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Mary DeVeny Wasson (MDW), 1889 - 1978

 Series
Identifier: 2

Scope and Contents

This series is made up of biographical files for MDW, as well as materials related to her work with the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).

There is a large volume of letters written by MDW in the papers of her sons, TCW and RGW, and in the papers of her daughter-in-law, VPW.

Dates

  • Creation: 1889 - 1978

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

This collection has been reviewed for restrictions and is open for research.

Biographical Note

Mary DeVeny was born in Plymouth, Ohio. In 1883 she graduated from Wellesley College. In the same year the young Mary DeVeny was invited by Dr. Melvil Dewey, then chief librarian at Columbia University, to become one of the six women to study to become professional librarians under Dewey’s leadership. During her time at Columbia, Mary DeVeny worked as a paid assistant librarian for several years. She is regarded as one of the first women to undertake professional library work. Following her training under Dewey, DeVeny later went on to teach mathematics at Bryn Mawr Preparatory school. In 1890 she married Edmund Atwill Wasson, later moving with her husband to Great Falls, Montana in 1893.

Shortly after moving to Great Falls, Mary Wasson gave birth to three sons. Throughout her life, Mary Wasson served as a doting and devoted mother, evidenced through extended correspondence with her sons Thomas and Gordon Wasson. She also served as a founding member of the Daughters of the American Revolution chapter in Montana. Towards the end of her life Mary Wasson endured prolonged sickness and poor health, spending her final years in the Manhattan Nursing Home.

Extent

From the Collection: 16.5 Linear Feet (38 boxes and 2 folders)

Language of Materials

From the Collection: English

Arrangement

This series has not been re-arranged.

Repository Details

Part of the Binghamton University Libraries Special Collections Repository

Contact:
Binghamton NY 13902 USA