Showing 77 results

Archival Description
Leslie, Kenneth Poetry
Print preview View:
Descending

3 results with digital objects Show results with digital objects

The Song Fishermen's song sheet, number 6

The Song Fishermen's song sheet, number 6

Item is a copy of issue number six of the Song Fishermen's Song Sheet, a poetry newsletter issued "every so often" and published by Andrew Merkel on behalf of the Song Fishermen. This issue contains verses by Martha Ann, Mollie Beresford, W.K. Carew, Nathanial A. Benson, Stuart McCawley, Charles Bruce, Bob Leslie and Joe Wallace, and notes about the whereabouts and doings of some members.
The Song Fishermens' song sheet, number 4

The Song Fishermens' song sheet, number 4

Item is a copy of issue number four of the Song Fishermens' Song Sheet, a poetry newsletter issued "every so often" and published by Andrew Merkel on behalf of the Song Fishermen. This issue contains verses by Kenneth Leslie, R.V. Bannon, J.P.P. Llwyd, and Molly Beresford.
The Song Fishermen's song sheet, number 15

The Song Fishermen's song sheet, number 15

Item is a copy of issue number 15 of the Song Fishermen's Song Sheet, a poetry newsletter issued "every so often" and published by Andrew Merkel on behalf of the Song Fishermen. This issue contains an announcement of the song sheet's upcoming first year anniversary, an essay on the rewards of living in Nova Scotia and having the leisure to think and write, and poems by Robert Leslie and Joe Wallace.

Andrew Merkel fonds

  • MS-2-326
  • Fonds
  • 1900-1954
Fonds contains records created and collected by Andrew Merkel, including correspondence with friends and associates such as Charles Bruce, Kenneth Leslie, and Robert Norwood; manuscripts; newspaper clippings; and copies of The Song Fishermens’ Song Sheet and The Order of Good Cheer.

Merkel, Andrew Doane

Notes, articles and clippings related to fluoridation

File contains research notes and articles collected by Kenneth Leslie in the mid-1960s related to fluoridation. File contains correspondence written by Miss Jean M. Ross submitted to The Rt. Hon. L[ester] B. Pearson and The Hon. Judy LaMarch, as well as Dr. G.D.W. Cameron [Deputy Minister of National Health], a copy of Miss Ross's 12-page publication 'The fluoridation fraud', as well as pamphlets and articles from the the Fraser Burgh Herald, the New York Times, Pure Water Association of Santa Clara County, and the Greater Milwaukee Committee Against Fluoridation.

The problem of the bridge : [manuscript]

File contains an undated (presumably 1913 or 1914, while a student at the University of Nebraska) typed manuscript entitled "The problem of the bridge", written by Kenneth Leslie, and submitted to his professor as part of a course in philosophy. The "bridge" of which Leslie writes is discussing the "problem of metaphysical knowledge". File discusses the Eleatics, Aristotle, Descartes, Spinoza, Locke, Berkeley, Hume and Kant in relation to metaphysical knowledge.

Open publicity is the weapon of democracy : confused liberals get unconfused, now let them get going : [manuscript]

File contains a draft typed manuscript, undated (but probably from 1943) written by Kenneth Leslie. File consists of a letter to American liberals and those who wish "the world had joined together against Fascism", rallying them to join the Protestant's Textbook Commission to Eliminate Anti-Semitic Statements in American Textbooks.

Tunnicliffe, John

File contains handwritten correspondence dated March 19th, 1972, written by John Tunnicliffe (Warwickshire, England) and sent to Kenneth Leslie. File expresses appreciation of the recent receipt of an issue of New Man, as well as remarking on his church work, having been ordained in 1910, and efforts at working on a memoir. He also remarks that one of his sons "is [now] vicar of a large new (pagan) parish not far from here" as well as relating a humorous anecdote about his son getting jam on his nose, and how he couldn't lick it off, while an elder brother suggested that "there's a chap at our school who can lick jam off his nose but he is a Roman Catholic."

