Ruth Sawyer Collection Bookplate

Ruth Sawyer’s son-in-law, esteemed writer and illustrator Robert McCloskey, created a custom bookplate for items in the Ruth Sawyer Collection at the Saint Catherine University Archives. McCloskey, known for children’s picture book illustrations such as Make Way for Ducklings, and Blueberries for Sal, contributed to the longevity of Sawyer's legacy as the illustration in her honor is preserved in the Saint Catherine University Archives & Special Collections.   

In 1957, the Saint Catherine University Library named its collection of rare children's books the Ruth Sawyer Collection in her honor. The collection includes Sawyer’s own letters, photographs, and writings containing autographs and inscriptions to the University. A bookplate, designed by McCloskey, is proudly displayed in many of the books within the collection. 

Follow the evolution of the bookplate’s creation in the items below. Read the letter written by Sister Marie Inez requesting the creation of a bookplate first recieved by McCloskey. These items continue the telling the story of the storyteller, Ruth Sawyer.