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Lucy Thurston Goodale papers

 Collection
Identifier: MS 0640

Scope and Contents

The Lucy Thurston Goodale Papers consist of correspondence (original manuscripts or typescript copies); notebooks and other writings; drawings and paintings; memorabilia; and biographical and genealogical information. Most of this material reflects Goodale's activities as a student at Mount Holyoke Female Seminary from 1838-1840. In letters written to family members, she discusses her studies (especially in the sciences), domestic work, schedule, regulations and religious life at the school, and the Seminary Building. She frequently mentions Mary Lyon, describes events such as the Fourth of July celebration in 1838, discusses her health and that of other members of the community, and refers to slavery and other contemporary issues. Her notebooks contain notes for lectures concerning chemistry, geology and other sciences and "Topics in Bible Lessons," as well as detailed descriptions of excursions to Deerfield, Mt. Holyoke (the mountain) and a button factory in South Hadley. Her writings also include a composition and poem and notes on her daily schedule. Goodale's drawings consist of floor plans for the cellar and first floor of the Seminary Building and a variety of other works (some of them in color), including numerous stencilled and theorem paintings. Memorabilia in the collection consists of two certificates concerning Goodale's early education and an account of her death written by her mother, Millicent Warren Goodale, in 1841. Biographical information includes a copy of Goodale's obituary, supplemented by notes about her family, ca. 1840s-1910, and an article published in the "Old Sturbridge Visitor" in 1982.

Dates

  • Creation: ca. 1832-1841
  • Creation: Majority of material found within 1838 - 1840

Conditions Governing Access

Unrestricted

Biographical Note

Lucy Thurston Goodale was born in Marlborough, Massachusetts, on August 8, 1820. She was the eldest of six children born to David Goodale and Millicent Warren Goodale. She attended one or more schools in Marlborough before entering Mount Holyoke Female Seminary in March, 1838. Goodale was a student at Mount Holyoke until July, 1840 and is considered a non-graduating member of the Class of 1841. She died in Marlborough on August 26, 1840, probably from typhoid fever contracted during the commencement exercises at Mount Holyoke.

Extent

1 boxes (x1841)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

Goodale, Lucy Thurston, 1820-1840; Student. Attended Mount Holyoke Female Seminary 1838-1840, died of typhoid. Papers contain correspondence, notebooks, writings, drawings, theorem paintings, memorabilia, and biographical and genealogical information. Documenting her experience at Mount Holyoke, including special events and daily activities.

Arrangement

Arranged in 5 series.

  1. Correspondence (1836-1840)
  2. Writings (1838-1840)
  3. Drawings and Paintings (ca. 1838-1840)
  4. Memorabilia (ca. 1832-1841)
  5. Biographical Material (1840-1982)
Title
Goodale Papers, ca. 1832-1841 (bulk 1838-1840)
Status
Edited Full Draft
Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script
Language of description note
English

Repository Details

Part of the Mount Holyoke College Archives and Special Collections Repository

Contact:
50 College Street
8 Dwight Hall
South Hadley MA 01075-6425 USA
413-538-3079