
Unidentified photographer. [Roger L. Stevens] circa 1913. Roger L. Stevens papers, Music Division.
Roger Lacey Stevens was born in Detroit, Michigan, on March 12, 1910, to Stanley G. Stevens (1875-1966) and Florence O. Jackson Stevens (1875-1957). Roger was the second of three sons, and for most of his childhood the Stevens family enjoyed a comfortable life in Ann Arbor. Stanley worked in real estate and invested in several local businesses. Florence was active in local women’s clubs and was a life-long learner. When Roger was 12, Florence enrolled in sociology and philosophy courses at the University of Michigan, and at age 60, she received a Master of Arts degree from the School of Education at New York University.

Unidentified photographer. [Roger L. Stevens dressed to play football.] circa 1928. Roger L. Stevens papers, Music Division.
Roger had planned to attend Harvard University after high school. He was accepted, and there is a letter from Harvard in his personal papers requesting that he submit his application for living on campus. Three of his friends named him as the fourth roommate on their applications. Unfortunately, a change in the family’s financial circumstances prevented Roger from enrolling in Harvard. Instead, he moved back to his hometown and attended the University of Michigan where he took courses in French, history, math, and rhetoric. Essays and exams from this time are included in the collection.

Unidentified photographer. [Christine and Roger Stevens] circa 1938. Roger L. Stevens papers, Music Division.
The story goes on. There’s a six -month honeymoon around Europe and by the end of the year, two become three with the birth of daughter Christabel. World War II looms on the horizon, and Roger serves in the Navy from 1944 to 1946, stationed in Florida. The bulk of collection’s correspondence between Christine and Roger takes place during this forced separation. Thanks to Christine, Roger becomes a regular theatergoer, and in 1949 he produces his first Broadway show. The story goes on, but the origin tale is wrapping up. There’s so much more ahead for Roger and a great deal of it is documented in his papers at the Library. Look for the finding aid coming out this spring to find out more.