Hubert Creekmore Collection | General Special Collections

Born in Water Valley, Mississippi, Hiram Hubert Creekmore (1907-1966), gained notoriety as an author, poet, translator, editor, and literary critic. He spent much of his adult life in New York City, with sporadic moves back to Mississippi. His novels drew largely upon his early life in the Southern United States and often criticized the region’s history of racial discrimination. In addition, as a gay man living in the South, Creekmore faced what scholar Courtney Chartier described as the “forced heterosexuality” of the area, which is also reflected in his work

Read more about Hubert Creekmore's life as a writer, editor, translator, and literary critic.

The Creekmore Collection, donated by Mary Alice Welty White and Elizabeth Welty Thompson in 2010 and subsequently by Cynthia Walker Kennedy, is arranged into three series:1. professional/personal correspondence; 2. family correspondence; 3. ephemera (including a large collection of theatre programs collected by Creekmore).

This digital collection was made possible through the generous support of the Creekmore family. Additional physical items may be consulted on-site in the Department of Archives and Special Collections (archivesdept@olemiss.edu).

For more information about use and permissions, please consult the Hubert Creekmore Collection Introduction.

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Postcard from Ben Weber to Hubert Creekmore (undated)

Ben Weber and Hubert Creekmore

Postcard from Ben [Ben Weber] from Rome, Italy to Hubert Creekmore featuring an image of a painting by Francisco Goya, reading "Happy Xmas, dear Hubert."
Letter from John Valentine Schaffner to Hubert Creekmore (04 December 1953)

John Valentine Schaffner and Hubert Creekmore

Schaffner is a literary agent and writes from New York City to Creekmore in Jackson, Mississippi. Schaffner congratulates Creekmore on the publication in Holiday magazine on Memphis, Tennessee, and discusses the potential for publishing an essay on Vicksburg, Mississippi. Alice Morris of Harper's Bazaar has accepted Creekmore's poem, "Matila," for publication. Schaffner sent "Mallarmé in his Study" to Poetry Magazine. He explains that Christmas plans have changed, because Valentine has a hernia, and he has been sick. Includes envelope.
Letter from Harry Sions to John Valentine Schaffner (02 December 1953)

Harry Sions and John Valentine Schaffner

Sions is senior editor at Holiday magazine and writes on company letterhead from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Creekmore in Jackson, Mississippi. Sions discusses edits to Creekmore's Memphis, Tennessee, piece, and he encourages Creekmore to begin writing a piece on Vicksburg, Mississippi. Includes envelope.
Letter from David McDowell to Hubert Creekmore (25 November 1953)

David McDowell and Hubert Creekmore

McDowell writes on Random House, Inc. letterhead from New York City to Creekmore in Jackson, Mississippi. He discusses the Natchez Trace book; states that he sent a complimentary book to the George Washington Memorial Library in Stuttgart, Germany; and John Valentine Schaffner's news that the Memphis, Tennessee, article will appear in Holiday Magazine. He sends well wishes to Eudora Welty. Includes envelope.
Letter from Harry Sions to John Valentine Schaffner (25 November 1953)

Harry Sions and John Valentine Schaffner

Sions is senior editor at Holiday magazine and writes on company letterhead from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Creekmore in Jackson, Mississippi. Sions includes a copy of his letter to John Valentine Schaffner in New York City. The letter to Schaffner discusses minor revisions for Hubert Creekmore's piece on Memphis, to be published in Holiday magazine. He also discusses a desire to publish a piece on Vicksburg, and discusses payment for Creekmore's writings. Includes envelope.
Letter from Charles R. Bowen to Hubert Creekmore (24 November 1953)

Charles R. Bowen and Hubert Creekmore

Bowen writes from New York City to Creekmore in Jackson, Mississippi. He discusses Creekmore's piece on Memphis, Tennessee, for Holiday magazine, and passes along comments by John [Valentine Schaffner?]. He is sad to hear Random House, Inc. would not consider the Natchez Trace book, but suggests seeing if the Baptist Publishing House in Nashville, Tennessee, might be interested. Bowen discusses his own writings, Elizabeth Spencer's time in Rome, Dylan Thomas's widow, Dr. Sitwell, and Marianne Moore. He mentions travel to Miami Beach, Florida, and Key West, Florida. Includes envelope.
Letter from David McDowell to Hubert Creekmore (13 November 1953)

