Finding aid for the Western College Events and Traditions Materials Collection
Title:
Western College Events and Traditions Materials Collection
Repository:
Miami University
Phone: 513-529-6720
http://archives.lib.muohio.edu/
Creator:
Western College Memorial Archives, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio
Dates:
1856-1974
Bulk dates:
1920-1963
Quantity:
9 boxes (1 Box (Class Flags); 1 Binder (Class Flag Photographs))
Abstract:
 Materials relating to the college events and traditions of Western College.
Identification:
EVENTS
Location:
Western College Memorial Archives, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio
Language:
The records are in English
Sample Image:
Western College Memorial Archives Website
Sample Image:
Western College Events and Traditions Container List
Sample Image:
Western College Class Flags Container List
Sample Image:
Western College Class Flags and Photographs Container List

History of Western College Events and Traditions Materials Collection

Western College was founded in 1853 as the 'western' representation of Mt. Holyoke in Massachusetts, with its dual vision of missionary zeal and low-cost yet high-quality education for women. Strongly supported by the leaders of the Presbyterian Church of Oxford, classes at the Western Female Seminary began in 1855 with Helen Peabody, a Mt. Holyoke graduate, as principal. In 1888, Western was moving toward becoming accredited as a College and chose Leila S. McKee, a Wellesley graduate, as the new principal. In 1894, Western became "The Western: A College and Seminary for Women" in 1904, the word "seminary" was dropped and Western became "The Western College for Women. "For the next fifty years, Western remained a general liberal arts college, primarily under the presidency of William W. Boyd. With the arrival of President Herrick B. Young in 1954, an international focus began. Many international students and faculty were recruited, international travel seminars were instituted, and a global emphasis was added to the curriculum. In 1970, an innovative interdisciplinary approach to education called "Freedom with Responsibility" was initiated under the leadership of President William C. Spencer. Another new direction was the decision in 1971 to admit men. Faced with major financial difficulties, Western College closed in 1974 and the physical facilities merged with Miami University. The Western College Events and Traditions Collection are materials from events that occurred at Western College.

Scope and Content

Collection includes correspondence, class symbols, class flags, photographs, ribbons, class songs, pamphlets, news clippings, programs and other printed materials documenting the events and traditions of Western College, Oxford, Ohio.

Statement of Arrangement

Organized into the following series: I. Campus Day, Class Symbols, Flags and Flag Days, Mottos, Ribbons and Colors; II. Class Songs; III. College Day Photographs and Miscellaneous; Dances, Education Days, Events; Miscellaneous Programs, Queen of the May, Recitals and Concerts IV. Senior Events and Miscellaneous V. Senior Day Programs VI. Tree Day Events VII. Photographs VIII. Class Flags IX. Photographs of Flags.

Restrictions on Access

Materials do not circulate and are made available to users in the Western College Memorial Archives.

Indexing Terms

The following terms have been used to provide access to this collection:

Subjects:

Western College

Material Types:

Correspondence
Photographs

Preferred Citation

Cite as: Western College Events and Traditions Materials Collection, Western College Memorial Archives, Oxford, Ohio.

Acquisition Information

Acquired from various sources.

Processing Information

The collection was processed by the Western College Archivist, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio.