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Frances Johnson Darger photograph collection

 Collection
Identifier: P2142

Scope and Contents

The Frances Johnson Darger photograph collection consists of 1 box containing 12 black-and-white and color photographs of Frances Johnson Darger and others. The collection contains news photographs, formal portraits, and photographs of groups at events where Darger performed. The collection dates from 1967 to 2002.

Dates

  • 1967-2002

Creator

Language of Materials

Collection materials are in English.

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

It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain any necessary copyright clearances.

Permission to publish material from the Frances Johnson Darger photograph collection must be obtained from the Special Collections Manuscript Curator.

Biographical Note

Frances Johnson Darger was born November 30, 1924 to parents Edna Estelle Evans and Frank Arthur Johnson. When she was 9 years old, her mother, who was a singer, traded singing lessons for violin lessons with Melba Lindsay Burton. In 1942, as the men of the Utah Symphony Orchestra joined the armed forces, Darger auditioned for and won a seat in the orchestra. Two years later, she and her sisters moved to Hollywood to found a singing group, but they moved back to Utah after a year and Darger returned to playing in the orchestra. She graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in English. Frances Johnson married Robert Williams Darger (1924-2008) on May 28, 1928; together, they had three children.

Frances Johnson Darger played with the Utah Symphony for 69 years, during its transition from a community part-time orchestra to its prestigious status today, with tours and record deals. When she retired in 2012, she held the record for the longest tenure of any symphony musician in the world.

Extent

12 Items (1 box)

Abstract

Frances Johnson Darger (1924-) played the violin for the Utah Symphony for 69 years during its transformation from a community orchestra to a world-renouned symphony. This collection contains portraits of Darger and photographs of Darger with others at events dating from 1967 to 2002.

Arrangement

Arranged by subject

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Donated by Frances J. Darger in 2017.

Separated Materials

See also the Frances Darger papers (Accn2945) in the Manuscripts Division of Special Collections.

Processing Information

Processed by Special Collections staff.
Title
Guide to the Frances Johnson Darger photograph collection, 1967-2002
Author
Finding aid created by Claire A. Kempa
Date
2022
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid encoded in English in Latin script.

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