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Letters, Notes, Biographical Sketch, Photocopies of Photographs, 1965-2012

 File — Folder: 1

Scope and Content

From the Collection: Ann Merrill’s collection consists of letters and notes written to her by Frank Waters. The letters provide insight into their lives and relationship in the 1960s-1970s. Ann was getting settled in Taos, NM with her daughters and also developing as a painter. Frank was writing books, travelling to Mexico and Central America, and struggling to earn a living. Both Ann and Frank were in “soul searching" phases of their lives. The letters give insight into personal journeys, daily goings on, and connections with the Taos scene. Some of the letters are written by Waters from Mexico where he spent time in Mexico City and did a bit of travelling around the country and into Guatemala. His description and analysis of travel itself (transportation, lodging, etc.) as well as of the people, towns, and archaeological sites give insight into Mexican and Guatemalan culture in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Description of travels to Oaxaca, Yucatan and Chiapas in Mexico and down the Usumacinta River and to Bonampak, Yaxchilan, and Tikal in Guatemala are particularly noteworthy.

The collection also includes a letter to Ann Merrill from Tom Lyon (2001) thanking her for letting him use the letters, a letter from Tal Luther wanting to buy the letters for his collection, and a biographical sketch of Ann Merrill written by her daughter, Lolly Merrill Stafford.

Dates

  • 1965-2012

Language of Materials

From the Collection: English

Access Restrictions

The collection is open for research.

Extent

From the Collection: 1 Folder

Repository Details

Part of the UNM Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections Repository

Contact:
University of New Mexico Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections
University Libraries, MSC05 3020
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque NM 87131
505-277-6451