Overview
These papers relate to Towne's unpublished biography of George Peabody and include some Peabody family papers given to Towne for the preparation of his book.
Dates
- Creation: 1819 - 1965
Conditions Governing Access
Restrictions on access: None
Conditions Governing Use
Restrictions on use: None
Extent
1 linear feetThe Charles Towne Papers were donated to the museum in 1970 by his son, Richard Towne under the auspices of Watson Smith. The papers primarily relate to Towne's unpublished biography of George Peabody, Beneficent bachelor; the life and times of George Peabody, philanthropist to two worlds, 1795-1869 completed in 1963. Materials include some Peabody family papers given to Towne for the preparation of his book. The collection contains notes, clippings, notebooks, correspondence, ephemera, and manuscript material.
Biographical Sketch
Charles Wayland Towne was born in Dover, N.H. November 14, 1875. He graduated from Brown University in 1897 and joined the staff of the New York Times . He also covered the Spanish-American War for the Boston Herald in 1898. In 1902 Towne met Buffalo Bill Cody and traveled with Cody for several years. During World War I, Towne handled entertainment for troops in France and after the war he accepted a position as publicity director for Anaconda Copper and the Montana Power Co. He retired in 1941.
After retirement, Towne moved to Tucson, and building on his earlier newspaper career, Towne wrote for national magazines. Often writing under the pen name of Gideon Wurdz, he also wrote both humorous and serious books, including George Peabody--American Philanthropist.
Towne passed away at his home in Tucson at the age of 89 on April 3, 1965.
Sources:
- "Charles Towne Rites Held." Tucson Daily Citizen. April 5, 1965.
- "Adventurer Towne Dies at 89." Arizona DailyStar. April 5, 1965.
Physical Location
Peabody Museum Archives
Immediate Source of Acquisition
970-22, 2001.7
These papers are a gift of Richard Towne , under the auspices of Watson Smith, 1970
General note
Collections records may contain language, reflecting past collecting practices and methods of analysis, that is no longer acceptable. The Peabody Museum is committed to addressing the problem of offensive and discriminatory language present in its database. Our museum staff are continually updating these records, adding to and improving content. We welcome your feedback and any questions or concerns you may want to share.
Processed by:
Sarah R. Demb, Archivist; February 2000 ; edited by Patricia H. Kervick, Associate Archivist; August 2009
Correspondents Index
- Adams, Mr. : 1.4
- Choate, George F. : 1.4
- Commissioners of the Inland Revenue : 2.1
- Cryder, John : 1.4, 2.1
- Daily Post [Liverpool] : 1.4
- Everett, Edward : 1.4
- Field, W. : 1.4
- H., J.H. : 2.1
- Jas. Robb & Co. : 2.1
- Macalester, G. : 1.4, 2.1
- Marsh, O.C. : 1.4
- Michael, O. M. [Ormsby McKnight] : 1.4
- Peabody, George : 1.4
- Peabody, George & Co. : 1.4
- Peabody, Achsah S. : 1.4
- Peabody, Judith : 1.4
- Proctor, Sylvester : 1.4
- Sampson, C.U. : 1.4, 2.1
- Sampson,William : 1.4
- Schadley, Edward : 1.4
- Squier, George : 2.1
- Taylor, Jefferson : 1.4
- Tremont, J.C. : 1.4
- Trinker, James : 1.4
- Wetmore, S.J.B. : 1.4
- Wright, Mr. : 1.4
- Title
- Towne, Charles Wayland, 1875-1965. Papers, 1819-1965 inclusive : A Finding Aid
- Author
- Peabody Museum Archives
- Language of description
- und
- EAD ID
- pea00048
Repository Details
Part of the Peabody Museum Archives Repository
Papers in the Peabody Museum Archives consist of primary source materials that document the Museum’s archaeological and ethnographic research and fieldwork since its founding in 1866. More than 2,800 feet of archival paper collections contain documents, papers, manuscripts, correspondence, data, field notes, maps, plans, and other historical records that represent diverse peoples from around the world, and which were created or collected by the Museum, its individual affiliates, or related entities. The collections also document the history or provenience, as well as the creation of, many of the Museum’s archaeological and ethnographic collections.