Guide to the "Concours"

The collection consists of 6 issues of the literary newspaper entitled Concours, published from November 1972 to February 1973 in Salt Lake City, Utah by students of Westminster College. The newspaper was published monthly, with the exception of January, July, and August.

In November 1972, Concours was the most widely circulated, fasted growing literary publication in Utah reaching a circulation of 25,000. A self-proclaimed "Monthly Parson Publication," the "Bastard Son of the Parson" newspaper, and "a gathering of ideas" created the publication from submissions elicited from the Westminster campus and anyone interested in the surrounding area. Accepted submissions include poetry, short stories, articles, artwork, and other creative works. Advertisements and announcements of up coming Salt Lake City events also take up a formidable part of the publication and were sold by the inch or the half and quarter page. Examples include advertisements for The Sugar Bowl, a sandwich shop located near the Westminster campus, and the announcement of The James Gang Band coming for the first time to Salt Lake City.

The majority of the publication is reserved for original writing from the contributors. Most entries are poems or short fiction pieces. Poetry appears in every form and without limitation to structure. These shorter pieces are often complimented by drawings and artwork, either produced by individuals representing Westminster or from other submissions. There is great variety in the artwork ranging from photographs of various events at Westminster to what might be consider "Pop Art," featuring Superman and "a Man of War" and various images in front of bulls eyes. However, large sections are dedicated to articles of different genres. Many opinion pieces relate to problems with policy or personal reactions concerning the Vietnam War. Other pieces take on a more philosophical lean, including one by Greg Stewart entitled "A Discussion on the Interpretation of Natural Order" and another by Sharon Cavagnolo titled "TV and the Sexist Myth." Much of the material included in Concours could be considered very controversial. Examples include Uncle Sam giving the "bird" to the view, images of naked men and women, and one issue dedicated to "All the ‘Buffalo Bills' of the twentieth century." The statement is then associated with a photograph of "Buffalo Bill Cody" standing over a dead buffalo with the original caption "The Last Buffalo (Dead)."

Concours sought to foster a creative, and at time unrestricted, outlet for literary and artistic individuals. Westminster College as well as the surrounding community was able to benefit and experience a well produced publication that maintained focus yet encouraged freedom of expression.

Issues of this newspaper as well as those of other newspapers published on campus were microfilmed in the spring of 2002 in conjunction with the Forum newspaper office. However, large gaps remain a problem in achieving a truly complete collection. Newspapers were microfilmed according to the calendar year they were published, not according to volume or issue number.

Gaps in the collection: May, June, and September 1972 issues are wanting; there are no issues in the collection dating after February 1973, nor is there any information pertaining to when the series ceased to be published.

Restrictions on Access:

Open to public research.

Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.

Twenty-four hours advance notice is encouraged.

Restrictions on Use:

It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain any necessary copyright clearances.

Permission to publish material must be obtained from the director of the Giovale Library.

Preferred Citation:

Concours, 1972-1973, ACC-083C, Giovale Library Archives, Westminster College, Salt Lake City, Utah.

Arrangement:

Arranged chronologically by publication date.

Processing Note:

Processed January 2005 by Alana Dela Cruz.

Creator:

Westminster College (Salt Lake City, Utah : 1902-1983)

Language:

Collection materials are in English.

Quantity:

0.3 linear foot

Language of the Finding Aid:

English.

Author of the Finding Aid:

Finding aid written January 2005 by Alana Dela Cruz.

EAD Creation Date:

2013 January 24 by Sarah Shaw.

Standard:

Describing Archives : A Content Standard (DACS)

Subarea:

Related Material:

Related collections in Giovale Library Archives:

• Ellipsis : literature and art, 1965-2012 (ACC-039)
• The Parson and The Forum, 1953-2009 (ACC-082)
• The Blurb, January 6, 1946 (ACC-083A)
• The Campus crier, 1946-1955 (ACC-083B)

Corporate Names:

James Gang (Musical group)
Sugar Bowl (Sandwich shop)
Westminster College (Salt Lake City, Utah : 1902-1983)--Newspapers
Westminster College (Salt Lake City, Utah : 1902-1983)--Students

Subject Terms:

Arts--Periodicals
American periodicals--Utah--Salt Lake City
College student newspapers and periodicals--Utah--Salt Lake City
Literature--Periodicals
Poetry--Periodicals

Form or Genre Terms:

Advertisements
Drawings (visual works)
Literature (writings)
Poetry
Short stories
Visual arts

Personal Names:

Cavagnolo, Sharon
Stewart, Greg

Geographical Names:

Salt Lake City (Utah)