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Brenda Weisberg Meckler Papers

 Collection
Identifier: FM MSS 58

Scope and Content Note

This collection houses a variety of materials documenting Brenda Meckler's career as a screenwriter, involvement with the Phoenix Little Theatre, and authorship of Papa was a Farmer.

Dates

  • Creation: 1938-1988

Language of Materials

Material in English

Access Restrictions

To view this collection, make an appointment at least five business days prior to your visit by contacting Ask an Archivist or calling (480) 965-4932. Appointments in the Wurzburger Reading Room at Hayden Library (rm. 138) on the Tempe campus are available Monday through Friday. Check the ASU Library Hours page for current availability.

Biographical Note

Phoenix writer Brenda Weisberg Meckler was born in Russia in 1900 and emigrated to the U.S. with her parents in 1904. The family left their Ohio farm and relocated to Arizona in 1918. By the time she graduated from high school, Brenda Weisberg was already an accomplished writer. She wrote articles for local Phoenix publications and started the city's first Jewish newspaper, the Southwestern Jewish Star. From Phoenix she moved to Hollywood and spent 15 years writing television and movie scripts for Universal, RKO, and Columbia Pictures. She continued to write short stories and articles as well, which appeared in Collier's and other national publications.

In 1952 Brenda Weisberg returned to Phoenix and married Morris Meckler. After her marriage, she became very active in support of the arts in Phoenix and was involved with the Phoenix Little Theater as a writer, director, and actor.

In 1988, Meckler published her first and only book, an autobiographical account of her youth entitled Papa was a Farmer.

Full extent

5 Box(es)

Full extent

2.5 Linear Feet

Abstract

This collection houses a variety of materials documenting Brenda Meckler's career as a screenwriter, involvement with the Phoenix Little Theatre, and authorship of Papa was a Farmer.

Arrangement

This collection consists of five boxes divided into four series:

  1. Series I: Screenplays
  2. Series II: Phoenix Little Theatre
  3. Series III: Papa was a Farmer
  4. Series IV: Miscellaneous Writings

Custodial History

Brenda Weisberg Meckler donated these papers to the Arizona Historical Foundation.

Provenance

The Arizona Historical Foundation transferred these materials to the Arizona Collection in 2012.

Title
Brenda Weisberg Meckler Papers
Status
Completed
Author
Processed by Kris Darnall in 1992.
Date
2012
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding guide encoded in English.

Repository details

Part of the Greater Arizona Collection Repository

Contact

Arizona State University
P.O. Box 871006
Tempe AZ 85287-1006 United States
(480) 965-4932