Call Number:

MC.1151

Repository:

Haverford College Quaker & Special Collections

Extent:

1.0 linear ft. (2 boxes)

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

Richard R. Wood papers (HC.MC.1151), Quaker & Special Collections, Haverford College, Haverford, PA.

Date:

1958-1982 (inclusive)

Creator:

Wood, Richard R. (Richard Reeve), 1897-1982

Abstract:

Quakers Richard R. Wood (1897-1982) and William Morris Maier (1909-1982) correspond on issues relating to their alma mater, Haverford College, education, Quaker topics, and foreign policy.

Richard Reeve Wood (1897-1982) graduated from Haverford College in 1920,and received a LittD. from the College in 1971. He also attended Harvard University. He worked with American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) in reconstruction work in France after World War I and for a short time taught math at Friends Select School in Philadelphia and at Whittier College. He then became secretary of the Peace Committtee of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting and editor of "The Friend." As president of the National Peace Conference, he was a consultant in the meetings leading to the formation of the United Nations in 1945. He served on the boards of AFSC, William Penn Charter School, and Haverford College. He was a member of Moorestown Friends, New Jersey, and served as clerk of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting. He was married to Nancy Morris.

William Morris Maier (1909-1982) was the son of Paul D.I. and Anna (Shinn) Maier. William Morris Maier graduated from Haverford College in 1931 and the University of Pennsylvania Law School in 1935. Upon graduation, he practiced law within his father's firm, Cahall and Maier. Maier served on the Haverford College Board of Managers from 1938 to 1942, during which time he was active on numerous committees, including the Special Nominating Committee for a New President and the Special Library Committee. Maier also served as clerk to Haverford Monthly Meeting beginning in the 1950s. Like his father before him, he was active in many philanthropic organizations, including the Western Soup Society or Western Community House, Friends' War Problems Committee, the Book Association of Friends, Cheyney State School, and the American Sunday School Union. From 1941 to 1945, Maier served as Executive Secretary of the Hawaii Branch of the AFSC, during which time he met Margaret Waterman, whom he married in 1943. He was a board member of the AFSC for several terms between 1953 and 1969 and served as Treasurer of the Corporation of Haverford College from 1949 until his retirement in 1975. William and Margaret W. Morris had two sons: James Hollingsworth (1947-) and Anthony Morris (1949-).

Both Wood and Maier were graduates of Haverford College and served on its Board of Managers; Maier was also Treasurer of the Corporation.

Information from Morris-Shinn-Maier Papers, Coll. No. 1191; Friends Journal, v. 28, 1982; Quaker Life, v. 23, 1982)

The principals in this collection are Richard Reeve Wood (1897-1982) and William Morris Maier (1909-1982). Their letters discuss issues of Haverford College governance, but also concern personal and Quaker Meeting issues as well as a great deal on political topics and foreign affairs. Wood wrote to Maier on such topics as special convocations (1958); selection of a new Bryn Mawr College president (1969); the Fine Arts Department (1970); importance of Quakers or at least a Quaker spirit among faculty and students (1970, August 2, 1971); coeducation (November 16, 1973, February 9, 1976); financial operations (August 12, 1973, February 9, 1976); on taking courses at Bryn Mawr College (November 11, 1975); and coed dormitories (November 11, 1975).