John Baker Papers
Collection
Identifier: UNMA-031
Scope and Content Note
The John Baker papers consist of materials collected and donated by the Baker family. The material consists of two series: letter and correspondence, and miscellaneous materials. The majority of the correspondence deals with the films, book and articles on Baker's life. Most of the letters are from people inspired by John's life story. There are letters from John to various members of his family, as well as letters and get well cards to John from friends and students. In addition, within the letters and correspondence are tributes and memorials received, both by John and his family after his death. The series labelled miscellaneous includes a few personal papers of John Baker, newspaper articles, pamphlets, flyers, programs and scrapbooks. A script of the CBS movie "A Shining Season" as well as copies of other written material are maintained within this section.
Entire collection is photocopies of original materials.
Entire collection is photocopies of original materials.
Dates
- 1958-1985
Creator
- Baker, John, 1944-1970 (Person)
Language of Materials
English
Access Restrictions
The collection is open for research.
Copy Restrictions
Limited duplication of CSWR material is allowed for research purposes. User is responsible for compliance with all copyright, privacy, and libel laws. Permission is required for publication or distribution.
Biographical Note
John Willard Baker moved with his family to Albuquerque, N.M. in 1953 where he began his track career at Mark Twain Elementary School. While on the Manzano High School track team he became the New Mexico State Champion in the mile. As a member of the University of New Mexico track team, he won the WAC Cross-Country Championship twice and was the WAC Champion in the mile. After receiving his Bachelor's degree in 1967 he became an elementary school coach and physical education teacher. As a teacher, he sought ways to involve all of his students in athletics, including handicapped and "problem" children. His philosophy was to encourage each child to do his best. Baker died of cancer on Thanksgiving Day in 1970. A number of tributes to him have followed since his death. His story has been the inspiration for a book, various articles and two films.
Extent
2 Cubic Feet (2 Boxes)
Creator
- Baker, John, 1944-1970 (Person)
- Title
- Finding Aid of the John Baker Papers, 1958-1985
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Processed by Staff
- Date
- ©2000
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
- Language of description note
- Finding aid is in English
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
cswrref@unm.edu
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
cswrref@unm.edu