Blogs

The University of Dayton is the official repository for the life and legacy of celebrated humorist Erma Bombeck ’49. Here’s a glimpse of what’s in the collection:

4,500 original columns

1,158 photos

915 “Good Morning America” scripts

120 speeches

41 pieces of art and framed material, including the LIFE magazine cover proclaiming Erma Bombeck the “Socrates of the Ironing Board”

34 awards, including 16 honorary degrees

32 foreign editions of books

14 commencement addresses

13 New York Times Bestseller List plaques

12 book manuscripts and notes

12 “Maggie” TV scripts

11 calendars

5 boxes of articles about Erma Bombeck, including interviews, ERA speeches and Rose Parade clippings

3 unproduced scripts (two plays and a sitcom with screenwriter son Matt)

1 vintage IBM Selectric typewriter

Scholars, writers, students and Erma aficionados can view the Erma Bombeck Collection, now largely catalogued, by appointment only. A free preview exhibit will run March 11-Oct. 23 in the Stuart and Mimi Rose Gallery in the lobby of Roesch Library. A major exhibit is planned for 2024.

Dubbed the "Socrates of the ironing board" by Life magazine, Bombeck is enjoying a resurgence of interest more than 25 years after her death from a new generation. Her humor transcends time.