David McDowell and Hubert Creekmore

McDowell writes on Random House, Inc. letterhead from New York City to Creekmore in Jackson, Mississippi, to relay that Louise Bonino and Bennett Cerf are not interested in publishing a Natchez Trace book. He mentions writing to John [Valentine Schaffner?], discusses the death of Dylan Thomas, and sends well wishes to Eudora [Welty]. Includes envelope.
Letter from Samuel Yellen to Hubert Creekmore (11 November 1953)

Samuel Yellen and Hubert Creekmore

Yellen is editor at Indiana University Press's Poetry Series and writes from Bloomington, Indiana, to Creekmore in Jackson, Mississippi. Yellen states that the Poetry Series is not interested in publishing "Forty-One Provencal Lyrics."
Letter from Robert M. MacGregor to Hubert Creekmore (09 November 1953)

Robert M. MacGregor and Hubert Creekmore

MacGregor writes from New York City on New Directions Publishing Corporation letterhead to Creekmore in Jackson, Mississippi, regarding the Provencal translations and Arthur Rimbaud letters. He asks if any of the letters relate to Paul-Marie Verlaine, and suggests Grove Press or Noonday Press if James Laughlin is uninterested. He mentions sending works by Dylan Thomas, André Gide, Ezra Pound, Gustave Flaubert, Jackson Mathews, Louis-Ferdinand Céline's Guignol's Band, Kenneth Patchen's The Famous Boating Party, and Tennessee Williams's I Rise in Flame, Cried the Phoenix. He includes a postscript that states that Dylan [Thomas] died this afternoon. Includes envelope.
Letter from John Valentine Schaffner to Hubert Creekmore (06 November 1953)

John Valentine Schaffner and Hubert Creekmore

Schaffner is a literary agent and writes from New York City to Creekmore in Jackson, Mississippi. He includes a check from Appleton for British sales of The Fingers of Night. He discusses Creekmore's piece for Holiday magazine. He recently spoke with Marjorie Mayer, a former editor at G. P. Putnam's Sons who now works for David McKay Publications, who states that McKay may be interested in publishing a Southern anthology. David McDowell has not been forthcoming about the possibility for The Natchez Trace idea. He mentions [Louise] Bonino's and Bennett Cerf's potential interest in Random House, Inc. publishing the book. He discusses personal matters and seeing recent theater showings of Take A Giant Step, Porgy and Bess, the Benchley play, The Frogs of Spring, The Grass Harp, and Madam Butterfly. Includes envelope.
Letter from Benys Babrauskas to Hubert Creekmore (03 November 1953)

Benys Babrauskas and Hubert Creekmore

Babrauskas is president of Lietuviu Rasytoju Draugija, or the Lithuanian Writers' Association. He writes from Cicero, Illinois, to Creekmore in New York City, regarding "A Little Treasury of World Poetry." The association thanks Creekmore for including Lithuanian literature and Vincas Mykolaitis-Putinas's work. Babrauskas suggests that Creekmore look into the work of Jonas Aistis and Bernardas Brazdzionis suggests that Creekmore divide Lithuanian and Slavic authors. Include envelope.
Letter from Jean Ennis to Hubert Creekmore (26 October 1953)

Jean Ennis and Hubert Creekmore

Ennis writes from New York City on Random House, Inc. letterhead to Creekmore in Jackson, Mississippi. She discusses reviews for Creekmore's The Chain in the Heart and states that it was reviewed more widely and favorably than almost any Random House book that year. She discusses racial issues and book sales. She includes a copy of Robert Penn Warren's book and discusses the Holiday magazine publication. Includes envelope.
Letter from Gertrude [Heston?] to Hubert Creekmore (21 October 1953)

Gertrude Heston and Hubert Creekmore

[Heston?] writes from New York City to Creekmore in Jackson, Mississippi, regarding "The Chain in the Heart." She praises the book and states that she feels like she now knows African Americans through Creekmore's depictions. Includes envelope.
Letter from [Charles R. Bowen] to Hubert Creekmore (20 October 1953)

