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Nora Archibald Smith family papers

 Collection
Identifier: M271

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Scope and Contents

Material documenting Smith family life in California, the sisters' (Kate Wiggin and Nora A. Smith) involvement in the kindergarten movement, their involvement in publishing, and family affairs in Maine. The correspondence, chiefly of Nora Smith and Kate Wiggin, dates primarily from the late 1800's. Writings consist mainly of holograph drafts, but include some typed manuscripts and proofs, notably those for the story and play adaptation of The Old Peabody Pew. There are also family photographs, including two tintypes and two Bachrach portraits. Miscellaneous printed matter includes news clippings, school programs, offprints, certificates, and a bound volume devoted to stitchery and needlework. A related collection is the Kate Douglas Wiggin Collection.

Dates

  • Creation: 1867-1937, undated

Creator

Biographical / Historical

Nora Archibald Smith (1859-1934), the younger sister of Kate Douglas Wiggin, was born in Philadelphia and subsequently lived in San Francisco, Santa Barbara, New York City, and Hollis, Maine. She was awarded an A.B. from Santa Barbara College in 1877 and received a certificate from the California Kindergarten Training School in 1881. Throughout her adult life Smith was active in the kindergarten movement, serving as superintendent of the Silver Street Kindergarten (San Francisco), the first free kindergarten west of the Rockies, and authoring numerous books and articles, some with Kate Douglas Wiggin, on the benefits and social importance of kindergarten education. Smith was also a children's author writing either individually or with Wiggin, and she authored a biography of her sister, "Kate Douglas Wiggin As Her Sister Knew Her" (1925). Smith died in Portland, Maine, on February 1, 1934.

Extent

1.2 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Material documenting Smith family life in California, the sisters' (Kate Wiggin and Nora A. Smith) involvement in the kindergarten movement, their involvement in publishing, and family affairs in Maine.

Related Names

Subjects

Finding Aid & Administrative Information

Title
Guide to the Nora Archibald Smith family Papers
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Repository Details

Part of the George J. Mitchell Department of Special Collections & Archives, Bowdoin College Library, Brunswick, Maine 04011 Repository

http://library.bowdoin.edu/arch/index.shtml
Contact:
3000 College Station
Brunswick Maine 04011 USA
(207) 725-3288

Acknowledgment of non-neutrality

The George J. Mitchell Department of Special Collections & Archives, like all archives and special collections libraries, is the creation of human beings who have collected, organized, and described things in ways that reflect personal, cultural, societal, and institutional biases. Although we strive to preserve and present collections in a manner that is respectful to the individuals and communities who create, use, and are represented in the collections, we acknowledge that our systems are neither neutral nor perfect. We encourage you to let us know if you encounter materials, descriptive language, or practices that are offensive or harmful, particularly those for which inadequate context or warning is offered. We are committed to modifying and updating our descriptive practices to use respectful and inclusive terminology and appreciate your help in this work. We look forward to supporting you in your research and learning together.