Notes, 1951

The collection is arranged into five series, the largest of which is Correspondence (23 letters from Niles and 194 to him). It includes letters from Irving Berlin, Bruce Bliven, George Gershwin, Lillian Gish, Carl Sandburg, and Telly Savalas. The Writings series includes manuscript essays and notes by Niles as well as journal and newspaper articles published by or about Niles. Files on the Watkinson Library Sheet Music collection include notes and correspondence from Niles regarding how Trinity College might proceed with cataloging the collection. The W.C. Handy series includes correspondence (originals and transcriptions); sheet music; a photograph album gifted to Niles and his wife, Katherine, from W.C. Handy's wife, Irma, shortly after Handy's death; and other memorabilia, mostly programs from Handy's public birthday celebrations. Of note is a copy of a Miguel Covarrubias caricature of Handy. The Memorabilia series includes three photographs and autographed programs and sheet music.