Series 1:Correspondence and supporting materials, 1922-1972, undated

Includes correspondence from the Spells' personal and professional lives, and attachments such as newspaper clippings, programs, course outlines, printed material, and assorted items. The correspondence is organized variously by correspondent, organization, or subject.

The materials relate to the Spells' teaching and publishing activities and to organizations in which they were active, especially the Instituto Internacional de Literatura Iberoamericana (1938-1948) and the Modern Language Association (1930-1953) (the Interscholastic League is also represented); to literary figures such as Rafael Heliodoro Valle, Francisco Monterde, and Sturgis E. Leavitt; to personal business affairs, travel, and family members, especially their daughter, Lota Rea Spell Wilkinson; and to scholars, teachers, and students, including Alfonso Reyes, J.H.Hammond, Charles B. Qualia, and Lubbock music teacher, Mary Dunn.

Frequent subjects are specific publications, the acquisition and exchange of written materials and bibliographic information, music and school programs, conferences and meetings, professional job openings, and recommendations for individuals. Also documented is the purchase of the Joaquín García Icazbalceta Collection by the University of Texas. Clippings contain biographical information on the Spells.