Sampson, Ronald

File contains a typed letter dated January 10, 1973, written by Ronald Sampson (of Bath, UK), and mailed to Kenneth and Nora Leslie. The file expresses Sampson's appreciation at the receipt of a copy of 'O'Malley to the Reds', which he "read with very great pleasure". After pointing out some of his favourite lines, Sampson singles out the line "God has gone under for a little bit" as being relevant today, given the "Christmas saturation bombing of Hanoi" which "gives [him] terrible pause to think. Contemporary culture is, to Sampson, indicative of "the total collapse of true religious understanding of the nature of man's relation to the beasts, the physical universe and his brother man".

Lord, David B.

File contains seven letters (three typed and four hand-written), written between 1972 and 1973, by David B. Lord (from Jacksonville, FL). Five of the letters are addressed to Kenneth Leslie, while one is addressed to his wife, Nora, and another addressed to Kurt Anderson (New York, NY), with Kenneth Leslie and George Bilankian carbon-copied.

The first letter, dated March 25, 1972, addresses Lord's appreciation of Leslie's poetry, discusses the passing of Lord's acquaintance Harold Cohn and a misdeed the Cohn had done to Lord, as well as a request for more copies of the previous issue of New Man.

The following two letters are dated June 12, 1972. The first, addressed to Nora, expresses his closeness to her despite Lord's not having met her, having heard good things from a mutual friend in California. The other letter, addressed to Kenneth but undated (same stationery and ink), expresses Lord's regret at taking so long to answer the previous message. Lord expresses his disgust with "the shame of Vietnam" and of "Tricky Dick [...] claiming to be a Quaker, with Billy Graham as his co-pilot" as being a "good example of religion at its lowest", but expressing admiration of the "young, protesting with their bodies, but [that] the sadistic pigs are having their field day."

The fourth letter, dated December 10, 1972 and addressed to Kurt Anderson, responds to Anderson's article "From life to money to body counts" which appeared in the October 1972 issue of The Churchman. It includes excerpts from Kenneth Leslie's and George Bilankian's responses to the same article.

The fifth is a postcard sent from France, dated January 12, 1973, expressing the view that "America has failed the world."

The sixth is a handwritten four-page letter of the same date, from Foix, Languedoc, draws comparisons between the present destruction of Vietnam with the past "attempted destruction" of the "Albigensian civilization", addressing how one should address to the "hopeless disaster" while living in a country that now seems "resigned to its fate". Lord also is reminded of an article he wrote for The Protestant "more than thirty years ago" entitled 'The spirit of crucified Spain'.

In the final letter, dated March 10, 1973, Lord expresses his pleasure at having returned from France to an awaiting copy of 'O'Malley to the Reds', recounts his visit with George Bilankian in London, and remarks on the "history of dissent" found while following his family trail through genealogical work. He mentions being "indebted to Rev. James B. Leslie, M.A. Rector of Kilsaran" for directing Lord's research efforts in the right direction.

Letter written by Kenneth Leslie regarding the threat posed by fascism and antisemitism in the United States

Item is a two-page typed letter written by Kenneth Leslie on December 17, 1942. The letter addresses the threat posed by the fascist movement and antisemitism in the United States, both at present during the war, as well as the threats posed "after the war is over", where "this Fascistic movement will let loose with its first barrage, to consist of a wave of terror against the Jew". The letter, which an accompanying index card suggests should be sent "first to Presidents of colleges and then to professors of education, philosophy, psychology, historical and sociological sciences", urges educators join the "Protestant Digest"-supported Textbook Commission to eliminate anti-Semitic statements in American textbooks as a means of warding off fascism and antisemitism "not in the name of any church but in the name of democracy".

Such a din! : poems

File contains Kenneth Leslie's personal copy of his collection of poems, 'Such a din!', published in 1936. Leslie used this copy as a working copy when compiling his anthology of poems, 'O'Malley to the Reds and other poems" in 1972. File contains inked corrections, additions, and excisions in Leslie's hand (addition of dedications -- largely to Robert Norwood -- for a few poems, as well as a few title and spelling changes, with poems not be included in the anthology crossed out).

