Grace McClurg Carson papers

The papers of Grace McClurg Carson document the experiences of an unmarried woman missionary in China from 1912 to 1926. As such, they shed light on the role of women in a working situation as educators. In addition, the researcher can gain insight into the concerns of women who do not see themselves as mere appendages of men but as individuals in their own right.

The correspondence in the collection (1848-1970) is extensive. It includes two Civil War letters written between a brother and sister--McClurg ancestors. The bulk consists of letters to and from China, supplemented by later correspondence to family and friends after Grace McClurg married F. Stanley Carson (ca. 1957). In addition, the folder entitled "Keepers of the Gate" (1947-1965) consists of religious or inspirational letters to close friends and relatives.

The diaries kept by Grace McClurg in college reveal the extent of her religious commitments. They also can be utilized for research into the educational development of women in America at the turn of the century. Unfortunately, her diary entries written while in China are brief and sporadic.

Grace McClurg also related her experiences in the form of stories and essays which she submitted to various publications, including Reader's Digest. Included are pieces on a summer spent in the Western United States ("I Was a Harvest Cook") as well as several untitled drafts on people and places in china. In a similar vein, the collection includes essays and inspirational quotations, possibly compiled by F. Stanley Carson, which might have been used to teach religious classes.

The scrapbooks and scrapbook clippings in the collection are valuable for information on the Chicago Training School and the Hinghwa Mission. They include newspaper articles, menus, programs, Chinese artwork, and photographs. Printed material consists of pamphlets, biographical information, and general religious literature. This is highlighted by Chinese printed material that includes a foreign language Bible and hymnal, paper dolls, a rice culture booklet, and instructions on writing Chinese characters for missionaries in training.

Photographs in the collection (ca. 1884-1970) represent an extensive documentation of the McClurg family and pre-revolutionary China. In addition, one can use this material to illustrate the social history of women in early colleges and as missionaries. A list appears at the end of the box inventory which attempts to identify each photograph by subject, individual, or location. Dates have been included when possible.