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.
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.
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[Identification of item], Helen Pearce papers, Archives and Special Collections, Mark O. Hatfield Library, Willamette University.
Written and directed by Della Crowder Miller.
Willamette University and Radcliffe College
Also visible are Baxter Hall and Phi Delta Theta Fraternity House.
Also known in Willamette University's history as the College of Medicine, Science Hall, and the Art Building.
Currently known as Smullin Hall
Currently known as Gatke Hall.
Currently known as Smullin Hall.
Currently known as Smullin Hall.
Currently known as Smullin Hall.
University Library, now known as Smullin Hall, in the background.
Also known in Willamette University's history as the College of Medicine, Science Hall, and the Art Building.
Circuit Rider statue by A. Phimister Proctor in foreground.
Currently known as Smullin Hall.
Dr. Helen Pearce, Ph.D. on the left with an unidentified woman on the right.
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.
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.
Diploma removed, unfolded, and placed in folder 39.
Conferred by Willamette University.
Presented by Willamette University.
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.