AmericanSociety for Psychical Research Page 1 of 1 Ronald Epp From: "Ronald Epp" To: Cc: "Ronald Epp" Sent: Tuesday, March 04, 2003 11:28 AM Subject: Archive Query The Library of Congress identifies your archives as containing documents on George Bucknam Dorr (1853- 1944). I am presently researching archival and manuscript repositories that contain documentation necessary for my intellectual biography of Mr. Dorr, the founder and superintendent of Acadia National Park who studied at Harvard College with William James and others who were involved with psychical experiences. Since I have no sense of the scope of the relevant documents in your possession I would appreciate some indication of whether the quantity of material would warrant a visit to the ASPR library or if relevant materials could be isolated, photocopied (at my expense), and forwarded to me. Thank you for this professional courtesy. Ronald H. Epp, Ph.D. Director of the Harry & Gertrude Shapiro Library Southern New Hampshire University 2500 North River Road Manchester, NH 03106-1045 603-668-2211, ext. 2164 603-645-9685 (fax) 3/4/2003 AMC[dorr georgebucknam[1,1017,2,3,3,3,4,6,5,100,6,1]](1-1) Page 1 of 1 Records 1 through 1 of 2 returned. Author: American Society for Psychical Research (Founded 1906). Title: Records, 1882-1966. Description: 3.4 linear ft. Notes: Contains records of American Society for Psychical Research and predecessor organizations, including the American Society for Psychical Research, 1885-1889, Society for Psychical Research-American Branch, 1889-1907, and American Institute for Scientific Research, Section B, 1907-1922. Records of first American Society for Psychical Research and Society for Psychical Research-American Branch include correspondence of Weston D. Bailey, 1899-1906, and with George B. Dorr, Henry James, William James, Richard Hodgson, and others concerning psychical research and society business; other correspondence, 1882, 1904; miscellaneous reports of sittings with mediums, flyers for meetings, and anti-psychic flyers, 1888-1904; and questionnaires on feelings about life after death, 1904. AISR records include correspondence of James Hyslop, 1906-1912, and Miles Dawson, 1910-1922; other correspondence and reports, 1909-1923; financial reports, 1919-1920; minutes of Board, 1904-1922; and miscellaneous circulars, notices, flyers, and brochures. ASPR records include minutes, 1922-1966; correspondence, and reports concerning case investigations and other matters, 1923-1935; editorial files of publications committee, particularly of Frederick Bligh Bond, 1928-1932; and correspondence, reports, clippings, and other material concerning medium Margery (Mina Stinson Crandon), 1924-1927. Subjects: Bailey, Weston D. Dorr, George Bucknam, 1853-1944. James, Henry, 1843-1916. James, William, 1842-1910. Hodgson, Richard, 1855-1905. Hyslop, James H. (James Hervey), 1854- Dawson, Miles Menander, 1863-1942. Bond, Frederick Bligh, 1864-1945. Crandon, Mina Stinson, ca. 1890-1941. Society for Psychical Research, London. American Branch. Future life. Psychical research. Mediums. Spiritualism. Location: American Society for Psychical Research. Archives, New York, NY. Control No. : NYHV87-A4 Tagged display | Next Record | Brief Record Display | New Search This display was generated by the CNIDR Web-Z39.50 gateway, version 1.08, with Library of Congress Modifications. http://lcweb.loc.gov/cgi-bin/zgate?pre.../rlinamc3.html,zinc.rlg.org,200%26AUTH%3drlinam 2/24/2003 American Society for Psychical Research Page 1 of 2 The board and staff of the American Society for Psychical Research wish to express our sorrow over the tragic events of September 11, 2001. Our thoughts and condolences go out to all those whose lives have been touched by these events. If you have had a dream or premonition about the 9/11 attacks before the attacks occurred, click here to tell us your experience. American Society for Psychical Research, Inc. 5 West 73rd Street P New York, New York 10023 USA R phone (212) 799-5050 / fax (212) 496-2497 email aspr@aspr.com Due to the volume of email the ASPR receives, we cannot guarantee a prompt response. If you have an important message, you should contact the ASPR by phone at 212-799-5050 during the hours the ASPR is open to the public (M-Th 11am-6pm EST). About the ASPR Services to Members Become a Member ASPR Library ASPR Journal 488 ASPR New