Scope and Content Note
The papers of Jo Davidson (1883-1952) span the years 1906-1952. The collection contains family and general correspondence, articles, speeches, photographs, clippings, and miscellaneous material pertaining to Davidson's career as a sculptor of international renown. The papers are organized into the following series: Family Correspondence , General Correspondence , Autobiography (Between Sittings) , Speeches and Writings , Sculpture File , Miscellany , and Clippings .
The Family Correspondence includes letters to and from Jo Davidson; his first wife, Yvonne; his second wife, Florence Lucius; and his two sons, Jean and Yvon Jacques. General Correspondence contains both personal and business letters. Correspondents include Helen Keller, Lincoln Steffens, and Frank Swinnerton. The series also contains Davidson's correspondence as cochairman of the Progressive Citizens of America and chairman of the National Wallace for President Committee including several letters from Henry A. Wallace.
The Sculpture File reflects Davidson's career as an international portrait sculptor and includes correspondence, photographs, articles, clippings, and the sculptor's personal notes about many of his subjects. The files have been retained in their original order with papers pertaining to a particular sculpture filed together by name of subject.