Winifred Philleo McPherson diaries

Collection — Box: 1

Identifier: RITArc-0354

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

Winifred Philleo McPherson's original diaries were sent to the Rochester Institute of Technology's Archives by Gordon McPherson, son of Winifred Philleo McPherson. Pages from the original diaries were photocopied and returned to Mr. McPherson. Winifred Philleo attended Mechanics Institute from 1914-1917, and studied in the Domestic Science program.

There is a nineteen page typed autobiography of Winifred Belle Philleo McPherson, 1894-1974 included with the diaries. This gives an overview of her life, including her days at RAMI. The diaries are handwritten accounts of Winifred's days beginning in 1914 when she was taking classes, and her home life. Also included is correspondence from Gordon McPherson to RIT Archivist Becky Simmons.

Dates

Creation: 1914-1917

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open to researchers.

Biographical / Historical

Winifred Belle Philleo McPherson was born in 1894. She entered the Mechanics Institute (MI) in 1914. In her autobiography, she talks about taking classes in social work and canning and preserving. She was secretary of the student council. She worked in the lunch room kitchen while attending the Institute. Her education led to her first job of giving canning and preserving demonstrations for women, later, she did some teaching. She was married in 1920, had four children and died in 1974.

Extent

0.21 Linear Feet (Half document box)

Language

English

Additional Description

Overview

The Winifred Philleo McPherson diaries are photocopied pages of her original diaries from 1914-1917. This was the time period she attended the Rochester Athenaeum and Mechanics Institute (RAMI). Daily handwritten entries record the life of a young female student's life in the early 1900's. Also included is Mrs. McPherson's personal biography.