Schmidt Robert Frost Collection
A rare collection of limited editions
The UW-Eau Claire Foundation acquired a rare collection of works by the 20th century American poet Robert Frost, as a combined purchase and gift from Joan Christopherson Schmidt. The Foundation is accepting gifts to support a fund to maintain the collection. The collection contains approximately 44 books authored by Frost, including several that have been signed and inscribed by the poet, dozens of books about Frost, and manuscript materials containing hand-written poetry, Christmas cards and pamphlets.
The Frost Collection was made available to the university by the UW-Eau Claire Foundation through Joan Christopherson Schmidt, the wife of the late Frederick Schmidt, a long-time friend of Frost and Wisconsin native. After his passing in 2005 at age 81, Joan Schmidt felt it was important for her husband's collection to remain intact and stay in Wisconsin, and so, through a series of connections in the area, the collection found a home at UW-Eau Claire.
Frederick and Joan Christopherson Schmidt Robert Frost Celebration of American Poetry
Each year, in celebration of the Frost Collection, the UW-Eau Claire Foundation hosts the Frederick and Joan Christopherson Schmidt Robert Frost Celebration of American Poetry. The event features individuals from the campus and community who read poems on a selected theme.