Collection Guide
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McDaniel (Wilma E.) Papers
MSS.001
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Table of contents
Language of Material:
English
Contributing Institution:
University of California, Merced Library
Title: Wilma Elizabeth McDaniel Papers
creator:
McDaniel, Wilma Elizabeth
Identifier/Call Number: MSS.001
Identifier/Call Number: 61
Physical Description:
12 Linear Feet
(24 archives boxes)
Date (inclusive): 1936-2007
Abstract: Papers of Wilma Elizabeth McDaniel,
Central Valley, California poet.
Collection is open for research
Wilma Elizabeth McDaniel was born in 1918 in Stroud, Oklahoma, and moved with her family to
the Central Valley of California in 1936 as part of the Dust Bowl migration. She lived in
the Central Valley, primarily in Tulare, for the remainder of her life. Known as an "Okie
Folk poet," she is the author of over fifteen collections of poetry and prose, most dealing
with aspects of life in the Central Valley. She was the subject of a film documentary by
Chris Simon, "Down an Old Road: the Poetic Life of Wilma Elizabeth McDaniel." She died April
13, 2007.
Scope and Contents of Collection
This collection includes personal and professional correspondence, manuscripts, diaries,
photographs, newspaper clippings and audio-visual materials documenting the life and career
of Wilma Elizabeth McDaniel. Also included are publications containing poetry by Wilma
McDaniel and select publications from her personal library. The audio-visual materials
include interviews and scenes of Wilma McDaniel reading her poetry.
The Wilma Elizabeth McDaniel Papers, MSS 001, Special Collections and Archives, University
of California, Merced Library, 5200 North Lake Road, Merced, CA 95343.
Gift of Lillian Vallee, Trustee of the Wilma Elizabeth McDaniel Literary Estate, 2008.
Publication rights to Wilma McDaniel's literary works are held by The Regents of the University of California.