University of Pittsburgh. Office of Institutional Advancement
Collection Number
UA.6.3.2
Extent
0.5 Linear Feet(1 box, 1 photo album and 1 scrapbook)
Date
1932-1996
Abstract
This collection contains materials accumulated by Virginia Nicklas relating to Gene Kelly.
Language
English
.
Author
Lela J. Sewell (first processed)
Publisher
ULS Archives & Special Collections
Address
University of Pittsburgh Library System Archives & Special Collections Website: library.pitt.edu/archives-special-collections Contact Us: www.library.pitt.edu/ask-archivist URL: http://library.pitt.edu/archives-special-collections
Copyright
The University of Pittsburgh holds the property rights to the material in this collection, but the copyright may still be held by the original creator/author. Researchers are therefore advised to follow the regulations set forth in the U.S. Copyright Code when publishing, quoting, or reproducing material from this collection without the consent of the creator/author or that go beyond what is allowed by fair use.
Processing Information
This collection was first processed by Lela Sewell in 1997. Substantial revision was done by Marianne Kasica in February 2010.
Previous Citation
Gene Kelly Alumni Files, UA 6.3.2, University Archives, Archives Service Center, University of Pittsburgh
Preferred Citation
Gene Kelly Alumni Files, UA 6.3.2, University Archives, Archives & Special Collections, University of Pittsburgh Library System
Access Restrictions
No restrictions.
Scope and Content Notes
This collection contains materials collected by Virginia Nicklas, retired Pitt Stewardship Administrator, relating to the actor and Pitt alumnus, Gene Kelly. The collection is composed of 22 file folders which contain correspondence, news clippings, a scrapbook and a photo album.
Included in the correspondence are several autographs by Mr. Kelly, travel plans to special events hosted by the University, an appeal letter for the Bicentennial campaign and his "star" now located in front of the Student Union. Also included in the collection are several programs from Kelly's performances as a Pitt student and later as a professional. The photo album includes photos of the luncheon that was given to honor Mr. Kelly as an Distinguished Alumnus as well as some promotional photos. The scrapbook is a personal item created by Ms. Nicklas which contains early projects and news articles of Gene Kelly's career.
Biography
Eugene Curran Kelly was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on August 23, 1912. Kelly attended St. Raphael School in Morningside and graduated from Peabody High School in 1929. He began his college career in journalism at Penn State University, but returned home after the Crash of 1929 to help with family finances. Kelly then enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh and in 1933 received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics.
After initially struggling with his career, Kelly found success and would ultimately be recognized as multi-talented individual excelling at acting, singing, dancing, choreographing, producing, as well as motion picture directing. Two of Kelly's most acclaimed performances are his roles in "An American in Paris" (1951) and in "Singing in the Rain" (1952). Kelly's personal life included three marriages; the first to Betsy Blair with whom he had one child (Kerry), a second to Jeanne Coyne with whom he had two children (Bridget and Tim) and, after Jeanne's death, to Patricia Ward.
Gene Kelly died in his sleep at his home in Beverly Hills, California, on February 2, 1996, leaving a legacy of dance, drama, and a host of fans.
Custodial History
Between the dates of June 22 and June 29 of 1993, approximately 0.3 cubic feet of materials pertaining to the University of Pittsburgh's most famous alumni, Gene Kelly, was donated to the University Archives by retired Pitt Stewardship Administrator, Virginia Nicklas.
Ms. Nicklas, an avid fan of Mr. Kelly, had been collecting various material on Kelly since 1942. As a member of the Office of Development and Alumni Affairs, Ms. Nicklas obtained the unique assignment of contacting Mr. Kelly to encourage him to become active in assisting the University in fundraising. As part of her job, Virginia Nicklas came into the acquaintance of Mr. Kelly in 1971. She deposited this collection of materials in the University Archives to document the relationship that developed between the University and Gene Kelly.
Acquisition Information
Gift of Virginia Nicklas in June 1993 and June 1996.
Subjects
Corporate Names
University of Pittsburgh. Office of Institutional Advancement
University of Pittsburgh -- Alumni and alumnae
Personal Names
Kelly, Gene
Genres
Correspondence
Memorabilia
Photographs
Advertisements
Clippings (Information artifacts)
Other Subjects
Dancers -- United States -- Biography
Motion picture actors and actresses -- United States -- Biography
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