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Mary E. Laird papers

 Collection
Identifier: D.420

Biographical / Historical note

Mary E. Laird was born circa 1888 and graduated from East High School in Rochester, NY in 1906. She then enrolled in the Rochester General Hospital School of Nursing. Laird served on the hospital's staff as a Probation Instructor. In 1913, she attended Columbia University and studied public health nursing in the School of Social Work. During World War I, Laird served as a nurse on the American Base Hospital #19 located in France from 1917- 1919. Once back in Rochester, Laird worked in Rochester General Hospital in the Out-Patient Department. She remained in that position for a short time before moving to New York City and working for the Association for the Improvement of the Condition of the Poor. Laird returned to Rochester in 1920 after being asked to organize a public health organization in the city. She subsequently formed the Rochester Public Health Association, which she modeled under the auspices of the National Public Health Nursing Association. From 1920 until 1926, the Rochester Female Charitable Society financially supported the Association. During the 1920s, Laird served on the board of four local health organizations: President of Genesee Valley Nursing Association, President of Social Workers Club, National Chairman of the Public Health Nursing Section of the American Public Health Association, and as a board member of the National Organization for Public Health Nursing. Beginning in 1926, Laird served as the Secretary of the Health Division of the Council of Social Agencies in Rochester. She continued in that position until 1936 when she began work in the Day Nursery of the Baden Street.

Scope and Contents

The Mary E. Laird Papers are comprised on two series: Personal Papers and Career Materials. The series, Personal Papers consist of correspondence between Laird and a fellow nurse and former colleague, Mary Keith. Included in Career Materials are documents related to the formation of the Rochester Public Health Nursing Association, her involvement and connection with the Rochester Female Charitable Society, Laird's service in France, photographs of co-workers and newspaper clippings.

Creator

Dates

  • Creation: circa 1917-1946

Language of Materials

English

Extent

4 box(es) (4 boxes, 1 folder)

Access

The Mary E. Laird Papers is open for research use. Researchers are advised to contact the Rare Books, Special Collections & Preservation Department prior to visiting. Upon arrival, researchers will also be asked to fill out a registration form and provide photo identification.

Use

In consultation with a curator, reproductions may be made upon request. Permission to publish materials from the collection must be requested from a curator. Researchers are responsible for determining any copyright questions.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Provenance: The Mary E. Laird Papers were made a gift on October 17, 1977.

Preferred Citation

[Item title, item date], Mary E. Laird Papers, D.420, Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester

Title
Mary E. Laird papers
Author
Finding aid prepared by Rare Books and Special Collections staff
Date
undated
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Library Details

Part of the Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation Library

Contact:
Rochester NY 14627-0055 USA