M. Catherine White Papers, 1920-1952

Overview of the Collection

Creator
White, M. Catherine, 1891-1986
Title
M. Catherine White Papers
Dates
1920-1952 (inclusive)
Quantity
1.5 linear feet
Collection Number
Mss 102 (collection)
Summary
This collection includes correspondence and research regarding White's thesis and book on David Thompson's Journals and his explorations of the West.
Repository
University of Montana, Mansfield Library, Archives and Special Collections
Archives and Special Collections
Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library
University of Montana
32 Campus Dr. #9936
59812-9936
Missoula, MT
Telephone: 406-243-2053
library.archives@umontana.edu
Access Restrictions

Researchers must use collection in accordance with the policies of Archives and Special Collections, the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library, and The University of Montana-Missoula.

Languages
English
Sponsor
Funding for encoding this finding aid was provided through a grant awarded by the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Biographical NoteReturn to Top

Mary Catherine White was born September 2, 1891, in Kansas City, KS. After graduating from Montana State Normal School in Dillon, Montana, in 1914, she taught elementary school in Broadview and Billings, Montana, until 1925.

White received a certificate of librarianship from the University of Wisconsin Library School in 1926. The following year, she joined the faculty of Montana State University in Missoula. During her thirty years at the University, she worked as an instructor and assistant professor of library science, as well as reference librarian.

White received a Master in Arts degree from the University of Montana in 1940 for her thesis on David Thompson which appeared in book form in 1950 with the title David Thompson's Journals Relating to Montana and Adjacent Regions. David Thompson was a British explorer and geographer who has been credited with discovering the falls of the Clark Fork River (Thompson Falls) and opening the first trading post in what is now Montana.

White retired from the University in 1957. She died in July 1986.

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

This collection includes correspondence and research regarding White's thesis and book on David Thompson's Journals about his explorations of the West. Copies of her Thompson work in various stages and a single copy of an article drawn from the Thompson research are included as well.

Use of the CollectionReturn to Top

Restrictions on Use

Researchers are responsible for using in accordance with 17 U.S.C. and any other applicable statutes. Copyright not transferred to The University of Montana.

Preferred Citation

[Name of document or photograph number], M. Catherine White Papers, Archives and Special Collections, Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library, The University of Montana-Missoula.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Arrangement

The collection is divided into three series:

Series I: Correspondence, 0.1 linear foot, 1942-1953

Series II: Research, 0.1 linear feet, undated

Series III: Writings, 0.3 linear feet, 1940-1950

Acquisition Information

Gift of White's brother, Herbert M. White, 1982.

Processing Note

The actions of the original processors are unknown. In 2002, the collection was re-described.

Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top

Series I:  Correspondence, 1942-1953Return to Top

0.1 linear feet

This series includes correspondence about the published version of David Thompson's Journals. These letters offer praise and suggestions or corrections. This series also includes one review of the book.

Container(s) Description Dates
Box/Folder
1/1
Correspondence regarding book
1942, 1952-1953
1/2
Review of David Thompson's Journals
1953

Series II:  Research , undatedReturn to Top

0.1 linear feet

This series includes secondary research such as news clippings and a primary research item, a map.

Container(s) Description Dates
Box/Folder
1/3
Columbia River Basin map
1931
1/4
Research, undated
1/5
Newspaper clipping research
1920-1942

Series III:  Writings , 1940-1950Return to Top

0.3 linear feet

This Series includes a single copy of an article, "Saleesh House," written by White and carbon copies of her thesis, a bound copy of her thesis, galley proofs of her book, an indexing copy of her book, and a "Ralph Space" corrections copy of her book.

Container(s) Description Dates
Box/Folder
1/6
Reprint of "Saleesh House" article
July 1942
1/7
Portions of thesis manuscript
1940
1/8
Thesis on David Thompson, pages 1-125
1940
1/9
Thesis on David Thompson, pages 126-250
1940
1/10
Thesis on David Thompson, pages 251-350
1940
1/11
Thesis on David Thompson, pages 351-512
1940
2/1
Carbon copy of thesis on David Thompson, pages 1-141
1940
2/2
Carbon copy of thesis on David Thompson, pages 145-296
1940
2/3
Carbon copy of thesis on David Thompson, pages 297-449
1940
2/4
Carbon copy of thesis on David Thompson, pages 450-512
1940
2/5
Bound copy of thesis on David Thompson
1940
2/6
Galley proofs on David Thompson's Journals, p.I-CLXi
1950
3/1
Galley proofs of David Thompson's Journals, pages 1-130
1950
3/2
Galley proofs of David Thompson's Journals, pages 131-222
1950
3/3
Galley proofs of David Thompson's Journals, pages 226-Lxiv
1950
3/4
David Thompson's Journals, Indexing copy part I
1950
3/5
David Thompson's Journals, Indexing copy part II
1950
3/6
David Thompson's Journals, Ralph Space correction, part I
1950
3/7
David Thompson's Journals, Ralph Space correction, part II
1950

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Personal Names

  • Thompson, David, 1770-1857

Corporate Names

  • University of Montana--Missoula--Alumni and alumnae
  • University of Montana--Missoula--Faculty

Geographical Names

  • Montana--Discovery and exploration

Occupations

  • Women historians--Montana--Missoula