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M. Blair Hart Papers

 Collection
Identifier: MC 913

Scope and Content Note

The papers contain materials from M. Blair Hart's university years as well as his four years in the Air Force. Correspondence, theatre programs, material on Gaebale (a student festival), clippings, and photographs complete the collection.

Dates

  • 1925-1987

Creator

Language of Materials

Materials are in English.

Access Information

Please call (479) 575-8444 or email specoll@uark.edu at least two weeks in advance of your arrival to ensure availability of the materials.

Use Information

No Use Restrictions Apply.

No Interlibrary Loan.

Standard Federal Copyright Laws Apply (U.S. Title 17).

Biographical Note

M. Blair Hart was professor of Speech and Drama at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville from 1936-1975. Born September 27, 1907 at Delovan, Minnesota, he died December 10, 1986 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. After graduating from Delavan High School, M. Blair Hart attended Macalester College, receiving a B.A. in Biology and English in 1932 and then an M.A. from the State University of Iowa in Theatre in 1936. In 1951 he received a doctorate in education from the University of Denver in Speech Communication. He also served in the Air Force from June 1942 to October 1945. After returning from military service, he married Opal G. Munger who taught English in both the Siloam Springs and Fayetteville school systems until her retirement.

M. Blair Hart spent most of his professional career teaching at the University of Arkansas, 1936-1940, 1946-1975. He served as chairman of the Speech and Dramatic Art Department from 1953-1968, received the Distinguished Award in Teaching in 1971, and retired as Professor Emeritus in 1975. Professor Hart directed theatre productions; wrote about theatre, speech, and oral interpretation; wrote poetry; and was an active member of state and national professional organizations. He was President of the National Collegiate Players, 1960-1966 and a charter member of the Arkansas Arts and Humanities Council. After his retirement, the M. Blair Hart Scholarship in Speech and Dramatic Art was established in his honor. From 1975 until his death in 1986 he devoted himself to gardening and writing about daylilies.

Extent

.75 Linear Feet (2 boxes)

Arrangement of the Papers

Materials arranged by format in chronological order.

Acquisition Information

The M. Blair Hart Papers was donated by M. Blair Hart's wife, Opal Hart, of Fayetteville, Arkansas in January 1989.

Processing Information

Processed by Norma Ortiz-Karp; completed in February, 1989.

Creator

Source

Title
M. Blair Hart Papers
Status
Completed
Author
Norma Ortiz-Karp
Date
1989
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid is written in English.

Repository Details

Part of the Special Collections Department Repository

Contact:
University of Arkansas Libraries
365 N. McIlroy Avenue
Fayetteville AR 72701 United States
(479) 575-8444