Patrick Ward Gainer (1904-1981), Collector, Papers

The "View now" link directs to the finding aid only. Please email wvrhcref@mail.wvu.edu or call 304-293-3536 for more information about accessing collection A&M 3003 Patrick Ward Gainer (1904-1981), Collector, Papers, 1890-1981. Archives of an eminent folklorist and professor of English at West Virginia University. Manuscripts include field folklore collections, lecture notes, book manuscripts, correspondence, student papers, and folksong arrangements. There are also materials regarding Gainer's position as director of South Atlantic USO activities during World War II and a journal of a folksong collecting trip to Ireland in 1961. Also one hundred and fifty-three audio tapes containing vocal and instrumental folk music, folklore and oral history, recorded in West Virginia and in Scotland and Ireland. Nearly half of the material is performed by Gainer himself. The collection also includes news clippings relating to folklore and Gainer's career, as well as a variety of photographs, film clips and personal awards and memorabilia.