David Bellamy papers

The David Bellamy Papers are primarily concerned with the controversy surrounding the authorship of the Pledge. Originally drafted in 1892 for a nation-wide Columbus Day Celebration, at the time the Pledge was written no specific individual was credited with its authorship. Rather, in reference to the magazine which sponsored the initial program, it became known as the "Youth's Companion Flag Pledge.". As the Pledge gained fame many were eager to claim credit for its authorship; however the controversy focused primarily on two individuals--James Upham and Francis Bellamy. The latter's claim was supported by his son, David Bellamy, who spent a number of years substantiating his father's claim and gaining public recognition for him as author of the Pledge.

The year 1892 had marked the four hundredth anniversary of Christopher Columbus' discovery of the New World. In honor of this occasion the Youth's Companion proposed a nation-wide celebration in the public schools to foster patriotism. The National Education Association endorsed this proposal and appointed a committee to prepare a uniform, official program of exercises for the celebration. Because of the Companion's involvement, the chairman of this committee was a representative from the magazine and headquarters for the program were based in the Companion's office. This representative and chairman was the Associated Editor of the Companion, Francis Bellamy. Also involved was the Companion's editor, James Upham. As was the magazine's custom, no specific individual was credited with authorship of the Pledge and for nearly thirty years following its first utterance the Pledge remained devoid of any by-line.

By 1923 the Pledge had become an integral aspect of every patriotic activity. Parallel with the Pledge's popularity was the public's interest in discovering who had composed the creed. Numerous individuals were quick to claim credit, but the controversy centered around James Upham and Francis Bellamy--a controversy that remained unsettled for nearly forty years. Although many committees and review boards were established, no definitive answer was given to permanently settle dispute until the Library of Congress Legislative Reference Service issued a report affirming Francis Bellamy as the author of the Pledge in 1957.

The collection consists of affidavits, articles, reports and correspondence which were gathered through David Bellamy's successful efforts to establish the authenticity of his father's claim. Included also is publicity and memorial information which attributes the authorship of the Pledge of Francis Bellamy.