Papers are devoted to Mertins' study of Robert Frost and his life. The collection includes correspondence, chiefly letters from friends and associates concerning Robert Frost and the writing of Mertins' books on Frost, as well as his original manuscripts. Other than a scrapbook containing reviews of Mertins' book, Robert Frost Life and Talks-Walking, and newspaper articles relating to its publication, the remainder of the collection consists of materials gathered in the course of Mertin's research, and his extensive clipping files on Frost. Of particular note is a copy of Frost's will and a genealogy of his family, along with newspaper articles recounting many important events in Frost's life. Also of interest are references to the work of Lawrance Thompson, Frost's "official" biographer, in the letters of Daniel Smythe.

Louis Mertins was a man of great diversity. He attended the William Jewell College from 1905 to 1910, while simultaneously attending the Kansas City Seminary in 1906 and 1907. From 1911 to 1916, Mertins served as a Baptist minister in Missouri, and in the years following, was a poet, lecturer on Western literature, columnist, and radio commentator.

Number of containers: 7 boxes, 1 carton, 1 volume, 1 oversize folder Linear feet: 4.25

Copyright has not been assigned to The Bancroft Library. All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Head of Public Services. Permission for publication is given on behalf of The Bancroft Library as the owner 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.

Collection is open for research, with the following exceptions: