Kimbel-Wilson correspondence

Collection — Box: 1

Identifier: RHC-83

Staff Only

Collection Description

This collection of correspondence between Frank Kimbel and Grace Wilson Kimbel spans from 1906 to 1913, but includes items up to 1948. The letters begin in 1906 with Frank and Grace as friends and become more frequent in 1910. Most letters are 4- 8 pages and include letters to and from both Frank and Grace. Also included are letters from family members and friends, holiday and postcards, wedding invitations and planning information, financial information, religious ephemera, an airplane ticket, and an undated newsclipping.

Dates

1890-1948

Creator

Kimbel, Grace E. Wilson (Person)

Access to Materials

Collection is open for research use. Materials may be accessed by request at Special Collections and University Archives in Seidman House. Materials do not circulate.

Publication Rights

For information on copyright or permissions for this collection, contact Grand Valley State University Special Collections.

Biography

John Frank Kimbel (Frank) was born in Cook County, Chicago, Illinois on February 7, 1890. He worked as a laborer for several different companies, including the International Harvester Company Steelworks of South Chicago in 1906 and the Wisconsin Steel Company in 1910. Grace E. Wilson was born in Sharon, Pennsylvania on April 21, 1889 and moved between Chicago, Milwaukee, and Pittsburgh. Frank and Grace began writing letters to one another beginning in 1906 and married on September 24, 1913. The Kimbel’s had two children: Betty J. Kimbel (1925-2012) and Mary Alice (1922-1938). The couple was married until Frank’s death on August 23, 1972. Grace lived until January 1985.

Extent

0.35 Linear feet (1 box)

Additional Description

Source of Acquisition

Purchased from Sally's Diaries by Robert Beasecker on Ebay and donated in April 2014.

Subjects

Chicago (Ill.) Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
Correspondence Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
Iron and steel workers Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
Love-letters Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
Milwaukee (Wis.) Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
Pittsburgh (Pa.) Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
Sharon (Pa.) Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
United States -- Social life and customs -- 20th century Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings