Marian Colton Smith Harris Papers

Collection

Identifier: SC 0186

Staff Only

Scope and Content

The Marian Colton Smith Harris Papers, 1932-1938, consists of one folder. This collection offers a few insights into life and social customs on campus in the 1930s. Comprising the collection are cards from the freshmen and senior classes, a postcard home requesting money, a telegram from the class of 1933, commencement invitations for 1933 and 1935, an undated invitation to tea off campus, a 1935 placement form for teaching, teaching contracts for 1935 and 1938, and miscellaneous ephemera. Includes two undated photographs relating to the Glee Club.

Of particular interest is a racist initiation invitation for the Lee Literary Society addressed to "Miss Smith" from Lucille Keeton, then secretary of the society. The date of Spring 1932 is applied to this document due to contextual clues, specifically that Keeton was the society's secretary at that time.

Dates

1932-1938

Creator

Harris, Marian Colton Smith, 1913-2003 (Person)

Access Restrictions

Collection is open for research. Researchers must register and agree to copyright and privacy laws before using this collection. Please contact Research Services staff before visiting the James Madison University Special Collections Library to use this collection.

Use Restrictions

The copyright interests in this collection have been transferred to the James Madison University Special Collection Library. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).

Bio/Historical Note

Marian Colton Smith (1913-2003) was from Norwood, Pennsylvania, and was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Smith. She attended Glen-Nor High School and enrolled in Madison College upon graduation. She was a 1935 graduate from Madison College with a degree in education. She was also president of her class. She married Mr. Thomas "Tommie" W. Harris on July 8, 1939, and later moved with him to North Carolina, where he had attended the North Carolina State University.

Extent

0.06 cubic feet (1 folder)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

This collection contains memorabilia from the State Teachers College at Harrisonburg including letters, a teaching contract, application for teaching, and photographs.

Arrangement

This collection is arranged in one folder.

Acquisition Information

Received from Alumni Relations in May 2003.

Bibliography

“Norwood Girl A July Bride” Chester Times, July 10, 1939. Chester, Pennsylvania

Processing Information

Paper residue found on the back of materials suggest that this collection was likely once a scrapbook that was subsequently disassembled.

In order to streamline the process of applying collection numbers, Special Collections staff completed a large-scale renumbering campaign in 2017-2018. This collection was previously cataloged as SC 5008.