Joseph A. Curtis papers
Collection
Identifier: ACCN 1229
Scope and Contents
The Joseph A. Curtis papers (1921-1990) contain correspondence, articles, songbooks of the Industrial Workers of the World (I.W.W.), and a typescript of a book entitled The Right Man? The Tragic Saga of Joe Hill by Joseph A. Curtis. Most of the collection deals with Joseph A. Curtis' research on Hill, as well as photocopies of various articles and correspondence that Hill wrote and received.
Dates
- 1921-1990
Creator
- Curtis, Joseph A. (Person)
Conditions Governing Access
Twenty-four hour advanced notice encouraged. Materials must be used on-site. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.
Conditions Governing Use
The library does not claim to control copyright for all materials in the collection. An individual depicted in a reproduction has privacy rights as outlined in Title 45 CFR, part 46 (Protection of Human Subjects). For further information, please review the J. Willard Marriott Library’s Use Agreement and Reproduction Request forms.
Biographical Sketch
Joe Hill (1879-1915) was born in Gavle, Sweden, to railroad worker Olof Haggland and Margareta. He was named Joel Emmanuel Haggland. When Hill was twelve years old he got a severe case of tuberculosis, and as a result he underwent various skin replacement procedures. Tuberculosis left severe scarring on his neck and nose. In 1902, Hill immigrated to America with his brother Paul. Between the years 1906 and 1910, Hill changed his name from Joel Emmanuel Haggland to Joseph Hillstrom. The reasons for this are unknown, however some speculations suggest it was due to Hill's involvement with labor unions and petty crimes that he committed.
Hill is most famous for his involvement with the I.W.W., nicknamed "The Wobblies." In 1910, Hill joined the I.W.W. in San Pedro, California. He mostly wrote lyrics and music for them, and he also gave public speeches on labor rights in the United States. In 1913, Hill traveled to Utah. Later in 1914, a store owner by the name of Jim Morrison was murdered. Hill, having received gun shot wounds that same evening went to a doctor for treatment, and told the doctor that he had received the wounds by fighting with a friend over an unknown woman. The doctor reported this to the police, and Hill was arrested and put on trial. Hill's writings in prison support the speculations that he was still involved with the I.W.W. and other labor unions. On 19 November 1915, Hill was shot to death by a firing squad at the Utah State Penitentiary. After his death, Hill was viewed as a martyr dying for the causes of labor rights and government oppression of labor unions. His death caused the support and national involvement and recognition of labor unions in the United States.
Hill is most famous for his involvement with the I.W.W., nicknamed "The Wobblies." In 1910, Hill joined the I.W.W. in San Pedro, California. He mostly wrote lyrics and music for them, and he also gave public speeches on labor rights in the United States. In 1913, Hill traveled to Utah. Later in 1914, a store owner by the name of Jim Morrison was murdered. Hill, having received gun shot wounds that same evening went to a doctor for treatment, and told the doctor that he had received the wounds by fighting with a friend over an unknown woman. The doctor reported this to the police, and Hill was arrested and put on trial. Hill's writings in prison support the speculations that he was still involved with the I.W.W. and other labor unions. On 19 November 1915, Hill was shot to death by a firing squad at the Utah State Penitentiary. After his death, Hill was viewed as a martyr dying for the causes of labor rights and government oppression of labor unions. His death caused the support and national involvement and recognition of labor unions in the United States.
Extent
2.5 Linear Feet
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
The Joseph A. Curtis papers (1921-1990) contain correspondence, articles, songbooks of the Industrial Workers of the World (I.W.W.), and a typescript of a book entitled The Right Man? The Tragic Saga of Joe Hill by Joseph A. Curtis.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Boxes 1-4 were donated in January 1991 (2 linear feet).
Box 5 was donated in October 1996 (0.5 linear feet).
Box 5 was donated in October 1996 (0.5 linear feet).
Separated Materials
One roll of microfilm was transferred to the Manuscripts Division's microfilm cabinet.
Processing Information
Processed by Kate Kimball in 2001.
Creator
- Curtis, Joseph A. (Person)
- Title
- Inventory of the Joseph A. Curtis papers
- Author
- Finding aid created by Kate Kimball.
- Date
- 2001 (last modified: 2020)
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
- Language of description note
- Finding aid written in English.
Repository Details
Part of the J. Willard Marriott Library Special Collections Repository
Contact:
295 South 1500 East
Salt Lake City Utah 84112 United States
801-581-8863
special@library.utah.edu
295 South 1500 East
Salt Lake City Utah 84112 United States
801-581-8863
special@library.utah.edu