Promotional materials for poetry readings

File contains two undated promotional leaflets (likely from the late 1930s or early 1940s, promoting Kenneth Leslie poetry readings and discussions. The earliest of the two leaflets, on off-white paper, is entitled "Kenneth Leslie / Poetry Readings -- Discussions / Mr. Leslie / Reads His Own Poetry / Discusses Contemporary Poetry / Helps you Develop Your Poetry" and contains a small portrait of a youthful Leslie wearing a fedora. It contains testimonials from Charles G.D. Roberts, Robert Norwood, and Lawrence H. Conrad on the verso. The second leaflet, printed on yellow paper, also undated, but after 1938, is entitled "Kenneth Leslie : Singer-Composer / Poet", contains a portrait of Leslie to the upper left corner, with a short bibliography (ending in "By Stubborn Stars". The front contains words promoting Leslie's talent from 'Voices', 'London Times', Sir Charles Roberts, 'N.Y. Herald Tribune', 'Halifax Chronicle', Reverend Sister Maura, 'Charlottetown Guardian', and Shaemas O'Sheel, while the verso has further testimonials under the heading "What they say of Kenneth Leslie's poetry...." with the sub-headings "In London, England", "In Toronto", "In New York", and "In Charlottetown".

Correspondence of Nora Leslie

File contains correspondence sent to Nora Leslie (née Nora Steenerson Smith, Nora Totten), fourth wife of Kenneth Leslie, from the 1950s to the 1970s. File includes letters and cards sent by Emilie Laraway, Mary Lewis, Helene Mullins, and Elizabeth and John Robertson. File also includes an undated note written by Nora Leslie after Kenneth Leslie's death, regarding a disagreement with Kenneth's daughter Rosaleen. File also includes a photocopy of a clipping of Nora's obituary.

Aslaug Vaa translations : [manuscripts]

File contains several handwritten drafts of translations of two poems originally written by Aslaug Vaa and translated by Nora Steenerson Smith (later Nora Leslie), fourth wife of Kenneth Leslie. There are six handwritten drafts of a translation of Duva og dropen (with minor variations and corrections), and seven drafts of a translation of the Skinnvengbrev (with minor variations and corrections).

Sermon delivered at Abyssinian Baptist Church, Harlem, New York : [manuscript]

File contains an undated, untitled fragment (lacking the first of seven pages) of a sermon delivered by Kenneth Leslie at Abyssinian Baptist Church, Harlem, New York. The sermon was likely given October 24th, 1943, entitled "God -- Empty Church", a later version of which appeared in the December 1943 issue of The Protestant. File addresses the threat posed by both the Papacy and Martin Luther to the Baptists, stating that Luther was not "for the people" and that "Baptists ... were massacred with the people by both Luther and the Pope". File expresses the notion that since the success of the Russian Revolution and communism, "the opportunity for free religion is here, [...as] religion has not, nor can be free under capitalism". File also addresses the role in Leslie's 'The Protestant' (The pastor of Abyssinian Baptist Church, Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., was serving on the editorial board of 'The Protestant' at this time) in ensuring the opportunity for free religion in a American capitalist socioeconomic system that prevents it.

God and the intellectuals : [manuscript]

File contains a typed draft manuscript (with a few inked corrections) of a sermon delivered by Kenneth Leslie, likely in the early 1940s, entitled "God and the Intellectual". File addresses the role of colleges in teaching metaphysics, before moving on to the threat posed by "the sickness of America [and the] whole modern world. [...] Call it transcendentalism. Call it idealism" during the Second World War, wherein the motto "transcendentalism : greed' was the antiphonal change for the burying of [early] New England", much as it has been in the run-up to war, and the efforts to prevent the acceptance of "absolute ideas as substitutes for organic thinking", as in fascism, which demands "all or nothing" answers.

Translations of Aslaug Vaa poems : [draft manuscripts]

File contains three undated (likely in the 1940s) partial translations of poems originally written by the Norwegian poet Aslaug Vaa (b. Rauland,25 August 1889; d. Oslo, 28 November 1965) and translated by Kenneth Leslie.

