Box 31 Folder 21 Ellrose D. Zook Former Mennonite Publishing House editor Ellrose Zook [1907-1988]... of the MPH [Mennonite Publishing House] staff ... 1925-72. He started as a pressman and then switched to linotype operator. Later, after earning a degree in English and Bible from Goshen College, he became an editor and edited such publications as Word of Cheer and Mennonite Yearbook. Still later he earned a master's degree in journalism from Syracuse University and served as executive editor 1953-70, with responsibility for all publications. After a reorganization at MPH, Zook served as Herald Press book editor until his retirement. ––obituary in Gospel Herald - February 23, 1988, pages 138, 142. {1} Misfiled “Nite letter” ––memoranduma format––National Association of Evangelicals to Ellrose Zook, May 27 [penciled “1946?; addressed to Zook in Boston; penned note on reverse side “Invitation referred to H. S. Bender”]; inviting a Mennonite representative to a meeting “to present plans for German relief”, in Chicago, “Monday, June 10”, more detail. [Cross-reference note has been placed in the 1939-1947 Ellrose Zook file, at May 27. 1946] {2} Telegram, Ellrose Zook to Bender, December 12: year? [filed at beginning of folder]: asked Bender to get “YEAR BOOK ARTICLE” in mail this week. {3} Ellrose Zook to Bender, September 21, 1948 [stationery of Mennonite Yearbook and Directory, Zook being Editor]: sending complimentary copy of newly printed “Mennonite CPS Directory”; invited suggestions & criticisms [Civilian Public Service; conscientious objection, nonresistance, pacifism, military draft, alternative service, Selective Service System]. {4} THREE entries Ellrose Zook to Bender, Chester K. Lehman, John C. Wenger, October 19, 1949 [stationery of Mennonite Publishing House; C. K. Lehman, J. C. Wenger]: writer and Brother Metzler [surely A. J. Metzler, Abram J. Metzler] had considered whom to get to edit the Greek-English Concordance of J. B. Smith [Jacob B. Smith]; favored Dorothy Kemrer; agree? paragraph quoting a Smith letter about the introduction; Zook “now working on a possible method of printing the book...” cc Metzler. • • • ATTACHED, “MINUTES OF THE CONFERENCE ON THE J. B. SMITH GREEK-ENGLISH CONCORDANCE”; at EMC [Eastern Mennonite College, later Eastern Mennonite University (EMU)] August 25, 1949, called by Smith; Bender served as chair; about 7/8 page. • • • CONTIGUOUS, Ellrose Zook to Bender, Lehman, and Wenger, November 10, 1949 [stationery of Mennonite Publishing House]: strong support for “Sister Dorothy Kemrer”; re procedure––Smith should direct any questions he had to the committee. cc’s Metzler, Smith. {5} TWO entries Ellrose Zook to Bender, November 17, 1949 [stationery of Mennonite Yearbook and Directory, Zook being Editor]: 1950 MENNONITE YEARBOOK was under preparation; asked Bender for an article on activities of the PPC [Peace Problems Committee”, by December 1.... • • • REPLY, Bender to Ellrose Zook, December 19, 1949 [to Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale Pennsylvania]: sending the article, apology for lateness.... {6} Ellrose Zook to Bender, Chester K. Lehman, John C. Wenger, December 3, 1949 [C. K. Lehman, J. C. Wenger; stationery of Mennonite Publishing House]: re the J. B. Smith [Jacob B. Smith] Concordance, Metzler [surely A. J. Metzler, Abram J. Metzler] and Zook had idea of getting “Doctor Metzger at Princeton” to write the Introduction, wanted a member of the committee to interview him; Smith favored that Sister Kemrer should do the editing; Zook unclear about her specific duties, wanted committee member to have discussion with her. cc Metzler. {7} Telegram not extant here, January 23, 1950: see letter of January 25. • • • REPLY to January 23 telegram, Ellrose Zook to Bender, January 24, 1950 [stationery of Mennonite Publishing House]: Metzler [A. J. Metzler, Abram J. Metzler and Zook agreed with Bender’s telegram; your counsel much appreciated. {8} Bender to Ellrose Zook, January 25, 1950 [to Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale Pennsylvania]: wording of telegram sent January 23, re “LANDIS INDEX MARTYRS MIRROR so inaccurate it was beyond editing––Bender recommended omitting it [?? Ira D. Landis ??]; Bender gave a lengthy discussion supporting his view, and outlined an alternative plan; at end indicated amounts ($9.00, $7.80) to pay Willard H. Smith and Helen Brenneman for work done [Willard Smith]. cc’s A. J. Metzler, J. C. Wenger [Abram J. Metzler, John C. Wenger]. {9} FIVE entries Ellrose Zook to Bender, January 30, 1950 [stationery of Mennonite Yearbook and Directory, Zook being Editor]: enclosing material to use for “your Conference with Dr. Metzger; full title of the concordance would be Tabular and Statistical Greek English Concordance of the New Testament; bit more about the concordance. [J. B. Smith; Jacob B. Smith]. • • • ATTACHED, a sheet appearing to be draft of index, with note “Sample of Index Not Edited”. • • • ATTACHED, sheet, grid format, apparently from printed draft of the concordance, with note “Not Proofread”. • • • CONTIGUOUS, Sheet, headed “VALUES OF THE CONCORDANCE”; four points, most of one double-spaced page. • • • CONTIGUOUS, Bender to Ellrose Zook, February 1, 1950 [to Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale Pennsylvania]: had held a “satisfactory interview” with Professor Metzger at Princeton yesterday; Metzger had consented; conditions for proceeding; but the drafts had a shocking number of shocking errors, and would need “extensive checking”––Bender writing “frankly”, not to accuse; had to be done, in light of the large investment; expense of the trip were $11––please issue a check. cc’s A. J. Metzler, J. B. Smith [Abram J. Metzler, Jacob B. Smith]. {10} Ellrose Zook to Bender, March 1, 1950 [stationery of Mennonite Publishing House]: mention minutes of “our meeting at Harrisonburg” Saturday, suppose you have taken matters up with Smith; a major problem was ”totals” and no use to proceed until they were cleared. {11} TWO entries Ellrose Zook to Bender, March 6, 1950 [stationery of Mennonite Publishing House]: had copy of Bender’s March 2 letter of Smith [J. B. Smith, Jacob B. Smith]. despite earlier advice, Zook had sent copy of minutes to Smith; as yet, no reply from Smith; reference to Miss Kemrer....; re Smith’s intention to visit Dr. Metzger at Princeton; Zook had consulted with Metzler on this [A. J. Metzler, Abram J. Metzler], and the two agreed Smith should not go, as Bender had visited recently and Smith’s visit might result in a less favorable Introduction; Zook had that advice to Smith.... • • • CONTIGUOUS,.Ellrose Zook to Bender, March 18, 1950 [stationery of Mennonite Publishing House]: full-page letter about communicating with Smith; also, trying to stop him from visiting and burdening Dr. Metzger; about Smith having come to Scottdale and reported, including on his visiting Metzger; also his visit with Dorothy Kemrer––she now seems to have all needed materials; re Smith’s explanations for certain formatting features.cc’s Kemrer, J. B. Smith [Jacob B. Smith]. {12} TWO entries Ellrose Zook to Bender, May 18, 1950 [stationery of Mennonite Publishing House]: reported “good progress” on the concordance manuscript; hoped he and Bender could have a half-hour discussion at “Mission Board Meeting” [likely Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities]...; to keep it to an hour, advised not to have Smith present [J. B. Smith [Jacob B. Smith]. • • • REPLY, Bender to Ellrose Zook, June 1, 1950 [to Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale Pennsylvania]: glad to do so; hours when it could happen. {13} Ellrose Zook to Bender, June 6, 1950 [stationery of Mennonite Publishing House]: J. B. Smith [Jacob B. Smith] raising question about publisher for his concordance; several mentions of Dorothy Kemrer; current issues to be discussed. {14} Memorandum, Ellrose Zook to Bender, June 30, 1950: more matters for consideration re the J. B. Smith [Jacob B. Smith] concordance. {15} Bender to Ellrose Zook, July 11, 1950 [to Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale Pennsylvania]: on actions taken at a meeting of Mennonite Encyclopedia Board of Editors; technical issues re type size, binding, etc. {16} Ellrose Zook to Bender, July 12, 1950 [stationery of Mennonite Publishing House]: enclosing memos about “items discussed for” Mennonite Encyclopedia and for the Works of Menno Simons; plan to “start working on the Menno Simons book immediately; when will Mennonite Publishing House receive the manuscript for Mennonite Encyclopedia?... {17} Memorandum, Ellrose Zook to Bender and A. J. Metzler, July 12, 1950 [Abram J. Metzler]: on “items and procedures... discussed and agreed upon with H. S. Bender...” re The Works of Menno Simons––procedures for editing; mention contracting with Norman Kraus to compile indexes; Bender to write introductions; re pictures; re format; re binding. {18} Ellrose Zook to Bender, July 14, 1950 [stationery of Mennonite Publishing House]: responding to letter of July 11.... {19} Bender to Ellrose Zook, October 12, 1950 [to Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale Pennsylvania]: proposing that next Yearbook list memberships of standing committees of [MC] Mennonite General Conference. {20} Bender to Ellrose Zook, December 6, 1950 [to Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale Pennsylvania]: apology for overlooking Zook’s request for a Peace Problems Committee [PPC] report for the Yearbook and Directory; Ernest Lehman was writing it.... {21} THREE entries Bender to Ellrose Zook, February 5, 1951 [to Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale Pennsylvania]: badly in need of 1951 statistics for a membership study underway; assumed it was in stage with galley proofs––requested copies; re PPC [Peace Problems Committee], assignment for writing its report had passed to John A. Hostetler; was it sent? • • • REPLY, Ellrose Zook to Bender, February 8, 1951 [stationery of Mennonite Yearbook and Directory, Zook being Editor]: Ernest Lehman had written that the PPC report was imminent; happy to send the 1951 issue as soon as ready. • • • REPLY, Bender to Ellrose Zook, March 28, 1951 [to Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale Pennsylvania]: thanks for the proofs of the directory.... {22} Memorandum, Ellrose Zook to Bender, August 27, 1951: questions and points about layout of The Works of Menno Simons. {23} Ellrose Zook to Bender, September 5, 1951 [stationery of Mennonite Publishing House]: acknowledging receipt of original manuscript of {In the Name of Christ: A History of the Mennonite Central Committee and Its Service, 1920-1951, by John D. Unruh. [Introduction by P.C. Hiebert.]}; already had a manuscript for The Works of Menno Simons like the one you sent; mention Leonard Verduin, J. C. Wenger [John C. Wenger]; are you working on photos for the Unruh book?. {24} Ellrose Zook to Bender, October 30, 1951 [stationery of Mennonite Yearbook and Directory, Zook being Editor]: for 1952 Yearbook, requesting article on activities of PPC [Peace Problems Committee]. {25} Bender to Ellrose Zook, January 30, 1952 [to Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale Pennsylvania]: sending 56 photos collected by Ernest Lehman for “J. D. Unruh MCC History” [sic; John D. Unruh]; thought MPH staff should do final selection [suggested Beulah Stauffer––later Beulah Stauffer Hostetler, Beulah Hostetler]; also re using illustrations in Melvin Gingerich, Service for Peace; that Der Mennonit had many good pictures... (more). cc’s to Beulah Stauffer, Ernest Lehman, Unruh; P.S. to Unruh; re Lehman work on photos, thanks for .... {26} Bender to Ellrose Zook, February 8, 1952 [surely by Bender, but no sign-off; to Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale Pennsylvania]: had just seni rest of Unruh manuscript; on that batch, Unruh [John D. Unruh] had a greed to all editorial changes; reference to diligence of Beulah Stauffer––later Beulah Stauffer Hostetler, Beulah Hostetler]; but Bender was enclosing other pages for which Unruh thought