Susan Firer Papers, 1951-2021
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Summary Information
Title: Susan Firer Papers
Inclusive Dates: 1951-2021

Creator:
  • Susan Firer.
Call Number: UWM Manuscript Collection 395

Quantity:
  • 2.37 cubic ft. (4 boxes)
  • 7 videocassettes
  • 4 audiocassettes
  • 46 digital files (14.1 GB)

Repository:
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Libraries, Archives Department

Archival Location:
UW-Milwaukee Libraries, Archives / Milwaukee Area Research Ctr. (Map)

Abstract:
Papers of Susan Firer, former Poet Laureate of Milwaukee and adjunct professor of English at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. The bulk of this collection is dedicated to Firer's work as a poet, including poetry journals, news clippings, and ephemera from public poetry events, with correspondence and some teaching materials. Also in the collection are video and audio recordings of various poetry events.

Language: English

URL to cite for this finding aid: http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.uw-mil-uwmmss0395
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Biography/History

Susan Firer is a Milwaukee poet. She was born on October 14, 1948 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In 1974, she married fellow poet and writer James Hazard. She attended University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, earning her BA in General Liberal Arts in 1973 and her MA in English/Creative Writing in 1982. From 2008 to 2010, she served as Milwaukee's Poet Laureate. Firer is the author of six books of poetry, and her work has been featured in multiple anthologies, literary magazines, and journals. She received numerous awards, including the Cleveland Poetry Prize and the Backwaters Prize, and is a University of Wisconsin Distinguished Alumnus. In addition to writing poetry, Firer worked as an adjunct professor of English at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, teaching creative writing and literature classes. She was the founder and advisor of Furrow, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's undergraduate literary magazine.

Scope and Content Note

This collection documents the personal and professional life of Susan Firer. Much of the materials relate to Firer's work as a poet, such as poetry journals and items collected from poetry events. Firer's poems are greatly inspired by Lake Michigan and the Milwaukee area, and this is evident throughout the collection. There are also some materials dedicated to her job as an adjunct professor at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Personal Correspondence and Photographs, 1951-2016 offer a glimpse into Firer's personal life, including her relationships with other poets such as Jeff Poniewaz and Antler. Video and audio materials document poetry readings and artistic adaptations of Firer's poetry, such as dance performances and music.

Arrangement of the Materials

The files are arranged alphabetically by subject and then chronologically.

Preferred Citation

Citation Guide for Primary Sources

Related Material in the UWM Libraries
Administrative/Restriction Information
Access Restrictions

Researchers must use access copies of electronic records. There are no other access restrictions on the materials, and the collection is open to all members of the public in accordance with state law.


Use Restrictions

The researcher assumes full responsibility for conforming with the laws of libel, privacy, and copyright which may be involved in the use of this collection (Wisconsin Statutes 19.21-19.39).


Acquisition Information

Susan Firer donated the collection to the Archives in March, 2021.


Processing Information

The collection was processed by Kate Harms in August, 2022 and Laura K. N. Jones in November, 2022.


Contents List
Audiovisual
Video   7
Arts' Place: Lake Michigan, 1992 February 5
Physical Description: Videocassette 
Scope and Content Note: A recording of the television series Arts' Place that aired on WMVS. The episode is titled "Lake Michigan". Firer reads poetry on the show.
Access Restrictions: The original videocassette is restricted; users must request an access copy.
Video   1
Call Me Piper, 2006 October
Physical Description: Videocassette 
Scope and Content Note: A recording of an interpretive dance performance choreographed and performed by Janet Lilly from DanceSpace that is based off Firer's poetry. The performance is titled Call Me Piper.
Access Restrictions: The original videocassette is restricted; users must request an access copy.
Christine Barclay: Compositions, undated
Scope and Content Note: An audio recording of operatic signing based on Firer's poetry.
Box   4

Physical Description: Audio CD 
Access Restrictions: The original compact disc is restricted; users must use the network access copy available in the Archives.
Electronic Folder  
  \Audio\
  Christine_Barclay_Compositions_undated\

Physical Description: 11 digital audio files (6 min., 3 sec.; 3 min., 19 sec.; 1 min., 9 sec.; 1 min., 17 sec.; 2 min., 24 sec.; 5 min., 16 sec.; 6 min., 10 sec.; 8 min., 48 sec.; 4 min., 31 sec.; 5 min., 20 sec.; 5 min., 18 sec.) 
Coffee House, 2014 February 1
Scope and Content Note: An audio recording of Firer reading poetry and discussing poetry.
Box   4

