Rea McCain collection

Collection – Box: 1

Identifier: MS-0097

Staff Only

Collection Overview

Abstract

The Rea McCain collection is comprised of the correspondence, manuscripts, published writings and miscellaneous research materials of Dr. McCain.

Dates

Creation: circa 1870
Creation: 1916-1974

Extent

0.46 Cubic Feet (1 legal manuscript box)

Creator

McCain, Rea (Person)

Scope and Contents

The Rea McCain collection dates from 1916-1974 and consists of half a cubic foot of correspondence, manuscripts, published writings and miscellaneous research materials belonging to Dr. McCain.

The correspondence consists of a couple of travel postcards and a few letters detailing orders for photographic reproductions of likenesses of historic figures for research purposes. A couple additional letters discuss the donation of the collection to the University Archives at Bowling Green State University.

Literary productions include two partially completed manuscripts by Dr. McCain. One focuses upon Louise de Coligny and the other on Philip Sidney. Neither contains a date but appear to be c.1960 and 1970 respectively. Each manuscript includes sample images for illustration purposes. A similar manuscript with illustrations focuses upon famous early American patriots and historic figures. This was edited by Dr. McCain and also was undated - c.1970.

Also among the literary productions is a book from 1947-1950 that includes poetry written by students in English 314, taught by Dr. McCain.

Printed materials include several small booklet publications by Dr. McCain devoted to drama, poetry, juvenile literature and folklore. Additional series include miscellaneous research materials such as two travel booklets and photographs of likenesses of notable historic figures. Also included is a small set of news clippings of words of wisdom attributed to John Wanamaker.

Very little of this collection sheds light on Dr. McCain's academic career at Bowling Green Normal College from 1914-1952. The focus seems to be on her various research interests.

Biographical / Historical

Dr. Rea McCain served as the first chair of the English Department at Bowling Green Normal College from the opening of the College in 1914 until her retirement in 1952 at which time she became Professor Emeritus.

Dr. McCain directed the first plays on campus, taught public speaking and oversaw the debate teams. She was instrumental in organizing the campus chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, the English Honor Society, as well as other local honor societies.

Upon her retirement, for several years, Dr. McCain served as Chair of the Humanities Division at Bishop College in Dallas, Texas.

Dr. McCain traveled extensively. Fifteen years prior to her retirement she visited Europe on at least five occasions. In 1950 she was a delegate to the International Federation of University Women's Convention in Zurich, Switzerland. Once retired she traveled to Iceland on a freighter and in 1953 drove to Alaska on the Alaskan Highway. She even wrote a travel column for the Bowling Green Sentinel Tribune.

Dr. McCain was born July 2, 1882 in Lebanon, Ohio and grew up on a farm near there. She was a graduate of National Normal University, Antioch College, and Columbia and New York Universities. She died on Saturday, May 19, 1973 at the Community Nursing Home in Bowling Green, Ohio.

Conditions Governing Access

No restrictions have been placed upon the use of the collection.

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.

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Immediate Source of Acquisition

The collection was donated to the Center for Archival Collections (University Archives) by the executrix of the McCain estate, Mrs. H. G. Hedden in March 1974