This collection encompasses 50-plus years of interviews, readings, speeches, and reports on the vibrant literary scene in Minnesota. Not only home to giants F. Scott Fitzgerald and Sinclair Lewis, our state has an array of incredible contemporary poets, novelists and playwrights. Their words make up majority of this collection.
Repeatedly being named the “Most Literate City in the United States,” the Twin Cities has played host to numerous visiting national writers via book tours, festivals, and lectures. Many recordings of these are also included.
This project was funded by the National Historical Publications & Records Commission.
January 18, 1978 - Ronald Reagan and William F Buckley debate the proposed treaties now under study by the United States Senate. This is part of the "Firing Line" broadcast from public television
February 2, 1978 - Opening remarks to "The Zestful Generation: Exploding the Myths of Age" two-day conference on aging held at the Dayton's Department Store Auditorium in Minneapolis given by author Garson Kanin. His most recent book was titled "It Takes a Long Time to Become Young: An Entertainment in the Form of a Declaration of War on the Mindless Youth Cult That Has Our Time in Its Grip."
February 3, 1978 - New York columnist Jimmy Breslin speaks about "Colorful People from the Past" at "The Zestful Generation: Exploding the Myths of Age" two-day conference on aging held at the Dayton's Department Store Auditorium in Minneapolis. Introduction by WCCO TV's Dave Moore.
February 3, 1978 - Special: "The Best is Yet to Be" - "The Zestful Generation: Exploding the Myths of Age" two-day conference on aging held at the Dayton's Department Store Auditorium in Minneapolis with Studs Terkel, moderator for the final panel discussion. Panelists include Hoyt Catlin, founder of The Fertile Company in Norwalk, Connecticut; veterinarian William Andberg, "The Grey Ghost" from Anoka; and Sterling Robson, onetime professional whistler and wrestler who tends bar at Jennings' Red Coach Inn in Saint Louis Park. Introduction by WCCO TV's Bill Carlson.
February 3, 1978 - Closing remarks to "The Zestful Generation: Exploding the Myths of Age" two-day conference on aging held at the Dayton's Department Store Auditorium in Minneapolis given by author Garson Kanin. His most recent book was titled "It Takes a Long Time to Become Young: An Entertainment in the Form of a Declaration of War on the Mindless Youth Cult That Has Our Time in Its Grip." Introduction by WCCO Radio's Charlie Boone.
February 15, 1978 - Selected readings demonstrate the broad historical and contemporary range of black literature and authors, in honor of Black History Month. Includes work featured by authors Dorothy West, Frank Yerby, Langston Hughes, Chester Himes and Ted Poston.
March 13, 1978 - Comedian and social activist Dick Gregory speaking at Concordia College. Gregory discussed an array of topics, including politics, education, racism, religion, and energy issues.
March 14, 1978 - Author and poet Abigail McCarthy lectures on Jane Grey Swisshelm, the 19th Century St. Cloud newspaper editor and pioneering radical Minnesota feminist. McCarthy spoke recently at the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul.
April 22, 1978 -
May 2, 1978 - MPR’s Bill Siemering profiles Minnesota poet Robert Bly. Program includes Bly reading from his book "This Body is Made of Camphor and Gopherwood" at Augsburg College, followed by an interview with Siemering.