The Importance of Correspondence: H. Gordon Hullfish, Joseph Kinmont Hart, and the Making of a John Dewey Society Publication

• In Event: Biographical Research in Education

Abstract

Before finding Hullfish’s archival records, specifics surrounding Hart’s death and personal details about his (second) marriage were unknown. This paper documents that Hart died of prostate cancer, that his wife not only adored him but also fought for a (short-lived?) legacy for her him, and that “thousands” of condolence letters were received by her after his death. Other details, including friends they had, places they visited, cabins they owned, etc., help fill in the final details of Hart’s life and provide, I argue, a fitting coda to a biographical project begun in 1999 and completed in 2015.

Author

• Deron R. Boyles, Georgia State University