MSS 216 (A.05-101)

Title: Donald K. Gordon fonds

Dates: 1968-2003

Extent: 1 cm of textual records

Biographical Sketches: Born on September 27, 1935, Donald K. Gordon attended High School at Calabar High School in Jamaica from 1948-1953. In 1969 Gordon recieved his Ph.D. from the University of Toronto in Spanish American Literature and went on to be employed by the University of Manitoba from 1970-2001, becoming a Professor in 1984 until his retirement on July 1, 2001. His publications include two books, several chapters in books and numerous articles, one notable article presented Roden's work for the first time in the North American Journal, Afro-Hispanic Review. Currently, Gordon lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and has been Professor Emeritus at the University of Manitoba since 2004.

A. J. (Alderman Johnson) Roden, “tailor poet,” was born March 28, 1893 in Jamaica, but his date and place of death are unknown. On August 14, 1911, Roden moved to Limon, Costa Rica where he was educated at a preparatory school whose headmistress was Maureen O’Shaughnessy, a graduate of Dublin University. Recognized as a good student, Roden began writing poetry at age twelve and won a scholarship to attend St. George’s College, but was prevented by his father who disliked Catholicism. Instead, Roden became a tailor and set up shop in Port Limon, moving between Matina and Bataan as economic conditions necessitated. Unable to achieve his goal of publishing a collection of his poetry, in spite of gaining support from Professor Donald K. Gordon and the important Costa Rican writer Quince Duncan, Roden had a number of his poems published in local newspapers.

Custodial History: The fonds was collected by Donald K. Gordon and donated to the University of Manitoba Archives and Special Collections in 2005.

Scope and Content: The fonds consists of A.J. Roden's photographs, poems, and correspodence between A.J. Roden and D. K. Gordon.

Restrictions: There are no restrictions on access to this material.

Accruals: No further accruals to this fonds are expected.

Finding Aid: A printed finding aid is available in the Archives reading room and an electronic finding aid is available at the link below:

MSS 216 (A.05-101)