Lonita Gustad Corothers Papers

6.0 linear feet (6 records boxes)

The Lonita Gustad Corothers Papers consist primarily of personal diaries kept from 1945 through 2010, along with related writings, correspondence, poetry, and reflections. The collection is centered around Corothers' detailed diary entries, beginning in August 1945 and continuing through June 2010, documenting daily life, personal relationships, family matters, and religious reflections. Of particular note are descriptions of her experiences as a pharmacy student at South Dakota State College from 1946 to 1950, and early entries reflecting on the aftermath of World War II.

Accompanying the diaries are seven timeline index notebooks compiled by Corothers, which summarize entries and highlight significant life events through starred notations. Additional series include excerpted diary passages arranged by theme (e.g., courtship, marriage, family life), typed or printed transcriptions with later comments by the author, and copied alphabetical diary volumes for easier reference.

The collection also includes correspondence between Lonita and her future husband, Tom Corothers, dating from 1949 to 1964, primarily during their courtship and early marriage. A grief notebook written following Tom’s death reflects on their relationship and her experience of loss.

Corothers’ literary output is represented in five poetry binders compiled in 2003, categorized by topic (Nature and Faith; Love, Anger, Humor; Death and Grief; Philosophy; Age and Miscellaneous), as well as multiple poetry notebooks and untitled drafts. Additional writings include prose, meditations, and reflections, many handwritten or typed on scrap paper such as envelopes, grocery lists, or church bulletins, often undated and unordered.

Together, the materials offer a deeply personal and extensive life record, rich in autobiographical detail and reflective commentary spanning over six decades.

This collection is organized into series:

• Series 1. Timelines
• Series 2. Diaries
• Series 3. Correspondence
• Series 4. Poetry
• Series 5. Original Writings
• Series 6. Diary Excerpts
• Series 7. General Material

Within each series, items are arranged chronologically, with the exception of Series 6 which is arranged alphabetically.

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Copyright and Use Statement

In Copyright This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses, you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).

Materials in this collection may be subject to Title 17, Section 108 of the United States Copyright Act. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with copyright, privacy, trademark, and other applicable rights for their intended use. Obtaining all necessary permissions is the user's responsibility. Written authorization from the copyright and/or other rights holders is required for publication, distribution, or any use of protected materials beyond what is permitted under fair use.