Richard B. Gehman Papers

Richard Boyd Gehman (1921-1972), was born in Lancaster, PA., educated at McCaskey High School and began his career as a copy editor and 'cub reporter' for the local newspapers. He was a very prolific writer, composing thousands of magazine articles in addition to his nineteen books. He spent four years in the United States Engineer Corps during World War II and wrote for the Army in Tennessee. Much of his writing focuses on his intimate connection with such high-profile personalities as Eddie Condon, Harry Richman, Hugh Hefner, and Humphrey Bogart. In addition, Gehman also taught writing at such institutions as New York University, Columbia University, Indiana University, Pennsylvania State University, Millersville State Teacher's College, and at Middlebury College's Bread Loaf Writer's Conference. Gehman is also the author of the musical"By Hex" a.k.a. "The Wonderful Good" about the Amish of his native Lancaster. His wide range of interests are reflected in his expansive bibliography. Gehman also published under the pseudonyms Meghan Richards, Frederic Christian, Martin Scott, and F.C. Uffelman. He was married several times most notably to Academy Award winning actress Estelle Parsons.