Patrick Ward Gainer (1904-1981), Collector, Papers and Folk Music Recordings
Collection
Collection Number: A&M 3003
Archives of an eminent folklorist and professor of English at West Virginia University. Manuscripts include field folklore collections, lecture notes, book manuscripts, correspondence, student papers, and folksong arrangements. There are also materials regarding Gainer's position as director of South Atlantic USO activities during World War II and a journal of a folksong collecting trip to Ireland in 1961. Also two hundred and ninety-three audio tapes containing vocal and instrumental folk music, folklore and oral history, recorded in West Virginia and in Scotland and Ireland. Nearly half of the material is performed by Gainer himself. The collection also includes news clippings relating to folklore and Gainer's career, as well as a variety of photographs, film clips, and personal awards and memorabilia.
Additional information about the folk music recordings is available in: West Virginia University, and John A. Cuthbert. West Virginia Folk Music: A Descriptive Guide to Field Recordings in the West Virginia and Regional History Collection. West Virginia University Press, 1982.
Special access restrictions apply.
Permission of a curator required for use of this material; please contact the West Virginia & Regional History Center reference department at https://westvirginia.libanswers.com/wvrhc to request permission.
Part of this collection (22 boxes of folk music recordings) is stored offsite. Please make an appointment prior to visiting.
Researchers may access digitized audiovisual materials by requesting to view the materials in person by appointment or remotely by contacting the West Virginia & Regional History Center reference department at https://westvirginia.libanswers.com/wvrhc. Materials that are not digitized must be digitized prior to research access. Researchers must contact the West Virginia & Regional History Center reference department at https://westvirginia.libanswers.com/wvrhc to request digitization.
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.
18.08 Linear Feet (39 document cases, 5 in. each; 1 records carton, 15 in.; 4 microfilm boxes, 1.75 in. each)
25.4 Gigabytes (203 .wav files and 28 .mp3 files)
English
West Virginia and Regional History Center / West Virginia University / 1549 University Avenue / P.O. Box 6069 / Morgantown, WV 26506-6069 / Phone: 304-293-3536 / URL: https://wvrhc.lib.wvu.edu/
Hymnals separated to the rare book collection:
Baxter, J. R., W. W. Combs, Homer F. Morris, and Virgil O. Stamps, compilers. Favorite Songs and Hymns: A Complete Church Hymnal. Dallas, Texas: Stamps-Baxter Music and Printing Co., 1939.
Baltzell, Isaiah and E. S. Lorenz. The Master's Praise. Dayton, Ohio: W. J. Shuey, 1891.
Black, James M. The Chorus of Praise. Chicago: Jennings and Pye.
Byers, A. L., C. E. Hunter, D. O. Teasley, and B. E. Warren, editors. Truth in Song. Anderson, Indiana: Gospel Trumpet Co., 1907.
Elderkin, George D., editor. The Finest of the Wheat. Chicago: R. R. McCabe and Co., Publishers, 1890.
Elderkin, George D., editor. The Finest of the Wheat No. 2. Chicago: R. R. McCabe and Co., Publishers, ca. 1908. [two copies, one with missing boards]
Hall, J. H., E. T. Hildebrand and J. H. Ruebush. The Messenger of Song. Dayton, Virginia: The Ruebush-Kieffer Co., 1893.
Holsinger, George B. Gospel Songs and Hymns No. 1. Mount Morris, Illinois: Brethren Publishing House, 1899.
Lincoln, H. N. Sacred Song King. Dallas, Texas: Songland Company, 1901.
Myers, A. F. The New Century Carols. Dayton, Ohio: The United Brethren Publishing House, 1899.
Siedleckiego, X. J. Spiewniczek Koscielny. Krakow, Poland: XX Misyonarzy Na Kleparzu, 1908.
Randall, R. H. The Key-Letter. Marion, Ohio: R. H. Randall, ca. 1891.
Ravanello, Orestes, editor. Secunda Anthologia Vocalis. Torino, Italy: Societa Tipografico-Editrice Nazionale.
Rodeheaver, Charles A., compiler. Rodeheaver's Gospel Songs. Edited by Charles H. Gabriel. Chicago: The Rodeheaver Company, 1922.
[hymnal and instruction book] 123 pages. 6 in. x 9 1/2 in. First page: "Elementary Department".
[hymnal] 214 pages. 7 3/4 in. x 5 1/4 in. ca. 1893. First page: "No. 11 The Holy of Holies".
[hymnal] 193 pages. 5 1/4 in. x 6 3/4 in. First page: "Index of Subjects".
Part of the West Virginia and Regional History Center Repository