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Stefanile, Selma

 Person

Biographical Information

Selma Epstein was born in New York City, NY on June 5, 1922. She finished elementary school in New York City on June 26, 1936 and went on to complete her high school diploma in January 1940 from Julia Richamn High School. On June 27, 1945, she graduated from Hunter College in New York City with a BA in Pre-social work. Soon after graduation from college, Selma enlisted with the United States Navy on June 12, 1945 and was stationed at naval bases in New York, Washington D.C. and Illinois. She was honorably discharged from the Navy on August 28, 1946. Selma met Felix Stefanile in 1952. They were later married on January 17, 1953 in Albertson, New York while they were both employed by the New York State Department of Labor. Selma and Felix Stefanile worked together to begin publishing Sparrow, a poetry magazine, in 1954, while still living in New York. Selma encouraged Felix to take the Visiting Poet and Lecturer position at Purdue in 1961 and soon began graduate work at Purdue University in Modern Languages. She supported Felix's writing career by taking notes for him and typing up his rough drafts. Selma was also a poet in her own rite. Books written by Selma Stefanile include: Indiana Indiana, The Poem beyond my reach and I know a wise bird.

Found in 2 Collections and/or Records:

Felix and Selma Stefanile papers

 Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: MSF 306
Scope and Contents The Felix and Selma Stefanile papers (1920-2009; 26.75 cubic feet) document the personal and professional lives of Felix and Selma Stefanile. The collection includes rough drafts and notes of Felix and Selma's published poems and essays. It also contains personal papers which document both of their lives in New York before they came to live in West Lafayette, Indiana. Many of the photographs are focused on Felix's childhood, early life, middle and later years. The photographs document less...
Dates: 1920-2009; Majority of material found within 1944-2000; Other: Date acquired: 01/02/2010

Felix and Selma Stefanile papers, addition 03

 Unprocessed Material — Box 1
Identifier: 20170927