sletter Online Catalogue Send us your 9/11 Premonitions Online Research http://www.aspr.com/ 3/4/2003 American Society for Psychical Research Page 2 of 2 UNL Parapsychology Topic Virtual Visit to the ASPR send us your Experience This web site and all its contents Copyright © 1997-2001 American Society for Psychical Research, Inc. All Rights Reserved http://www.aspr.com/ 3/4/2003 About the Society Page 1 of 2 About the Main Services to Become Online ASPR Page Members Member Research Catalogue Journal Newsletter About the Society R The American Society for Psychical Research is the oldest psychical research organization in the United States. For more than a century, the ASPR has supported the scientific investigation of extraordinary or as yet unexplained phenomena that have been called psychic or paranormal. The ASPR was founded in 1885 by a distinguished group of scholars who shared the courage and vision to explore the uncharted realms of human consciousness, among them renowned Harvard psychologist and Professor of Philosophy, William James. The ASPR headquarters is located in New York City in an historical landmark building acquired by the Society with the generous support of benefactors, including physicist-inventor of the Xerox, Chester Carlson. In addition to laboratories and offices, the ASPR maintains a one-of-a-kind library and archive. This international collection contains rare books, case reports, letters and manuscripts that date back to the 1700's. A pioneering organization with an international membership, the ASPR serves as a global information network for public and professional audiences. Through its publications and educational services it provides responsible information about relevant contemporary and historical research. A Brief History of the ASPR The American Society for Psychical Research, first organized in 1885 with astronomer Simon Newcomb as president, later became a branch of the British Society for Psychical Research, founded in 1882, and functioned in Boston under the guidance of Richard Hodgson, formerly of Cambridge University, until his death in 1905. A newly-organized and independent ASPR was soon thereafter established in New York with James H. Hyslop, formerly Professor of Logic and Ethics at Columbia Unversity, as its secretary and treasurer. During the years between 1906 and his death in 1920, Professor Hyslop greatly expanded the scope of the Society's work. Publication of the Journal was initiated in 1907 and has continued uninterruptedly to the present. The close relationship between psychic phenomena and important scientific and philosophical http://www.aspr.com/who.htm 3/4/2003 About the Society Page 2 of 2 issues is evidenced by the fact that the investigation of such phenomena has enlisted the interest and active participation of a number of outstanding scientists and philosophers. Among the distinguished contributors of the past may be mentioned the physicists Sir William Barrett and Sir Oliver Lodge; the psychologists William James and Gardner Murphy, both of whom played major roles in the development of the ASPR. The contemporary scene in psychical research includes philosophers, psychologists and physicists, many of them on the faculty of distinguished universities and colleges here and abroad. About the Main Services to Become Online ASPR Page Members Member Research Catalogue Journal Newslatter http://www.aspr.com/who.htm 3/4/2003 Page 1 of 1 Ronald Epp From: To: "ASPR" Sent: Subject: ASPR reply Tuesday, March 18, 2003 3:57 PM listing that you any more information on the Library separate for Thank George you for Dorr. your Do email to the ASPR. We do not have a collection part of as larger may collection? help us track it down since these papers are apparently of Congress a copy We do these have and several Journal articles on Mr. Dorr and SO. mail them to you. I would let you know we the would cost be before happy doing to Best regards, Grady Hendrix 5 West 73rd Street American Society for Psychical Research, Inc. New York, NY 10023 Tel (212) 799-5050 Fax (212) 496-2497 aspr@aspr.com www.aspr.com ware loc govl call /no CM clouch C. 3/18/2003 Page 1 of 1 Ronald Epp From: "Ronald Epp" To: Cc: Sent: Thursday, April 10, 2003 3:28 PM Subject: Archive Query Follow-Up Dear Grady Hendrix, On March 18th you were kind enough to respond to my query regarding George Bucknam Dorr manuscripts that