/1963
Physical Description: letter, hand pencil, 2 p.
Scope and Content Note
Death of Charley: John planted willow tree over him, Sag Harbor townspeople planted flowers all around it; dinner with Kennedys,
sent copy of Red Pony to their children, Jackie sent a letter which was enclosed, asked to be returned; location(s): NYC,
190 E 72nd(?)
Box 1, Folder 53
From JS to Beth Fall 1963
Physical Description: letter, clippings, hand, ink, 3 p.
Scope and Content Note
Beth's hip problem; going to Washington, visiting desks in advance of Europe trip, leaving next Mon. or Tues.; seeing Ed Murror
tomorrow (old friend); visiting Berlin Wall and Russia (news clip, 12/12/63)
Box 1, Folder 54
From JS to Beth and Esther and Beth(?) 12/2/1963
Physical Description: letter, hand, ink, 2 p.
Scope and Content Note
Kennedy's death, but proceeding with trip; lots of rumors about his health - all untrue; Sag Harbor house robbed; location(s):
Hotel Sacher, Vienna
Box 1, Folder 55
From JS to Beth 1/20/1964
Physical Description: letter, hand, felt pen, 5 p.
Scope and Content Note
Letter meant for Esther and Mary also; full description of problems with Thom and John and then Gwyn; location(s): NYC, 190
E 72nd(?)
Box 1, Folder 56
From JS to Beth 1/28/1964
Physical Description: letter, hand, ink, 2 p.
Scope and Content Note
Beth's typewriter; Gwyn, the boys; weather, etc.; location(s): NYC, 190 E 72nd(?)
Box 1, Folder 57
From JS to Beth 2/25/1964
Physical Description: letter, hand, ink, 1 p.
Scope and Content Note
Howard Hunter died; want to get Esther to fly east in spring for a couple of weeks; location(s): Sag Harbor
Box 1, Folder 58
From JS to All 3/23/1964
Physical Description: letter, typed (dictated), 1 p.
Scope and Content Note
Describes going to court with Gwyn; eve of trip to Rome; location(s): NYC, 190 E 72nd
Box 1, Folder 59
From JS to Beth 5/8/1964
Physical Description: letter, hand pencil, 3 p.
Scope and Content Note
Visit from Liz and Jim and mother-in-law; trial next day, suit from Gwyn and the sons; location(s): NYC, 190 E 72nd(?)
Box 1, Folder 60
From JS to Mary and Esther and Beth 6/22/1964
Physical Description: letter, typed, 2 p.
Scope and Content Note
Boys a bit settled; doing a lot for LBJ and wants to help him get re-elected; location(s): Sag Harbor
Box 1, Folder 61
From JS to Beth 10/9/1964
Physical Description: letter, typed, 1 p.
Scope and Content Note
Pat Covici with cancer and ulcer; will ride in "Galway Hunt" at Christmas, Johhny Huston is co-master; losing weight; location(s):
NYC, 190 E 72nd
Box 1, Folder 62
From JS to Beth 10/10/1964
Physical Description: letter, hand, ink, 3 p.
Scope and Content Note
Concern for Mary's health; location(s): NYC, 190 E 72nd(?)
Box 1, Folder 63
From JS to Bethie 12/7/1964
Physical Description: letter, typed, 2 p.
Scope and Content Note
Description of flight from San Francisco to Pittsburgh (spelled twice without the "h"); visited kennel for P.B. Floyd (later
Angel); Christmas presents - Beth to purchase for Nat Benchley and Robert Wallston; Elaine away taking care of her aunt; location(s):
NYC, 190 E 72nd
Box 1, Folder 64
From JS to Sisters 1/20/1965
Physical Description: letter, hand, felt pen, 2 p.
Scope and Content Note
To US ambassador for inauguration address of LBJ; to Normandy and home in about a week; location(s): Paris
Box 1, Folder 65
From JS to Esther and Beth 1/26/1965
Physical Description: letter, typed, 2 p.
