5 Linear Feet, Summary: 5 ft. (4 records cartons, 15 in. each)
Creator
Curtis, J. Montgomery
Location
West Virginia and Regional History Center / West Virginia University / 1549 University Avenue / P.O. Box 6069 / Morgantown,
WV 26506-6069 / Phone: 304-293-3536 / Fax: 304-293-3981 / URL: https://wvrhc.lib.wvu.edu/
Permission to publish or reproduce is required from the copyright holder. For more information, please see the Permissions and Copyright page on the West Virginia and Regional History Center website.
Conditions Governing Access
No special access restriction applies.
Preferred Citation
[Description and date of item], [Box/folder number], J. Montgomery Curtis, Journalist, Papers, A&M 3249, West Virginia and
Regional History Center, West Virginia University Libraries, Morgantown, West Virginia.
Papers and photos collected by a historian of journalism, Don E. Carter, about J. Montgomery Curtis, a renowned journalist
and newspaper expert from Elm Grove, West Virginia. Curtis was best known as a long time director of the New York-based American
Press Institute which was associated with Columbia University. The American Press Institute functioned to offer advice and
criticism to journalists and news publications. The last part of his career was spent in Miami working for the Knight newspaper
chain, later Knight Ridder newspapers, as a vice president and in-house critic. Most of the collection is comprised of correspondence
with colleagues, biographical notes about Curtis, and critiques of practices in the newspaper business. There is much correspondence
with John S. Knight evaluating the newspapers he owned, with James H. Ottaway who was a newspaper owner and long time chairman
of the board of the American Press Institute, and with Don E. Carter and Malcolm F. Mallette about the history of the American
Press Institute.
Series include:
Series 1. Biographical Information, 1956–1989 (Box 1)
Series 2. Correspondence, 1956–1982 (Boxes 1-3)
Series 3. Speeches and Writings -- Other Authorship, 1963-1973, undated (Box 3)
Series 4. Speeches and Writings -- Authored by Curtis, 1964-1982, undated (Box 3)
Series 5. Subjects -- Associated Press Institute [API], 1891–1983 (Box 3)
Series 6. Subjects -- General, 1968–1982 (Box 3)
Series 7. Photographs, 1974–1980 (Box 3)
Series 8. Photographs -- API -- Workshops, 1973–1974 (Box 3)
Series 9. Newspaper Critique Files, 1953–1989 (Boxes 3-4)
Series 10. Books, 1974–1992 (Box 4)
Miscellaneous (includes correspondence, clippings, etc. documenting autobiographical anecdotes of JMC, his sense of humor,
and many reminiscences of him, among other items of a biographical or semi-biographical nature) (Note by Don E. Carter regarding
these files: "This folder holds a collection of items used by Mal Mallette and me in our book...on history of the American
Press Institute. They were largely extracted from other files of the Curtis Collection and need to be reorganized and clarified.")
1970–1982
Mixed Materials Box: 1 Folder: 3
Reminiscence of J. Montgomery Curtis by Don Carter (22 pgs.)
1989
Mixed Materials Box: 1 Folder: 4
Letters of Appreciation
1972–1980
Mixed Materials Box: 1 Folder: 5
J. Montgomery Curtis Dinner at Columbia University, July, 1967 (includes correspondence, telegrams, guest list, clippings,
greeting cards, etc.)
1967
Mixed Materials Box: 1 Folder: 6
J. Montgomery Curtis Dinner, November 19, 1975 (includes correspondence, speech, telegram, greeting card, etc.)
1975
Mixed Materials Box: 1 Folder: 7
Retirement (includes press release and correspondence)
1978–1979
Mixed Materials Box: 1 Folder: 8
Clippings (regarding J.M. Curtis and API); Pamphlet--"12th Williamsburg International Assembly; A Report on American Dreams
and Dilemmas" (meeting of foreign graduate students)
1968–1979
Mixed Materials Box: 1 Folder: 9
Letters of Condolence upon the Death of J.M. Curtis
1982
Mixed Materials Box: 1 Folder: 10
Memorial Service (includes correspondence, programs, clippings, transcripts of eulogies, etc.)
This series includes correspondence with assorted newspapers, authors, and others regarding the American Press Institute (API),
newspapers, and other topics.
Occasionally, a note from the donor, Don E. Carter, will appear in the title in parentheticals highlighting subjects or topics
of note or sharing historical significance.
