Iron Eyes Cody collection
Scope and Contents
The Iron Eyes Cody collection predominately includes black-and-white photographs with two letters, two holiday cards, and an issue of Walt Disney's "Westward Ho The Wagons" 1956 comic book.
The photographs feature images of Cody on movie/television sets, attending Native American ceremonies, film stills, and some portraits and group shots. Many of the photographs include annotations by Cody along with his personal stamp. The two letters include one from Dear Abby (Abigail Van Buren) and another letter that includes an annotation by Cody claiming the letter was written by his grandmother, "Birdie Cody," in 1905. The bulk of the material dates from the 1930s-1970s with a small number of outliers.
Dates
- Creation: Majority of material found within circa 1920s-1970s, undated
Conditions Governing Access
The Iron Eyes Cody is open for research. Researchers are encouraged to contact Special Collections staff prior to a visit.
Conditions Governing Use
In consultation with Special Collections staff, reproductions may be made upon request. Material in this collection may be subject to copyright.
Biographical Note
Born Espera Oscar de Corti, Iron Eyes Cody (1904-1999) was an Italian-American who presented as Native American, both in his private and public life. Cody starred in movies, television shows, and commercials for decades with his most notable role being the "Crying Indian" in the 1971 Earth Day public service announcement, "Keep America Beautiful." In 1996, the New Orleans newspaper (Louisiana was Cody's birth state), "The Times-Picayune," published an article questionining Cody's supposed Native American background and revealed details about his Sicilian ancentry with legal documents and family corrabaration. Until his death in 1999, Cody maintained his Native American heritage.
Extent
0.21 Linear Feet
Language of Materials
English
Physical Location
L2 Storage
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Purchased from Royal Books on the J. Brooks Hoffman fund, 2023.
- Title
- Iron Eyes Cody collection
- Author
- Irene Lule
- Date
- 25 September 2024
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the Chapin Library Repository
26 Hopkins Hall Drive
Williamstown Massachusetts 01267
413-597-4200
specialcollections@williams.edu