Scope and Content Note
Death of Mary; location(s): England(?)
Box 1, Folder 66
From JS to Beth 3/12/1965
Physical Description: postcard, hand pencil, 1 p.
Scope and Content Note
Just received Angel; location(s): NYC, 190 E 72nd
Box 1, Folder 67
From JS to Bethie 5/19/1965
Physical Description: postcard, typed, 1 p.
Scope and Content Note
Working hard to finish "this book" "before the 30th"; going to Nantucket to stay with Benchleys over anniversary of meeting
Elaine, taking Angle who attracts many ticks; location(s): Sag Harbor
Box 1, Folder 68
From JS to Esther and Beth no date (August 1965?)
Physical Description: letter, typed, 1 p.
Scope and Content Note
Refers to pictures of new pool; "Thom was 21 this month"; location(s): Sag Harbor
Box 1, Folder 69
From JS to Esther and Beth 10/23/1965
Physical Description: letter, typed, 2 p.
Scope and Content Note
Planning trip to England; location(s): NYC, 190 E 72nd
Box 1, Folder 70
From JS to Beth 11/2/1965
Physical Description: letter, hand pencil and ink, 2 p.
Scope and Content Note
Refers to Gwyn; writing weekly letters for Long Island paper Newsday
Box 1, Folder 71
From JS to Sisters 11/17/1965
Physical Description: letter, hand, carbon copy, 1 p.
Scope and Content Note
Commissions for Newsday and San Francisco Chronicle
Box 1, Folder 72
From JS to Beth and Esther 1/9/1966
Physical Description: letter, hand, ink, 2 p.
Scope and Content Note
Seeing Mary in the hotel room; travels around Ireland; with envelope; location(s): Waterville, Co. Kerry, Ireland
Box 1, Folder 73
From JS to Beth and Esther 2/13/1966
Physical Description: air letter, hand, ink, 1 p.
Scope and Content Note
Misc. travels, including Red Sea; location(s): Israel
Box 1, Folder 74
From JS to Bethie 3/29/1966
Physical Description: postcard, typed, 1 p.
Scope and Content Note
Beth's upcoming trip; location(s): NYC, 190 E 72nd
Box 1, Folder 75
From JS to Bethie no date (Spring 1966?)
Physical Description: letter, hand, ink, 1 p.
Scope and Content Note
Gift to Beth for her trip; no date but before Beth goes to Japan; location(s): Sag Harbor(?)
Box 1, Folder 76
From JS to Bethie 5/28/1966
Physical Description: letter, hand pencil, 2 p.
Scope and Content Note
John going to Vietnam; Beth is in Japan; location(s): Sag Harbor
Box 1, Folder 77
From JS to Beth 12/6/1967
Physical Description: postcard, hand, ink, 1 p.
Scope and Content Note
Recuperating
Box 1, Folder 78
From JS to Beth 3/9/1968
Physical Description: postcard, typed, 1 p.
Scope and Content Note
Beth's health; visitors; Thom's orders for Vietnam; location(s): NYC, 190 E 72nd
Box 1, Folder 79
From JS to Beth 3/23/1968
Physical Description: postcard, hand, ink, 1 p.
Scope and Content Note
Death of Cal; location(s): NYC, 190 E 72nd
Box 1, Folder 80
From JS to Beth 3/26/1968
Physical Description: letter, hand, ink, 2 p.
Scope and Content Note
With envelope; location(s): NYC
Box 1, Folder 81
From JS to Beth 4/10/1968
Physical Description: letter, typed, 2 p.
Scope and Content Note
First color TV; dinner that night at a testimonial for Henry Fonda; Pres. Johnson has asked them to the White House for dinner
and to stay overnight; location(s): NYC, 190 E 72nd(?)
Box 1, Folder 82
From JS to Beth 4/24/1968
Physical Description: letter, typed, 1 p.
