Writings, 1924 - 1993

The papers of Marion Clayton Link are largely representative of the public and literary lives that she led with Edwin A. Link from after World War II until his death in 1981. Her collection contains nearly thirty years of correspondence, early writings, reports written in collaboration with her husband, drafts of speeches, expedition log books, and memorabilia that offer insight into her life and work.

Marion Link's writings are particularly well documented with drafts, published works, and correspondence with publishers. Of special interest is the original manuscript of Sea Diver (1959), which includes many of the revisions she made. Also complete in manuscript form is Edwin A. and Marion C. Link's study of Columbus's voyage through the Bahamas.

A second major section of the collection is documentation about the Links' archaeological expeditions, including planning correspondence, dig reports, expedition logs and journals, itineraries, photographs, newspaper clippings, and research compiled for the trips. Expedition logs cover both the archaeological discoveries and life of the boat crew.

There are also two small, but relatively rich, areas in Marion Link's life that are documented in the collection. First, there is a scrapbook kept by Marion Link during her time as a student at Syracuse University (1924-1926). The scrapbook documents Marion's social life, especially her involvement in sororities and dances. Second, there are several documents related to the Link's travel through Japan and Europe just before World War II (1936-1938) included in the papers. These documents indlude a travel diary written by Marion that includes her thoughts about her travel and the political situation, and a photo album of Japan.

Because it is difficult to separate Marion's work from Edwin's, this accession documents both members of the couple extensively.