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Charles Wertenbaker papers

 Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: Ax 469

Scope and Contents

The collection contains manuscripts of short stories, articles, and one unpublished book, and correspondence.

The donation of May 1968 contains correspondence and articles.

Correspondence is separated into incoming and outgoing sections. Incoming correspondence is arranged alphabetically and includes letters from editors, 1947-1953. There is one letter from Edward R. Murrow. Outgoing correspondence is arranged chronologically from 1951-1954 and there are a total of five letters.

Articles are arranged by subject/title and include topics such as George Platt Walker, Portugal, and Spain.

The donation of December 1968 contains manuscripts, correspondence and published works.

Manuscripts are separated into categories by type of writing: book-length, short stories and articles, and article outlines.

There is one book-length manuscript for the unpublished title, "The Expatriate," consisting of a typed copy and a carbon (308 pages).

Manuscripts of short stories and articles are arranged alphabetically by title and include original typed copies, some with revisions, and a few drafts.

Article outlines are also arranged alphabetically by title.

Correspondence contains letters sent to and received of Harold Ober Associates, 1947-1953 (about 180 letters).

Published works consists of printed matter and articles.

Dates

  • 1931-1953
  • Majority of material found within 1947-1953

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open to the public. Collection must be used in Special Collections and University Archives Reading Room. Collection or parts of collection may be stored offsite. Please contact Special Collections and University Archives in advance of your visit to allow for transportation time.

Conditions Governing Use

Property rights reside with Special Collections and University Archives, University of Oregon Libraries. Copyright resides with the creators of the documents or their heirs. All requests for permission to publish collection materials must be submitted to Special Collections and University Archives. The reader must also obtain permission of the copyright holder.

Biographical / Historical

Charles Wertenbaker (1901-1955) was born in Lexington, Virginia. He was a journalist who worked for Fortune, Life and Time . He later became chief of the Paris bureau of Time and Life.

He wrote many articles and essays and was also wrote books, some of which were semi-autobiographical. He published his first book, Boojum, while still a student in Virginia. He "landed on the beaches of Normandy on D-Day and wrote an hour-by-hour account that became a book titled, Invasion."

His wife, Lael Tucker Wertenbaker, wrote a book titled, Death of a Man about her husband's illness with cancer and his decision to die by euthanasia.

Extent

1 linear feet (2 containers) : 2 manuscript boxes

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

Charles Wertenbaker (1901-1955) was a journalist and author who became chief of the Paris bureau of Time and Life. The collection contains manuscripts of short stories, articles, and one unpublished book, and correspondence.

Arrangement

Material within this collection has been organized by accession. This organization reflects the fact that the collection has been acquired in increments over time. This organization is also based on the decision not to merge the various accessions and organize them as a whole at this point in time, give the fact that future accruals are anticipated and/or that this organization is deemed sufficient for access.

Researchers should note that materials within a series or accession may overlap and/or relate to materials found in other accessions or initially processed materials. For example, correspondence may be found in all or only some groupings. In order to locate all relevant material within this collection, researchers may need to consult each accession.

Researchers should also note that similar materials can be arranged differently in each accession, depending on how the material is organized upon receipt or during initial processing. For instance, correspondence is one accession may be arranged alphabetically, while correspondence in another accession is arranged chronologically.

Other Finding Aids

Paper finding aid with additional information is available in Special Collections & University Archives.

Processing Information

Collection processed by staff, 1968.

This finding aid may be updated periodically to account for new acquisitions to the collection and/or revisions in arrangement and description.

This collection received a basic level of processing including minimal to no organization and rehousing. Multiple accession(s) for the collection have not been merged or organized as a whole. Each accession is described separately.

Description information is drawn in part from information supplied with the collection and initial surveys of the contents.

Title
Guide to the Charles Wertenbaker Papers
Status
Complete Description
Author
Tanya Parlet and Kira B. Homo.
Date
2013
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid written in English
Sponsor
Funding for production of this finding aid was provided through a grant awarded by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC).

Repository Details

Part of the University of Oregon Libraries, Special Collections and University Archives Repository

Contact:
1299 University of Oregon
Eugene OR 97403-1299 USA