A Guide to Jewish Wisconsin, 2011

The Jack Nusan Porter Papers comprise three boxes including one half-size box. The papers span the years from 1965 to 1981 but include materials mainly from 1971 through 1979. The papers are divided into three categories: general correspondence; publications, research, and teaching files; and student materials. The first folder of the series contains scattered biographical materials including vitae, clippings, and miscellaneous other materials.

The general correspondence, which includes both incoming and copies of outgoing letters, pertains mainly to Porter's career as teacher and writer. Much of the correspondence is routine and includes many application for teaching positions. The correspondence pertaining to Porter's writings includes criticisms of Porter's works as well as letters from publishers accepting and rejecting various articles and commentaries. Because of Porter's interest and activity in the field of Jewish studies, the correspondence also includes many letters from prominent individuals within the Jewish intellectual and publishing communities. A small amount of correspondence related to Porter's wider interests in the field of sociology and includes letters from several sociologists including David Riesman.

The publications, research, and teaching files comprise several folders including Porter's research materials on "Young Jews and the New Left," "The Jewish Student," a 1970 analysis of religious and secular attitudes of Northwestern Jewish students; and "Neo-Nazis in America." Correspondence and related materials pertaining to the Journal of the History of Sociology are contained in one folder. Copies of Porter's articles, essays, and reviews, both published and unpublished, are arranged chronologically into two folders. A third folder of similar articles and commentaries includes undated items. Other folders contain reviews an advertisements concerning Porter's publications, and materials documenting his lecture, speaking, and conference engagements. Correspondence, clippings, and teaching materials document Porter's teaching career at a variety of institutions from 1969 through 1979.

Porter's student materials include a small amount of notes and papers generated while he was a student at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Northwestern University.

Addition 1

This addition comprises twenty-eight items, mainly articles and reviews written by Porter as well as miscellaneous biographical materials, which span the period ca. 1980-1983. Eight items have been added to the Biographical Materials folder (Box 1, Folder 1); twelve have been added to the Articles, Essays, and Reviews folders (Box 2, Folders 8 and 9); and eight have been added to the Reviews and Advertisements folder (Box 3, Folder 1).

Addition 2

Spanning the period ca. 1984-1985, the additions are comprised of seventeen items, mainly clippings and reviews by and about Porter. Included are promotional materials relating to Porter's business activities and interests. The items have been added to the Biographical Materials folder (Box 1, Folder 1), the Articles, Essays and Reviews folders (Box 2, Folders 8 and 9), and the Reviews and Advertisements folder (Box 3, Folder 1).

Addition 3

Thirty items, including clippings and reviews by and about Porter. One folder contains promotional materials concerning Porter's business venture, The Spencer Group. The additions span the period 1972 through 1986.

The materials have been added to the Biographical Materials folder (Box 1, Folder 1), the Articles, Essays and Reviews folders (Box 2, Folders 8 and 9), and the Reviews and Advertisements folder (Box 3, Folder 1).

Addition 4

Eleven items, dating from 1967 through 1986, and including biographical material, promotional materials, and clippings and writings by or concerning Porter.

The materials have been added to the Biographical Materials folder (Box 1, Folder 1), the Articles, Essays and Reviews folders (Box 2, Folder 7), and the Spencer Group folder (Box 3, Folder 12).

Addition 5, Box 4 This addition consists of three paper-bound works by Jack Nusan Porter, published between 1981 and 1997.