A visit to Marquette

I was thinking of heading down to Marquette to see the Tolkien archives. Anyone else interested?

Zeppo - can you give us any advice as to when and where we should go?

 

Definitely up for it some time.

Jeff

 

If it's in the archives, don't we have to get permission? Maybe Zeppo knows, well actually I'm sure he knows. But I would really be up for something like that. I think it would be amazingly cool.


M

 

I'd love to go! I'm leaving for Oshkosh again on the 1st, so I'd have to go before that. Good idea, btw.

 

I think that'd be awesome.

 

That would be very interesting!

 

I'd definitely be in for that--even if its just for a few minutes.

 

I'll go get his attention. Hopefully he'll post soon on this. I'd be up for it too!

 

Sorry for the delay, guys.


OK, here's the deal. The Marquette University archives is open to all visitors. However, it is open only during the week from 9am-5pm, which rarely works for most people. Checking out the materials is pretty cool, as Marquette has various originals that are on display on the walls. (I *highly* recommend that if you go, take the time to read the 5 page 'epilogue' chapter on display that Tolkien wrote, but did not include in the final printing of the book - pretty interesting, especially if you know the books and their context)...but I digress.

I can arrange for the Milwookie Fan Force to get a special tour through the exhibit (in which the archivist will take out various originals and show them to us in person (otherwise researchers and visitors can only use the microfilm of the collection to study the material and look at things -- to obviously preserve and protect the originals)).

If you are interested I need a date that works for:
1) Marquette (so we can all go and actually see something other than a building)
2) me (so I can go, as I know the archivist and he will probably open for me at a time they are usually closed)
3) you (so we all need to pick a date that works for most of us - WEEKDAY NIGHTS 5pm-7pm are best for Marquette).

So, I await your interest and a proposed date. This would be a great trip.



BTW, the original name of "The Lord of the Rings" (per the other thread) was "THE MAGIC RING" then Tolkien changed it to "The Lord of the Ring" (singular) before settling on the final title. *VERY COOL* to see it written on the cover page and crossed out by his own hand.

 

Wow. That's all I can say. Actually, I can also say that any day is fine by me--I can usually have off any night as long as I know about it a week in advance. Is earlier better (what with the new semester just beginning), or would sometime over Marquette's spring break work better? I think I speak for everyone when I say that arranging this is most generous of you, Zepo--thanks a lot!

 

Well, if we have to choose a weeknight, I could leap straight from work and be there around
5:30 p.m. on a Tuesday or Wednesday

(any night but the 25th, 26th & 27th of Feb.)

I'd need to know where to park though. Anyone else?

 

Sounds good to me. Why don't you (Zeppo) find out which night works best for the person that will be conducting the tour and we will adjust to your schedule.

...and THANK YOU!!!


BTW - CAn we take pictures?

 

Well, seems like there is interest for the Fan Force to check this out. I will contact Marquette and see what day works for them.

It may take a week (or two or three) to coordinate this event depending on the archivist's availability.

BTW, sorry Mauler II, photographs are not permitted in the archives for two reasons:

1) High intensity light can damage original materials (ever leave a book in the sunlight and see it fade or yellow?)
2) The Tolkien Estate still hold copyright on all materials in the archives and *ALL* reproductions (to include photos, photocopies, microfilm reproductiones, etc.) must be approved by the estate ion writing. Needless to say a near impossible task.

Sorry, bud. But a photo of us outside might be a good memory as well.

I'll be in touch...

 

Wow, that would be awesome... Odds are I wouldn't be able to go with you guys, as my work and school schedules are pretty much insane right now... Is this a permanent exhibit thingie, or is it just here for a while? I have to see this, even if it is as a solitary nerd. ^_^

 

I'll definately find away to make it for this... i've been to the archives before, but getting to see the manuscripts close up would be completely worth the trip.

 

Would it be possible to make this totally cool trip on a Saturday? That's about the only free day I possibly have in the month of February.

 

We're waiting on some dates from Zepo - but it looks like weekday evenings are it.

 

That's what I figured. You'll just have to tell me all about it!

 

I'm sure it's going to suck, Megan. ;-)

 

Yeah. I'm sure I won't be missing anything interesting at all. You'll probally have a horrible time and I'll be glad not to be there.

 

I would be interested in going and can make almost any weekday except Thursday (fencing from 5-7PM just down the block from Marquette at the MCM building). If I know far enough in advance I may be able to bring one or two non-Milwookiee Council people as well who are Tolkien fans.

 

Can we delay this until after February? I will be out of the state for about half the month.