Ed Wheelan papers

Collection — Multiple Containers

Identifier: 41-5-m.594

Scope and content

This collection contains three items: a copy of a pen-and-ink cartoon, “Reunion Jottings,” by Ed Wheelan, that depicts various members of the Class of 1911 at their 40th Reunion in 1951; a mimeographed pamphlet, Comic Art 4, of “Minute Movies” characters and strips, which tells about Wheelan and how he created his characters from popular silent movie stars of the day; and a letter from W. W. Rowlee, Chairman of the Committee on Student Affairs to Wheelan, President of the Nalanda Club at Cornell. The letter states that the Committee had investigated various social clubs at the University, had concluded that they encouraged some members to drink to excess, that their club insignia lowered the value of the Varsity C, and that they militated against the "spirit of democracy" at the University. Rowlan states that the Committee had proposed that the clubs take a strong stand against drinking and forbids the wearing of the insignia. Rowlee asks Wheelan to report the Committee's conclusions to his club and to inform the Committee of the club's response, April 5, 1910.

Dates

1910, 1951, 1963.

Creator

Wheelan, Edgar Stow. (Person)
Rowlee, Willard Winfield, 1861-1923. (Person)

Language of Material

In English.

Biographical / Historical

American cartoonist Edgar Wheelan (1888-1966) was born in San Francisco. Upon graduating from Cornell University, Class of 1911, he worked for several newspapers including the San Francisco Examiner, the New York American, and the George Matthew Adams Service. He is best known for creating “Minute Movies,” an early series of newspaper comics, from the 1920s to 1935.

Extent

2 items. (2 items.)

Additional Description

Abstract

American cartoonist Edgar Wheelan (1888-1966). The collection contains a copy of a pen-and-ink cartoon by Wheelan, a mimeographed pamphlet of “Minute Movies” characters, and a 1910 letter from Cornell’s Chairman of the Committee on Student Affairs to Wheelan.