Julia E. Ward papers

Collection — Box: 1

Identifier: MS 0869

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Julia E. Ward Papers date from circa 1861-1921 and consist of correspondence, writings, memorabilia, biographical information, and a photograph. The materials concern both her personal life and her work at Mount Holyoke. Correspondence (1867-1917) includes copies of letters by Ward published in the Boston "Globe", February 28-April 20, 1872 describing her travels in the Riviera and other parts of France; a copy of a letter(June 21, 1869) by John Greenleaf Whittier declining an invitation to visit Mount Holyoke; correspondence with Mount Holyoke trustees Edward N. Kirk and Andrew W. Porter; a letter (July 22, 1871) by Louisa M. Bailey Whitney, Class of 1868 discussing the work of alumnae missionaries in Hawaii and the Gilbert Islands; and correspondence concerning Mount Holyoke's participation in the Paris Universal Exposition of 1878. Her writings consist of a greeting to members of the Class of 1869 on their Class Day as seniors; printed letters (1873, 1875) addressed to "friends and former pupils" of Mount Holyoke soliciting support for the construction of Williston Hall, and a tribute (circa 1915) to Mount Holyoke trustee and Treasurer A. Lyman Williston describing his many contributions to the school at a time when it was facing increasing completion from newer institutions for the higher education of women. Memorabilia consists of an undated poem written for Ward and an obituary (1907) of her brother, Dr. Sullivan Lawrence Ward. Biographical information is comprised of obituaries and tributes written at the time of her death in 1921. The photograph (1861) shows Ward with Helen M. French, Emily Wilson, Elizabeth Blanchard, and Mary A. Evans, all teachers at Mount Holyoke.

Dates

Creation: circa 1861-1921

Conditions Governing Access

Unrestricted.

Conditions Governing Use

Unrestricted.

Biographical Note

Julia Elizabeth Ward was born on June 3, 1832 in Plymouth. New Hampshire to George Whitefield Ward and Jemima Emerson Ward. She graduated from Mount Holyoke Female Seminary in 1857 and taught Latin and "mental and moral science" at the school until 1883. She also served as Assistant Principal from 1867-1872 and Principal from 1872-1883. Significant improvements were made to College facilities during her administration, including completion of the John Payson Williston Memorial Observatory and Williston Hall, a science and art building as well as expansion of Mount Holyoke's library building. She also supported improvements to the gardens and grounds and the acquisition of what is now the Prospect Hill section of the campus. She died in Lowell, Massachusetts on August 14, 1921 at the age of eighty-nine.

Extent

0.21 Linear Feet (1 half Hollinger box)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Ward, Julia E., 1832-1921; teacher and college principal. Mount Holyoke Female Seminary graduate, 1857, teacher, 1857-1883, and Principal, 1862-1883. Papers date from circa 1861-1921 and consist of correspondence, biographical information, and photographs of her. The materials concern both her personal life and her work at Mount Holyoke.