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Personal papers of Waldemar and Marjory Geltch

 Collection
Call Number: PP 430

Overview

Waldemar Geltch was the head of the Violin Department in the School of Fine Arts at the University of Kansas from 1922 to 1949, and continued to teach until his retirement in 1953. This collection contains correspondence, personal items, journals, and a large photograph collection from both he and his wife, Marjory.

Dates

  • Creation: 1883 - 1953

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

These materials are stored in the KU Annex off-site storage area.

All researchers interested in reviewing this material must consult Spencer Research Library Public Services staff (785-864-4334 or ksrlref@ku.edu, 9-5 M-F CST) no less than three days in advance of a planned visit. Be advised that drop-in requests for this material cannot be accommodated.

Conditions Governing Use

Spencer Library staff may determine use restrictions dependent on the physical condition of manuscript materials.

Biographies of Waldemar and Marjory Geltch

Waldemar Geltch was born in Le Seuer, Minnesota, in 1883. Geltch studied under numerous renowned violin teachers and served as the chair of the violin departments at the University of South Dakota and the University of Wisconsin, where he earned the distinction of being the first violinist to broadcast a concerto, Vieuxtemps No. 4, over a University of Wisconsin radio station, WHA, in 1922.

That same year, Geltch joined the faculty of the University of Kansas as the chair of the violin department. Over his career Geltch traveled widely, playing concerts in all but three states and conquered an extensive repertoire of 38 concertos. He toured extensively in Europe in 1939, leaving for America the day before Hitler invaded Poland.

Marjory Geltch was an economist who worked as a civilian for the military in post-War Europe. Waldemar Geltch retired in 1953 and died in 1961. Marjory continued to live in Lawrence after his death and worked as a business consultant. She died in 1992.

Extent

1.5 Linear Feet (2 boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Physical Location

PP 430

Physical Location

Annex (Contact Spencer Library Public Services)

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift, Watkins Community Museum of History, 2005.

Related Materials

Consult library staff regarding the availability of related photographs, biographical files, and scrapbooks.

Title
Guide to the Waldemar and Marjory Geltch Collection
Subtitle
Personal papers of Waldemar and Marjory Geltch
Author
Finding aid prepared by ad, 2005. Finding aid encoded by ad, 2005. Finding aid revised by mwh, 2021.
Date
2006
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
Finding aid written in English.
Finding aid permalink
http://hdl.handle.net/10407/5699658734
Preferred citation
Personal papers of Waldemar and Marjory Geltch, University Archives, PP 430, Kenneth Spencer Research Library, University of Kansas

Repository Details

Part of the University of Kansas. Kenneth Spencer Research Library Repository

Contact:
1450 Poplar Lane
Lawrence KS 66045-7616 United States
785-864-4334