Helen Pearce papers, 1894-1958
Table of Contents
Overview of the Collection
- Creator
- Pearce, Helen, 1890-1978
- Title
- Helen Pearce papers
- Dates
- 1894-1958 (inclusive)18941958
- Quantity
- .5 linear feet, (1 box)
- Collection Number
- WUA107
- Summary
- The papers of Helen Pearce include photographs of Willamette University's campus and other subjects, her dissertation, and documents relating to her life and time attending and teaching at Willamette.
- Repository
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Willamette University Archives and Special Collections
Archives and Special Collections
Mark O. Hatfield Library
900 State Street
Salem, OR
97301
Telephone: 5033706866
Fax: 5033706141
archives@willamette.edu - Access Restrictions
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This collection is open to researchers.
- Languages
- English
Historical Note
Helen Pearce was born October 19, 1890 in Salem, Oregon. She attended Willamette University, graduating in 1915. Pearce went on to earn a master's degree in 1926 from Radcliffe College in Cambridge, Massachusetts and a doctorate in English literature in 1930 at the University of California, Berkeley.
Pearce taught English at Willamette from 1920 to 1955 while also earning her advanced degrees. She became the first woman graduate of the university to earn a doctorate. She was a scholar on the writings and reputation of Alfred Lord Tennyson, who was the subject of her dissertation, and attended the Tennyson Society dinner in England in 1969. She served as the head of the Willamette English Department for fifteen years before her retirement in 1955 when she received Professor Emeritus status.
Beyond literature, Pearce was an authority on Salem and Oregon history, co-editing the first 10 volumes of Marion County History and the 100th anniversary history of the Salem First Presbyterian Church. She also edited the augobiographies of Willamette President Carl Gregg Doney and Professor James T. Matthews.
In addition to her pursuits as a scholar, she was a charter member of the Salem branch of the American Association of University Women and the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce.
Dr. Helen Pearce died on November 11, 1978 in Salem, Oregon.
Content Description
The Helen Pearce papers consist primarily of photographs of Willamette University's campus dating from approximately the 1950s; photographs of herself from around the same time; and photographs of May Weekend from the early 20th century, possibly from her time as a student. Other material includes her diplomas and certificates granted by Willamette University; her transcripts; a letter from her father, George J. Pearce, to Willamette President John Coleman in 1906 regarding a spade contributed by his company to break ground on the Kimball School of Theology; an unbound copy of Helen Pearce's dissertation; and various Willamette programs.
Use of the Collection
Restrictions on Use
Library acts as "fair use" reproduction agent.
For further information, see the section on copyright in the Regulations and Procedures of the Willamette University Archives and Special Collections.
Copyright Information: Before material from collections at Willamette University Archives and Special Collections may be quoted in print, or otherwise reproduced, in whole or in part, in any publication, permission must be obtained from (1) the owner of the physical property, and (2) the holder of the copyright. It is the particular responsibility of the researcher to obtain both sets of permission. Persons wishing to quote from materials in any collections held by University Archives and Special Collections should consult the University Archivist. Reproduction of any item must contain a complete citation to the original.
Preferred Citation
[Identification of item], Helen Pearce papers, Archives and Special Collections, Mark O. Hatfield Library, Willamette University.
Administrative Information
Return to TopDetailed Description of the Collection
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Description: Chi Omega Fraternity Membership CertificateDates: 1945 March 17Container: Box 1, Folder 1
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Description: May Weekend PostcardsDates: circa 1910-1930Container: Box 1, Folder 2
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Description: Fiftieth Anniversary of Willamette University ProgramDates: 1894Container: Box 1, Folder 3
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Description: The Seventy-Fifth Anniversary: An Historical Pageant of Willamette University
Written and directed by Della Crowder Miller.
Dates: 1919 June 7 - 10Container: Box 1, Folder 4 -
Description: Folk Sayings in a Pioneer Family of Western OregonDates: 1946 JulyContainer: Box 1, Folder 5
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Description: Transcripts
Willamette University and Radcliffe College
Dates: 1913-1926Container: Box 1, Folder 6 -
Description: Photograph: Willamette University Sign
Also visible are Baxter Hall and Phi Delta Theta Fraternity House.
Dates: circa 1935-1958Container: Box 1, Folder 7 -
Description: Photograph: Eaton HallDates: circa 1935-1958Container: Box 1, Folder 8
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Description: Photograph: Eaton Hall and Waller HallDates: circa 1935-1958Container: Box 1, Folder 9
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Description: Photograph: Music Hall
Also known in Willamette University's history as the College of Medicine, Science Hall, and the Art Building.
