Irving McDonald Papers

Collection — Multiple Containers

Identifier: SC105-MCDO

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection mostly contains papers related to two topics of interest to Irving McDonald. The first topic is a translation of Hortorum originally written by Rene Rapin, S.J. and translated by James Gardiner in 1732. McDonald edited and re-published this translation in 1932. The materials pertaining to this publication includes typescript of the work in Latin, galley proofs with corrections made by MCDonald, hand written notes and illustration proofs. Additionally, there is a copyright form for this work from 1932.

The second part of the collection contains materials related to McDonald correcting an article published by King Features’ Publications about the life of Anthanasius Kircher, a 17th century German Jesuit. In 1938, McDonald wrote to the publishers with corrections and later wrote several articles about Kircher. These materials contain a copy of the original article, correspondence with the publisher, newspaper clippings about the corrections and copies of the Kircher articles written by McDonald. There are two printing plates connected to the articles written as the result of this controversy.

Finally, the collection contains papers pertaining McDonald’s activity with the New England Classical Association. There also is one folder containing copies of clippings, books reviews and other printed items.

Dates

Creation: 1932-1934
Creation: 1938

Creator

McDonald, Irving Thomas (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

No restrictions

Conditions Governing Use

Materials believed to be under copyright or other restrictions are available for limited noncommercial, educational and personal use only, or for fair use as defined by United States copyright law and with proper citation. Please note that the College of the Holy Cross may not hold the rights to all items in this collection. Users assume responsibility for identifying all copyright holders and for determining whether permission is needed to make any use of the content. For permission under rights held by the College, please contact archives@holycross.edu.

Biographical / Historical

Irving T. McDonald’s (1894 – 1966) career began as a teacher in a public high school following his graduation from the College of the Holy Cross in 1915. Despite his passion for teaching, his love for adventure and desire to see the world led him to acting. He joined a vaudeville acting troupe that traveled around the country and was eventually named manager of the group. He later put this experience to good use as a manager of the five Fox Theaters in Worcester. His passion for teaching still very much alive, McDonald returned to Holy Cross in 1929 to head the Drama Department.

As a professor, McDonald was revered by Holy Cross students for his genuine and caring personality. Health problems and a love for academia eventually led him to transfer to the English Department and he was appointed Librarian in 1931. McDonald wrote a few successful plays and several books for boys, including accounts of life at Holy Cross. After twelve years on the Holy Cross faculty, Irving T. McDonald passed away in March of 1966.

Extent

.38 Cubic Feet (1 document box and 1 flat box)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Custodial History

The acqusition source is unknown.

Related Materials

RG14.04 Library, Series 1 Director’s Files; RG17.3A Alumni Files

McDonald, Irving Thomas. Hoi--Ah!: Andy Carroll’s First Year at Holy Cross. New York: Benziger Brothers, 1926. --- Schooner ahoy!: Holy cross boys with the Cape Cod fishing fleet. New York: Benziger Brothers, 1926. --- That second year (at Holy Cross). New York: Benziger Brothers, 1928. --- The Dinand Library. Worcester, MA.: College of the Holy Cross, 1933. McDonald, Irving Thomas, ed. Renati Rapini; Hortorum libri IV. Worcester, MA.: Holy Cross Press, 1932.