Scope and Content Note
The papers of Gustave P. Wiksell span the years 1855-1939 and consist chiefly of letters written to Wiksell by Horace Traubel, a trusted friend and Walt Whitman enthusiast. Traubel’s letters are replete with personal sentiments and terms of endearment and contain topics of a personal nature about mutual friends and family affairs. Both men were members of the Walt Whitman Fellowship, and the letters contain references about fellowship programs and the continuance of the society. Also in the collection are a few poetry and prose writings, printed matter, and other material.
Literary interests are discussed in the letters and Traubel, a significant contributor to the field of Whitman scholarship, relates the progress toward publication of his book With Walt Whitman in Camden, a daily journal kept by Traubel during the last years of Whitman’s life. The publication of a series of articles known as “Collects,” written by Traubel, is also mentioned in the letters.
Wiksell was a financial contributor to the Conservator, a journal edited and published by Traubel. His solicitations for Wiksell’s fiscal support are contained in the collection. Other correspondents include Leon Bazalgette, Thomas Bird Mosher, and Anne Montgomerie Traubel.