Historical Note

The Oberlin file consists of historical material received piecemeal and from sources that do not fit into existing groups. Some items may be alienated documents. The contents of these files lack organic relationships except in the broadest sense, and they run the gamut from manuscripts to printed or otherwise duplicated materials. Included are letters, essays, poetry, notes, memoranda, legal documents, articles, talks, recollections, clippings, tracts, reports, drawings, etc.

Scope and Content

This collection is divided into three areas: writings by Oberlin people, writings about Oberlin people, and other types of writings concerning Oberlin. Subjects cover Oberlin life for women throughout the years, as well as abolition, Charles G. Finney, the Wellington Rescue, temperance, the Underground Railroad, and the Graham Diet. There are writings by black Oberlin women students and autobiographical accounts of female students, including educator and lecturer Florence May Snell (1861-1949), Class of 1893. Accounts of women missionaries to China, India, and other nations also exist. The graduation essays and addresses by and about women are among the richest items. This file offers excellent supplemental documentation for other Oberlin archival collections.