The Beulah Bondi papers span the years 1904-1980 and encompass 4 linear feet. The collection contains clippings, correspondence, awards, recordings, photographs, and some play scripts on nearly all of Bondi's major stage appearances, along with scripts and supplemental material on her television appearances, notably the series THE WALTONS (for which she received an Emmy Award in 1977). Items of interest include a scrapbook with clippings for OUR TOWN (1940); a binder (apparently compiled by her publicist) containing press releases, casts, and synopses for two dozen films; an album with clippings and photographs for stage plays and two films: STREET SCENE (1931) and ARROWSMITH (1931); and material on the history of the Elitch Gardens Players. The correspondence is largely personal in nature and ranges from a 1916 letter regarding membership in the Chicago Little Theatre company to correspondence with writer John Springer in 1980. Most of the material on Bondi's film career, entailing clippings and photographs, has been transferred to the library's core collection files.

Beulah Bondi (1889-1981) was born Beulah Bondy in Chicago and raised in Valparaiso, Indiana. Bondi (she changed the spelling in the mid-1920s) was educated at Hyde Park High School, Frances Shimer College, and Valparaiso University. Her early stage experience included work at the Chicago Little Theatre. Bondi was a stock actress with the Stuart Walker Company from 1919 to 1924. She joined the Elitch Gardens Players in Denver in 1925. At about the same time, she made her Broadway debut in "One of the Family." Her role in the 1929 play "Street Scene" led her to Hollywood for the 1931 film version. As a character actress she was known for her portrayals of older women, notably in MAKE WAY FOR TOMORROW (1937). Among her films are RAIN (1932), THE GORGEOUS HUSSY (1936), OF HUMAN HEARTS (1938), ON BORROWED TIME (1939), MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON (1939), OUR TOWN (1940), THE SOUTHERNER (1945), IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE (1947), and TRACK OF THE CAT (1954). She was twice nominated for an Academy Award for best actress in a supporting role for THE GORGEOUS HUSSY and OF HUMAN HEARTS.