Mixed Materials Box: 1 Folder: 12-24
Miscellaneous (includes mostly correspondence, some clippings, and other items regarding mostly critique of newspapers, some
on history of the API, among other topics; evidence of notes, annotations, and highlighting on letters suggests that Don Carter
used these materials for researching "Seminar; The Story of the API")
1967–1982
Mixed Materials Box: 1 Folder: 25-26
Congratulatory Letters on Joining Knight Newspapers (Note by Don E. Carter regarding this file: "These are a cross-section
of the scores of letters Monty Curtis received when he left the American Press Institute to join Knight newspapers. Many others
were discarded in condensing his extensive files.")
1967
Mixed Materials Box: 1 Folder: 27
General
1967
Mixed Materials Box: 2 Folder: 1a-c
Get Well Letters (includes correspondence, greeting cards, clippings, etc.) (Note by Don E. Carter regarding this file: "Monty
Curtis suffered an aortic aneurysm in Wichita on November 22, 1976 while conducting a seminar on reporting and editing. He
was unconscious for many weeks thereafter but eventually recovered and returned to his work in Miami. This file contains the
enormous outpouring of support and respect he received during this period.")
1977
Mixed Materials Box: 2 Folder: 1d
Letters as Result of Editor and Publisher Article regarding the Recovery of J.M. Curtis
1977
Mixed Materials Box: 2 Folder: 2
Letters to a Convalescent -- Selected (probably a selection by Don Carter)
1977–1980
Mixed Materials Box: 2 Folder: 3-4
Get Well Letters
undated
Mixed Materials Box: 2 Folder: 5
Duluth Herald and News Tribune
1978–1982
Mixed Materials Box: 2 Folder: 6
Gary Post-Tribune
1977–1978
Mixed Materials Box: 2 Folder: 7
Philadelphia Daily News
1970–1976
Mixed Materials Box: 2 Folder: 8
Beebe, George
1969–1980
Mixed Materials Box: 2 Folder: 9
Bellune, Jerry
1976–1982
Mixed Materials Box: 2 Folder: 10
Black, Creed
1971–1981
Mixed Materials Box: 2 Folder: 11
Carter, Don E.
1977–1982
Mixed Materials Box: 2 Folder: 12
Chapman, Alvah H. (includes speeches and clippings)
1956–1977
Mixed Materials Box: 2 Folder: 13-14
Everett, Walter
1974–1979
Mixed Materials Box: 2 Folder: 15-16
Hays, Tim (Note by Don E. Carter regarding this file: "Tim Hays was a Board Member and later Chairman of the Board of Directors
of API. Hays and Curtis kept in close touch during these years about API matters.")
1974–1981
Mixed Materials Box: 2 Folder: 17-22
Hohenberg, John (professor of journalism at the Graduate School of Journalism, Columbia University, and Administrator for
the Pulitzer Prizes)
1972–1982
Mixed Materials Box: 2 Folder: 23
Hohenberg, John--Selected (by Don Carter)
1981–1982
Mixed Materials Box: 2 Folder: 24
Hohenberg, John--Tribute (on occasion of Hohenberg's retirement)
1976
Mixed Materials Box: 2 Folder: 25
Hohenberg, John--Projects (regarding Hohenberg's book projects, including book on history of Pulitzer Prizes)
1970–1976
Mixed Materials Box: 2 Folder: 26-27
Knight, John S.
1968–1979
Mixed Materials Box: 2 Folder: 28
Knight, James L. (includes correspondence, clippings, interview transcript, etc.) Photograph (James Knight with wife and Ambassador
and Mrs. Olavi Munkii of Finland on receiving Commander of the Order of Lion of Finland for promoting economic and cultural
ties.)
1967–1978
Mixed Materials Box: 2 Folder: 29
Lux, John (Note by Don E. Carter regarding this file: "Here is an interesting collection of letters between Curtis and the
then-publisher of a Knight-Ridder paper in Grand Forks, ND. Note especially Monty's wit and humor in trying to achieve a better
newspaper. And don't miss the letters about John Lux's dog!")
1974–1979
Mixed Materials Box: 2 Folder: 30
McMullan, John (includes correspondence, clippings, etc.)