his original better.... {27} Ellrose Zook to Bender, May 20, 1952 [stationery of Mennonite Publishing House]: asking about the Complete Works of Menno Simons; wanted to begin its preparation for printing; maybe J. C. Wenger [John C. Wenger] could bring the rest of it when he came for Board meeting Friday and Saturday. {28} Bender to Ellrose Zook, May 27, 1952 [to Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale Pennsylvania; reply to Bender at MCC––Amsterdam address]: re Delbert Gratz manuscript re history of Bernese Anabaptist, accepted for series “Studies in Anabaptist and Mennonite History” and with four chapters published in The Mennonite Quarterly Review [see Bernese Anabaptists and Their American Descendants, by Delbert L. Gratz (Scottdale, Pa. : Herald Press, 1953; republished by others, 1994, 2016)]; Bender sending parts now, more later; re pictures and maps. P.S. and cc to Gratz. {29} LETTER FRAGMENT (only a very brief last page), Ellrose Zook to Bender, August 28, 1952: [no real information]; cc’s to A. J. Metzler, Bender. {30} Bender to Ellrose Zook, *August 22, 1953 [to Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale Pennsylvania]: about some serious mix-ups in material sent to MPH to publish Mennonite Encyclopedia; Bender would remedy procedures to prevent a repeat. cc’s to A. J. Metzler, Paul Herb, H. Ralph Hernley [Abram J. Metzler]. {31} Melvin Gingerich to Ellrose Zook, August 27, 1953 [to Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale Pennsylvania]: returning a China map and corrections; re assumed schedule for sending galley proofs, etc. [likely for Mennonite Encyclopedia]; having troubles figuring out some corrections of the proofs.... {32} Bender to Ellrose Zook, September 29, 1953 [to Mennonite Encyclopedia, Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale Pennsylvania]: about sending corrected galley proofs, and giving Zook authority to edit a certain article; “eager” for more galley proofs.... {33} “Ellrose” to Bender, no date except stamped as if received October 20, 1953, [stationery of Syracuse University]: much reference to “Miss Trumbo” [likely a secretary back at Mennonite Publishing House]; replying to a Bender letter expressing “concern about the typesetting”; [of Mennonite Encyclopedia]; that was now in the hands of A. J. Metzler [Abram J. Metzler]; a bit more of what seems to be Mennonite Encyclopedia production matters; mention “Melvin’s” letter [likely Melvin Gingerich]. {34} Bender to Ellrose Zook, December 11, 1953 [to Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale Pennsylvania]: Bender [himself] would prepare the Yearbook article; offered some other information about Mennonite branches (splits, etc.). {35} Bender to Ellrose Zook, March 16, 1954 [to Mennonite Encyclopedia / Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale Pennsylvania]: on his projected visit to MPH; wished to work “through Encyclopedia problems with you”––mention that galley proofs were often so bad it made proofreading difficult; wished some time with Miss Yake and with Daniel Hertzler [very likely Lois Yake, later Lois Kanagy, Lois Yake Kanagy]. {36} Bender to Ellrose Zook, March 30, 1954 [to Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale Pennsylvania]: hoped for corrected page proofs for [?? Mennonite Encyclopedia Volume II ??], etc.; projected bringing manuscript for “E” on April 10, and finish Volume II by July 1. {37} Bender to Ellrose Zook, April 1, 1954 [to Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale Pennsylvania]: re collecting for expenses of trip to Scottdale and Lancaster last week; re keeping on schedule with Mennonite Encyclopedia work {38} Ellrose Zook to John C. Wenger, April 30, 19564 [to J. C. Wenger]: re schedule for work on Menno Simons Life and Works [sic]. to have it done for [MC] Mennonite General Conference meeting 1955 [i.e. by late summer that year]; mention Paul Shank, “Brother Metzler” [A. J. Metzler, Abram J. Metzler], John A. Hostetler, H. Ralph Hernley, Paul Erb. // “Thank you