Call Number:

MC.975.01.054

Repository:

Haverford College Quaker & Special Collections

Extent:

1.5 linear ft. (15 volumes)

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

Katherine T. Paxson journals (HC.MC.975.01.054), Quaker & Special Collections, Haverford College, Haverford, PA.

Date:

1971-1995 (inclusive)

Creator:

Paxson, Katherine Thompson

Form:

Diaries

Abstract:

Katherine T. Paxson was a Quaker author and poet. Journal entries describe Quaker meetings, prayers and religious reflection, attendance at writing conferences and workshops, as well as visits with family and friends, and daily housework.

Katherine (Thompson) Paxson (1912-2009) was a 20th and 21st century Quaker writer and poet. Katherine Thompson was born May 19, 1912, in Philadelphia to Ruth Ella (Anderson) Thompson and I Walter Thompson. She grew up attending the Twelfth Street Meeting with her family, and later attended Lansdowne Meeting as an adult. Paxson attended Westtown School, where she graduated in 1930. Paxson was secretary for both the Young Friends Movement of the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting and the Director of the Philadelphia International House. Paxson married Charles Small Paxson in 1936, and the couple had two children, Stephen G. Paxson and Charles Paxson. From 1958 to 1973, Paxson worked in the Pediatric Unit of Hahnemann University Hospital and served as the chair person and liaison between the Medical Pediatric Department and the Women's Association for ten years. As a writer, Paxson mainly wrote articles, poetry, and devotionals. Her published works include two volumes of poetry: A Book for Brian and Widening Circles. She also contributed articles and poems to the Friends Journal. Katherine T. Paxson died on April 4, 2009, at the age of 96.

Source: Growing up Quaker, by Katherine T. Paxson

This collection consists of 15 volumes of Katherine Paxson's journals. Included inside the journals are pamphlets from Lansdowne Meeting, to-do lists, descriptions of dreams, and excerpts of poems. Entries describe Quaker meetings, prayers and religious reflection, attendance at writing conferences and workshops, as well as visits with family and friends, and daily housework, including preparations for holidays and meal preparation.