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University of Rochester College for Women: memorabilia, photographs, and other materials

 Collection
Identifier: UA102

Biographical / Historical

This collection began as part of a project called “The First Ten Years Were the Hardest,” the goal of which was to document the history of the College for Women. The project was initiated in October 1959 by Helen Rogers Cross (Mrs. William Cross), who was president of the Class of 1905 and a member of the sorority Theta Eta.

In a letter dated November 24, 1959, Cross asks alumnae, “If you have in your attic a college scrapbook, some programs of college events, newspaper clippings or any momentos [sic] relating to the years of college life from 1900 to 1915, we would deeply appreciate receiving such items.… Please send it to me at my home address.” Alumnae responded to Cross’s letter, sending her photographs and mementos and inquiring about the project.

The Alumnae Association committee for the project reviewed materials and wrote about the history of the College of Women. Cross was chairman of the committee. Other alumnae of the College for Women on the committee included Isabel Wallace (Class of 1916), who served as a vocational counselor and freshman class officer at the University, President of the Alumnae Association Margaret Doerffel Waasdorp (Class of 1937), and Executive Secretary of the Alumnae Association Marjorie A. Trosch (Class of 1943).

Scope and Contents note

The collection contains memorabilia and photographs, most of which are from 1901 to 1916. Materials include photographs of various graduating classes, Class Day programs, theater programs, Young Women's Christian Association (Y.W.C.A.) booklets and programs, and luncheon and annual banquet booklets. The collection also includes various newspaper articles about the College for Women that relate to topics such as faculty, the basketball team, Commencement, and graduating classes. Some articles are photocopies. The collection also contains scrapbooks created by students. They consist of newspaper articles, programs from various events, and personal mementos. The scrapbooks are no longer bound.

Also included are materials relating to the creation of this collection (1954-1960). These materials include handwritten index cards and notes by Helen Rogers Cross listing alumnae and the items they donated, and correspondence between Cross and other alumnae.

Dates

  • Creation: 1901-1960
  • Creation: Majority of material found within 1901 - 1916

Language of Materials

English

Extent

1.66 cubic feet (4 containers)

Restrictions on Access

For access to this collection, please contact the University of Rochester Archives (archives@library.rochester.edu) at least two business days prior to your planned visit.

Please note: Some materials may be restricted or require permission for use.

Restrictions on Use

To request reproductions or permission to publish materials from the collection, please contact the University of Rochester Archives (archives@library.rochester.edu). Researchers may be responsible for determining any copyright questions.

Immediate Source of Acquisition note

Helen Cross donated the items she collected to the University of Rochester on November 7, 1960.

Preferred Citation

[Item title, item date], College for Women: Memorabilia, Photographs, and Other Materials, UA102, Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester

Arrangement

Materials are arranged chronologically by class years, for the most part. Occasional outliers have been noted. Oversize materials, such as scrapbook pages, have been housed in flat boxes.

Title
College for Women: memorabilia, photographs, and other materials (University of Rochester)
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 University of Rochester Archives Library

Contact:
Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation
River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester
500 Joseph C. Wilson Blvd.
Rochester New York 14627-0055 USA