Physical Description: Audio CD 
Access Restrictions: The original compact disc is restricted; users must use the network access copy available in the Archives.
Electronic Folder  
  \Audio\
  Coffee_House_2014\

Physical Description: 8 digital files (1 min, 14 sec; 1 min., 32 sec.; 2 min., 54 sec.; 2 min., 32 sec.; 1 min., 56 sec.; 1 min., 14 sec.; 2 min., 3 sec.; 3 min., 16 sec.) 
Video   5
FFT: The Weight of Skin, 2005 January 30
Physical Description: Videocassette 
Scope and Content Note: A recording of an interpretive dance performance choreographed by Janet Lilly and performed by Kelly Anderson from DanceSpace that is based off of Firer's poetry. The performance is titled The Weight of Skin. It was recorded at St. Mark's Church.
Access Restrictions: The original videocassette is restricted; users must request an access copy.
The Great Lakes Poem Band: Coffee House, 1986 February 21
Scope and Content Note: An audio recording of Firer's poem band, The Great Lakes Poem Band, performing in the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Coffee House. Susan Firer and Jim Hazard vocalized, Bob Budny played drums, and Jerome Kitzke played piano.
Box   4

Physical Description: Audio CD 
Access Restrictions: The original compact disc is restricted; users must use the network access copy available in the Archives.
Electronic Folder  
  \Audio\
  Great_Lakes_Poem_Band_Coffee_House_1986\

Physical Description: 1 digital file (48 min, 10 sec) 
The Great Lakes Poem Band: Jazz Gallery, undated
Scope and Content Note: An audio recording of Firer's poem band, The Great Lakes Poem Band, performing in a jazz gallery in Milwaukee, Wisconsin sometime in the early 1980s. Susan Firer and Jim Hazard vocalized, and Jerome Kitzke played piano.
Box   4

Physical Description: Audio CD 
Access Restrictions: The original compact disc is restricted; users must use the network access copy available in the Archives.
Electronic Folder  
  \Audio\
  Great_Lakes_Poem_Band_undated\

Physical Description: 2 digital files (31 min., 6 sec.; 32 min., 22 sec.) 
The Great Lakes Poem Band: Vogel Hall, 1987 May 8
Scope and Content Note: An audio recording of Firer's poem band, The Great Lakes Poem Band, performing in Vogel Hall in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Susan Firer and Jim Hazard vocalized, Bob Budny played drums, and Jerome Kitzke played piano.
Box   4

Physical Description: Audio CD 
Access Restrictions: The original compact disc is restricted; users must use the network access copy available in the Archives.
Electronic Folder  
  \Audio\
  Great_Lakes_Poem_Band_Vogel_Hall_1987\

Physical Description: 2 digital files (38 min., 21 sec.; 33 min., 43 sec.) 
Hotel Milwaukee: "Lilacs", 1998 May 30
Scope and Content Note: A recording of the Hotel Milwaukee radio program. On the show at around 00:13:30, Firer is introduced then reads the poem Lilacs. Firer taped the segment on May 23rd, 1998.
Audio   4

Physical Description: Audiocassette 
Access Restrictions: The original audiocassette is restricted; users must use the network access copy available in the Archives.
Electronic Folder  
  \Audio\
  Hotel_Milwaukee_Lilacs_1998\

Physical Description: 1 digital file (44 min., 40 sec.) 
Hotel Milwaukee: "Milwaukee 1996", 1997 October 29
Scope and Content Note: A recording of the Hotel Milwaukee radio program. On the show at around 00:17:19, Firer is introduced then reads the poem Milwaukee 1996. Firer taped the segment on October 22nd, 1997.
Audio   1

Physical Description: Audiocassette 
Access Restrictions: The original audiocassette is restricted; users must use the network access copy available in the Archives.
Electronic Folder  
  \Audio\
  Hotel_Milwaukee_1997\

Physical Description: 1 digital file (1 hr., 25 min.) 
Hotel Milwaukee: "Mrs. Post's Sixth Hour English Class", 1998 December 19
Scope and Content Note: A recording of the Hotel Milwaukee radio program that aired on December 19th, 1998. On the show at around 00:10:48, Firer is introduced then then reads the poems Mrs. Post's Sixth Hour English Class, Whitefish Bay High School, and Milwaukee 1996.
Audio   3

