Women in Historical Research

HIS462

After examining a yearbook from 1933, I found an image titled “Historical Research.” This image found in The Litany 1993 edition pictured College Misericordia students conducting research on political and social issues. I neglected to take a photo of this image; however, the image featured several students pictured in what appeared to be a library. The yearbook picture featured the students with serious facial expressions, dressed in modest clothing in the school library. The description below this image states that the Women in Historical research club analyzed post World War I political, economic, and social issues. The Historical Society examined issues such as war debt, its direct and indirect impacts on the United States, and the troubling economic times. Other worldly concerns the club researched included the Catholic attitude toward Mexico, and the Japanese. I would be interested in examining the works and publications of this group. Researching the references used, the time-frame of their research, and the impact on their findings on the College Misericordia and Dallas communities, would also be interesting to study. I would also like to know the angle of their research; for example, if they expressed bias towards a group or policy.

Map of College Misericordia 1964

HIS462

Map of College Misericordia (1964), in Miss Recordia (September 1964). CMA 830 Box 3 (1965-1983) Newspaper, Sister Mary Carmel McGarigle University Archives, Misericordia University, Dallas, PA

This image was feature in the Miss Recordia newspaper’s September 1964 edition. This map and partially cut off directory of College Misericordia, provides a visual representation of the college for new and returning students. Buildings featured in this image include the Administration building, McAuley Hall, Walsh Auditorium, Merrick Hall, Alumnae Hall, the Science building, and McGann Hall. Classes took place in the Administration and Science buildings. The library, post office, various offices, the Chapel, the switchboard, and faculty lounge could all be found in the Administration building. McAuley hall contained the Infirmary, the Gymnasium, the Alumnae office, and the Dean of Residents’ office.  I would like to examine when and why the names of certain buildings were changed. Another factor worth researching is why and when McGann and Merrick Hall were demolished. I would also like to research the dates of renovations for buildings which still exist, and how the expansion of the University impacted the directory of the campus. After living in Alumnae Hall my first year at Misericordia, I would like to know the original design and elevation of the building, since it has experienced changes to the landscape due to weathering and renovations.

 

May Day 1942- College Misericordia

HIS462

Miss Recordia 1942. May Day Celebration. University Newspaper Collection, CMA 830 Box 1 (1931-1949) Newspaper. Sister Mary Carmel McGarigle University Archives, Misericordia University, Dallas, PA

This image was featured in the 1942 May edition of the Miss Recordia newspaper. The May Day celebration featured in this image displays the May Day Queen, Katherine Kirchner and her May Day Attendants, Frances McCann and Eudenia Zaleta. May Day celebrations in North America carried the tradition of crowning the Queen of May. In this image, the May Day Queen wears a white gown and a flower gown to symbolize purity. The picture was taken on the front lawn of Mercy. In the background lies the statue Mary and the American flag. Behind the May Day Queen, we see an altar decorated in floral arrangements. Each participant in the May Day festivities is wearing a light colored, or floral gown, and is holding a bouquet of flowers. The only women not holding a floral bouquet are the May Day Queen Attendants, Ms. McCann and Ms. Zaleta. Most of the participants are wearing a floral headpiece. The gowns are all floor length and have sleeves of varying lengths. May Day celebrations throughout Europe, specifically in Great Britain, were celebrated to welcome springtime fertility. Many of the Miss Recordia papers I examined show images of May Day celebrations and portraits of the May Day Queen. An interest of mine would be researching the specific practices of the May Day Celebration at College Misericordia. I’d research how and who started the celebration of May Day and for how many years was it celebrated. Additional factors I would research include: who was in the running for May Day Queen, how the Queen and Attendants were chosen, what were the duties of the Queen and the Attendants, and how long the preparation period for the celebration was.

Cartoon of Monseigneur John Joseph Curran

HIS462

This image is from the Miss Recordia Newspaper, January 1937 edition. The political cartoon is of Rev. Mons. John Joseph Curran, and this edition of the paper was published in his memory. In the center of the image lies a headshot of Reverend Monsignor Curran. This headshot pictures Reverend Monsignor Curran wearing traditional priestly attire, with a serious and proud expression on his face. To the left of the headshot is a smaller image of Rev. Mons. Curran playing golf. Below the image is a description of his favorite hobbies, golf, calisthenics, and reading. It also describes his involvement with the Board of Catholic total abstinence Union of America, and states that he was the first Vice President of the Anti-Saloon League for many years. The image to the left of the headshot is of Rev. Mons. Curran speaking to Union workers. The paragraph below describes how Rev. Mons. Curran strove to settle strikes and “create a spirit of brotherly love between rich and poor.” The image in the bottom left pictures Rev. Mons. Curran at a church. The description below the image states how he was the Pastor at St. Mary’s. It also states that in 1895 he was appointed first pastor of Holy Savior East End City, Wilkes-Barre, and how he was appointed Pastor of St. Mary’s in 1919 and was made Monsignor in 1932. The final image in the bottom right corner shows Rev. Mons. Curran teaching in a classroom. The description below this image gives a short biography of his hometown and his aspirations as a student. This cartoon honors Reverend Monsignor John Joseph Curran’s legacy and his impact on local organizations and individuals.

“Mons. John Joseph Curran,” Miss Recordia (January 1937). University Newspaper collection, CMA 830 Box 1 (1931-1949), Sister Mary Carmel McGarigle University Archives, Misericordia University, Dallas, PA.

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