Julia Sauer Papers, 1917-1961, bulk 1936-1956

Summary

Extent:
1.2 Cubic Feet Three boxes, one oversize folder., 1.04 Cubic Feet, and .05 Cubic Feet
Language:
English .
Preferred citation:

Julia Sauer Papers. [box #,folder #]. Local History and Genealogy Division, Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County N.Y.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection consists of the personal and professional papers of Julia Sauer, a notable children's author (2-time Newbery honoree) and head of the Work with Children Department at the Rochester Public Library. Sauer's papers include correspondence, typescripts of her writings, radio scripts, clippings, photographs and other ephemera. The materials date between 1917 and 1961, with the bulk between 1936 and 1956.

Biographical / historical:

Julia Lina Sauer was born on April 8, 1891 in Rochester, New York. She attended the city's public schools and the University of Rochester before spending a year in training at the New York State Library School in Albany. She joined the Rochester Public Library soon after graduation, becoming head of the Work With Children Department in 1921, a position she held until her retirement in 1958. Sauer was an innovator in library services, in particular for her 1934-1939 "Radio Roads to Reading" program on the Rochester School of the Air. However, she is perhaps best remembered for her three childrens' books: Fog Magic (1943), The Light at Tern Rock (1951) and Mike's House (1954). The first two titles both received Newbery honors, and Fog Magic won for Sauer the annual Lillian Fairchild Prize, given for excellence in creative arts in Rochester. Sauer stayed in Rochester after her retirement, passing away at her home at 1570 East Avenue on June 26, 1983.

Acquisition information:
Gift of Barbara Billingsley, 2021.
Custodial history:

The papers in this collection were given to Barbara Billingsley in the summer of 1989 by William H. Cox, former head of the Central Library of Rochester. According to Cox, the materials had been found in the home of Jesse Holloway, another former librarian who lived across from Cox on Reservoir Avenue. After Holloway's passing, the new owners of her home found the box containing the materials and, realizing they were related to the Rochester Public Library, gave them to Cox. (It is unknown how they came into Holloway's possession.) As Billingsley was then employed as the head of the Children's Department at the Central Library, Cox thought it sensible to give her the papers for safekeeping. Billingsley took the jumbled contents of the box and arranged it. In the winter of 2021, following a question about Julia Sauer forwarded to the Rochester Public Library alumni email list, Billingsley inquired as to whether the Local History & Genealogy Division would be interested in the papers, leading to their donation.

Arrangement:

This collection consists of 3 boxes and 1 oversize folder.

Physical description:
The majority of the collection is in good condition. There are some faded and brittle papers.
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

There are no restrictions regarding access to or use of the collection.

Terms of access:

Permission to publish, reproduce, distribute, or use in any current or future manifestations must be obtained in writing from the Rochester Public Library Local History and Genealogy Division.

Preferred citation:

Julia Sauer Papers. [box #,folder #]. Local History and Genealogy Division, Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County N.Y.

Location of this collection:
Rundel Memorial Building
115 South Avenue
Rochester, NY 14604, United States
Link to repository site
Contact:
585-428-8370
lochist@libraryweb.org