for the corrections for Separated Unto God. cc’s to those mentioned. {39} TWO entries Ellrose Zook to Bender, June 23, 1954 [stationery of Mennonite Publishing House, Zook the “Executive Editor”]: about outcome of a mechanical problem with type-set, hence delay of letter D [surely Mennonite Encyclopedia]. cc’s to A. J. Metzler, Paul Erb, H. Ralph Hernley [Abram J. Metzler]. • • • REPLY, Bender to Ellrose Zook, July 1, 1954 [to Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale Pennsylvania]: [a congenial response re cooperating]. {40} Ellrose Zook to Bender, September 9, 1954 [stationery of Mennonite Publishing House, Zook the “Executive Editor”]: needed pictures for Volume I [sic]; Mennonite Encyclopedia channel was getting empty; mention “Paul Shank, our Sales Manager”. cc’s to A. J. Metzler, Paul Erb, Shank [Abram J. Metzler]. {41} Bender to Ellrose Zook, October ?, 1954 [strikeover of October 20 and 30; to Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale Pennsylvania]: various details for finishing the printing of Volume I. [sic]. {42} THREE entries Ellrose Zook to Bender, November 1, 1954 [stationery of Mennonite Publishing House, Zook the “Executive Editor”]: a few details about what was yet needed for Volume I. • • • ATTACHED, scratch sheet with penned jottings. {43} Bender to Ellrose Zook, November 2, 1954 [to Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale Pennsylvania]: Paul Peachey was now Secretary of PPC [Peace Problems Committee], so write to him to get a report on PPC for Mennonite Yearbook and Directory. {44} Bender to Ellrose Zook, November 6, 1954 [to Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale Pennsylvania]: Bender and Melvin Gingerich had compiled quite a list of matters for finishing Volume I. {45} Ellrose Zook to “Dear Friends”, February 18, 1955 [to Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale Pennsylvania]: with some effort had consulted E. K. Francis about a map to include; instructions for including it. [Emerich K. Francis]. {46} TWO entries Ellrose Zook to Bender, September 2, 1955 [stationery of Mennonite Publishing House, Zook the “Executive Editor”]: about the title page to “the Greek English Concordance”; re changes in it, and soliciting further suggestions. [J. B. Smith, Jacob B. Smith]. • • • REPLY, Bender to Ellrose Zook, September 9, 1955 [to Zook at Atlantic Hotel, Chicago, Scottdale Pennsylvania]: some comments, including to omit reference to omitting Smith’s D.D. degree, as it was “questionable”. {47} Ellrose Zook to Bender, October 11, 1955 [stationery of Mennonite Publishing House, Zook the “Executive Editor”]: re Mennonite Encyclopedia; had received “the last map”; would be in Goshen October 21-22. {48} Ellrose Zook to Bender, December 1, 1955 [stationery of Mennonite Publishing House, Zook the “Executive Editor”]: follow-up of phone call; re Volume II of Mennonite Encyclopedia––maps, “furniture drawings, etc. cc’s to A. J. Metzler, H. Ralph Hernley. {49} Ellrose Zook to Paul Peachey, December 1, 1955 [stationery of Mennonite Publishing House, Zook the “Executive Editor”; Peachey at EMC [Eastern Mennonite College, later Eastern Mennonite University (EMU)]: at Bender’s behest, asking Peachy to write the article on PPC [Peace Problems Committee] for Mennonite Yearbook. cc Bender. {50} Bender to Ellrose Zook, December 2, 1955 [to Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale Pennsylvania]: Zook had requested a description of Mennonite World Conference Organization to put in Mennonite Yearbook; Bender sending something; some comments on its content; Bender’s letter listed names of North Americans on a key committee, seven men [sic––gender] from different Mennonite branches. {51} Ellrose Zook to Bender, January 16, 1956 [stationery of Mennonite Publishing House, Zook the “Executive Editor”]: acknowledging receipt of various items that arrived by mail...; had done certain galley proof work..... [likely for Mennonite Encyclopedia ??]