1971–1981
Mixed Materials Box: 2 Folder: 31-36
Mallette, Malcolm F. (Note by Don E. Carter regarding this file: "These files...contain correspondence between Monty Curtis
and Mallette over a period of years, after Curtis left API and worked with Knight and Knight Ridder Newspapers. They demonstrate
his continuing interest, participation and support of the American Press Institute for as long as he lived. Mallette joined
API as an Associate Director. He moved up to become Managing Director, Director, and finally Director of Development.")
1966–1982
Mixed Materials Box: 2 Folder: 37
Murray, J. Edward
1973–1982
Mixed Materials Box: 2 Folder: 38
Neill, Rolfe
1970–1981
Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 1a-c
Ottaway, James H. (long-time Chairman of the Board of the American Press Institute)
1972–1981
Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 1d
Parham, Joseph ("Joe") (Macon News, Editor) (includes correspondence, clippings, etc.)
1969–1981
Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 1e
Quine, Frank (API, Director)
1981–1982
Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 2
Ridder, Bernhard H
1974–1979
Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 3
Schumaker, Tom (President and Publisher, Grand Forks Herald (includes clippings)
1977–1980
Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 4
Shimura, Hiroshi (includes photographs and letters on art paper)
1970–1978
Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 5
Shoemaker, Don (includes clippings and transcript of API Editorial Writers Seminar)
1969–1979
Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 6
Sulzberger, Arthur Hays (New York Times) (includes clippings)
This series includes speeches and writings by Curtis, many on the topic of the state of the press and journalism as a whole.
Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 8
"Some Thoughts on Newspaper Success" (20 pgs.)
undated
Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 8
Concise Comments on Newspaper Success (4 pgs.)
undated
Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 8
"Where are Newspapers Now? Where are They Going" (8 pgs.)
undated
Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 8
Ten Challenges to Newspapers (speech transcript)
undated
Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 8
"Excerpts from talk by J. Montgomery Curtis, Director, American Press Institute at Forty-Ninth Anniversary Convention of Southern
Newspaper Publishers Association, White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia (WV), November 21, 1952" (2 pgs.)
1952 November 21
Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 8
"Proceedings of Dedicatory Ceremonies for Howell Hall as the New Home of the School of Journalism" (includes transcript of
JMC's speech) (11 pgs.)
1960 October 21
Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 8
"The Quality of Today's Newspaper Is Far Better than 10 Years Ago" (2 pgs.)
1964 June 12
Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 8
"What Is the Truth about Newspapers" (3 pgs.)
July 1964
Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 8
"How the Editor Can Help Production and Vice Versa" (16 pgs.) (transcript of conference presentation)
1964 June 12
Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 09a
"Newspapers Today -- A Situationer" (4 pgs.)
1966 February 10
Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 09a
"The Challenge of Change" (3 pgs.)
March 1967
Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 09a
"There Is No Such Thing as a Serious Error" (3 pgs.)
March 1967
Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 09a
"Inter American Press Association; XXIII General Assembly; San Juan, Puerto Rico; October 1967; Address by JMC, Vice President
of Development, Knight Newspapers, Inc. (7 pgs.)
October 1967
Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 09a
"Some Random Thoughts with a Shotgun for Your Consideration" (regarding national events) (16 pgs.)
1967 December 22
Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 09a
"Freedom and Responsibility in the Age of Chaos" (transcript of speech delivered at Williamsburg International Assembly, Williamsburg,
VA) (9 pgs.)
1968 June 10
Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 09a
Press Release regarding JMC Speech at New England Society of Newspaper Editors 15th Annual Convention (2 pgs.)
1969 December 6
Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 09a
Clipping regarding JMC Letter to Editor (C.A. McKnight) Discussing Current Events (1 pg.)
1970 March 29
Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 09a
"People Make the Difference" (remarks on "management methods and training" for FIEJ Congress session) (12 pgs.)
1970 June 18
Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 09b
"Where Have We Been?" (regarding the technology of newspaper production) (3 pgs.)
1972 July 18
Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 09b
Current Events (delivered to Macon Rotary Club; includes clipping and program) (11 pgs.)
1973 July 31
Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 09b
"The Press and Watergate" (delivered to Inland Daily Press Association)
1973 October 15
Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 09b
"Thoughts on Current Events and Newspapers for Possible Use in Speech Making"
1973 November 13
Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 10
"In the Beginning..." (thoughts on Watergate; published in Philadelphia Daily News) (typescript 5 pgs.)
1973 November 28
Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 10
"Developments in Newspaper Journalism" (Michigan State University) (15 pgs.)