Physical Description: Audiocassette 
Access Restrictions: The original audiocassette is restricted; users must use the network access copy available in the Archives.
Electronic Folder  
  \Audio\
  Hotel_Milwaukee_1998\

Physical Description: 1 digital file (1 hr., 1 min.) 
Hotel Milwaukee: "Whitman's Voice", 2000 March 26
Scope and Content Note: A recording of the Hotel Milwaukee radio program. On the show at around 00:22:40, Firer is introduced then then reads the poem Whitman's Voice.
Audio   2

Physical Description: Audiocassette 
Access Restrictions: The original audiocassette is restricted; users must use the network access copy available in the Archives.
Electronic Folder  
  \Audio\
  Hotel_Milwaukee_Whitmans_Voice_2000\

Physical Description: 1 digital file (1 hr., 04 min) 
Imprinted with Lake Light, 2019
Scope and Content Note: A film about Firer's poetry and relationship to Milwaukee. The film was directed by Carmelle Liepins. There is a "Biography" feature on the DVD that includes information about Firer's life and interviews with Firer.
Box   4

Physical Description: DVD 
Access Restrictions: The original DVD is restricted; users must use the network access copy available in the Archives.
Electronic Folder  
  \Video\
  Imprinted_with_Lake_Light_2019\

Physical Description: 2 digital files (51 min., 22 sec.; 27 min., 38 sec.) 
Video   2
"Janet Lilly: Summer", 2003 August 22-23
Physical Description: Videocassette 
Scope and Content Note: A set of seven interpretive dance performances from DanceSpace. The collection is titled Vacant. The performances included are: Anima Reflections, After Hours, The Weight of Skin, Prosa Echoes, Burgundy and Blue, Three Women, and Coping. "The Weight of Skin" is known to be based off Firer's poetry.
Access Restrictions: The original videocassette is restricted; users must request an access copy.
Kris + Susan: Poetry Reading, 2005 February 11
Scope and Content Note: A recording of Firer and Kris [surname illegible] reading poetry.
Box   4

Physical Description: CD 
Access Restrictions: The original CD is restricted; users must use the network access copy available in the Archives.
Electronic Folder  
  \Audio\
  Kris_Susan_Poetry_Reading_2005\

Physical Description: 4 digital files (2 min., 10 sec; 15 min., 35 sec.; 3 min., 8 sec.; 14 min., 52 sec.) 
Video   6
Milwaukee in Five Minutes, 2005 April 13
Physical Description: Videocassette 
Scope and Content Note: A recording of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee "Milwaukee in Five Minutes" event. The event features short readings from Milwaukee writers, including Firer.
Access Restrictions: The original videocassette is restricted; users must request an access copy.
Miramar/Burdock Reading: December Cosmos, 2011 December
Scope and Content Note: A recording of Firer reciting Thank You, Blizzard at Miramar Theather in Milwaukee, Wisconsin while Jim Hazard plays the cornet. Also features a short video of Firer playing Hotel Milwaukee on a boombox.
Box   4

Physical Description: DVD 
Access Restrictions: The original DVD is restricted; users must use the network access copy available in the Archives.
Electronic Folder  
  \Video\
  Miramar_Burdock_Reading_2011\

Physical Description: 2 digital files (16 sec.; 3 min., 46 sec.) 
Poetry Everywhere, undated
Scope and Content Note: A film sponsored by the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Peck School of the Arts, Department of Film and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee College of Letters and Science. The film was produced in association with the Poetry Foundation and created by students at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's docUWM media center and by students in the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's creative writing program. The film consists of a series of poems by various poets as short animated films. Firer's poem Call Me Piper is the seventh poem in the film. The animation and design for Firer's poem was created by Paula Schultz.
Box   4

Physical Description: DVD 
Access Restrictions: The original DVD is restricted; users must use the network access copy available in the Archives.
Electronic Folder  
  \Video\
  Poetry_Everywhere_undated\

