Collection inventory

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Lewis Allan Typescript

A description of the item at Syracuse University

Overview of the Collection

Creator: Allan, Lewis, 1903-1986.
Title: Lewis Allan Typescript
Inclusive Dates: Undated
Quantity: 1 item (SC)
Abstract: Typescript for a play, "Song of Freedom," by the author of the poem and song "Strange Fruit."
Language: English
Repository: Special Collections Research Center,
Syracuse University Libraries
222 Waverly Avenue
Syracuse, NY 13244-2010
https://library.syracuse.edu/special-collections-research-center

Biographical History

Lewis Allan was the pen name of Abel Meeropol (1903-1986), a Jewish American writer and poet. He wrote numerous songs and poems, including hit songs for Frank Sinatra and Peggy Lee, and taught at DeWitt Clinton High School in the Bronx. One of his pieces, the anti-lynching poem "Strange Fruit," was performed by Billie Holliday, set to music written by Meeropol; the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1978. Meeropol and his wife were also the adoptive parents of the young sons of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg.

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Scope and Contents of the Collection

The Lewis Allan Typescript consists of the typescript for a play, "Song of Freedom," on the International Workers Order and the role of immigrants in America.

"The opponent of free education are also the enemies of the freedom of the slaves and the rights of women. You pay lip service to the first, but you have no more use for it than you have for the abolition of slavery and sex equality. The three are inseparable."
"Song of Freedom," Lewis Allen

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Restrictions

Access Restrictions

The majority of our archival and manuscript collections are housed offsite and require advanced notice for retrieval. Researchers are encouraged to contact us in advance concerning the collection material they wish to access for their research.

Use Restrictions

Written permission must be obtained from SCRC and all relevant rights holders before publishing quotations, excerpts or images from any materials in this collection.

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Related Material

Special Collections Research Center has the papers of numerous individuals and organizations involved in education, social activism and reform, and labor. Please refer to the SCRC Subject Index for a complete listing.

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Subject Headings

Persons

Allan, Lewis, 1903-1986.

Corporate Bodies

International Workers Order -- In literature.

Associated Titles

Song of freedom.

Subjects

Radicalism in literature.
Theater -- Political aspects.

Genres and Forms

Scripts (documents)

Occupations

Dramatists.

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Administrative Information

Preferred Citation

Preferred citation for this material is as follows:

Lewis Allan Typescript,
Special Collections Research Center,
Syracuse University Libraries

Acquisition Information

Purchased from the Peter Graham Fund for Radicalism in Literature and Art, 2008.

Finding Aid Information

Created by: MRC
Date: 29 Sep 2008
Revision history:

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Inventory

Writings
SC 237 "Song of Freedom" undated - typescript

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