Ellen Parmelee Cook was born on June 21, 1865 in Ripon, Wisconsin where she spent the early years of her life. She graduated with the class of 1893 at Smith College, where she earned her B.C. Cook studied in Berlin in 1896-97, before returning to the United States and teaching at a private school in Brooklyn, NY, where she stayed until 1890. In 1905-06, she earned her M.A. from Columbia University. Once she earned her degree, she was offered a position on the faculty at Smith College, as an Associate Professor in the Chemistry department. She retired from this position in 1931, after 40 years on the faculty. Upon her retirement, she lived with her sister, Mary Morrow Cook, also a professor at Smith College in the Languages Department. They traveled together and enjoyed their retirement together. On May 14, 1947, after several years of poor and failing health, Cook died at the age of 81.

This collection includes biographical materials, correspondence, photographs and newspaper clippings regarding Cook's education and career at Smith College and elsewhere.

Please use the following format when citing materials from this collection:

Ellen Parmelee Cook Papers, Box #, Smith College Archives.

The Ellen Parmelee Cook Papers were donated over a period of time to the Smith College Archives from a variety of sources.

Processed by Emily Markham.