Scope and Content Note
Remote control on TV (bought color TV for Beth); going for checkup; location(s): NYC, 190 E 72nd(?)
Box 1, Folder 83
From JS to Beth no date
Physical Description: postcard, hand, ink, 1 p.
Scope and Content Note
Recuperating; location(s): NYU Medical Center
Box 1, Folder 84
From JS to Beth no date
Physical Description: letter, hand, ink, 1 p.
Scope and Content Note
One week out of hospital; sent article from magazine "Motorboating"; location(s): NYC, 190 E 72nd
Box 1, Folder 85
From JS to Beth no date
Physical Description: letter, hand, ink, 2 p.
Scope and Content Note
Flying pig at top of page; Beth seeing Jane off; before Mary died; location(s): Sag Harbor(?)
Box 1, Folder 86
From JS to Beth no date
Physical Description: letter, hand pencil, 3 p.
Scope and Content Note
Refers to John in school
Box 1, Folder 87
From JS to Beth no date
Physical Description: letter, hand, ink, 2 p.
Scope and Content Note
On embossed letterhead; refers to going to New Orleans, following Gwyn there
Box 1, Folder 88
From JS to Bethie no date
Physical Description: letter, hand, ink, 1 p.
Scope and Content Note
The boys go off to school tomorrow; no clue as to date or location
Box 1, Folder 89
From JS to Beth no date
Physical Description: letter, hand pencil and ink/typed, 2 p.
Scope and Content Note
Possibly October, after Moscow; talks of the boys, Mrs. Shepherd (her letter enclosed); Mary coming; look for manuscripts
which he gives away for tax purposes; location(s): Sag Harbor
Box 1, Folder 90
From JS to Read the card first (Beth?) no date
Physical Description: letter, hand, felt pen, 2 p.
Scope and Content Note
About John - he and a girlfriend took a motor scooter without permission, "she was badly bruised," JS fearing a felony charge;
worried enough to put off trip to Pittsburgh to get a dog and a family dinner at the White House with President and Mrs. LBJ
Box 1, Folder 91
From JS to Beth no date
Physical Description: letter, hand, ink, 2 p.
Scope and Content Note
About Beth with new hip in Fresno; unpleasant story about John
Box 1, Folder 92
From JS to Beth no date
Physical Description: letter, hand pencil, 3 p.
Scope and Content Note
Ramblings; Charley selling well; Pat Covici failing (?); boys off to school
Box 1, Folder 93
From JS to Beth no date
Physical Description: letter, hand, ink, 1 p.
Scope and Content Note
Something nice an "Ed" said about Beth
Box 1, Folder 94
From JS to Beth no date
Physical Description: letter, hand, ink, 2 p.
Scope and Content Note
Katz; "The Pearl"; post-WWII?; location(s): Cuernavaca, Morelia, Mexico
Box 1, Folder 95
From JS to Beth(?) no date
Physical Description: cablegram, typed, 2 p.
Scope and Content Note
Note from JS; Gwyn trying to reach him; location(s): Moscow
Box 1, Folder 96
From JS to All no date
Physical Description: letter, typed, 2 p.
Scope and Content Note
Annie Laurie Williams stationary from some hotel room in New York; letter written while Tortilla Flat and another unnamed
play were being rehearsed on Broadway; with Carol, planning to leave for Denmark in 2 weeks; before WWII (NYC?)
Box 2, Folder 1
From JS to Joe/Uncle Joe/Joe and Gussie 1939-1940
Physical Description: 3 letters, hand, ink/typed, 6 total p.
Scope and Content Note
Discussing the war and JS's potential involvement; motion picture being filmed in Mexico; with envelope dated 5/25/39; location(s):
Los Gatos/Mexico City
Box 2, Folder 2
From JS to Joe 10/23/1939
Physical Description: letter, typed (copy), 3 p.
Scope and Content Note
Joe is in DC; JS writes of his past writing, has lots of questions about his future; location(s): Los Gatos
Box 2, Folder 3
From JS to Thom and Cal(?) (sons) no date
Physical Description: letter, hand, ink, 2 p.
