Patricia E.P. Bennett Papers, 1968-2002, n.d. (bulk 1968-1972): Scope & Contents of the Collection

Scope and Contents of the Collection

The Patricia E. P. Bennett Papers consist of scrapbooks, photograph albums, course records, documents and photographs relating to reunions of the Mount Holyoke College Class of 1972, a program autographed by playwright Wendy Wasserstein, newspaper clippings about Bennett, and a photograph of her. The materials relate chiefly to Bennett's years as a student at Mount Holyoke College 1968-1972. Five scrapbooks compiled during that period reflect Bennett's activities during her freshman, sophomore, and senior years. These volumes contain holiday cards from friends, programs for college events, and other mementoes. Three photograph albums contain photographs of students and the campus as well as Bennett's photographs from reunions of the Class of 1972. Other photographs taken of members of the Class of 1972 at reunions held between 1977-2002 are also part of the collection. Materials within the scrapbooks and photograph albums document many college traditions and events, including President David B. Truman's inauguration, Fathers' Day, Convocation, Commencement and the 1972 Laurel Parade. There is also a copy of the Class of 1972 Junior Show script. Course records date from 1968-1972 and consist of examinations for courses in economics, mathematics, psychology, and sociology classes. Three calendars contain the dates of Bennett's daily activities from 1968-1972. The program signed by Wasserstein is for a production of her play, The Heidi Chronicles, at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. in the spring of 1991. The newspaper clippings concern Bennett's cheerleading career as well as her engagement to William P. Bennett. The collection also includes a photograph of Bennett during her senior year at Mount Holyoke, 1972.