Francis Urry papers

Collection

Identifier: MS 0659

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Francis Urry papers (1920-1984) consist of personal, religious, and performing arts materials. Included are genealogy records, resumes, programs, correspondence, scripts, articles, brochures, notes, and other papers. Miscellaneous oversize items are at the end of the collection.

Dates

1920-1984

Creator

Urry, Francis L. (Francis Lester), 1908-1985 (Person)

Language of Materials

Collection materials are in English.

Conditions Governing Access

Twenty-four hour advanced notice encouraged. Materials must be used on-site. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.

Conditions Governing Use

The library does not claim to control copyright for all materials in the collection. An individual depicted in a reproduction has privacy rights as outlined in Title 45 CFR, part 46 (Protection of Human Subjects). For further information, please review the J. Willard Marriott Library’s Use Agreement and Reproduction Request forms.

Biographical Sketch

Francis Lester Urry was a well-known actor, announcer, and teacher whose career in the performing arts was directly related to his activity in the LDS Church. Born January 23, 1908 in Salt Lake City, Urry was the son of Herbert Henry Urry and Jane Elizabeth Maxwell, both of whose families had recently come from England. Urry studied speech and drama from an early age, and began his acting career with the Salt Lake Civic Opera Company at the "Water Theatre" in Nibley Park. In 1933, he went on a mission to Georgia, for the LDS Church. Upon his return he became active again in acting, announcing, directing, and teaching. He married Leona Virginia Carroll in 1936, and they had three children: Francis Merrill, Virginia Carroll, and Jane Erma. In 1939 he began teaching speech and drama. For four years he was director of these courses at the McCune School of Music and Art. Urry moved to Chicago in 1944 where he participated in several radio shows such as "Guiding Light," "Family Theatre," and the "Hallmark Radio Playhouse" with Lionel Barrymore. He moved on from there to Hollywood, but decided to return to Utah. Urry spent eighteen years working for KSL Radio and Television. His "Land of Make-Believe" was one of the first radio shows geared to children. He was well-known for his role in the radio show "The Bates Boys." He acted in University Theatre productions and films made by B.Y.U. Motion Pictures. One of his best known roles was as Lorenzo Snow in the B.Y. U. movie "Windows of Heaven." Francis Urry's work in the performing arts and with his church made him a well-respected performer and community leader.

Extent

6 Linear Feet (10 boxes and 1 oversize folder)

Additional Description

Abstract

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift of Virginia Urry.

Separated Materials

Photographs were transferred to the Multimedia Division of Special Collections (P0543).

Audio visual materials transferred to the Multimedia Division of Special Collections (A0392).