Dates: circa 1935-1958Container: Box 1, Folder 10 -
Description: Photograph: Waller HallDates: circa 1935-1958Container: Box 1, Folder 11
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Description: Photograph: Waller HallDates: circa 1935-1958Container: Box 1, Folder 12
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Dates: circa 1938-1958Container: Box 1, Folder 13
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Dates: circa 1939-1958Container: Box 1, Folder 14
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Dates: circa 1938-1958Container: Box 1, Folder 15
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Dates: circa 1938-1958Container: Box 1, Folder 16
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Dates: circa 1938-1958Container: Box 1, Folder 17
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Description: Photograph: Eaton Hall
University Library, now known as Smullin Hall, in the background.
Dates: circa 1935-1958Container: Box 1, Folder 18 -
Description: Photograph: Music Hall
Also known in Willamette University's history as the College of Medicine, Science Hall, and the Art Building.
Dates: circa 1935-1958Container: Box 1, Folder 19 -
Description: Photograph: State Capitol BuildingDates: circa 1938-1958Container: Box 1, Folder 20
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Description: Photograph: State Capitol Building
Circuit Rider statue by A. Phimister Proctor in foreground.
Dates: circa 1938-1958Container: Box 1, Folder 21 -
Description: Photograph: Lausanne HallDates: circa 1935-1958Container: Box 1, Folder 22
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Description: Photograph: Lausanne HallDates: circa 1935-1958Container: Box 1, Folder 23
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Description: Photograph: Lausanne HallDates: circa 1935-1958Container: Box 1, Folder 24
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Dates: circa 1941-1958Container: Box 1, Folder 25
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Description: Photograph: Baxter HallDates: circa 1947-1958Container: Box 1, Folder 26
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Description: Photograph: Sigma Chi Fraternity HouseDates: circa 1947-1958Container: Box 1, Folder 27
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Description: Photograph: Phi Delta Theta Fraternity HouseDates: circa 1947-1958Container: Box 1, Folder 28
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Description: Photograph: McCulloch StadiumDates: circa 1950-1958Container: Box 1, Folder 29
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Description: Photograph: McCulloch StadiumDates: circa 1950-1958Container: Box 1, Folder 30
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Dates: circa 1938-1958Container: Box 1, Folder 31
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Description: Photograph: McCulloch StadiumDates: circa 1950-1958Container: Box 1, Folder 32
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Description: Photograph: Dr. Helen Pearce, Ph.D.
Dr. Helen Pearce, Ph.D. on the left with an unidentified woman on the right.
Dates: circa 1938-1958Container: Box 1, Folder 33 -
Description: Photograph: Dr. Helen Pearce, Ph.D.Dates: circa 1935-1958Container: Box 1, Folder 34
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Description: Photograph: Bernice RiceDates: undatedContainer: Box 1, Folder 35
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Description: Letter to Dr. Coleman from George J. Pearce & Library Program
The letter to President Coleman discusses the spade presented by Wade, Pearce & Co. which was used to break ground for the Kimball School of Theology building. The program is for a Willamette University Library Fellowship Meeting with a presentation by Dr. Helen Pearce.
Dates: 1906 April 10, undatedContainer: Box 1, Folder 36 -
Description: Doctor of Literature Diploma
Doctor of Literature diploma was presented to Helen Pearce by Willamette University. Tucked inside the case was a newspaper article about the honor and a copy of the speech given by Dean Gregg at the ceremony.
Dates: 1958 June 8 - 9Container: Box 1, Folder 37 -
Description: Leather Diploma Case
Diploma removed, unfolded, and placed in folder 39.
Dates: 1915Container: Box 1, Folder 38 -
Description: Bachelor of Arts Diploma
Conferred by Willamette University.
Dates: 1915 June 16Container: Box 1, Folder 39 -
Description: Professor of English Emeritus
Presented by Willamette University.
Dates: 1955 June 5Container: Box 1, Folder 40 -
Description: Typewritten, Unbound Copy of Dissertation by Helen Pearce
Title: The Criticism of Tennyson's Poetry: A Summary, with Special Emphasis upon Tennyson's Response to Criticism as a Factor in the Development of his Reputation.
Contained in an American Typewriter Paper box.
Dates: 1930Container: Box 1, Object 1
Names and SubjectsReturn to Top
Personal Names
- Coleman, John H. (John Hamline), 1847-1914
Corporate Names
- Willamette University
Geographical Names
- College of Music (Willamette University)
- Eaton Hall (Willamette University)
- Lausanne Hall (Willamette University)
- McCulloch Stadium (Willamette University)
- Oregon State Capitol (Salem, Or. : 1938- )
- University Library (Willamette University)
- Waller Hall (Willamette University)
Form or Genre Terms
- Photographs
- black-and-white photographs
