The League of Minnesota Poets Established in 1934

(Compiled by Charmaine Donovan–with information provided by Meredith Cook, Ruth Wahlberg and Valerie Bump)

In 1933, Minnesota poets Robert Cary and Irl Morse, developed the idea of a poetry series, Poetry of Today, which became a column in the St. Paul Pioneer Press. The goal of this series was to generate state interest in forming a state poetry organization. Other poets helped to further this goal through financial support and by writing letters to prospective members. On February 10, 1934, thirty-three Minnesota poets met at the Lowry Hotel in St. Paul, MN. These 33 poets became the first charter members of the newly-formed League of Minnesota Poets. The first officers were elected.  Marie d0Autremont Gerry became the first President. Three meetings were held during the year. By the year’s end there were 74 members.

The first two books published by the League that first year are instructive to the mission statement of the League. One, entitled Anthology of Minnesota Verse, was written by Maude Schilplin, another, Steps in Creative Poetry, by Clara Clausen. These early members endeavored “…to make Minnesota poetry conscious, and conscious to its own poets.” Publishing poetry by Minnesota poets was one way to make poetry a part of the state culture and showcase the organizations poetry. Another was by instructing poets in the art of poetry so they would to become more accomplished, well-rounded poets.

Members worked zealously to do this by adopting four objectives: 1) to encourage the study of Minnesota poetry in the state’s schools 2) to create newspaper and magazine outlets for the best work of Minnesota poets 3) to publish periodic collections of verse by members, and to publish a League magazine called The Moccasin, and assist in providing a permanent record of accomplishments.  And lastly, by accumulating historical material for a scrapbook and thereby preserve pertinent information about the organization.

By the second year, League membership had increased to 153 members. An exhibit was held at the State Fair. The first non-member contest was held, sponsored jointly by the League and Parent-Teacher Association groups of the state. Year Book 1935, a 36-page first collection of poems by members sold for 25 cents per copy.  The Moccasin, a mimeographed bulletin, was sent out irregularly to members. It contained personal news, meeting information, and a few poems.

By the following year, 1936, The Moccasin, was expanded into a poetry magazine, with emphasis on members’ poems and less about personal news and editorials. Two 64-page brochures of members’ poems were published and sold for 25 cents each.

By 1938 the office of Librarian was developed. This person was responsible for books owned by the League, primarily books published by members. That same year, Anthology of Minnesota Verse, a 750 page, enlarged and revised book was published, along with another book sponsored by the St. Paul Poets’ Seminar. These St. Paul poems were originally read on WTCN radio. A Board of Critics was formed to give constructive criticism to members at the cost of 25 cents per poem.

For forty years The Moccasin was printed quarterly for members, including information about upcoming League events. (Sometimes there were 4 state meetings a year, then three, and now two.)  The Moccasin often included poems from regular League contests. Ten editors preceded the current editor, Meredith Cook, who has been editor for the past twenty years.

League History (cont):

Many books by members were published between 1942 and 1950. The most successful of these, Minnesota Skyline, was printed in twelve editions and 20,000 copies.

In 1952, the League presented 8 large bound volumes to the Minnesota Historical Society that included a compilation of League poets’ verse, autobiographies and photos. St. Paul Poets’ Seminar disbanded as a branch. Poetry Day, October 15, 1952 was commemorated with radio shows, school programs and a double sonnet contest.

Between 1954 and 1956 many books and brochures by member were published. An exhibit of paintings by members was so popular, the League decided to make this an annual event. A mock trial was performed to observe the 20th Anniversary of the League.

In 1982 the League of Minnesota Poets adopted a proposal to name Poets Laureate to five year terms. Elvira T. Johnson and Norman Boe shared the first-term honors. Following Johnson and Boe were: Patricia Johnson, Wilfred Johnson, Susan Stevens Chambers, Maxine Russell and current Poet Laureate, John Calvin Rezmerski. After a Poet Laureate finishes their term, their title becomes “Poet Laureate Emeritus.”

In 1984, in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the League, a poetry contest on the subject of peace was held. Ruth Wahlberg, Two Harbors, received a bronze trophy (which was a replica of a statue in St. Paul) for her poem entitled, “Hear the Cries of the Children.”

In 1987, the League hosted their first national poetry convention in Mankato, MN. The convention responsibilities were primarily assumed by the Southern Minnesota Poetry Society.  Michael Dennis Browne and Judson Jerome were among the featured speakers.

In 1990 at the State Capitol Rotunda in St. Paul, MN , Grand Prize winner of the NFSPS Contest, Susan Stevens Chambers, runner-up Diane Glancy, and out-standing League leaders Norman Boe, Elvira T. Johnson, Patricia M. Johnson and Wilfred Johnson were honored in a public ceremony.

In 2000, LOMP hosted the National Federation of State Poetry Societies, Inc in Minnetonka, MN.  Doris Stengel was LOMP President. To give guests a taste of Minnesota culture, the event started with a potluck dinner held at a local church. Michael Bugeja was the keynote speaker.  The theme was “Magnetic Minnesota,” an idea hatched by Marlys Tennyson Binger. Many magnetic poetry sets were given away as gifts.

In June 2009, the League hosted “A Superior Convention” for NFSPS, Inc. on the shimmering shores of Lake Superior. This convention began with a harbor cruise, included s’mores at the hotel firepit every night, and ended with a Sunday night gala to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the National Federation of State Poetry Societies, Inc. Mark Doty was the keynote speaker.   Susan Chambers and Dennis Herschbach Co-Chaired the Convention Committee. Doris Stengel and Christina Flaugher were Mistresses of Ceremony. League President Charmaine Donovan oversaw the event.