. {52} Ellrose Zook to Bender, February 1, 1956 [stationery of Mennonite Publishing House, Zook the “Executive Editor”]: for the 1956 Mennonite Yearbook, was estimating 20,000 Mennonites in Russia [Soviet Union, USSR]; was that a good estimate? {53} Postcard, Ellrose Zook to Bender, February 9, 1956 [stationery of Mennonite Publishing House, Zook the “Executive Editor”]: at your request, had mailed you two copies of Mennonite Encyclopedia. {54} Postcard, Ellrose Zook to Bender, February 13, 1956 [stationery of Mennonite Publishing House, Zook the “Executive Editor”]: had your letter about copies for the various editors [likely of Mennonite Encyclopedia]; about procedure for such matters; Metzler and Zook planned to be in Goshen March 2-3, stopping en route home from “the Board meeting”in Illinois. {55} Ellrose Zook to Bender, April 12, 1956 [stationery of Mennonite Publishing House, Zook the “Executive Editor”]: Sales Manager Ben Cutrell [? Benjamin Cutrell] wanted the jacket for Mennonite Encyclopedia by a certain meeting; asking about any changes to be made; had been mention of giving credit to “Mrs. Bender” [Elizabeth Bender, Elizabeth Horsch Bender]––do this on the book jacket? cc’s A. J. Metzler [Abram J. Metzler], Paul Erb, Ben Cutrell. {56} Bender to Ellrose Zook, April 16, 1956 [to Mennonite Encyclopedia, Scottdale Pennsylvania]: sending illustrations for Volume II; comments...; P.S. would sent rest of the maps tomorrow. {57} TWO entries Bender to Ellrose Zook, May 3, 1956 [to Mennonite Encyclopedia, Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale Pennsylvania]: re map proofs for Mennonite Encyclopedia Volume II; Cornelius Krahn had submitted proposals for change in text and pictures; mentioned telephoning “Melvin Hernley” [sic]; list of those proposed changes further comment. cc Krahn. • • • REPLY, Postcard, Ellrose Zook to Bender, May 8, 1956 [stationery of Mennonite Publishing House, Zook the “Executive Editor”]: acknowledging these proposals for changes; a few comments on progress, etc. {58} Bender to Ellrose Zook, May 10, 1956 [to Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale Pennsylvania]: thought he had told Zook that Volume II would stop with H; about a [further ??] map. {59} Ellrose Zook to Bender, May 11, 1956 [stationery of Mennonite Publishing House, Zook the “Executive Editor”]: consulting with H. Ralph Hernley, were processing pictures; re proofs and maps; trying but unsure about getting certain proofs to Bender before his leaving for Europe on June 12... ; a few more paragraphs of detail. {60} Ellrose Zook to Bender, May 15, 1956 [stationery of Mennonite Publishing House, Zook the “Executive Editor”]: reference to Bender letter of April 16; about an apparently serious printing question, reference to Volume I [surely of Mennonite Encyclopedia], certain problems in printing Volume II. etc. cc’s A. J. Metzler [Abram J. Metzler], H. Ralph Hernley, Paul Erb, {61} TWO entries Bender to Ellrose Zook, July 26, 1956 [to Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale Pennsylvania]: planned to arrive at Scottdale Saturday morning, wanted to go rapidly over page proofs...; about a correction received from Holland for the article “Sebastian Franck”... (more); wanted to go over schedule for Volume III [surely of Mennonite Encyclopedia]; P. S.: then wanted a ride to conference at Belleville. P.S.S. [sic]: responding to Zook letter of July 24. cc’s A. J. Metzler [Abram J. Metzler], Paul Erb. • • • CONTIGUOUS, Bender to Ellrose Zook, July 31, 1956 [to Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale Pennsylvania]: schedule change, would arrive Monday morning; enclosing galley proofs for certain articles; details; reference to “G” material; a bit more about production progress. {62} Bender to Ellrose Zook, June 6, 1957 [to Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale Pennsylvania]: for John Umble [John S. Umble] history of Oak Grove Mennonite Church needed a map of Wayne County Ohio––could adapt the one for Mennonite Encyclopedia; mention also of using it in The Mennonite Quarterly Review....