Scope and Content Note
To the boys as they were spending the summer with Beth in Pacific Grove; JS claims he will get off their backs as they get
older; location(s): NYC(?)
Box 2, Folder 4
From Clark C. Steinbeck to Cousin Will (Hamilton) no date (1937?)
Physical Description: letter, typed, 4 p.
Scope and Content Note
Reports of Grosssteinbeck farm; refers to photos; with 2 copies, 6 photos; location(s): Peking, China
Box 2, Folder 5
From Earl Steinbeck to Beth 12/30/1968
Physical Description: 2 letters, typed/hand, ink (copy), 3 total p.
Scope and Content Note
Condolences; news about family; with copy of letter JS sent to Earl Steinbeck 1/28/63 while in Sag Harbor; location(s): Burlingame
Box 2, Folder 6
From Joe R. Hamilton to Will, Ollie, George 12/1/1924
Physical Description: letter, typed, 6 p.
Scope and Content Note
Trip to Ireland; family history in Ireland; with 40-50 pages of letters from cousins in Ireland dated 1920s-1930s; location(s):
Chicago
Box 2, Folder 7
From Various Hamiltons to Various Hamiltons 1910s-1930s
Physical Description: letters, typed/hand, ink, Many p.
Scope and Content Note
To, from and about cousins of the Hamilton family in Ireland; location(s): Various
Box 2, Folder 8
From Olive Hamilton (Steinbeck) to Bethie Girl 5/18/2025
Physical Description: letter, hand, ink, 8 p.
Scope and Content Note
With envelope; location(s): Salinas
Box 2, Folder 9
From Tom Hamilton to Beth 1912
Physical Description: 3 letters, hand, ink/typed, 4 total p.
Scope and Content Note
location(s): San Francisco
Box 2, Folder 10
From Mary to Beth and Esther 3/30/1962
Physical Description: air letter, hand, ink, 2 p.
Scope and Content Note
On cruise ship Empress of Canada off Mallorca; has sinus infection; writes of her visit with JS and Elaine; writes of JS's
health and that he now dislikes crowds and noise; location(s): Palma de Mallorca
Box 2, Folder 11
From E. Tenney(?) to J.A. Steinbeck 11/11/1874
Physical Description: postcard, hand, ink, 1 p.
Scope and Content Note
Advising that his family started to California this morning (via Worcester, Albany, Buffalo, Chicago and Omaha); location(s):
Leominster, MA
Box 2, Folder 12
From Nash Briggs, et al to All the Members of the Order of the Eastern Star 12/19/1883
Physical Description: postcard, typed/hand, ink, 1 p.
Scope and Content Note
Stating that John E. Steinbeck is a member of the Order of the Eastern Star; location(s): Hollister
Box 2, Folder 13
From Gwyn to Beth 6/20/1943
Physical Description: letter, hand pencil, 2 p.
Scope and Content Note
John gone; giving Beth requested address; refers to lost baby/miscarraige?; location(s): NYC(?)
Box 2, Folder 14
From Susan F. Riggs, Stanford University to Beth 7/13, 10/4/79
Physical Description: 2 letters, typed, 2 total p.
Scope and Content Note
To Beth in Pacific Grove; identifies some letter from JS to Kate Beswick; with copies of Stanford Quad photos, summaries of
correspondence; location(s): Stanford
Box 2, Folder 15
From Mattie U. Russell, Duke University to Beth 7/3/1974
Physical Description: letter, typed, 1 p.
Scope and Content Note
Asking Beth for JS materials, etc.; location(s): Durham, NC
Box 2, Folder 16
From Nancy C. Kester to Beth 1/22/1969
Physical Description: letter, hand, ink, 4 p.
Scope and Content Note
Note to Beth upon JS's passing
Box 2, Folder 17
From Yevtushenko to Beth 3/20/1979
Physical Description: letter, hand, ink, 1 p.
