This geocache will introduce geocachers to the William Allen White Library; one of the library's most historical figures aside from William Allen White, May Massee; and the William Allen White Children's Book Award, the oldest statewide children's choice award in the United States. The William Allen White Library is located on the Emporia State University campus in Emporia, Kansas.
William Allen White Children’s Book Awards
Established in 1952 by Ruth Garver Gagliardo, the William Allen White Children’s Book Award was created to honor the memory of one of the state’s most distinguished citizens; William Allen White. This program is supported by the Trusler Foundation and the William Allen White Library at Emporia State University. The WAW Award is the oldest statewide children’s choice award in the United States.
May Massee Collection
May Massee (1883-1966) was the children’s book editor who established two of the first three “junior books” divisions in major publishing houses in the United States: that of Doubleday, Page and Company (1923) and Viking Press (1932). A teacher and librarian by training, Miss Massee shaped and influenced children’s book publishing throughout her career. Her venerable stable of authors and artists included numerous award winners and wildly popular creators of the era: Robert McCloskey, Kate Seredy, Don Freeman, Robert Lawson, Ludwig Bemelmans, Eyvind Earle, James Daugherty, Marguertie de Angeli, Manning de Villeneuve Lee, Hilda Van Stockum, Leo Politi, and more.
The collection includes original book illustrations by 56 artists, manuscript materials, published books, photographs, audio and videotapes of authors, artists, designers, typographers, and printers whose skills Miss Massee combined to create quality books for children and young adults. Miss Massee’s wood-paneled office, built for her by Viking Press in 1933 by Eric Gugler, is also included in the collection.
Although the May Massee Gallery is temporarily closed, researchers may make an appointment to use the collection during regular operating hours of the Special Collections and Archives: Monday - Friday from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m, or by appointment. For more information about the collection of Special Collections and Archives, at 620-341-5034.
Note: You will not need an appointment to access this cache. However, make sure to note the library hours on the library website (www.library.emporia.edu) which are subject to change during summer break and holidays. The WAW Library is open to both ESU students and to the community. A library card is not required to visit the building during regular hours. This multi-cache has been placed with the Library Dean’s permission.