Papers of the Penney-Missouri Awards are processed
I recently learned the papers of the Penney-Missouri Awards at the Western Historical Manuscript Collection at the University of Missouri have been processed. Here is the inventory. It’s an impressive listing.
The Penney-Missouri Awards, which began in the 1960s, were the top recognition for women’s pages in the country. Awards were given in different circulation sizes with special categories in reporting and fashion. Winners then attended a several-day workshop at the University of Missouri. I wrote about the awards for the April 2006 issue of Journalism History.
Among this collection are the stories of most of the top women’s page journalists in the country – especially those who were publishing progressive content in the 1960s. My favorite part is the stories of the individual winners. Each winner sent in her own biographical sketch. It is interesting to see how the women described themselves. The letters between Director Paul Myhre and the winners are also great. (I hope to write about Paul’s role in the future.)
Another great part of the collection is the photos – both formal, studio shots and informal shots from the workshops.
Lance and I have gone through the Penney-Missouri papers several times – finding new treasures each time. We miss our visits to the Ellis Library!