1974 May 7
Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 10
"Helping New Top Bosses" (outline of helpful topics for discussion JMC used to assist new publishers and editors) (45 pgs.)
ca. 1974
Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 11
Henry Hornsby's Retirement (2 pgs.)
1976 June 29
Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 11
Remarks to AASFE Annual Meeting (regarding rationale for newspapers awards selection)
September 1976
Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 11
Short Remarks Regarding Presidents (3 pgs.)
1976 September 20
Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 12
"Now Go and Do It" (delivered at ASNE Convention; regarding 19 issues relating to newspaper success) (16 pgs.)
1978 April 12
Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 13
"Monty Remembers the Twenties" (in West Virginia Fourth Estatesman, newsletter of the Perley Isaac Reed School of Journalism,
West Virginia University [WVU]; good source for history of the School)
December 1979
Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 14
"API: A Personal Remembrance" (includes correspondence regarding reception of the book) (54 pgs.)
1980–1981
Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 15
"Outline for Seattle Workshop" (4 pgs.)
May 1980
Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 15
"Red Smith's Counsel" (16 points of advice for writing sports columns) (2 pgs.)
1982 January 18
Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 15
"APME and the Revolution" (a reminiscence) (6 pgs.)
1982 March 24
Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 15
"In Memoriam" (eulogy regarding Dick Jones, newspaper executive)
1982 April 25
Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 15
"A Newspaper Has to Be More than Good" (4 pgs.)
July 1982
Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 16
"How to Attract More Readers to Your Paper" (21 pgs.)
Series 5. Subjects -- Associated Press Institute [API] (Box 3)
Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 18-28 1891–1983
Scope and Contents
This series includes subject files regarding the American Press Institute (API), including materials published by API, clippings
regarding large newspapers, and other material.
Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 18
"Curtis Dies; API Pioneer (in The API Roundtable, Winter 1983)
1983
Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 18
"Confessionals and Ice Water Cocktails" (Hohenburg, John) (brief history of API; reprint from Saturday Review, 1971 December
12)
1971 December 11
Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 19
API -- Writing Kit (tip sheets for improved newspaper writing)
1969
Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 20
Journalism and Coal Mining (items are chronologically "scattered")
1891–1974
Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 21
Journalism Education (includes correspondence, clippings, and reports)
1970–1979
Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 22
Knight, John S. -- Awards, Photographs
1969–1974
Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 23
Knight Foundation Study (study by committee to determine what the Knight Foundation might best do in the field of journalism)
1971–1976
Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 24
Knight Ridder Newspapers -- Resolutions (includes tributes to Ben V. Schneider, B.J. Ridder, and C. Blake McDowell, and a
photo of Ben V. V. Scheneider)
1968–1976
Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 25
The Miami Herald (includes correspondence critiquing the newspaper and brochures and clippings about the paper)
1976
Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 26
Names, Unusual
1968–1973
Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 27
Newspapers, History of
undated
Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 28
Newspapers, Future of (includes clippings, brochures, speech transcripts)
This series includes general subject files, including several articles on the Pulitzers and the Pulitzer Prizes, correspondence
regarding jury selection and other topics around prize selection, and other material.
Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 29
Background and Biography on Local Reporting Award to the Detroit Free Press
1968
Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 29
Background and Biography on Local Reporting Award to J. Anthony Lucas of the New York Times (includes photo portrait of Lucas)
1968
Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 29
Record of Omitted Categories, 191701968
1968
Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 29
Press Releases (3 items)
1967–1968
Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 30
Plan of Award, Nomination Forms
1970–1974
Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 30
"Extracts From the Will of Joseph Pulitzer: (Died October 29, 1911)"
Correspondence (regarding jury selection, encouraging submission of entries of Knight-Ridder Newspapers)
1977–1979
Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 31
"The Pulitzers: Flaws Fail to Tarnish Them" (Shaw, David; reprint of Los Angeles Times article, 1980 January 6)
1980
Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 31
"Rules are Changed for Pulitzer Contest" (Editor and Publisher article, 1979 January 20)
1979
Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 31
Clippings Announcing Winners
1980–1982
Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 32
Prize Record (includes listing of award winners for 1915-1982, and listing of award winners for 1915-1982, and listing of
prizes won by newspapers owned by John S. Knight for 1945-1968)
1968, 1982
Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 33
Tornillo Case (Pat L. Tornilla, Jr. vs. The Miami Herald Publishing Company, a Division of Knight Newspapers, Inc.) (Regarding
successful action by the Herald to have declared unconstitutional the Florida law which would compel newspapers to publish
whatever a politician wanted published.)
