Walden, Selma, 1884-1951

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Self-educated Chicago working woman; writer of poetry, prose, and correspondence.

Born of Swedish immigrant parents in 1884 in Michigan, and educated in shorthand and typing at the Ferris Institute, Selma Walden sought work in Chicago in the early 1900's. She married George Lee Lincoln in 1909, had three children, and divorced her husband in 1929. After her divorce she became involved in the Chicago literary and intellectual life, participating for a few years in the Seven Arts Club and the Dill Pickle Club, writing fiction and poetry, and corresponding with local literary figures. She published a few poems in newspapers and magazines, and privately published a volume of poetry in 1945. Walden's literary output was achieved despite the fact that during the Depression years she was the sole support of her children, and after 1942, of three of her grandchildren, Jimmy, Rose, and George Sheridan.

From the description of Selma Walden papers, 1890-1979 (bulk 1928-1951). (Newberry Library). WorldCat record id: 45850187

Archival Resources
Role Title Holding Repository
creatorOf Walden, Selma, 1884-1951. Selma Walden papers, 1890-1979 (bulk 1928-1951). Newberry Library
Role Title Holding Repository
Relation Name
associatedWith Dreier, Thomas. person
associatedWith Lincoln family. family
associatedWith Midwest Manuscript Collection (Newberry Library) corporateBody
associatedWith Newberry Library. corporateBody
associatedWith Sheridan family. family
associatedWith Starrett, Vincent, 1886-1974. person
associatedWith Walden family. family
Place Name Admin Code Country
Chicago (Ill.)
Illinois--Chicago
Illinois
Subject
American literature
Women authors, American
Bohemianism
Manuscripts, American
Women poets, American
Work and family
Working poor
Occupation
Activity

Person

Birth 1884

Death 1951

Information

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Ark ID: w6j10hdq

SNAC ID: 46921169