I queried you about on March 4th. You asked whether I had more information on the Library of Congress listing. I do. The National Union Catalog of Manuscript Collections (NUCMC) contains a detailed description of 3.4 linear feet of ASPR records (1882-1966) listing Mr. Dorr as one of more than a dozen subject areas. Click on the RLG search form then on the next screen enter the name: Dorr George Bucknam. This will reveal two records, the first being ASPR. After reviewing this I'd appreciate a response of whether you can locate relevant documents. I am also interested in the "several journal articles on Mr. Dorr" that you refer to. I will gladly pay for the cost of duplication, handling, and mailing either in advance or on receipt. Best regards, Ronald H. Epp, Ph.D. Director of Shapiro Library Southern New Hampshire University Manchester, NH 03106 603-668-2211, ext. 2164 603-645-9685 fax 4/10/2003 Page 1 of 1 Ronald Epp From: "ASPR" To: "Ronald Epp" Sent: Monday, July 14, 2003 5:18 PM Subject: Re: Archive Query Follow-Up Just a note that you haven't been forgotten. I'll be doing some work in the archives tomorrow and should finally be able to look up the Dorr material. Best, Grady Hendrix American Society for Psychical Research, Inc. 5 West 73rd Street New York, NY 10023 Tel (212) 799-5050 Fax (212) 496-2497 aspr@aspr.com www.aspr.com 7/15/2003 AMERICAN SOCIETY for PSYCHICAL RESEARCH, Inc. A 5 West 73rd Street, New York, New York 10023 U.S.A. S Telephone: (212) 799-5050 Fax: (212) 496-2497 P Website: www.aspr.com E-mail: aspr@aspr.com R 29 October 2003 Ronald H. Epp, Ph.D. Director, Shapiro Library Southern New Hampshire University Manchester, NH 03106 Dear Dr. Epp, Enclosed are several articles in reference to G.B. Dorr as per my email of today. I do hope these are helpful to you and I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely yours, Colleen A. Phelan Archivist Re: Archive Query Follow-Up Page 1 of 2 Epp, Ronald From: ASPR [aspr@aspr.com] Sent: Monday, October 20, 2003 11:45 AM To: Epp, Ronald Subject: Re: Archive Query Follow-Up Dear Grady, I've secured quite a few references in the primary and secondary literature regarding the experimentation done by Harvard Philosopher/Psychologist William James that involved references to George B. Dorr. Any information that you could locate for me would be most helpful. I am willing to make available to you the primary and secondary sources that I have accumulated in recent months on the late 19th and early 20th century history of the American and British societies for psychical research if you are interested in a collaborative effort. Cordially, Ronald H. Epp, Ph.D. Director of Shapiro Library Southern New Hampshire University Manchester, NH 03106 603-668-2211, ext. 2164 603-645-9685 fax Original Message From: ASPR [mailto:aspr@aspr.com] Sent: Monday, July 14, 2003 5:18 PM To: Epp, Ronald Subject: Re: Archive Query Follow-Up Just a note that you haven't been forgotten. I'll be doing some work in the archives tomorrow and should finally be able to look up the Dorr material. Best, Grady Hendrix American Society for Psychical Research, Inc. 5 West 73rd Street 10/23/2003 Re: Archive Query Follow-Up Page 2 of 2 New York, NY 10023 Tel (212) 799-5050 Fax (212) 496-2497 aspr@aspr.com www.aspr.com Dear Dr. Epp Grady has left us for the bright lights of the theatre world and I shall be helping you with your research requests on Wm. James' experimentation in reference to G. B. Dorr and your proposed collaboration on the societies' histories. As we are currently short-staffed, it may be a few days before I can get back to you. Thank you for your understanding. Sincerely yours, Colleen A. Phelan Archivist ASPR, inc. 5 West 73rd Street New York, NY 10023 Phone: 212-799-5050 Fax: 212-496-2497 www.aspr.com 10/23/2003 Message Page 1 of 3 Epp, Ronald To: ASPR Subject: RE: For Archivist C. Phelan Dear Colleen, Of couruse i can be patient and await your attention to this matter later in January. I will put the LC notice about the Dorr Ms. in the mail to you tomorrow. Seasons Greetings from a snowy New Hampshire! Ronald H. Epp, Ph.D. Director of Shapiro Library Southern New Hampshire University Manchester, NH 03106 603-668-2211, ext. 2164 603-645-9685 fax Original Message From: ASPR [mailto:aspr@aspr.com] Sent: Monday, January 05, 2004 2:34 PM To: Epp, Ronald Subject: Re: For Archivist C. Phelan Dear