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Introduction | Biographical Sketch | Scope and Content | Series Description | Inventory
Introduction
The Rea McCain Collection is comprised of half a cubic foot of correspondence, manuscripts, published writings and miscellaneous
research materials of Dr. McCain dating from 1916-1974.
The collection was donated to the Center for Archival Collections (University Archives) by the executrix of the McCain estate,
Mrs. H. G. Hedden in March 1974. No restrictions have been placed upon the use of the collection. The finding aid was completed
by Eric Honneffer in January 2005.
Biographical Sketch
Dr. Rea McCain served as the first chair of the English Department at Bowling Green Normal College from the opening of the
College in 1914 until her retirement in 1952 at which time she became Professor Emeritus.
Dr. McCain directed the first plays on campus, taught public speaking and oversaw the debate teams. She was instrumental in
organizing the campus chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, the English Honor Society, as well as other local honor societies.
Upon her retirement, for several years, Dr. McCain served as Chair of the Humanities Division at Bishop College in Dallas,
Texas.
Dr. McCain traveled extensively. Fifteen years prior to her retirement she visited Europe on at least five occasions. In 1950
she was a delegate to the International Federation of University Women's Convention in Zurich, Switzerland. Once retired she
traveled to Iceland on a freighter and in 1953 drove to Alaska on the Alaskan Highway. She even wrote a travel column for
the Bowling Green Sentinel Tribune.
Dr. McCain was born July 2, 1882 in Lebanon, Ohio and grew up on a farm near there. She was a graduate of National Normal
University, Antioch College, and Columbia and New York Universities. She died on Saturday, May 19, 1973 at the Community Nursing
Home in Bowling Green, Ohio.
Scope and Content
The Rea McCain Collection dates from 1916-1974 and consists of half a cubic foot of correspondence, manuscripts, published
writings and miscellaneous research materials belonging to Dr. McCain.
The correspondence consists of a couple of travel postcards and a few letters detailing orders for photographic reproductions
of likenesses of historic figures for research purposes. A couple additional letters discuss the donation of the collection
to the University Archives at Bowling Green State University.
Literary productions include two partially completed manuscripts by Dr. McCain. One focuses upon Louise de Coligny and the
other on Philip Sidney. Neither contains a date but appear to be c.1960 and 1970 respectively. Each manuscript includes sample
images for illustration purposes. A similar manuscript with illustrations focuses upon famous early American patriots and
historic figures. This was edited by Dr. McCain and also was undated - c.1970.
Also among the literary productions is a book from 1947-1950 that includes poetry written by students in English 314, taught
by Dr. McCain.
Printed materials include several small booklet publications by Dr. McCain devoted to drama, poetry, juvenile literature and
folklore. Additional series include miscellaneous research materials such as two travel booklets and photographs of likenesses
of notable historic figures. Also included is a small set of news clippings of words of wisdom attributed to John Wanamaker.
Very little of this collection sheds light on Dr. McCain's academic career at Bowling Green Normal College from 1914-1952.
The focus seems to be on her various research interests.
Series Description
CORRESPONDENCE
CORRESPONDENCE
1933, 1939, 1967, 1970, 1974
Arranged chronologically
Two travel postcards and a few pieces of correspondence pertaining to Dr. Rea McCain's requests for photographic reproductions
of historic figures for her research projects. Also included are particulars about the donation of her collection to the Center
for Archival Collections in 1974.
LITERARY PRODUCTIONS
MANUSCRIPT (partially completed)
c.1960
"Louise de Coligny - Princess of Orange" by Dr. Rea McCain. Includes photographic illustrations.
MANUSCRIPT (partially completed)
c.1970
"Youth of Philip Sidney" by Dr. Rea McCain. Includes photographic illustrations.
MANUSCRIPT
c.1970
"In the Dawn of Freedom's Day", edited by Dr. Rea McCain. Includes photographic illustrations.
DANCE INSTRUCTION NOTES
c.1920
Brief notes recorded by Dr. Rea McCain (?) instructing how to perform specific dances.
POETRY FROM STUDENTS IN ENGLISH 314
1947-1950
Book in which students of Dr. Rea McCain recorded their poems.
PRINTED MATERIAL
PUBLICATION
November 1916
"A Selected List of Plays, Poems and Stories Suitable for Christmas Programs" by Dr. Rea McCain and M. Nelson Owen.
PUBLICATION
August 1917, 1920
"Juvenile Literature - A Brief Bibliography" by Dr. Rea McCain (2 copies).
PUBLICATION
March 1937
"Merry Mount: An American Folk Tale" by Dr. Rea McCain.
MISCELLANEOUS
Book illustrations, postcards, photographs and travel booklets used for Dr. Rea McCain's research projects.
NEWSCLIPPINGS
c.1930
"From the Founder's Writings," various words of wisdom taken from the writings of John Wanamaker.
PHOTOGRAHIC MATERIAL
CARTE DE VISITE
c.1870
Photograph identified as "Mama West".
Inventory
Box 1 Folder
- Correspondence, 1933, 1939, 1967, 1970, 1974
- Manuscript - "Louis de Coligny-Princess of Orange", c. 1960
- Manuscript - "Youth of Philip Sidney", c.1970
- Manuscript - "In the Dawn of Freedom's Day", pp. 1-85, c.1970
- Manuscript - "In the Dawn of Freedom's Day", pp. 86-159, c.1970
- Dance Instruction Notes, c.1920
- Poetry Written by Students in Dr. McCain's English 314 Class, 1947-1950
- Publication - "A Selected List of Plays, Poems and Stories Suitable for Christmas Programs" by Dr. Rea McCain and M. Nelson
Owen, 11/1916
- Publication - "Juvenile Literature - A Brief Bibliography" by Dr. Rea McCain, 8/1917, 1920
- Publication - "Merry Mount: An American Folk Tale" by Dr. Rea McCain, 3/1937
- Printed Materials - Miscellaneous book illustrations, photographs and postcards of historic figures, 1970
- Printed Materials - Travel Booklets: The Royal House of Stewart, 1958
The Prinsenhof, c.1970
- Newsclippings of "From the Founder's Writings" writings of John Wanamaker, c.1930
- Photograph of "Mama West", c.1870
Manuscripts by Subject | Education Collections | Women's Studies Collections
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