Charles R. Bowen and Hubert Creekmore

Charley writes on American Gas Association letterhead from New York City to Creekmore in Jackson, Mississippi, regarding Creekmore's story on Memphis to appear in Holiday magazine. He states that his father, Neely Bowen, lives in Memphis with his mother and would be happy to host Creekmore. He states that he would include the Hunt and Polo Club, the Country Club, the "old lady historical-author" who lives at Raleigh outside Memphis, Divinity Avenue, Beale Street Palace, Front Street, Silver Slipper, Clarence Saunder's Pink Palace, Southwestern College [Rhodes College], Gayoso, and the Peabody Hotel. Includes envelope.
Letter from David McDowell to Hubert Creekmore (16 October 1953)

David McDowell and Hubert Creekmore

McDowell writes on Random House, Inc. letterhead from New York City to Creekmore in Jackson, Mississippi, regarding receipt from John Valentine Schaffner the outlines for the Natchez Trace book. He states that he will discuss Creekmore's outline once Bennett [Cerf?] returns from Cleveland. McDowell discusses Creekmore's bill for book orders. He also discusses steps Creekmore should take to work on the Natchez Trace book further, and he states that Random House, Inc. may be interested in publishing it. Includes envelope.
Letter from Bart to Hubert Creekmore (14 October 1953)

Bart and Hubert Creekmore

Bart writes on Bantam Books, Inc. letterhead from New York City to Creekmore in Jackson, Mississippi. He updates Creekmore on personal news and his future travels to Jamaica and Tennessee. Includes envelope.
Letter from H. B. Simons to Hubert Creekmore (14 October 1953)

H. B. Simons and Hubert Creekmore

Simons writes from Palestine, Texas, to Creekmore, regarding "The Chain in the Heart." He expresses his surprise at learning that Creekmore is not African American, and he praises Creekmore for understanding African Americans' experiences in the South at the time.
Letter from Benjamin F. Houston to Hubert Creekmore (09 October 1953)

Benjamin F. Houston and Hubert Creekmore

Houston is literary editor at Princeton University Press and writes from Princeton, New Jersey, on company letterhead to Creekmore in Jackson, Mississippi. Houston explains that the press is unable to publish "Forty-One Provencal Lyrics," because at the time, the press is more committed to publishing original works, rather than translations.
Letter from Gwendolyn Brooks to Hubert Creekmore (09 October 1953)

Gwendolyn Brooks and Hubert Creekmore

Brooks writes from Chicago, Illinois, to Creekmore in Jackson, Mississippi, thanking Creekmore for the review of Brook's "Maud Martha." Includes envelopes.
Letter from [Harry Sions] to John Valentine Schaffner (07 October 1953)

Harry Sions and John Valentine Schaffner

Sions writes to Schaffner in New York City regarding Hubert Creekmore's outlines on Vicksburg, Mississippi, and Memphis, Tennessee. Sions states that Holiday magazine is more interested in publishing Creekmore's reminiscences and descriptions of Memphis, and Sions discusses the terms for publication and payment.
Letter from Hubert Creekmore to Mittie Horton Creekmore (07 October 1953)

Hubert Creekmore and Mittie Horton Creekmore

Creekmore writes from Miccosukee, Florida to his mother in Jackson, Mississippi, regarding personal matters. Hubert writes to his mother to let her know he will be back in Jackson on Sunday. Hubert has been visiting his friend Walter's farm and helping with chores and barn building. Envelope included.
Letter from Mittie Horton Creekmore to Hubert Creekmore (undated)

Mittie Horton Creekmore and Hubert Creekmore

Mittie writes from Jackson, Mississippi to Creekmore in Miccosukee, Florida regarding personal matters. She reports family and local news. Envelope included.
Letter from "J" to Hubert Creekmore (05 October 1953)

J. and Hubert Creekmore

"J" writes on Continental-Hotel letterhead from Lyon, France, to Creekmore in Jackson, Mississippi, regarding his travels and activities in Europe.
Letter from P. Gehring to Hubert Creekmore (03 October 1953)