File contains translations of the following poems:
- twenty-three lines of the poem "Skinnvengbrev," which begins "Eg tredde eingong du hadde gøymt deg, / at baade du og Gud ha gløymt meg, / og eg blei minst av dei skapte ting.", which Leslie has translated as "I thought one time you had forsaken me / that you and God had forgotten me / and I was least of created things." The header of this leaf has the title "So 6847 Pauline", and the English translation is written directly below the Norwegian original ;
- eight lines of translation of a fourteen line untitled poem, also presumably by Aslaug Vaa, which begins "A, so det vesle båmet reeddest / når det møter det ukjende. / Ein gong i eit framandt land, / sto eg og var dette ukjende for ein liten kropp", which Leslie has translated as "Of course a little child is frightened / when he meets with an unknown one. / Once upon a time on strange soil / I stood and was this unknown one for a little body." The Norwegian text and English translation are written on separate leaves ; and
- four stanzas of the poem 'Duva og Dropen,' which begins "Det kurra ei duve / med bekken Mahala / i skuggen av palmur / og driv kvite kala", which Leslie has translated as "A dove coos so warmly / where murmurs Mahala / In shade of the palm trees / and drifts of white kalla". This item also contains notes for a sermon about avarice written on the verso.

My love she walks not with me : [manuscript]

File contains a handwritten manuscript of a song entitled "My love she walks not with me", with words and music by Kenneth Leslie, undated (but written presumably in the mid-1930s, after the collapse of his first marriage). The song is written in F-major, contains 24 bars of music in treble, and begins with the lines "The fragrance of the hawthorn and the rose after rain / Makes my misery completer". Music and words are written on only one page.

Music notebook

File contains a bound notebook used by Kenneth Leslie for the purposes of writing musical notations and scores, presumably from the 1930s. The notebook is largely blank, with only four pages used by Leslie. The first page contains an untitled melody fragment four bars long in the F-major key, written in pencil, with notations in both bass and treble. The second page contains a fragment of a song entitled "Sheep and Lambs", with music by Kenneth Leslie and words by Katharine Tynan (misspelled "Katherine"), with treble notations, in 3/4 metre and the F-major key. The third entry is a song entitled "So It Rises So It Soars", with words and music by Leslie, written in G-major key, the first two lines being "Builder of my growing soul / Found in deeply as you must". The fourth and final entry is an eight-bar fragment, in G-major, following a leaf that was torn out.

The social aspect of the idea of truth and reality : [manuscript]

File contains an undated typed manuscript entitled "The social aspect of the idea of truth and reality", presumably written in 1915, by Kenneth Leslie, when he was a student at Harvard University. File addresses Leslie's notions of perception, conception, and interpretation.

Radio interview fragments : [manuscripts]

File contains two fragments of radio interviews (one dated March 14, 1940, the other undated) involving Kenneth Leslie. The first, titled "Radio Script : Leslie-Merchant" -- discusses Leslie's involvement in the Protestant Digest, and Protestantism in general. The second untitled and undated fragment discusses science and mathematics.

Brief biographical notes : [manuscripts]

File contains undated fragments of biographical notes written by Kenneth Leslie. File contains a ~100-word piece entitled "Short biography of Edward Bellamy, translated from the Dutch", written presumable in the spring of 1950, based off of articles which appeared in the March 22 1950 (volume 17, number 6) of "Bellamy: Officieel sociaal-economisch orgaan van de Internationale Verniging Bellamy"; with the verso containing a note about a request for an article for the Liverpool Advocate newspaper. File also contains ~130 words about Jean-Jacques Rousseau and humanism, as well as basic genealogical information about Alexander Leslie and Walter L.[eslie].

Kenneth Leslie's sketchbook

File contains an undated No. 7191 "Monterery" drawing spiral sketch book, containing pencil drawings by Kenneth Leslie, with artwork created presumably in the late 1930s or early 1940s. The sketchbook is largely blank, however, there are pencil drawings on the first three pages. The first is a 45° side-on portrait of "R. Currie" signed by Leslie. The second is an untitled study of a woman's face as she leans forward. The third is also untitled, the beginnings of a rural scene with a cabin at the end of a roadway.

Smith College Library

File contains typed correspondence sent from Miss Billie Bozone, librarian at Smith College Library (Northampton, MA), dated January 12, 1973, and sent to Kenneth Leslie. File expresses the author's appreciation at receiving a donated copy of "O'Malley to the Reds".

Chicago Ministerial Action Committee

File contains typed correspondence dated November 22, 1946, about a resolution passed at a meeting of the Chicago Ministerial Action Committee of The Protestant, at a meeting on November 19, 1946, following questioning of Kenneth Leslie's leadership. The resolution states that "We [...] sincerely deprecate the action of those who have endangered our whole endeavor by placing your position of leadership in a false light, [and] unanimously go on record expressing our complete and sincere loyalty to you." File includes a list of the signatories of the resolution.

