Russell Kay Papers

Collection

Identifier: Ms 195

Staff Only

Scope and Content

These papers encompass Kay's career from 1923 until the early 1970s, although there is one document written about him after his death. Documents in the collection include photos of Kay, speeches, Christmas cards, personal correspondence, writings (poems, articles, skits, etc.) and various certificates. The collection contains materials from the Florida State Press Association, including photographs and clippings. Also included are articles from the "Too Late to Classify" column and articles concerning the Tamiami Trail Blazers Expedition of 1923. These papers can be useful in studying the Florida citrus industry or, more generally, the Florida press from the 1920s until the 1970s.

Dates

Creation: 1923-1986

Creator

Kay, Russell, 1892-1977. (Person)

Access

The collection is open for research.

Biographical/Historical Note

Russell Kay (1892-1977) was a California native who came to Florida in 1914 to work for his uncle Edgar A. Wright on The Florida Grower. Kay enjoyed and excelled at advertisement and publicity initially, but later won distinction as a reporter and as editor of the Grower and the Florida Newspaper News and Radio Digest. He also owned and operated the Florida Clipping Service. He organized the Tamiami Trail Blazers Expedition in 1923, and helped get the National Editorial Association meeting of 1941 to Florida. He was president of the Florida Press Association for one year and its Secretary for over 20 years. Throughout his career he was known for his column "Too Late to Classify" which was in publication for over 45 years, beginning in 1935.