Manuscripts (typescript copies)

Series contains bound, typescript, and holograph folk song manuscripts. Collected by Helen Hartness Flanders over a period of three decades from the 1930s through the 1960s, manuscripts consist of copybooks, diaries, letters, and miscellaneous sheets donated to or puchased for the collection. Manuscripts include ballads, songs, and fiddle and fife tunes dating from the late 18th century to the early 20th century. Typescript copies of 12 copybooks and 10 collections of papers represent nearly 400 additional songs from the 18th and 19th centuries.

Of particular interest are two copybooks belonging to Patty Mann of Medway, Massachusetts (one dated 1806), a copybook belonging to Walter E. Jones of Waitsfield, Vermont (late 18th century), and a copybook belonging to Rosette Daily of Pittsburg, New Hampshire.

Note that many manuscripts are unidentified and/or undated. Additionally, the collection contains numerous photocopies of original broadsheets and manuscripts.