Newswise — Had Eudora Welty lived until today [April 13], she would have been 100 years old.
The native Mississippian's legacy as a great American writer continues, however, through her critically acclaimed books, short stories, letters, and photographs. Many of her works were left with Hunter Cole, a fellow Jacksonian who knew her well.
Over 40 years, Cole's collection of Welty memorabilia grew to measure more than 35 linear feet, one of the largest in private hands.
"It's a great relief to finally have it placed somewhere safe," he said of the donation he recently made to Mississippi State's Mitchell Memorial Library.
"This is one of the most impressive academic libraries in the state," he observed. "There was no Welty collection, though, so this seemed the right spot."
Welty died in 2001 in Jackson.
"The addition of this unique collection of materials encompassing Miss Welty's life and career will further strengthen our initiatives in support of scholarly research and teaching," Coleman said. "We are most fortunate to receive this comprehensive and well-preserved collection of materials."
Cole, former associate director for the University Press of Mississippi, said his years as a collector--or, what he calls a "scavenger"--began while a student at Millsaps College in the late 1950s. While there, he served as Welty's host for a campus reading.
"Meeting her and then discovering the superlative quality of her books motivated me," he said. "As any collector, I wanted to capture the essence of the person."
Cole said he believes most people didn't appreciate Welty's true spirit and charm in the early writing years. It wasn't until later in life, when she spoke at places like Harvard University and the University of California, Berkeley, that those who attended her lectures discovered her innate wit and presence.
"The crowds were like those that follow rock stars," he said. "I suspect it was because she was such a surprise, an elderly lady with an outstanding body of work that young people literally gravitated to; I saw them literally grovel at her feet."
Cole said it wasn't just academia that searched her out. Up-and-coming writers, critics and celebrities also became enamored by her. He recalled a reading she gave of the well-known short story "Why I Live at the PO" to an audience at the J.P. Morgan Library in New York City.
"Miss Welty told me that she looked down on the front row and saw [leading motion picture actress] Katherine Hepburn," Cole said. "She said she didn't think she would be able to read, but that Miss Hepburn came up afterwards and told her she was very impressed with her delivery."
Among hundreds of pieces in the MSU collection are signed copies of "Why I Live at the PO," as well as "The Robber Bridegroom" and "The Ponder Heart." In addition, there are sound recordings of Welty reading "The Optimist's Daughter," along with a portfolio of her photographs.
Cole said Welty's photographs have seen a revival of interest lately and are being explored more extensively.
Hired in the 1930s as a junior publicity agent for the federal Works Progress Administration, Welty wrote news articles about many memorable situations in post-Depression Mississippi--some of which may have been the basis for her later stories. She also took personal photos during this time of her experiences and even considered photography as a career possibility.
"But, writing was her calling," Cole said.
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