Edwina Dumm papers, 1924-1978
Collection context
- Creator:
- Edwina, 1893-1990
- Abstract:
- Edwina Dumm (1893-1990) was one of the earliest syndicated women cartoonists, known for her dog and animal centric strips and her delicate line. She was the author of Cap Stubbs and Tippie (1918-1966), Alec the Great (1931-1969), and the illustrator of numerous books about dogs.
- Extent:
- 7 Linear Feet 1 legal manuscript box (Box 1), 1 print box (Box 2), 1 flat box (Box 3), 1 half size letter manuscript box (Box 4), 6 CMI boxes (Box 5-10)
- Language:
- English .
- Scope and content:
-
The Edwina Dumm papers feature the original artworks for comic strip "Cap Stubbs and Tippie", single-panel comic, "Alec the Great" , as well as other illustrated works by Edwina, known for her dog and animal centric strips. Materials in the collection include original artwork for "Cap Stubbs and Tippie" and "Alec the Great" as well as their syndicate copies and clippings; an autograph Christmas card with hand-colored original art, photographs, ephemera, books, music sheets, and scripts collaborated with others and illustrated and inscribed by Edwina. The collection highlights Edwina's love for animals through her artistic illustrations and works.
- Biographical / historical:
-
Frances Edwina Dumm (also known as Edwina or Edwina Dumm) was born in Upper Sandusky, Ohio, on July 21, 1893. She was the daughter of Frank Edwin Dumm and Anna Gilmore Dennis Dumm, and the sibling of Roberta Dennis Dumm and Robert Dennis Dumm. After graduating from high school, she worked as a stenographer at the Columbus Board of Education while enrolled in a cartooning correspondence course with the Landon Cartoon Correspondence School.
In 1916, Edwina was the first woman to work full-time as an editorial cartoonist for The Columbus (Ohio) Monitor in America, focusing on drawing political cartoons. She left for New York when the Monitor ceased in 1917 and she authored Cap Stubbs and Tippie, syndicated by the George Matthew Adams Service in 1921. Her ideas for Cap Stubbs and Tippie are from her own childhood memories and the grandma is modeled after her two grandmothers. Her other works included Sinbad and Alec the Great (single-panel strip including four-line verses by her brother, Robert Dennis Dumm). Edwina was inspired by Robert L. Dickey and George Bridgman, who led to her interest in knowing animal anatomy. She modeled Sinbad after and the early Tippie after Buster Brown's Tige and was inspired by David Low for the stories.
As an animal lover, Edwina was a devout vegetarian. She also illustrated books with other writers who are also animal lovers, as well as sheet music in collaboration with her talented musician roommate, Helen Thomas. In 1966, Edwina retired from her comic strip. Edwina was also the first woman to receive the prestigious Gold Key Award from the National Cartoonist's Hall of Fame in 1978.
Edwina died at her home in Manhattan on April 28, 1990, at the age of 96. She was buried along with her family at the Upper Sandusky's Oak Hill Cemetery.
Access and use
- Restrictions:
-
This collection is located on site.
- Terms of access:
-
This collection has no restrictions.
Reproductions may be made for research purposes. The RBML maintains ownership of the physical material only. Copyright remains with the creator and his/her heirs. The responsibility to secure copyright permission rests with the patron.
- Preferred citation:
-
Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Edwina Dumm papers; Box and Folder; Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.
- Location of this collection:
- Before you visit:
- Researchers interested in viewing materials in the RBML reading room must must book an appointment at least 7 days in advance. To make the most of your visit, be sure to request your desired materials before booking your appointment, as researchers are limited to 5 items per day.
- Contact:
- rbml@library.columbia.edu