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Special Collections Research Center
William & Mary Special Collections Research CenterFinding Aid Authors: Vicky O'Brien and SCRC Staff
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Bertha Warren Papers, Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, College of William and Mary
Purchased.
She was born April 1875, the daughter of Norman Warren and the stepdaughter of Frances M. Warren. She lived in Hartford County, Connecticut. She attended the Mystic Oral School, later changed to Whipple Home School, in Mystic, New London County, Connecticut in 1894 and 1895.
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Letters to Bertha Warren from her stepmother, Frances M. Warren, of Hartford County, Connecticut, and her friend, Edith Adam of Springfield, Hampden County, Massachusetts. Bertha Warren is a deaf student, about 20 years old, who attends the Mystic Oral School, later changed to Whipple Home School, in Mystic, New London County, Connecticut. The letters talk of skills that Bertha must learn, especially her art work, her activities, school and news from home.
Grouped by writer, then chronological within each group.
Scope and Contents January- Went to a meeting for the Daughters of the Revolution. September-Asks Bertha if she is lip reading already and playing tennis. Talks about what they study in the "normal school". October- Daily activities at home. November- Bertha is painting which she considers a good skill to have. Bertha is getting to be a "giddy girl." The mother is president of the "Mission Circle". December-Glad that Bertha is happy. Describes her father. Happy that Bertha is taking painting lessons again and wants her to come home for Christmas.
Scope and Contents January- Glad that Bertha likes to teach. Bertha must learn all she can because it will help her teach painting. Attends another meeting of the Daughters of the Revolution. Found out that her Great-Great Grandfather was a captain in the war; Bertha can also join. Included is a letter from the grandfather to Bertha. February - Weather and family news. Mother used to use soap suds in her ears. She doesn't think it is best to wash her ears that often now because they discharge so little. She thinks that the ear drum is gone in one ear and it is very doubtful whether it will grow again. March- Family and daily activities. April- Happy that Bertha is painting the children because then her hands will be full. Wants to see pictures of the school where Bertha is. May- Easter festivities. Will go to the Junior Missions Circle rally. September- Proud of Bertha's paintings. Does not want Bertha to sew for work if it interferes with her schoolwork. Appointed as a delegate to the W. C. T. U. Good that she is walking with a book on her head. October- They are both invited to a wedding. Never knew anything that Bertha couldn't do; her deafness is non-hindering. Sorry that Bertha's "hand carrying" isn't going as well as she'd like, and that her hands will grow stronger with use. November-Weather and news of acquaintances. December-Bertha has the flu.
Scope and Contents February- Mother tells Bertha to drop arithmetic because it is not good for her "constitution" and she should do wood carving instead because it will strengthen her wrists. March- Family matters. April- News of mutual acquaintances. Glad that Bertha has become quite the botanist. Reading Jane Austin. June- October- News of mutual acquaintances and family. She went on the electric cars.
Scope and Contents Mother talks about fabrics, dresses, Bertha's paintings and family.
Scope and Contents 1899 November-Edith writes in French. School activities. 1900 October-Edith turns 18 on the 14 of this month. Loves Bertha's pictures. December- Christmas plans and activities. 1901 February- Plans for their vacation this summer at their Aunt's house. March-Advises that it is unsafe for Bertha to go walking by herself. April-Went to a "French party" with the girls. Jokes about how she hopes that Bertha does not keep these letters and publish them when she's famous. November - Going to a wedding. Anticipating Bertha's upcoming visit. 1902 May - School work and exams. 1903 January – News of acquaintances. July- Clothing and family news. 1905 April – Visited New York City and walked down Fifth Avenue and they used the trains. 1908 March- School and family news. Undated. Grand exhibit that she went to in New York. News of family and friends. Details on flowers, and how she has to help make the graduation programs for her graduation. Books, the weather. Mentions Bertha visiting Pratt. Liked Brooklyn, New York and loved the vacation she went on to the beach in Maine. Included is a little poem.
Scope and Contents Berlin, Connecticut. Note: Bertha's father and brother were named Norman Warren, but the middle initial "W" appears to only be used with her brother.
Scope and Contents Two receipts and 1 undated letter.