Physical Description: 1 digital file (36 min., 40 sec.) 
Video   5
"Reading", 2002 March 21-22
Physical Description: Videocassette 
Scope and Content Note: A recording of four writers reading their work, including Firer, in Marshall, Minnesota.
Access Restrictions: The original videocassette is restricted; users must request an access copy.
Video   3
"Susan Firer", 2001 April 20
Physical Description: Videocassette 
Scope and Content Note: A recording of a poetry and open-mic night in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Firer is the featured poet for the event.
Access Restrictions: The original videocassette is restricted; users must request an access copy.
Susan Firer and Dorothea Lasky: Woodland Pattern, 2014 April 26
Scope and Content Note: A recording of Firer at Woodland Pattern bookstore, reading poems from the book Milwaukee Does Strange Things to People: New and Selected Poems and from a new manuscript. Firer also discusses poetry.
Box   4

Physical Description: CD 
Access Restrictions: The original CD is restricted; users must use the network access copy available in the Archives.
Electronic Folder  
  \Audio\
  Dorothea_Lasky_2014\

Physical Description: 1 digital file (1 hr., 6 min.) 
Susan Firer: Woodland Pattern, 2003 April 26
Scope and Content Note: A recording of Firer at Woodland Pattern bookstore, reading from two new manuscripts and from the book The Laugh We Make When We Fall. A person named Sarah [surname unstated] also reads poetry.
Box   4

Physical Description: CD 
Access Restrictions: The original CD is restricted; users must use the network access copy available in the Archives.
Electronic Folder  
  \Audio\
  Woodland_Pattern_2003\

Physical Description: 3 digital files (1 min., 17 sec.; 40 min., 34 sec.; 16 min., 57 sec.) 
Susan Firer: Woodland Pattern, 2006 April 4
Box   4

Physical Description: DVD 
Access Restrictions: The original DVD is restricted; users must use the network access copy available in the Archives.
Electronic Folder  
  \Video\
  Susan Firer Woodland Pattern, 2006\

Physical Description: 1 digital file (22 min, 50 sec) 
Scope and Content Note: A recording of Firer at Woodland Pattern bookstore, reading from the book Milwaukee Does Strange Things to People: New and Selected Poems 1979-2007.
Box   4
Higher Ground with Jonathan Overby, 2005 January
Physical Description: CD 
Scope and Content Note: A recording of the Wisconsin Public Radio program Higher Ground that was taped on January 29th, 2005. Firer reads poetry twice in the program.
Access Restrictions: The original CDs are restricted; users must use the network access copy available in the Archives.

Physical Description: 2 CDs (1 hr, 56 min, 54 sec) 
Electronic Folder  
  \Audio\
  Higher_Ground_2005\

Physical Description: 6 digital files (22 min., 43 sec.; 21 min., 5 sec.; 15 min., 11 sec.; 27 min., 32 sec.; 12 min., 13 sec.; 19 min., 10 sec.) 
Awards and Honors
Box   1
Folder   1
Awards
Box   1
Folder   9
Milwaukee Poet Laureate
Correspondence
Box   1
Folder   1
Personal Correspondence
Box   1
Folder   2
Professional Correspondence
Events
Box   1
Folder   5
Contraptions Event , 2008
Box   1
Folder   6
Events
Box   1
Folder   7
Imprinted with Lake Light Viewing
Box   2
Folder   3
Miscellaneous
Box   1
Folder   8
Musical Collaborations
News Articles and Publications
Box   2
Folder   4
Clippings
Box   2
Folder   22
Publicity News Articles
Published Poems
Box   1
Folder   2
Published Poems, 1984-2001
Box   1
Folder   3
Published Poems, 2005-2018, Undated
Box   2
Folder   5
Milwaukee Magazine, May, 1986
Box   1
Folder   4
Reviews, 1979-2017
Box   2
Folder   6
Photographs, 1951-2016
Planners and Planner Papers
Box   2
Folder   8
Planner, 2007
Box   2
Folder   9
Planner, 2008
Box   2
Folder   10
Planner, 2009
Box   2
Folder   11
Planner Papers, 2009
Box   2
Folder   12
Planner, 2011
Box   2
Folder   13
Planner, 2014
Box   2
Folder   14
Planner Papers, 2014
Poetry Journals and Poetry Journal Papers
Box   2
Folder   5
Poetry Journal, 1971
Box   2
Folder   16
Poetry Journal, 1990
Box   2
Folder   17
Poetry Journal, 1993
Box   2
Folder   18
Poetry Journal, 1996
Box   2
Folder   19
Poetry Journal, 2012-2015
Box   2
Folder   20
Poetry Journal Papers, 2012-2015
Box   2
Folder   21
Poetry Journal, 2016-2018
Box   3
Posters, 1989-2020, Undated
Box   2
Folder   7
Teaching