Minnibelle Conley Papers

Collection – Box: 1

Identifier: MS-1202

Staff Only

Collection Overview

Abstract

It is one of many collections to benefit from the large donation. The 0.46 cubic feet contains literary productions, scrapbook material, and photographic material, with known dates ranging from 1917 to 1984.

Dates

Creation: 1917-1984

Extent

0.46 Cubic Feet (1 archival box)

Creator

Conley, Minniebelle (Person)

Scope and Contents

Due to her lifelong residency, the contents of Ms. Conley’s collection are a valuable contribution to the history of Bowling Green. Of note are her written reminisces of growing up in the city, which reveal the evolution of the area. A well-constructed and fairly intact scrapbook chronicles Ms. Conley’s graduation from BGHS and her first year of college at the Western College for Women. The scrapbook is quite detailed and includes programs, flyers, tickets, and other such items related to activities and events that Ms. Conley took part in. Material that was loose upon inspection has been placed in separate folders within the collection.

The photographs included in the collection depict Ms. Conley at various stages of her life, though exact dates are not known for most of the photos. In addition to Ms. Conley herself, there are also photographs of Thomas and Minnie Conley as well as a male relative who is believed to be from her mother’s side of the family. A highlight of this part of the collection is an intact tintype of Thomas Conley, likely taken sometime around the turn of the 20th century.

Biographical / Historical

The daughter of well-known local figures Thomas and Minnie, Minniebelle Conley (1898 - 1984) was a lifelong resident of Bowling Green and a prominent figure in her own right. A graduate of Bowling Green High School, Ms. Conley furthered her education at the Western College for Women in Oxford, Ohio; the College later became a part of Miami University.

As a journalist and the Society Editor of the Sentinel-Tribune, a career that spanned five decades, Ms. Conley was heavily involved in the local community and a proud member of it. Though she never married nor had children of her own, Ms. Conley left an indelible mark on the city of Bowling Green. Upon her death in 1984, her estate was used to create the Minniebelle Conley Trust, which provided generous funding to the Wood County Humane Society. The WCHS Minniebelle Conley Shelter was thus named in her honor.

Conditions Governing Access

No known access restrictions.

Conditions Governing Use

Researchers using this collection assume full responsibility for conforming to the laws of libel, privacy, and copyright, and are responsible for securing permissions necessary for publication or reproduction.