Andover-Harvard Theological Library

File contains typed correspondence from the Andover-Harvard Theological Library (Cambridge, MA), dated 1973, and sent to Kenneth Leslie. The first, dated January 8, 1973, sent by Mrs. John Timoney, expresses appreciation for a donated copy of 'O'Malley to the Reds'. The second, undated and sent by William C. Bourque [?], references the library's not having received issues 25:1 thru 25:3 of New Man (Jan-Mar 1973).

Unidentified correspondence

File contains handwritten correspondence, written between 1966 and 1973, by unidentified authors sent to Kenneth Leslie. File contains 11 different pieces of correspondence by ten different authors. There is a letter written by a Clark H.(Centerville, IA) dated May 11, 1973; an unsigned note about one of Leslie's songs being featured on the Max Ferguson program (dated December 12, 1972); a facsimile letter dated Christmas 1970, providing family updates for "Marge, Eric [not Leslie's brother], and family"; a letter from "L." dated January 14, 1973, acknowledging that it "was very heartwarming to receive the book of poems"; undated from "Fred" (Montclair, NJ); two letters from "Frank" dated December 29th 1965 and January 14, 1966, about strychnine tablets, fluoridation, and general health discussion; an undated unsigned note about enclosure of payment for books and inquiring about Nora's health; a 1972 Christmas card from Deb, Mike, and John, nieces and nephews of Ken and Nora [but unclear as to what part of the family]; a two-page typed letter from "Harold" (Pittsburgh, PA) dated March 22nd, 1973, regarding attendance at the Rationalist Convention in Chicago, about the "destruction and slaughter" in Vietnam, the Pittsburgh highway system, and future issues of New Man; and two undated short notes by "Alice B." including appreciation at receipt of a "gratis" copy of Leslie's book of poems.

Williams, Claude

File contains typed correspondence dated April 20, 1972, written by Claude Williams (Alabaster, AL) and sent to Kenneth Leslie. File expresses thanks for Leslie's handwritten note and for receipt of issues of New Man, and "Glory be! for David Lord coming to the rescue and getting out an issue of New Man" when Leslie was ill the previous year. File states Leslie is "as great a prophet today as Jeremiah was in his day", while expressing opinions about Marxist-Christian dialogue. Williams previously served on the editorial board of The Protestant.

Wallace, May

File contains handwritten correspondence dated January 2nd, 1973, written by Mrs May Wallace (MacGregor, MB) and sent to Kenneth Leslie. File expresses receipt of Leslie's "most enjoyable" book of poems as well as confirmation that payment was mailed. File also inquires after Leslie's health, wishing for a "happy + prosperous 1973".

Vincent, Clara

File contains handwritten correspondence dated January 26, 1973, sent by Clara M. Vincent (Livonia, MI) to Kenneth Leslie. File expresses her appreciation for receipt of a copy of 'O'Malley to the Reds', discusses the writings and works of Dr. John Nicholls Booth, and states that the Detroit Free Press "continues to be one of the best newspapers in the country, [free from] the Pentagon claptrap and their propaganda".

Trudeau, Pierre Elliott

File contains typed correspondence dated June 1, 1973, and sent on "Office of the Prime Minister" letterhead from Pierre Elliott Trudeau, as related by his private secretary, Cécile Viau, and sent to Kenneth Leslie. File expresses that the "Prime Minister was very please to receive a copy" of 'O'Malley to the Reds' and offers appreciation at Leslie's "thoughtful gesture".

Swanson, Rosa

File contains undated handwritten correspondence (presumably 1972 or 1973) written by Mrs. Rosa Swanson (Edmonton, AB) and sent to Kenneth Leslie. File contains the author's confirmation of enclosure of payment to renew subscription to The New Man.

Stone, Lloyd

File contains an undated Christmas card (presumably 1972) sent by Lloyd, Jessie, and Dale Stone, to Kenneth Leslie. The card expresses gratitude at receipt of a copy of "you book of lovely poems", as well as intentions to renew New Man subscriptions.

