DATE: ca. 1912 - 1937
CREATOR: Curran, Pearl Lenore (1883-1937). Published as "Patience Worth," a spirit allegedly channeled by Curran via ouija.
SCOPE: Two typescript poems: "The Auld Grey Toon" and "Art"
EXTENT: 2 poems
HISTORY: In 1912 in Saint Louis, Mo., Pearl Curran began use of a ouija board at the encouragement of a friend and neighbor. Although at first indifferent, shortly after starting she claimed to begin receiving communications from "Patience Worth," who Curran reported lived in England, then colonial America, circa 1649-1694. Curran recorded Patience Worth's first communication as "Many moons ago I lived. Again I come. Patience Worth my name. Wait, I would speak with thee. If thou shalt live, then so shall I. I make my bread at thy hearth. Good friends, let us be merrie. The time for work is past. Let the tabby drowse and blink her wisdom to the fire log."
By 1916, publications began to appear about Patience Worth. The first book by St. Louis Globe Democrat editor Casper Yost, was entitled Patience Worth: A Psychic Mystery. Subsequent publication followed, including poetry and novels allegedly written by Patience Worth, as well as significant scientific critique of Curran's claimed mediumship and the existence of Patience Worth. Curran and her husband remained insistent that Patience Worth was a true spirit, and in 1918 Patience Worth was named one of the outstanding authors of the year by the Joint Committee of Literary Arts of New York.
Curran's communications with Patience Worth coincided with a revival of Spiritualism in the United States and Britain. Many psychics and paranormal debunkers were active during this period of time.
ACCESS: This is collection M-102. This collection is available for on-site use only in the Rare Book and Manuscripts Reading Room. Some of the collection may be photocopied, digitally scanned or photographed, depending on condition. Researchers are advised to call ahead concerning changes in hours due to University intersessions and holidays. The St. Louis Mercantile Library is located on levels one and two of the Thomas Jefferson Library building. More information about conducting research with the archival collections of the Library, including current building hours and reading room policies, can be found on our Research page.
RESTRICTIONS: None
Preferred Citation note: The preferred citation for this collection is “From the Special Collections of the St. Louis Mercantile Library at the University of Missouri – St. Louis.”
Related Collection: M-104 Wright, June B.
