Collection inventory

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Sy Montgomery Papers

An inventory of her papers at the Syracuse University Archives

Summary

Creator: Montgomery, Sy.
Title: Sy Montgomery Papers
Dates: 1977
Size: 1 folder
Abstract: Script and musical store for the 1977 Goon Show at Syracuse University
Language: English
Repository: University Archives,
Special Collections Research Center
Syracuse University Libraries
222 Waverly Ave., Suite 600
Syracuse, NY 13244-2010
https://library.syracuse.edu/special-collections-research-center/university-archives

Biography

Sy Montgomery (b. 1958) is an author, naturalist, and graduate of Syracuse University. She graduated with a triple major in magazine journalism, French language and literature, and psychology in 1979. While a student at Syracuse University, Montgomery was a member of the Goon Squad and wrote their 1977 Goon Show. After graduating, she pursued a career as an author and has written over 30 books for adults and children. Her work concerns the natural world and how humans relate to it, including The Soul of an Octopus, a 2015 National Book Award for Nonfiction finalist. Montgomery has also written and developed television programs for National Geographic, including The Spell of the Tiger and Mother Bear Man.

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Scope and Content Note

The Sy Montgomery Papers consist of a musical score and script for the 1977 Goon Show at Syracuse University, which she authored. A yearly tradition, the Goon Show was written and performed by members of the Goon Squad, a group of Syracuse University sophomores tasked with welcoming and orienting freshmen. The show is a humorous depiction of the lives of college freshman at Syracuse University. It contains depictions of various aspects of campus life, including satirical renderings of Chancellor Melvin A. Eggers, course registration, dining hall food, and student social activities.

This collection contains materials that users may find objectionable due to homophobic language. The language contained in this collection was conventional at the time of its creation, although no less harmful and inaccurate than it is today. The collection is preserved and presented for its historic and research value.

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Restrictions

Access Restrictions

There are no restrictions on this collection.

Use Restrictions

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

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Related Material

More information about Sy Montgomery and photographs from the 1977 Goon Show can be found in the Syracuse University Yearbook Collection. More information about the Goon Show and the Goon Squad can be found in the Syracuse University Student Organizations Reference Collection and the Syracuse University Clipping Files.

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Selected Search Terms

Names

Montgomery, Sy.
Syracuse University -- History.
Syracuse University.

Subjects

College freshmen.
College theater.
Student activities.
Higher education.

Types of material

Scores (documents for music)
Scripts (documents)

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Administrative Information

Preferred Citation

Preferred citation for this material is as follows:

Sy Montgomery Papers,
University Archives,
Special Collections Research Center
Syracuse University Libraries

Acquisition Information

Gift of Sy Montgomery in 2025.

Processing Information

Materials were placed in an acid-free folder in an acid-free box.

Finding Aid Information

Created by: Anna E. Shuff
Date: 2025
Revision history:

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Arrangement

Materials are presented in their original order.

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Inventory

Goon Show materials
ASC 278 Script and musical score 1977

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