Betty Wells Papers, 1931-1995, n.d.: Scope & Contents of the Collection

Scope and Contents of the Collection

Comprised of Correspondence, Writings, Photographs, Biographical Material, and Scrapbooks. Correspondence (1933-1995, n.d.) consists of letters to her parents, written as a Mount Holyoke College student spending her junior year in France, and correspondence (1933-1995, n.d.) with Simone Calvet, a French penpal and later friend. Student letters describe her studies, social activities, and travels in France, Germany and Italy, while the bulk of her correspondence with Simone Calvet reflect each woman's intellectual, family and social life, and their thoughts on marriage, motherhood, world affairs, illness, aging and the nature of their friendship. The Writings series (ca. 1931-1935, n.d.) is comprised of illustrated short-stories, poems, a manuscript entitled, "First Fruits" and a manuscript entiteld, "What is the Subconscious?" and noted as a French thesis (ca. 1934); all authored by Wells. Some of these items were written for English classes at Mount Holyoke College. The Photographs (1931-1989, n.d.) are primarily of snapshots removed from the correspondence from Simone Calvet, as well as a few photographs of Wells as a student at Mount Holyoke. Biographical Material (1934, 1954-55, 1959) consists of newspaper articles announcing her engagement, wedding and other activities as well as a photocopy of her diploma from the University of Paris. The Scrapbook Series consists of two scrapbooks, one dedicated to her years as a student at Mount Holyoke College (1931-1935) and consisting of corresponence, clippings, programs and photographs. The other scrapbook is dedicated specifically to her year studying abroad in France (1933-1934) and includes travel ticket stubs, photographs and correspondence.

Material from this collection is available in an online digital format.