P. Gehring and Hubert Creekmore

Gehring writes from Stuttgart, Germany, on George Washington Memorial Library letterhead to Creekmore in Jackson, Mississippi, regarding Creekmore's novel, The Chain in the Heart. He asks if the George Washington Memorial Library could receive a free copy, and he discusses the mission of the library.
Letter from Robert M. MacGregor to Hubert Creekmore (29 September 1953)

Robert M. MacGregor and Hubert Creekmore

MacGregor writes from New York City on New Directions Publishing Corporation letterhead to Creekmore in Jackson, Mississippi, regarding Creekmore's translation of Forty-One Provencal Lyrics. He does not express much hope that it will be published, because New Directions has recently published The Goliard Poems and plans to publish a number of other poetry collections in the future, including Kenneth Rexroth's translation of 100 Japanese Poems, a Kenneth Patchen volume, and a poetry volume by Vernon Watkins. MacGregor states that James Laughlin will make the final decision on the matter. MacGregor explains that he sent Creekmore copies of Corvo, The Dragon and the Unicorn, and New Directions XIV. He plans to send Camino, Lamiel, and Argol. He discusses financial issues at New Directions. Includes envelope.
Letter from Karl Shapiro to Hubert Creekmore (23 September 1953)

Karl Shapiro and Hubert Creekmore

Shapiro writes on Poetry letterhead from Chicago, Illinois, to Creekmore in Jackson, Mississippi, regarding a poetry reading and speaking opportunity. Includes envelope.
Letter from Stanley Kauffman to Hubert Creekmore (23 September 1953)

Stanley Kauffman and Hubert Creekmore

Kauffman writes on Ballantine Books, Inc. letterhead from New York City to Creekmore in Jackson, Mississippi. He thanks Creekmore for the note about New Poems and states that he will pass it off to Rolfe Humphries and Mrs. Brooks. Kauffman states that he is responsible for the reprinting of The Fingers of Night through Bantam Books.
Letter from [C.] Dewitt [Eldridge?] to Hubert Creekmore (10 September 1953; 18 September 1953)

C. Dewitt Eldridge and Hubert Creekmore

Dewitt writes from Oceanside, New York, to Creekmore in Jackson, Mississippi, regarding United Nations affairs, or what he calls "The Purge of the Horrid Reds from the UN." He discusses United Nations Secretary General Dag Hammarskjöld's decision to not reinstate Hope and McCarthy's and Jenner's condemnations of Hope and others. He discusses Klaus Mann's autobiography, his own translation of Roads of Hunger, and his desire to start a biweekly imitation of Le Canard Enchaine or the New Yorker. He states that a friend, Lyle Stuart, created a liberal, anti-Communist monthly periodical and got beaten up in Newark, New Jersey. The letter from Dewitt is written on the back of a press release from the United Nations Department of Public Information. The press release discusses a Political Conference on Korea and the participation of the Soviet Union and India in the Political conference. The release mentions: Korea, Oscar Robles Toledano (Dominican Republic), Luc E. Fouché (Haiti), Hughes Le Gallais (Luxembourg), Ukraine, and Joao Carlos Muniz and Henrique de Souza Gomes (Brazil). Includes envelope.
Letter from David McDowell to Hubert Creekmore (17 September 1953)

David McDowell and Hubert Creekmore

McDowell writes on Random House, Inc. letterhead from New York City to Creekmore in Jackson, Mississippi, regarding a conversation with Bennett [Cerf?] about a Natchez Trace book. Includes envelope.
Card from Lucy Herndon Crockett to Hubert Creekmore (14 September 1953)

Lucy Herndon Crockett

Lucy Herndon Crockett writes from Seven Mile Ford, Virginia, to Creekmore in Jackson, Mississippi, regarding Hubert's new book and edits to her own manuscript.
Letter from Effie Clewis to Hubert Creekmore (11 September 1953)

