Call Number:

9LS.21/23

Repository:

Bryn Mawr College

Extent:

2 boxes

Language:

English

Date:

1917-1985 (inclusive) and 1922-1926 (bulk)

Abstract:

Elizabeth (Kelley) Burroughs is the granddaughter of the eminent late-19th to early-20th century naturalist-writer John Burroughs. She attended Bryn Mawr at the recommendation of the neighbor and family friend, Hilda Smith, who was then the Dean of Bryn Mawr. The Elizabeth (Kelley) Burroughs scrapbook collection is comprised of three scrapbooks created by Burroughs. The collection ranges from 1917-1985, with the bulk of the material being from 1922-26, and consists of much about undergraduate scholarships, the Christian Association, the Bates House, and other aspects of Bryn Mawr life in the 1920s.

Elizabeth (Kelley) Burroughs is the granddaughter of the eminent late-19th to early-20th century naturalist-writer John Burroughs. She attended Bryn Mawr at the recommendation of the neighbor and family friend, Hilda Smith, who was then the Dean of Bryn Mawr.

After graduating from Bryn Mawr (Magna Cum Laude) in 1926, Burroughs embarked on a career of teaching at several prestigious preparatory schools, including The Kirk School in Bryn Mawr; The Madeira School in Washington, D.C.; the Foxcroft School in Middleburg, Virginia; the College Preparatory School in Cincinnati; and the Kent Place School in Summit, New Jersey. At four of these schools, she was also the advisor for school publications.

In 1942, Burroughs married Hugh Bentley Kelley. In 1954, following the death of her father, she retired from teaching to pursue fully her career as literary executor for her grandfather John Burroughs, as editor of both his works and those of her father, and as a lecturer and writer in her own right. She continued to paint portraits on commission.

The Elizabeth Burroughs (Kelley) scrapbook collection is comprised of three volumes created by Elizabeth Burroughs, class of 1926. The collection ranges from 1917-1985, with the bulk of the material being from 1922-26, and consists of much about undergraduate scholarships, the Christian Association, the Bates House, and other aspects of Bryn Mawr life in the 1920s.

The collection is comprised of three scrapbooks. The scrapbook contents are arranged mostly chronologically, although there is some overlap in dates.

Volume I is primarily material from 1917-1924. It holds letters from Bryn Mawr and Vassar relating Burrough's application and decision from 1917-1921; Bryn Mawr admission materials from June 1921-June 1922; clippings from the College News about sports, speakers at Bryn Mawr, reviews of plays, traditions, academic prizes, and M. Carey Thomas; a letter from Marion Park appointing Burroughs to "electric light lieutenant" for Radnor; letters regarding undergraduate scholarships; course card with classes from 1923-24; Burroughs' academic record at Bryn Mawr, 1926; and an Alumnae Bulletin from 1966. Volume II is primarily material from 1924-1926. It contains May Day newspaper clippings and memorabilia from 1924; Christian Association papers from 1924; College News articles; a membership card to the "Bryn Mawr Liberal Club" from 1924; a 1924 letter from the Undergraduate Committee regarding the construction of the student's building; a pamphlet for Bates House; Bryn Mawr Self-Government Constitution and Resolutions from 1925-26; commencement newspaper clippings and memorabilia from 1926. Volume III is primarily material from 1927-1933. It holds various alumnae materials from 1965-1985; a photograph of a Pembroke West room taken in June 1935; alumnae meeting letters from 1931; College News clippings from 1927-1932; and various other newspaper clippings and magazine articles regarding Katherine Hepburn.

These scrapbooks give a thorough view of Bryn Mawr in the 1920s. They are especially useful for those interested in student scholarships, the Christian Association, the Bates House, and the College News.