Scope and Content Note
Handwritten tribute to JS, on back of flyer of his two readings at Berkeley and USF; location(s): San Francisco
Box 2, Folder 18
From Jackson J. Benson to Beth 10/20/69-12/31/70
Physical Description: 4 letters, typed, 6 total p.
Scope and Content Note
About writing JS's biography; lots of questions; includes 1 letter to Mrs. Taylor; San Diego Stage College stationery; with
two envelopes; location(s): San Diego
Box 2, Folder 19
From Jackson J. Benson to Beth 6/10/1987
Physical Description: letter, typed, 1 p.
Scope and Content Note
Requesting permission to use a photo of Beth and Burgess Meredith; with envelope; location(s): La Mesa, CA
Box 2, Folder 20
From Bob Gamble(?), Dept. of Interior to Beth 3/17/1971
Physical Description: letter, hand, ink, 1 p.
Scope and Content Note
Thanks for Pacific Grove house tour; location(s): Washington, DC
Box 2, Folder 21
From Stephanie Kraft to Jane Thomson, Valley Guild 12/17/1978
Physical Description: letter, typed, 2 p.
Scope and Content Note
Describes Salinas house; location(s): Amherst, MA
Box 2, Folder 22
From Jay Parini to Liz, Beth and Jim 1/16/1992
Physical Description: letter, hand, ink, 2 p.
Scope and Content Note
Thanks for information; location(s): Middlebury, VT
Box 2, Folder 23
From Robert DeMott to Beth 5/23/1980
Physical Description: letter, typed, 1 p.
Scope and Content Note
With 18-pg. biographical essay about JS; location(s): Athens, OH
Box 2, Folder 24
The Gifts of Iban 1927(?)
Physical Description: short story, typed, 12 p.
Scope and Content Note
The Gifts of Iban; 3400 words; typed original with a few corrections in pencil; location(s): Long Beach, CA
Box 2, Folder 25
I Go Back to Ireland 1/31/1953
Physical Description: article photocopies, 6 p.
Scope and Content Note
I Go Back to Ireland, Collier's Magazine
Box 2, Folder 26
My War with the Ospreys 3/1/1957
Physical Description: article photocopies, 6 p.
Scope and Content Note
My War with the Ospreys, Holiday Magazine
Box 2, Folder 27
An Autograph no date
Physical Description: poem or song, typed, 4 p.
Scope and Content Note
An Autograph
Box 2, Folder 28
In the old days, when men knew that virtue should be rewarded....; no date
Physical Description: song, typed, 4 p.
Scope and Content Note
In the old days, when men knew that virtue should be rewarded...; 4 copies
Box 2, Folder 29
Untitled no date
Physical Description: short story, typed, 13 p.
Scope and Content Note
Untitled story about a young girl and a nymph; carbon copies; many corrections
Box 2, Folder 30
Oyez no date
Physical Description: poem, typed, 2 p.
Scope and Content Note
Oyez, Old English poem; carbon copies
Box 2, Folder 31
In June in the month of roses....; 1856?
Physical Description: poem, hand, ink, 2 p.
Scope and Content Note
In June in the month of roses....; appears to be about JS Sr. marrying into the Hamilton family; very uncertain authorship;
possibly 1856; original and two copies
Box 7, Folder 1
East of Eden [1951-1952?]
Physical Description: novel proof print, p.
Scope and Content Note
Unrevised proof of East of Eden for The Viking Press.
Series 3
Documents and Ephemera
Box 2, Folder 32
2/10/1888
Physical Description: dance card, hand pencil, 2 p.
Scope and Content Note
With JS Sr. and brothers listed; location(s): Salinas
Box 2, Folder 33
1923-1924
Physical Description: 3 report cards, hand, ink, 3 p.
