J. Gysbert Bouma Papers, 1960-1963

Collection — Box: 01

Identifier: M.C.-MSS-N-Bouma

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection comprises 19 letters written by J. Gysbert Bouma to David and Jean Raudenbush between 1960 and 1963; one letter written by Jean Raudenbush; and one sent to the Raudenbushes by Bouma's wife, Bertha.

The collection of poetry is comprised of approximately 100 typed sheets, most seemingly dealing with themes of love and sex, many referencing "Lilischa." A few pieces take epistolary or essay form and appear to be autobiographical.

Dates

Majority of material found within 1960 - 1963

Creator

Bouma, J. Gysbert, 1905-1968 (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for research; access by appointment.

Conditions Governing Use

Copyright for this material remains with the author. It is the sole responsibility of the researcher to identify and satisfy any claims of copyright before making use of reproductions beyond the conditions of fair use, as described by the United States Copyright Law. Contact Trexler Library archives staff for additional information.

Biographical Note

J. Gysbert Bouma (1905-1968) was a member of Muhlenberg College's English Department faculty from 1956 until the time of his death in 1968. Prior to his arrival at Muhlenberg, he taught in Amsterdam and in Athens. He received a B.A. from Brown University, an M.A. from Columbia University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania. His dissertation was entitled "A Study of the Prose Style of William Carlos Williams." Bouma was married to Bertha (Zuidema) Bouma (1904-1996); they had no children. Bouma served on the board of the Lehigh Art Alliance.

Bouma corresponds with Jean L. Kreglow Raudenbush (1934-2018) and her husband David H. Raudenbush (1931-2014). At the time, Bouma was a professor at Muhlenberg, living in Allentown, and the Raudenbushes were living in Naples and traveling in Europe.