A Preliminary Inventory of His Papers at the Harry Ransom
Center
Creator:
Ashby, Clifford, 1925-2015
Title:
Clifford Ashby Papers
Dates:
1979-1985, undated
Extent:
6 document boxes (2.52 linear feet)
Abstract:
The Clifford Ashby Papers consist of
research materials, typescript drafts, and correspondence for two unpublished
books.
The materials are arranged into three series: I. Visitors View the American Stage;
II. Fanny Kemble Project; and III. Correspondence.
Dr. Clifford Charles Ashby (1925-2015) was a theater professor at Texas Tech
University in Lubbock, Texas from 1963 to 2001. He was born June 11, 1925 to Cliff
and Ruth Ashby in Effingham, IL. Growing up in the midst of the Great Depression,
he
swept floors in the family business, John Boos & Co, manufacturers of
butcher blocks. He served as a radio officer in the Marines for two years in the
South Pacific during World War II. After the war, he studied at Reed College before
transferring to the University of Iowa where he completed his undergraduate degree
in theatre. He married his wife, Sylvia Girsh, in 1950. He earned his Ph.D. in
theater history from Stanford University in 1963. Ashby previously taught at the
University of Hawaii, the University of Florida, and the University of Nebraska
before coming to Texas Tech University. He published books on Greek theater and
on
Texas religious tent shows. Clifford Ashby retired from Texas Tech in 2001, and
died
on May 28, 2015 at the age of 89.
Scope and Contents
The Clifford Ashby Papers consist of research materials, typescript drafts, and
correspondence for two unpublished books. The materials are arranged into three
series: I. Visitors View the American Stage; II. Fanny Kemble Project; and III.
Correspondence.
Series I. Visitors View the American Stage, consists of photocopies of published
articles, notes, and typescript drafts of Ashby’s titled, but unpublished work
on
the American stage. The original publication dates of the photocopied texts in
this
series range from 1783 to 1937. Series II. Fanny Kemble, consists of photocopies
of
printed texts gathered by Ashby in preparation for an unpublished and untitled
book
about the British actress Frances “Fanny” Anne Kemble (1809-1893). Fanny Kemble
was
a member of the famous Kemble theatrical family who married and divorced an
American, Pierce Butler, and published nine volumes of memoirs. The original
publication dates of the photocopied texts in this series range from 1835 to 1920.
Series III, Correspondence, includes Ashby’s personal and professional
correspondence from 1979 to 1985.
The original order of correspondence and research material was retained during
processing.
Separated Material
Seven books formerly belonging to Ashby, all relating to Fanny Kemble, were
transferred to the Ransom Center Library.
