May, Robert Lewis, 1905-

Robert Lewis May (1905-1976). Dartmouth College Class of 1926. In 1939, May, an advertising editor for Montgomery Ward department stores, authored the popular children's Christmas story Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer for his employer. The story was a popular success and in 1947 Montgomery Ward relinquished copyright of Rudolph to May. In 1951 May became president of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Enterprises in order to manage Rudolph's marketing. In 1958 May returned to Montgomery Ward as a editorial director for their catalogues, retiring in 1970.

From the description of Papers, 1939-1954. (Dartmouth College Library). WorldCat record id: 237316146