Ronald, Thank you for your email and the best of 2004 to you as well. And your persistence is well taken! Now I must ask you to be a bit patient with me. We have a few pressing matters going on here re exhibition preparations, proposal writing etc. which are taking precedence over other things at the moment. Could you kindly allow me to get back to you at the end of January re manuscript materials? And, indeed, if you could send me a copy of the LC listing, I'd be very grateful. All best, Colleen 1/5/2004 Message Page 2 of 3 Archivist -- ASPR, Inc. 5 West 73rd Street New York, NY 10023 Phone: 212-799-5050 Fax: 212-496-2497 www.aspr.com From: "Epp, Ronald" Date: Fri, 2 Jan 2004 12:08:00 -0500 To: Cc: "Epp, Ronald" Subject: For Archivist C. Phelan Dear Colleen, Finally over the holidays I have found time to email you with belated thanks for the packet of materials you sent me 29 October regarding my research on George Dorr. I've reviewed what you so generously provided. Several of these publications were already in my files but others were new. When I get to the point of writing on the psychical research of Mr. Dorr and his relationship to William James and both the American and British psychical researchers, I'll be sure to send you a draft for review. However, the most pressing quyestion is whether your archives contain any manuscript materials. According to a record in the Library of Congress (which I can send/fax you if you are interested), you have 3.4 linear feet of documents which includes "correspondence of Weston D. Bailey, 1899-1906, and with George B. Dorr, Henry James, William James, Richard Hodgson, and others concerning psychical reserach and society business." Is this information accurate and has it been searched relative to my query? Sorry to be so persistent about this matter but thoroughness is what research is all about, right? Have a terrific New Year ! ! ! Ronald H. Epp, Ph.D. Director of Shapiro Library Southern New Hampshire University Manchester, NH 03106 603-668-2211, ext. 2164 603-645-9685 fax 1/5/2004 Message Page 1 of 1 Epp, Ronald From: Epp, Ronald Sent: Friday, January 02, 2004 12:08 PM To: 'ASPr@aspr.com' Cc: Epp, Ronald Subject: For Archivist C. Phelan Dear Colleen, Finally over the holidays I have found time to email you with belated thanks for the packet of materials you sent me 29 October regarding my research on George Dorr. I've reviewed what you so generously provided. Several of these publications were already in my files but others were new. When I get to the point of writing on the psychical research of Mr. Dorr and his relationship to William James and both the American and British psychical researchers, I'll be sure to send you a draft for review. However, the most pressing quyestion is whether your archives contain any manuscript materials. According to a record in the Library of Congress (which I can send/fax you if you are interested), you have 3.4 linear feet of documents which includes "correspondence of Weston D. Bailey, 1899-1906, and with George B. Dorr, Henry James, William James, Richard Hodgson, and others concerning psychical reserach and society business." Is this information accurate and has it been searched relative to my query? Sorry to be so persistent about this matter but thoroughness is what research is all about, right? Have a terrific New Year ! ! ! Ronald H. Epp, Ph.D. Director of Shapiro Library Southern New Hampshire University Manchester, NH 03106 603-668-2211, ext. 2164 603-645-9685 fax 1/2/2004 Message Page 1 of 5 Epp, Ronald From: Epp, Ronald Sent: Monday, March 29, 2004 11:24 AM To: 'ASPR' Cc: Epp, Ronald Subject: G.B. Dorr (Again) Dear Colleen, In my research on Mr. George Dorr, I have recently consulted Arthur S. Berger's biographical history titled "Lives and Letters in American Parapsychology " (1988). I have found therein in chapter 2 the following claim to a manuscript source that is credited to the ASPR archives: "But surely, Hyslop thought, George B. Dorr, a former vice-president of the American Branch of the SPR and one of the administrators of Hodgson's estate, would accept. Doee replied to Hyslop's invitation: "I dread at the moment undertaking any fresh responsibility. I do not like to go upon Committees without taking an active part in their work...and that I could not do at present." The endnote (121) is " G.B. Dorr (1906, May 24). Letter to