A.B. 1899 magna cum laude Harvard (see Copeland's statement)

"Review of March Number of Monthly", by F. C. De sumichrast, The Harvard Crimson, March 13, 1909.

The reviewer, F.C. de Sumichrast, criticizes the use of dialect in the submitted pieces, arguing that it hinders readability and that the authors' efforts would be better spent mastering English prose. While acknowledging the potential value of dialect for philological purposes, the reviewer finds it tiresome and questions its overall literary merit.

The Harvard Crimson, May 17, 1910.

Mentions HMR's poem "Frustra".

George Seldes featured in Tell the Truth and Run mentions HMR in source tbd.

Ernest Gruening (Harvard 1907) mentions in his autobiography Many Battles, p. 24: "In English A my instructor was  Henry Milner Rideout, a refutation of the later wheeze that 'those who can, do; those who can't, teach'", and particularly if they couldn't "do" or "teach" anything else, they became teachers of English. Rideout's credentials were the publication of his short stories in The Saturday Evening Post, then and for a long time thereafter in the heyday of its popularity."

The Harvard Crimson Feb. 29, 1912

This text is a summary of a 1912 address by Professor Copeland on the topic of "Studies versus Interests and Activities." Professor Copeland presented statistics indicating that Harvard College students who achieved only a simple A.B. degree (without honors) rarely attained distinction in Law School or Medical School. He suggested a correlation between success in professional studies and success in professional practice.

The professor also presented anecdotal evidence of successful storytellers and playwrights who had achieved academic distinction at Harvard. These examples included Owen Wister, Henry M. Rideout, Knoblauch, Edward Sheldon, and William Vaughn Moody. He further noted that three prominent presidential candidates at the time—William H. Taft, Woodrow Wilson, and Theodore Roosevelt—were all highly accomplished scholars.

Professor Copeland concluded that while these examples were not statistically conclusive, they suggested a potential link between academic achievement and success in various fields. He implied that further research and data collection might reveal more definitive conclusions about the relationship between scholarship and achievement.

1928 Frances Reed Rideout

2002 Edited with notes by Cecily Reed McNeil with an index of the memoir plus 8 bound volumes of family letters

Henry Milner Rideout (HMR) was a scholar and a gentleman, known for his integrity, love of fun, and clean mind.

He was born in Calais, Maine, in 1877. His father died when he was twelve, leaving the family in financial difficulty.

Despite this, HMR excelled in school and, with the help of Miss Laura Burns and Charles Copeland, attended Harvard University.

He graduated with honors in 1899 and became an English instructor at Harvard.

In 1904, HMR embarked on a world tour, traveling to the Philippines, India, and other countries.

During this time, he began writing, publishing his first novel, "The Siamese Cat," and several short stories.

In 1906, HMR met Frances Reed in Shasta County, California. They were immediately drawn to each other.

After a courtship, they married in 1907 and settled in Sausalito, California.

HMR continued to write, drawing inspiration from his travels and experiences. He became a successful author, known for his vivid descriptions and engaging stories.

Throughout his life, HMR maintained close relationships with his family and friends, including his sister Clara, brother Dunning, and mentor Charles Copeland.

HMR's legacy is one of intellectual curiosity, integrity, and a deep appreciation for the beauty of the world.

1999 By CRM and CRN

This file contains a collection of letters received by Henry Milner Rideout from friends and admirers of his work. The letters are edited by Cecily R. McNeil and Clara R. Noyes.

Introduction: The introduction provides context about the letters, explaining that they are grouped by correspondent rather than chronologically. The editor emphasizes the value of these letters in understanding Henry Milner Rideout's character and relationships.

Letters: The letters are from a diverse group of individuals, including military personnel, academics, and family friends. Notable correspondents include:

M.A. Maxwell: Maxwell's letters discuss Rideout's use of language, particularly the phrase "piping cord," and his portrayal of the St. Croix Valley region.

Nathaniel Allison, MD: Allison reminisces about their shared experiences in Boston and expresses admiration for Rideout's writing.

Marlborough Churchill: Churchill's letters offer insights into his life as a military officer, his admiration for William Jones (a mutual friend), and his thoughts on various topics.

John A. Plews: Plews' letters detail his experiences during World War I and his observations on the war's impact.

Laura Burns: Burns' letters are personal and witty, discussing literature, family life, and local events.

Other Content: The file also includes:

A list of Rideout's works.

A sonnet submitted by Rideout for a Harvard English class.

A letter from Lulu A. Connelly praising Rideout's story "Barbry."

A clock inscription referencing a wedding gift to Rideout and his wife.

A mail exchange about Raynal Bolling, a correspondent and friend of Rideout's.

Overall, the letters provide a rich and multifaceted view of Henry Milner Rideout's life, relationships, and literary career. They offer glimpses into his personality, his connections with diverse individuals, and the impact of his work on his readers. The letters also shed light on historical events and social attitudes of the time.