The Mary Watson Letters
Collection
Identifier: MS-514
Scope and Contents
This collection includes 13 letters written by Mary Watson to Cora Lyman from different towns in Alaska. The letters describe Watson's journey to and life in Alaskan Territory from 1909 to 1912. Descriptions include weather, astronomical and seasonal comparisons; observations of native Alaskan customs and culture; attitudes and behavior of gold rush seekers; detailed descriptions of her activities as a teacher and work as a medical assistant. The collection also includes one letter from Mary's mother to Cora, also from Alaskan Territory and one letter from Miss May Pearsall of New York.
Postmarks and addresses include Koykuj, Kokrine, Mulato, Tanana, Sinuk, Seward, Chowuing, and Dillingham. One letter only written by Mrs. Watson and one letter from Miss A. May Pearsall requesting information about teaching in Alaska.
Postmarks and addresses include Koykuj, Kokrine, Mulato, Tanana, Sinuk, Seward, Chowuing, and Dillingham. One letter only written by Mrs. Watson and one letter from Miss A. May Pearsall requesting information about teaching in Alaska.
Dates
- 1909 - 1912
Creator
- Watson, Mary (Correspondent, Person)
Conditions Governing Access
Appointments to view materials are required. To make an appointment please visit https://theautry.org/research-collections/library-and-archives and fill out the Researcher Application Form.
Conditions Governing Use
Copyright has not been assigned to the Autry Museum of the American West. All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Head of Research Services and Archives. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the Autry Museum of the American West as the custodian of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained by the reader.
Biographical Note
Mary Watson was a school teacher in Alaskan Territory in the early 20th Century.
Cora Lyman was from Lyman Ranch in Carpenteria, California.
Cora Lyman was from Lyman Ranch in Carpenteria, California.
Extent
0.25 Linear Feet (1 box)
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
Mary Watson was a school teacher in Alaskan Territory in the early 20th Century. This collection includes 13 letters written by Mary Watson to Cora Lyman from different towns in Alaska. The letters describe Watson's journey to and life in Alaskan Territory from 1909 to 1912. Descriptions include weather, astronomical and seasonal comparisons; observations of native Alaskan customs and culture; attitudes and behavior of gold rush seekers; detailed descriptions of her activities as a teacher; and work as a medical assistant.
Acquisition
Donated to the Library by unknown donor, 1975 December 29.
Processing History
Initial inventory created by Michelle Bourdin, 2011. Finding aid completed by Anna Liza Posas, 2013. Final processing of collection and publication of finding aid made possible by a grant from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC).
Creator
- Watson, Mary (Correspondent, Person)
- Lyman, Cora (Correspondent, Person)
- Pearsall, May (Correspondent, Person)
- Title
- Finding Aid to the Mary Watson Letters
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Anna Liza Posas; Michelle Bourdin
- Date
- 2011, August 2013
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the Library and Archives at the Autry Repository