Jene Barr Papers
Scope and Contents
The collection contains materials for twelve books. The materials are arranged alphabetically by title. Within each title the materials are arranged in the probable order in which they were created. Most of these books were written for early readers, from kindergarten through second grade. Many of these titles concern the activities of professional people that children would be likely to meet in their hometowns. The collection also holds material for one book in the “Young Champions” series. Basketball for Young Champions describes in detail the rules and skills necessary to play basketball. For each of these titles, the collection holds at least one typescript. The holdings for Basketball for Young Champions includes several typescripts, a galley, and a dummy.
The “Alphabetical Files” contain biographical information, fan mail, information about public appearances, publicity information, and miscellaneous writings.
Dates
- 1950-1967
Conditions Governing Access
Noncirculating; Available for research
Conditions Governing Use
The collection is protected by the Copyright Law of the United States (Title 17, U.S. Code). Reproductions can be made only if they are to be used for "private study, scholarship, or research." It is the user's responsibility to verify copyright ownership and to obtain all necessary permissions prior to the reproduction, publication, or other use of any portion of these materials.
Biographical / Historical
Jene Barr Cohen was born on July 28, 1900 in Kobrin, Russia to a Jewish family. She graduated from Chicago Normal School of Physical Education in 1920. She later studied at the University of Chicago, Chicago Teachers College, the Art Institute of Chicago, and Northwestern University. She taught in the Chicago public school system from 1925 to 1964, starting as a physical education instructor from 1925 to 1935. From 1935 to 1950, she taught in a classroom, and she worked as a teacher-librarian from 1950 to 1964.
Wilcox & Follett published her first children’s book in 1944, but Whitman put out the majority of her works, starting with Little Prarie Dog in 1949. Most of these Whitman books were for early readers, including a series about “Community Helpers,” co-written with Cynthia Chapin. Ms. Cohen also co-wrote the “Young Champions” series with Robert Antonacci for McGraw. She wrote all her books under the name Jene Barr. She also served on numerous committees devoted to children’s reading, libraries and other subjects. Ms. Cohen died in 1985.
Source:
Contemporary Authors, vol. 3NR
Extent
1.80 Cubic Feet (5 boxes)
Language of Materials
English
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Donated by Jene Barr Cohen in 1967 and 1985.
- Title
- Jene Barr Papers
- Status
- In Progress
- Date
- 1999-01
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- Undetermined
- Script of description
- Code for undetermined script
- Language of description note
- English
- Sponsor
- This finding aid is the product of a grant funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Repository Details
Part of the de Grummond Childrens Literature Collection Repository
118 College Drive - 5148
Hattiesburg MS 39406-0001
601.266.4345
