Eastman-Goodale-Dayton Family Papers, 1861-2010: Scope & Contents of the Collection

Scope and Contents of the Collection

The Eastman-Goodale-Dayton Family papers consist of biographical materials, correspondence, unpublished writings and printed materials, organization and subject files, photographs, memorabilia, and scrapbooks. Some members of the family and time periods are better documented than others due to the identity of the major donors, and the circumstances influencing what was saved, or lost, in the case of the Amherst cottage fire in 1897. The bulk of the collection, given by Elaine Eastman in her later years when she was living in Northampton, best documents her life, and that of her immediate family, as well as her writing and continued interest in Native American policy, from the late 1920s until her death. Her scrapbooks provide some information about earlier decades in her life, mostly her writings, and those of other family members. Because Elaine and Charles had gone their separate ways in 1921 and never reconciled, there is little related to Charles. A second major acquisition, given in 1999 and 2002, consists of correspondence and other items saved by Rose Goodale Dayton. A third acquisition, purchased from a book dealer in 2010, significantly augmented the books and other writings authored by family members, including Charles Eastman.

The Henry Goodale and Deborah Read Hill Goodale material consists of a small amount of correspondence and writings (1861-98). The Dora Read Goodale papers include biographical information, extensive correspondence, primarily with her sister Rose, and her manuscript and published writings (1892-1950). The bulk of the papers are those of Elaine Goodale Eastman and consist of biographical materials, correspondence, and writings; her controversy with the Daughters of the American Revolution (1928-29); involvement with the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom; and writings, photographs and organizations related to Native Americans. In addition to Elaine's writings on Native Americans and her miscellaneous writings, of particular interest are photographs of South Dakota in the 1890s, particularly of the Pine Ridge Agency, Native Americans, Wounded Knee, and American troops. Additional material relates to the family of Rose Goodale Dayton. While there are some courtship letters from Rose to her fiancé, there is more about other members of her extended family as she was the recipient of many of the letters, including the sole letter from Charles Eastman. There is also a short journal written by Deborah Goodale's mother, Eleanor Rogers (Lyon) Read (1866-68).

The bulk of the papers date from the 1920s to the 1950s, though there is significant late nineteenth--early twentieth century material, especially in the writings and scrapbooks, but also in correspondence.

Writings, including scrapbooks, comprise about half of the collection, and correspondence makes up approximately one-third of it. The bulk of the correspondence is between family members. Other notable correspondents include Samuel Armstrong, John Collier, Henry Dawes, Thomas Wentworth Higginson, Rosika Schwimmer, and Mary Heaton Vorse.