Scope and Content Note
For Spring 1923, Fall 1923, Spring 1924; English major; average grades; Everett W. Smith signature; location(s): Stanford
Box 2, Folder 34
7/24/28-8/22/28
Physical Description: deed, letter, typed, 6 p.
Scope and Content Note
Deed and papers relating to purchase of laboratory space; sold for $7000; location(s): Monterey
Box 2, Folder 35
1939
Physical Description: card, hand, ink, 1 p.
Scope and Content Note
Certificate awarded to "Mr. J. Steinbeck, man of letters" for joining the International Society of Creative Intellectuals;
location(s): Paris
Box 2, Folder 36
1940s
Physical Description: envelopes, hand, ink, many p.
Scope and Content Note
Ed Ricketts' stamp collection; envelopes from Mexico, England, Denmark, etc.
Box 2, Folder 37
1/1/1941
Physical Description: deed, typed, 3 p.
Scope and Content Note
Deed to Santa Clara house; two copies; location(s): Santa Clara
Box 2, Folder 38
1969?
Physical Description: sermon, letter, typed, 5 p.
Scope and Content Note
Sermon from JS's funeral(?); with a letter from "Doris" to Beth
Box 2, Folder 39
11/4/69-11/2/72
Physical Description: letters, typed, many p.
Scope and Content Note
Steinbeck Estate letters relating to Beth
Box 2, Folder 40
1970s?
Physical Description: flyer, typed, 4 p.
Scope and Content Note
Informational flyer about the Steinbeck House, luncheons; location(s): Salinas
Box 2, Folder 41
1/11/1977
Physical Description: articles, bylaws, typed, 9 p.
Scope and Content Note
Articles and bylaws of the John Steinbeck Foundation; location(s): Salinas
Box 2, Folder 42
April 1977-3/5/810
Physical Description: 3 articles, 2 letters, typed, 5 p.
Scope and Content Note
Biographical newspaper articles about JS, with letters
Box 3, Folder 1
John Adolph Steinbeck family photos no date
Physical Description: photograph(s)
Box 3, Folder 2
John Ernst Steinbeck no date
Physical Description: photograph(s)
Box 3, Folder 3
Olive Hamilton Steinbeck no date
Physical Description: photograph(s)
Scope and Content Note
Photos taken of her alone
Box 3, Folder 4
Olive Hamilton Steinbeck no date
Physical Description: photograph(s)
Scope and Content Note
Group photos
Box 3, Folder 5
Hamilton Family no date
Physical Description: photograph(s)
Scope and Content Note
Miscellaneous photos
Box 3, Folder 6
Steinbeck, John and Almira no date
Physical Description: photograph(s)
Scope and Content Note
50th Anniversary Photos
Box 3, Folder 7
Olive and Ernst with grandchildren no date
Physical Description: photograph(s)
Box 3, Folder 8
Young pictures and group shots no date
Physical Description: photograph(s)
Box 3, Folder 9
John and Mary with Red Pony no date
Physical Description: photograph(s)
Box 3, Folder 10
John Steinbeck school photos no date
Physical Description: photograph(s)
Box 3, Folder 11
John and Gwyn with Thom (in pool) no date
Physical Description: photograph(s)
Box 3, Folder 12
Gwyn and sons no date
Physical Description: photograph(s)
Box 3, Folder 13
John, Elaine and boys in Sag Harbor (boys ~ 4 and 6 years old) no date
Physical Description: photograph(s)
Box 3, Folder 14
Thom and John Jr. without parents no date
Physical Description: photograph(s)
Box 3, Folder 15
Thom and John Jr. mid teens ca. 1961 1962
Physical Description: photograph(s)
Box 3, Folder 16
John Steinbeck Nobel Prize in Stockholm 12/10/1962
Physical Description: photograph(s)
Box 3, Folder 17
John Steinbeck Cruises abroad no date
Physical Description: photograph(s)
Box 3, Folder 18
John Steinbeck with Wiltshires in Japan, ca 1967 1967
Physical Description: photograph(s)
Box 3, Folder 19
John Steinbeck and John Jr. no date
Physical Description: photograph(s)
Box 3, Folder 20
John Steinbeck- misc. photos as a younger man no date
Physical Description: photograph(s)
Box 3, Folder 21
John Steinbeck- misc. photos as an older man no date
Physical Description: photograph(s)
Box 3, Folder 22
John Steinbeck and Beskov portraits- copies of paintings no date
Physical Description: photograph(s)
Box 3, Folder 23
John Steinbeck and Elaine no date
Physical Description: photograph(s)
Box 3, Folder 24
Sag Harbor no date
Physical Description: photograph(s)
Box 3, Folder 25
Sag Harbor- 'Travels with Charley' truck no date
Physical Description: photograph(s)
Box 3, Folder 26
John and Angel (dog) 1965
Physical Description: photograph(s)
Box 3, Folder 27
John, Elain, Thom, and John Jr. no date
Physical Description: photograph(s)
Box 3, Folder 28
Angel (Dog) no date
Physical Description: photograph(s)
Box 3, Folder 29
Elaine, John Jr. and Blake at Steinbeck House, ca. 1970-75 no date
Physical Description: photograph(s)
Box 4, Folder 1
Pacific Grove cottage misc no date
Physical Description: photograph(s)
Box 4, Folder 2
Salinas Steinbeck house no date
Physical Description: photograph(s)
Box 4, Folder 3
Hollister house- Residence of John Adolphus Steinbeck no date
Physical Description: photograph(s)
Box 4, Folder 4
Beth Steinbeck, misc. no date
Physical Description: photograph(s)
Box 4, Folder 5
Esther Steinbeck, young no date
Physical Description: photograph(s)
Box 4, Folder 6
Mary Steinbeck no date
Physical Description: photograph(s)
Box 4, Folder 7
Esther's Watsonville house- including Thanksgiving photo album no date
Physical Description: photograph(s)
Box 4, Folder 8
Eugene Ainsworth no date
Physical Description: photograph(s)
Box 4, Folder 9
Salinas Library statue of John Steinbeck no date
Physical Description: photograph(s)
Box 4, Folder 10
Cannery Row bronze bust dedication no date
Physical Description: photograph(s)
Box 4, Folder 11
Hamilton 50th Anniversary no date
Physical Description: photograph(s)
Box 4, Folder 12
Hamilton Ireland house no date
Physical Description: photograph(s)
Box 8, Folder 1
Steinbeck Family no date
Physical Description: photograph(s)
Box 5, Volume 1
Scrapbook and notes 1865-1910
Scope and Content Note
French Language, poems, literary newspaper clippings and religious notes.
Box 5, Volume 2
Abstract of Property from the City of San Jose concerning land in Santa Clara. 9/10/1908
Box 5, Volume 3
By Laws of Stock and Fruit Farmers Association. no date
Scope and Content Note
Articles of company and minutes.
Box 6, Volume 1
Mason's Bible of John Ernst Steinbeck 1902
Scope and Content Note
Presented by The California Convention of Annointed High Pirests to John E. Steinbeck, Consecration, San Franscisco, April
15, 1902. Franklin St Day, Recorder
Box 6, Volume 2
1938 paperback edition of 'Of Mice and Men' 1938
Scope and Content Note
Title page drawings and inscription 'To Neale from George'
Box 6, Volume 3
A French Reader, Aldrich and Foster 1923
Scope and Content Note
Inscribed: John E. Steinbeck Stanford University 1923, Encina Hall 32
Box 6, Volume 4
Bound certificate from the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts no date
Scope and Content Note
Induction of John A. Steinbeck as Master Mason, 12th November ---- (Masonic Date)
Box 9, Folder 1
Scrapbook 1880-1906
Scope and Content Note
Scrapbook collection of various newspaper clippings and some photographs from approximately 1880 onwards. Incompelete. Unused
materials collated in separate box.