Thomas Spencer Jerome papers, 1900-1925
8.5 linear feet
A small portion of the collection consists of correspondence. Letters written after Jerome's death by friends, colleagues, and attorneys, are concerned with the will and estate. The major portion of the collection consists of handwritten and typed manuscripts as well as some notes, most of which were incorporated by John Winter in Aspects of the Study of Roman History, a book published in 1923, nine years after Jerome's death.
The collection presented several challenges since it consists not only of papers produced by Jerome but letters and documents about Jerome as well; the papers about Jerome and his estate were considered equally valuable and necessary to preserve the integrity of the collection. Jerome's wishes regarding the posthumous publication of his manuscripts and the establishment of lectureship to further research in classical studies, served as constant thread of reminder and conscience to the trustees assigned to carry out the provisions of the will. Correspondence reflects their careful philosophy not only to adhere to the written will but also to establish a lecture-series which would conform to Jerome's ideas expressed to them when he was alive.
A significant part of the manuscript collection consisted of news items, articles from periodicals and numerous notes retained on bits and pieces of paper. Jerome had meticulously sorted and filed these items under broad subject headings, then sub-divided them into detailed categories (see 9.7). After consultation with John D'Arms, a member of the Jerome Committee, it was decided to dispose of most of the notes. However, several sets were retained to illustrate Jerome's detailed work habits (see 9.7; 15.1; 15.10). In addition, notes written in manuscript form and all manuscripts whether typed or handwritten were preserved. Further, it was decided to develop and retain a list of the subjects covered in all notes, retained or not, as an illustration of Jerome's meticulous research.
An index to Jerome's correspondence to Francis W. Kelsey is included in the finding aid for the Francis W. Kelsey papers and can be found in the appendices to this finding aid.