Elizabeth Seaver Helfman papers

Collection

Identifier: MS 0620

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Elizabeth Seaver Wentworth Helfman Papers contain correspondence, 1930-79; a journal, 1930-33; a diary, 1931-1932, 1933, 1934 and 1939; writings, including a book entitled "This hungry world," written by Elizabeth S. Helfman; and an oral history interview, 1979. The correspondence includes excerpts from letters written to her brother Robert Seaver, dated 1930-31, and letters to and from Helen Voorhees concerning Elizabeth's employment. The journal chiefly includes introspective thoughts, with few references to daily occurences. The diary includes regular entries which comment on her moods, books and concerts and friends. The writings include a list of the books published by Elizabeth S. Helfman, mostly written for young adults. The oral history interview was conducted on May 2, 1979 by Audrey Bornstein. There is also a edited transcript of the interview copied from "Chimes of Change and Hours," 1983.

Dates

1927-1979

Conditions Governing Access

Unrestricted

Biographical Note

Elizabeth Wentworth Seaver was born on August 1, 1911. She graduated from Northampton High School before attending Mount Holyoke in 1929. She received an A.B. from Mount Holyoke College in 1933, and a M.A. from Radcliffe College in 1934. From 1938-39 she attended the Cooperative School for Student Teachers. She then became a third grade teacher at the Thomas School in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. In 1941 she began teaching nursery school, but soon moved to Woodward School in Brooklyn, New York. In 1942 she married Harry Carmozin Helfman and they had one child. Helfman then began writing children's books.

Extent

1 boxes (1933 Seaver)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Helfman, Elizabeth Wentworth Seaver, 1911- ; Author and teacher. Mount Holyoke College graduate, 1933. Papers contain correspondence, journal, diary, and writings. Primarily documenting her thoughts, social activities and relationships with friends and family. Also includes her book entitled, "This hungry world."