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COLLECTION Identifier: MC 188

Papers of Caroline Phelps Stokes and Olivia Phelps Stokes, 1892-1927

Overview

Correspondence, ledger, etc., of Caroline Phelps Stokes and Olivia Egleston Phelps Stokes, daughters from a wealthy and religious New York City family.

Dates

  • Creation: 1892-1927

Language of Materials

Materials in English.

Access Restrictions:

Access. Collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

Copyright. Copyright in the papers created by Caroline Phelps Stokes and Olivia Phelps Stokes is held by the President and Fellows of Harvard College for the Schlesinger Library. Copyright in other papers in the collection may be held by their authors, or the authors' heirs or assigns.

Copying. Papers may be copied in accordance with the library's usual procedures.

Extent

.21 linear feet (1/2 box)

In addition to letters by and to Caroline Phelps Stokes and Olivia Phelps Stokes, this collection contains a ledger and two manuscripts pertaining to the will of Olivia Phelps Stokes. These documents were sent to the Schlesinger Library from the files of the now defunct Phelps Stokes Corporation by John Davis Hatch, last President of the Corporation.

BIOGRAPHY

Caroline and Olivia Phelps Stokes were sisters, born in New York City to wealthy, religiously zealous parents. They devoted their lives to Christian works through philanthropy, contributing to charitable, religious, and educational institutions, as well as to individuals in need. Caroline and Olivia were especially concerned with the problems of Black people, both in America and Africa, and gave generously to funds for schools and better housing. Tuskegee Institute in Alabama and Hampton Institute in Virginia were among the beneficiaries. Caroline bequeathed her estate to the establishment of the Phelps-Stokes Fund, to be used for improved housing, and education for minority students.

Physical Location

Collection stored off site: researchers must request access 36 hours before use.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Accession numbers: 1041, 1420, 72-5

The papers of Caroline and Olivia Phelps Stokes were given to the Schlesinger Library in July 1966, July 1968, and January 1972, by John Davis Hatch.

Related Material:

There is related material at the Schlesinger Library; see Papers of Caroline Phelps Stokes and Olivia Phelps Stokes, 1866-1927 (MC 187).

Processing Information

Processed: September 1973

By: Katherine Gray Kraft

Title
Stokes, Caroline Phelps, 1854-1909. Papers of Caroline Phelps Stokes and Olivia Phelps Stokes, 1892-1927: A Finding Aid
Author
Arthur and Elizabeth Schlesinger Library on the History of Women in America
Language of description
eng
EAD ID
sch00928

Repository Details

Part of the Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute Repository

The preeminent research library on the history of women in the United States, the Schlesinger Library documents women's lives from the past and present for the future. In addition to its traditional strengths in the history of feminisms, women’s health, and women’s activism, the Schlesinger collections document the intersectional workings of race and ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and class in American history.

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