J.H. Hyslop. ASPR Archives." Since I have found no manuscripts attributed to Mr. Dorr on parapsyhology, this is an imporant find if it is accurate. Could you check for me? I am also very interested in the new claim that Dorr administered "Hodgson's estate" and would appreciate an indication from you whether there exists additional ASPR archival correspondence between Dorr and Hyslop or between Dorr and Hodgson. If it looks promising I can then plan a visit to the ASPR archives. Were you able to follow up on our earlier communication regarding the Dorr attribution in the ASPR record that is in the National Union Catalog of Manuscript Collections? You can find it at: Icweb.loc.gov/coll/nucmc.rlinresearch.html Click on RLG Union Catalog AMC Easy Search Form and enter "Dorr". The list will contain the ASPR manuscript description. Thanks for your attention to this matter. Ronald H. Epp, Ph.D. Director of Shapiro Library Southern New Hampshire University Manchester, NH 03106 603-668-2211, ext. 2164 3/29/2004 AMC[dorr george[1,1017,2,3,3,3,4,6,5,100,6,1]] (9-1) Page 1 of 2 Records 9 through 9 of 16 returned. Author: American Society for Psychical Research (Founded 1906). Title: Records, 1882-1966. Description: 3.4 linear ft. Notes: Contains records of American Society for Psychical Research and predecessor organizations, including the American Society for Psychical Research, 1885-1889, Society for Psychical Research-American Branch, 1889-1907, and American Institute for Scientific Research, Section B, 1907-1922. Records of first American Society for Psychical Research and Society for Psychical Research-American Branch include correspondence of Weston D. Bailey, 1899-1906, and with George B. Dorr, Henry James, William James, Richard Hodgson, and others concerning psychical research and society business; other correspondence, 1882, 1904; miscellaneous reports of sittings with mediums, flyers for meetings, and anti-psychic flyers, 1888-1904; and questionnaires on feelings about life after death, 1904. AISR records include correspondence of James Hyslop, 1906-1912, and Miles Dawson, 1910-1922; other correspondence and reports, 1909-1923; financial reports, 1919-1920; minutes of Board, 1904-1922; and miscellaneous circulars, notices, flyers, and brochures. ASPR records include minutes, 1922-1966; correspondence, and reports concerning case investigations and other matters, 1923-1935; editorial files of publications committee, particularly of Frederick Bligh Bond, 1928-1932; and correspondence, reports, clippings, and other material concerning medium Margery (Mina Stinson Crandon), 1924-1927. Subjects: Bailey, Weston D. Dorr, George Bucknam, 1853-1944. James, Henry, 1843-1916. James, William, 1842-1910. Hodgson, Richard, 1855-1905. Hyslop, James H. (James Hervey), 1854- Dawson, Miles Menander, 1863-1942. Bond, Frederick Bligh, 1864-1945. Crandon, Mina Stinson, ca. 1890-1941. Society for Psychical Research, London. American Branch. Future life. Psychical research. Mediums. Spiritualism. Location: American Society for Psychical Research. Archives, New York, NY. Control No. : NYHV87-A4 Tagged display | Previous Record I Next Record Brief Record Display | New Search http://lcweb.loc.gov/cgi-bin/zgate?pre.../rlinamc3.html,zinc.rlg.org,200%26AUTH%3drlinam 3/29/2004 Re: G.B. Dorr (Again) Page 1 of 6 Epp, Ronald From: ASPR [aspr@aspr.com] Sent: Tuesday, March 30, 2004 12:32 PM To: Epp, Ronald Subject: Re: G.B. Dorr (Again) Dear Ronald, Thank you for your information and I have taken note of your research requests. We are currently in the midst of a major project and working to deadline; thus, all research requests are pending. I apologize for this inconvenience and appreciate your patience. In the meantime, I shall send you an information form which we now ask researchers to complete if they intend to use our research collection. from: S. Many thanks for your understanding. Sincerely yours, Colleen -- ASPR, Inc. 5 West 73rd Street 4/12: New York, NY 10023 Phone: 212-799-5050 Fax: 212-496-2497 Calben 4/14/04 she this AFAP. www.aspr.com From: "Epp, Ronald" Date: Mon, 29 Mar 2004 11:24:19 -0500 To: "ASPR" Cc: "Epp, Ronald" Ip, Subject: G.B. Dorr (Again) Dear Colleen, In my research on Mr. George Dorr, I have recently consulted Arthur S. Berger's biographical history titled "Lives and Letters in American Parapsychology 11 (1988) . I have found therein 3/30/2004 Re: