Doris Fleming Papers

Collection

Identifier: MSS.0692

Staff Only

Scope and Content Note

This collection of papers is contained in 13 Hollinger boxes and measures 5.42 linear feet.

The papers are comprised of personal and biographical materials that include genealogical research materials, legal documents and related correspondence, and photographs. The collection also includes Doris Fleming’s writings, mostly poems, written during the 1920’s when she lived in New York City. The Music Collection is the most significant series and is comprised of sheet music, programs, and notes on the music and songs represented in this collection. Of interest are a number of songs by Scandinavian composers, including Edvard Grieg, Arne Dorumsgaard, Armas Jarnefelt, Erkki Melartin, and Jean Sibelius among others. There is also a small collection of songs by the 20^th century French composer Francis Poulenc.

Other series include subject research on Canada and Separatism, and a collection of travel materials for visits to Norway, India, Great Britain and other places.

Dates

1921 - 1986

Conditions Governing Access

This collection may be viewed only in the reading room of Special Collections in the Jean and Alexander Heard Library. Collections should be requested 2-3 days prior to visiting in order to facilitate easier access. For questions or to request a collection, contact specialcollections@vanderbilt.edu.

Biographical Note

Doris Sigrid Anundsen Fleming was born in London, Ontario, Canada on January 3, 1901, to Emily Brock Anundsen and Alfred Anundsen. She came to the United States in 1922 to study voice with William S. Brady in New York City. She continued her studies there until she married Denna Frank Fleming on June 29, 1929 and came to Nashville, where her husband was a distinquished professor of Political Science and International Relations at Vanderbilt University.

Mrs. Fleming’s life long interest in music was realized in the several music clubs in Nashville of which she was a member: the Woman’s Musicale, the Wednesday Music Coterie, and the Musical Alumnae. She was also a member of the Vanderbilt Woman’s Club and of Shandygaff.

Doris Fleming was a lifetime aide to her husband in the preparation of his many books and scholarly articles and publications, and together they supported the work of the American Friends Service Committee, the United Nations Association of Nashville, and of other service and scholarship organizations. Professor Fleming’s papers are also held in Vanderbilt University Special Collections and University Archives.

In addition to her musical activities, Doris Fleming studied painting under Gus Baker in Nashville and with instructors in Palo Alto and Vancouver, British Columbia. She was a member of the United Church of Canada. After D.F. Fleming died, Doris Anundsen Fleming returned to Canada in 1985. She died in January 1990 at the age of 89.

Extent

5.46 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

The Doris Fleming Collection documents the life and contributions of Doris Fleming, a singer and patron involved in multiple music clubs in Nashville. This collection encompasses a wide range of personal and biographical materials, including correspondence, photographs, and writings. The most significant part of the collection is the Music Collection, consisting of sheet music, programs, and notes on the music and songs.