Vigo County Historical Society
Historical Treasure Article
Historic Treasure of the Week -
September 15, 2002
By Dorothy Jerse
Vigo County Historical Society
“Desiderata” has helped many people in 75 years
This new publication of the poem, “Desiderata,” by Max Ehrmann carries the subtitle, “A Survival Guide for Life.” And the poem has been just that for millions of people since it was copyrighted 75 years ago.
The author’s journal (Dec. 17, 1921) reads: “If, in an hour of noble elation, I could write a bit of glorified prose that would soften the stern ways of life, and bring to our fevered days some courage, dignity and poise--I should be well-content.” “Desiderata fulfilled this challenge.
Ehrmann, labeled “Wabash Valley poet laureate of the 20th century” by Vigo County historian Mike McCormick, chose to live his life in Terre Haute where he was born in 1872. A graduate of DePauw and Harvard universities, he returned to Terre Haute to work as a prosecuting attorney and in the office of his brother’s manufacturing plant. He eventually devoted all his hours to writing, which included drama, prose and poetry.
Confusion over the authorship of his poem, “Desiderata,” occurred for a number of years. The Rev. Frederick Ward Kates, rector of St. Paul’s Church in Baltimore, had reproduced the poem and as others copied it, Ehrmann’s name was dropped. Copies showing “Old St. Paul’s Church, Baltimore, 1692” instead of Max Ehrmann are still found.
The Friends of Max Ehrmann are commemorating the 75th anniversary of the poem today. “A Tribute to Max Ehrmann” will be presented at 10:30 a.m. in the Unitarian-Universalist Church at 2875 S. Fruitridge Ave.
A tour of Ehrmann landmarks in Farrington Grove with David Lewis will begin at 2 p.m. in the Vigo County Historical Museum at 1411 S. Sixth St. The observance will end with Ehrmann readings at 3:30 p.m. in the Coffee Grounds at 423 Wabash Ave.
The Historical Museum of the Wabash Valley, 1411 S. Sixth St., is open from 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. The Web site: http://web.indstate.edu/community/vchs.