Effie Clewis and Hubert Creekmore

Clewis writes from Palestine, Texas, to Creekmore in Jackson, Mississippi, regarding The Chain in the Heart, which she received from H. B. Simons. She praises Creekmore and asks for an autograph or a letter in response. Includes envelope.
Letter from Jean Ennis to Hubert Creekmore (11 September 1953)

Jean Ennis and Hubert Creekmore

Ennis writes from New York City on Random House, Inc. letterhead to Creekmore in Jackson, Mississippi. She says that reviews continue to come in, and she asks if Creekmore has seen Robert Penn Warren's book. Includes envelope.
Telegram from Francis Brown to Hubert Creekmore (11 September 1953)

Francis Brown and Hubert Creekmore

Brown is editor of the New York Times Book Review and requests a review of Cid Ricketts Sumner's "The Hornbeam Street."
Letter from William Jay Smith to Hubert Creekmore (10 September 1953)

William Jay Smith and Hubert Creekmore

Smith writes from North Pownal, Vermont, to Creekmore in Jackson, Mississippi. He states that he sent Creekmore the Grove Press books, he discusses his translations of Jules Laforgue and Jean Genet, he retells of a recent picnic with Claude Fredericks, and he thanks Creekmore for sending his translation of Pythia. Smith states that he recently sold some children's poems to Harper's Bazaar and Ladies' Home Journal. He sends love to Eudora Welty. Includes envelope.
Postcard from Barbara Howes Smith to Hubert Creekmore (10 September 1953)

Barbara Howes Smith and Hubert Creekmore

Smith writes from Brook House in North Pownal, Vermont, to Creekmore in Jackson, Mississippi, to ask if Creekmore left a pair of socks and a sweater in Vermont.
Letter from [C.] Dewitt [Eldridge?] to Hubert Creekmore (various dates)

C. Dewitt Eldridge and Hubert Creekmore

Dewitt writes from Oceanside, New York, to Creekmore in Jackson, Mississippi, regarding United Nations affairs and Creekmore's novel, "The Chain in the Heart." He discusses the Administrative Tribunal's decision that Secretary-General [Trygve] Lie acted illegally under the Fifth Amendment in dismissing permanent control holders, including Hope. Dewitt further discusses the options and possible outcomes of the ruling. He states that Random House, Inc. continues to run ads for "The Chain in the Heart" in the New York Times, and mentions a display at Brentano's gallery. Dewitt hopes that Billy Rose will use his translation of Fernand Crommelynck's "Le Cocu Magnifique." He saw "A Night in Venice." The letter from Dewitt is written on the back of a press release from the United Nations Department of Public Information. The first press release is a second draft is dated 26 August 1953, and it discusses a meeting with the Seventh General Assembly regarding India and Russia's inclusion in the Political Conference. The release mentions: Ambassador Joao Carlos Muniz (Brazil); Henry F. Cooper (Liberia); Gladwyn Jebb (United Kingdom); and delegations from Burma, Indonesia, the United States, India, and the Soviet Union. The second press release is also dated 26 August 1953, and it discusses Turkey's participation in the Political Conference. It further discusses potential actions against the Soviet Union and Korea. It mentions: Selim Sarper (Turkey), Rudecindo Ortega Masson (Chile), Gertruda Sekaninova-Cakrtova (Czechoslovakia), and representatives of the Soviet Union and Korea.
Postcard from New York Times Book Review to Hubert Creekmore (31 August 1953)

New York Times Book Review and Hubert Creekmore

The postcard was sent from New York City to Creekmore in Jackson, Mississippi. It responds to a number of questions received in a previous correspondence and discusses reviews of Creekmore's book, The Chain in the Heart.
Letter from Robert M. MacGregor to Hubert Creekmore (19 August 1953)

Robert M. MacGregor and Hubert Creekmore

MacGregor writes from New York City on New Directions Publishing Corporation letterhead to Creekmore in Jackson, Mississippi. MacGregor states that he will send a copy of "Translations of Ezra Pound." He discusses the reception of "The Chain of the Heart." Envelope included.
Letter from John Hall Wheelock to Hubert Creekmore (18 August 1953)