G.B. Dorr (Again) Page 2 of 6 in chapter 2 the following claim to a manuscript source that is credited to the ASPR archives: "But surely, Hyslop thought, George B. Dorr, a former vice-president of the American Branch of the SPR and one of the administrators of Hodgson's estate, would accept. Doee replied to Hyslop's invitation: "I dread at the moment undertaking any fresh responsibility I do not like to go upon Committees without taking an active part in their work and that I could not do at present." The endnote (121) is 11 G.B. Dorr (1906, May 24). Letter to J.H. Hyslop. ASPR Archives. Since I have found no manuscripts attributed to Mr. Dorr on parapsyhology, this is an imporant find if it is accurate. Could you check for me? I am also very interested in the new claim that Dorr administered "Hodgson's estate" and would appreciate an indication from you whether there exists additional ASPR archival correspondence between Dorr and Hyslop or between Dorr and Hodgson. If it looks promising I can then plan a visit to the ASPR archives. Were you able to follow up on our earlier communication regarding the Dorr attribution in the ASPR record that is in the National Union Catalog of Manuscript Collections? You can find it at: lcweb.loc.gov/coll/nucmc.rlinresearch.html Click on RLG Union Catalog AMC Easy Search Form and enter "Dorr". The list will contain the ASPR manuscript description. Thanks for your attention to this matter. Ronald H. Epp, Ph.D. Director of Shapiro Library Southern New Hampshire University Manchester, NH 03106 603-668-2211, ext. 2164 603-645-9685 fax Original Message- From: ASPR [mailto:aspr@aspr.com] Sent: Thursday, January 08, 2004 12:54 PM To: Epp, Ronald Subject: Dorr Info Dear Ronald, Most embarrassingly, I must ask you to send me a copy of the info I sent to you dated 10/29. There is neither a copy on the computer nor in my files. How is it that this particular piece of info has disappeared?! Totally out of 3/30/2004 Re: G.B. Dorr & William James Page 1 of 9 Epp, Ronald From: ASPR [aspr@aspr.com] Sent: Tuesday, May 11, 2004 10:01 AM To: Epp, Ronald Subject: Re: G.B. Dorr & William James Dear Ronald, I'm very pleased to hear that! Thank you for letting me know how the research is progressing for you. Sincerely yours, Colleen -- ASPR, Inc. 5 West 73rd Street New York, NY 10023 Phone: 212-799-5050 Fax: 212-496-2497 www.aspr.com From: "Epp, Ronald" Date: Mon, 10 May 2004 09:59:22 -0400 To: "ASPR" Cc: "Epp, Ronald" Subject: G.B. Dorr & William James Dear Colleen, I appreciate your call on April 14th informing me of your continuing interest in Mr. Dorr and suggesting that I take a look at the eleven volumes of the William James Correspondence published since 1992 by the University Presses of Virginia. I spent several hours at the University of New Hampshire carefully identifying the many references to the Dorr's and spending more than thirty dollars photocopying these passages. Without your direction I would have missed this very important resource. To be sure, I had plans to visit the Harvard Archives and examine the James-Dorr overlap but your helpful suggestion spared me an enormous amount of work. Thank you! 5/11/2004 Message Page 1 of 11 Epp, Ronald From: Epp, Ronald Sent: Friday, July 16, 2004 3:17 PM To: 'ASPR' Cc: Epp, Ronald Subject: G.B. Dorr & William James Dear Colleen, I am nearing completion of my research on George Dorr (see our earlier communication) and his psychical research collaborations with William Jmes and others at the turn of the last century. For purposes of crediting to the ASPR an association with Mr. Dorr, I really do need from you some indication of whether your research materials contain the documentation that I refer to below--and that I have been pursuing with the ASPR for these last two years with you and your predecessor. If the Dorr materials can't be found I will contact the Association of Research Libraries and ask that the records be revised by removing the attribution to the ASPR. I hope that this can be avoided. I look forward to hearing from you. Ronald H. Epp, Ph.D. Director of Shapiro Library Southern New Hampshire University Manchester, NH 03106 603-668-2211, ext. 2164 603-645-9685 fax Original Message From: ASPR [mailto:aspr@aspr.com] Sent: Tuesday, May 11, 2004 10:01 AM To: Epp, Ronald Subject: Re: G.B. Dorr & William James Dear Ronald, I'm very pleased to hear that! 7/16/2004