Steinmetz, Harry and Doris

File contains typed correspondence written by Harry and Doris Steinmetz (San Diego, CA), from 1971 and 1973, sent to Kenneth Leslie. The first letter is a fragment, presumably from early 1971, where Harry laments at the quickness of the passing year and his plans for 1971. The second letter, dated January 29, 1973, celebrates Leslie's poetry upon the Steinmetz' receipt of a copy of 'O'Malley to the Reds', as well as discussion on future talks and publications (and was typed on the verso of a promotional flyer "commemorating 50th anniversary of the foudning of the USSR [and the] 40th anniversary of the American Russian Institute" in San Francisco. The third item is a copy of the December 1972 issue of The Gadfly, which contains an excerpt by Harry Steinmetz entitled "Around the world in 66 days with thanks" about his visit to Volgograd.

Shillaker, Robert

File contains two undated letters -- one typed and one handwritten -- sent by Robert Shillaker (Sierra Madre, CA) to Kenneth and Nora Leslie. One letter, likely from late 1972, concerns Shillaker's receipt of an issue of "New Man" containing Kurt Anderson's and Jim Garrison's writings, with requests to be put in contact with the publication The Churchman. The second letter first expresses happiness at receipt of a copy of 'O'Malley to the Reds', before commenting on Leslie's apparent "turning away from orthodox Christianity", as well as his enrolling in the School of Esoteric Studies in New York, and further comments on the ongoing war in Vietnam.

Sedgley, Adelaide

File contains a handwritten letter dated January 8th, 1972 and written by Adelaide Sedgley, sent to Kenneth and Nora Leslie. The file expresses Adelaide's appreciation for having such wonderful friends as the Leslies at the age of 91, and expressing gratitude at receiving Leslie's volume of poems, and the "joy [...it] gave to this ancient admirer!"

Sackley, Ralph

File contains a typed letter dated May 20th, 1972, and written by Ralph Sackley (of Evanston, IL), sent to Kenneth Leslie. File addresses current reading habits and belief in McGovern in the forthcoming election, before discussing his "oxypheric" nature after Leslie had suffered "lots of strokes" and Sackley's opinions of the mind, deep breathing, and getting "away from self".

Roosevelt, Franklin Delano

File contains a draft of an undated (presumably spring 1943) letter to be sent to American President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, written by Kenneth Leslie. The file addresses concerns raised by the Textbook Commission about a "most regretful anti-Semitic foot note" that appeared in the Roman Catholic version of the New Testament that was issued to all "Catholic personnel of the Army". The offending passage, that the Commission requested be removed from all editions, appeared on page 559: "the Jews are the Synagogues of Satan". The First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt, had previously been an ardent admirer of Kenneth Leslie's work, giving invaluable endorsements to Leslie on several occasions.

Pomeroy, Marine

File contains a handwritten letter postmarked December 7, 1972, written by Marine Pomeroy of The Ladysmith Press, sent to Kenneth Leslie. The file addresses his concerns about Bill Cole republishing two of Leslie's poems in a forthcoming anthology, but reassures Leslie that Cole is "not alienating any rights", and that "we keep all rights" and that the poems are being used "one time only".

Nicholson, Marilyn

File contains a four-page handwritten letter by Marilyn Nicholson (dated January 26, 1973) and sent to Kenneth Leslie. File begins with Marilyn expressing her great appreciation for receiving Leslie's 'O'Malley to the Reds' collection of poems, before mentioning her "modest" husband David's "temperature [rising] to 150 degrees and all his blood went to his head" upon being reminded that the piece 'Poetry and propaganda' had been dedicated to him by Leslie. The file then passes on best wishes to Nora, before discussing family goings-on.

Murray, Kaye and R. Charles

File contains a Christmas card, post-marked November 1972, and sent by Kaye & R. Charles Murray (of Lower Sackville, NS), and sent to Kenneth and Nora Leslie.

McQuinn, Marion and John

File contains an undated Christmas card (presumably early 1970s) sent by Marion and John McQueen to Kenneth Leslie.

MacLean, M.

File contains a handwritten letter, written by M. MacLean (of Sydney, NS), dated April 14, 1972, and addressed to Kenneth Leslie. File expresses "very great appreciation" of receipt of a copy of 'O'Malley to the Reds', drawing connections to "the powerful image of Dr [Moses] Coady", and happy to discover that he is "still going strong [with] hopes you shall continue your creative works."
Results 1 to 50 of 77