This series includes photographs of Curtis's retirement party, his 75th birthday party, and the American Press Institute's
(API) facilities in Reston, VA.
Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 34
API -- Housewarming (includes 8" by 10" color photographs of API facilities in Reston, VA, and black and white photo portraits
of J. Montgomery Curtis)
October 1974
Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 36
J. Montgomery Curtis Retirement Party (5 8" by 10" black and white candid shots; news release of retirement)
December 1978
Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 37
J. Montgomery Curtis Birthday Party (10 8" by 10" black and white candid shots)
This series includes assorted articles and publications critiquing various aspects of newspapers, the press, and journalism,
including ethics, credibility, quality, and various newspaper departmetns.
Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 38-39
Miscellaneous (Note by Don E. Carter regarding these files: "This folder contains many items dealing with the newspaper philosophy
of Monty Curtis. They are not organized in any special order, but do reflect much of his wisdom and brilliance.")
1968–1989
Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 40
Miscellaneous (Note by Don E. Carter regarding this file: "These items are gleaned from other boxes of files containing corporate
materials. Most of them dealt with workshops, evaluations, seminars Monty Curtis participated in one way or another.")
1972–1980
Mixed Materials Box: 4 Folder: 1
Miscellaneous (Includes correspondence, memoranda, tip sheets, lists, transcripts, clippings, etc. regarding how to improve
form, content, and management of newspapers, and their role in community and national life. Topics include: advertising, circulation,
clear writing, coverage, delivery, editorials, ethics, jumps, newspaper critiques, operating the newsroom, grammar, pictures,
production, promotion, reader surveys, reference tools, space use, sports coverage, staff selection, etc.)
1953–1982
Mixed Materials Box: 4 Folder: 1
General
ca. 1953-1982
Mixed Materials Box: 4 Folder: 2-3
"About Newspapers -- How to Make Them Better"
1968–1981
Mixed Materials Box: 4 Folder: 4
"Newspaper Analysis and Quality"
undated
Mixed Materials Box: 4 Folder: 5-6
Workshops
1973–1980
Mixed Materials Box: 4 Folder: 7
Newspaper Critique by Topic (Includes correspondence, memoranda, tip sheets, lists, transcripts, clippings, etc. regarding
how to improve form, content, and management of newspapers, and their role in community and national life.)
1967–1975
Mixed Materials Box: 4 Folder: 7
Accuracy
ca. 1967
Mixed Materials Box: 4 Folder: 8
Advertising
1966–1968
Mixed Materials Box: 4 Folder: 9
Awards
1975–1979
Mixed Materials Box: 4 Folder: 10
Business Coverage
1966–1978
Mixed Materials Box: 4 Folder: 11
Circulation
1966–1981
Mixed Materials Box: 4 Folder: 12
College Newspapers Awards Critique
1981
Mixed Materials Box: 4 Folder: 13
Columnists
1981
Mixed Materials Box: 4 Folder: 14
Community Leadership
1966
Mixed Materials Box: 4 Folder: 15
Content -- Readership
1976–1978
Mixed Materials Box: 4 Folder: 16
Defeating the Out-of-Town Competitor
1978
Mixed Materials Box: 4 Folder: 17
Duty or Service Coverage
1975–1982
Mixed Materials Box: 4 Folder: 18
Editorials -- "A Matter of Conscience; The Battles Never End. You Lose Some and Win Some: A Report on Editorials in Knight
Newspapers"
This series includes two books on Basil "Stuffy" Walters (a "newspaper pioneer" and former Editor-in-Chief of the Chicago
Daily Times [1959-1961]) and another on the history of the American Press Institute.
Mixed Materials Box: 4 Folder: 46
"Stuffy Walters" (Contains correspondence by JMC with his anecdotes of "Stuffy".)
1974–1977
Mixed Materials Box: 4 Folder: 47
"Stuffy: The Life of Newspaper Pioneer Basil "Stuffy" Walters (Moscowitz, Raymond)
1982
Mixed Materials Box: 4 Folder: 47
"Seminary: The Story of the American Press Institute" (API) (Carter, Don E. and Mallette, Malcom F.)
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