John Hall Wheelock and Hubert Creekmore

Wheelock writes from New York City on Charles Scribner's Sons letterhead to Creekmore in Jackson, Mississippi, to thank Creekmore for his letter of 15 August 1953 and Creekmore's responses to David Frishman's widow and Dov Vardi. He references Elder Olson's review of "The Chain in the Heart" and sales for "A Little Treasury of World Poetry." Includes envelope.
Letter from Marchian Young Taylor (Marchtha Deane) to Hubert Creekmore (17 August 1953)

Marian Young Taylor and Hubert Creekmore

Marian Young Taylor, who used the pseudonym Martha Deane for her WOR radio station, writes from New York City to Creekmore in Jackson, Mississippi, to thank Creekmore for appearing on her show. Includes envelope.
Letter from Doug Cooke to Hubert Creekmore (07 August 1953)

Doug Cooke and Hubert Creekmore

Cooke writes from Mamaroneck, New York, to Creekmore in Jackson, Mississippi. Cooke uses a Johns-Manville envelope. He includes Ted Poston's New York Post review. He discusses Anthony West's review of Baron Corvo's "The Desire and Pursuit of the Whole" in the New Yorker and a review of Creekmore's "The Chain in the Heart" in the New Yorker. Cooke received a note from Max Geismar about the book, and Cooke compares "The Chain in the Heart" to Theodore's Dreiser's "Dawn," "A Book About Myself," and "Twelve Men." He provides his own feedback on Creekmore's book. Includes envelope.
Letter from Hubert Creekmore to Mittie Horton Creekmore (05 August 1953)

Hubert Creekmore and Mittie Horton Creekmore

Hubert writes from New York City to his mother in Jackson, Mississippi, regarding personal and professional matters. Hubert will be travelling to New Orleans this weekend and then will be in Jackson after that. His book is selling some and the reviews continue to be good. He points out two reviews from the Saturday Review and Poetry. Hubert saw "Can-can," "Porgy and Bess" and the movie Julius Caesar. Envelope included.
Letter from Norman Holmes Pearson to Hubert Creekmore (04 August 1953)

Norman Holmes Pearson and Hubert Creekmore

Pearson writes from New Haven, Connecticut, on Yale University letterhead to Creekmore in Jackson, Mississippi. He states that Kirgo passed on a list of addenda to the Ezra Pound checklist. Pearson is interested in the Globe series, and states that John Valentine Schaffner has passed along news about Creekmore. Includes envelope.
Letter from John Hall Wheelock to Hubert Creekmore (03 August 1953)

John Hall Wheelock and Hubert Creekmore

Wheelock writes from New York City on Charles Scribner's Sons letterhead to Creekmore in Jackson, Mississippi, regarding letters from David Frishman's widow concerning permissions and payment for David Frishman, "The Messiah," translated by Maurice Samuel. Includes envelope.
Letter from Mittie Horton Creekmore to Hubert Creekmore (31 July 1953)

Mittie Horton Creekmore and Hubert Creekmore

Mittie writes from Jackson, Mississippi to Creekmore in New York, regarding personal matters. She reports family and local news. Enclosed is a note to Mittie Creekmore from Margaret.
Letter from Hubert Creekmore to Mittie Horton Creekmore (29 July 1953)

Hubert Creekmore and Mittie Horton Creekmore

Hubert writes from New York City to his mother in Jackson, Mississippi, regarding personal and professional matters. Hubert spent the weekend in Yaddo. He is pleased with the reviews the novel is getting and is planning on coming home sometime next week. Bantam books wants to do another printing of Cotton Country and a possible children's book on the Natchez Trace. He is also expecting Holiday to comission an article.
Postcard from Howard to Hubert Creekmore (27 July 1953)

Howard S. and Hubert Creekmore

Howard writes from Rome, to Creekmore in Jackson, Mississippi. He hopes Creekmore had a good summer.
Letter from Mittie Horton Creekmore to Hubert Creekmore (26 July 1953)

Mittie Horton Creekmore and Hubert Creekmore

Mittie writes from Jackson, Mississippi to Creekmore in New York, regarding personal matters. She reports family and local news. Eurdora will be in New York in August. Mittie looks forward to Hubert being home as she has been lonely as of late.

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