Danny Newman's letters (1978-2005) to Merv Block, a New York broadcast news writer and editor who worked earlier in his career as a newspaper writer and editor in Chicago. Also additional materials relating to Newman, including his writings and memoirs, biographical information, newspaper clippings, award notices, and press releases. Newman (1919-2007), a life-long Chicagoan and Lyric Opera press agent for over 50 years, pioneered the building of performing arts audiences through subscription sales.

Also includes letters to Block from author James T. Farrell, together with writings and column samples Farrell sent to Block. Block and Farrell became acquainted in 1957, when Block interviewed him for a story, and then again for another in 1958. Later in 1960 Block attempted to help Farrell appear as a columnist in Chicago’s American. Both of Block’s articles are also in the papers, as are other articles about Farrell, obituaries, photographs, and copies of a few letters from and to Farrell.