Document Type

Finding Aid

Publication Date

11-9-2018

Inclusive Dates--Span

1895-1990

Inclusive Dates--Bulk

1935-1966

Scope and Content Note

The collection consists primarily of correspondence between Mrs. Perry and the churches for whom she was painting and photographs of the paintings and churches. Additionally, the collection contains significant materials collected by or created by Mrs. Perry. These materials include newspaper clippings, original poetry, watercolor paintings, journals, and an autobiographical manuscript. The collection is housed in 10 boxes and 4 series. See also the Jack Welch collections for more photos and essays. Also, a letter from Blanche Perry to James Lovell can be found in the James Lovell collection, CRS MS 14, Box 34, Folder "Correspondence March 1967."

Biographical Note

Myrta Blanche Garrett was born in Mount Carmel, Ala. in 1890. Both her parents died when she was young, and she was raised by her aunt and uncle. As part of her schooling, she attended the Southern Female College for Girls in LaGrange, Ga. There she took an art class that would shape her future significantly. In 1913, she married Andrew Eugene Perry; they had two children. Mrs. Perry had chronic complications with tuberculosis, and her health deteriorated until the family moved to Denver, Colo. in 1924. There, Mrs. Perry was admitted to the Phipps Sanatorium for five years. By 1935, her health had improved and she began painting baptistries as a part of her Christian mission. During this period, she painted more than 200 baptistries throughout the world. She died in 1981.

Donor Note

Unknown Unfortunately, no records were kept of when and how the Blanche Perry collection arrived at Milliken Special Collections. Most likely, Jack Welch collected the materials from Mrs. Perry's family after her death and later donated them.

Arrangement

The original arrangement of the collection has been lost. As such, the materials are now arranged primarily by material type and then by location. The collection contains four series. Series I (Box 1-2) Correspondence and Photos, c.1935-1966 Series II Personal Papers, c.1895-1990 (Box 3-4) These include original poems, watercolor paintings, manuscripts and photos. Series III (Box 5) Unidentified Photos and Interpretations, c.1935-1990 Series IV (Box 6-10) Scrapbooks and Diaries, 1935-c.1966

Content List

See PDF finding aid for folder inventory.

Language

ENGLISH

Extent of Collection

9.5 linear feet (10 boxes)

Manuscript Number

Center for Restoration Studies Manuscripts #42

Physical Location

Center for Restoration Studies

Use Restrictions

Open to researchers. Contact Abilene Christian University Special Collections and Archives to make an appointment.

Processing Status

Processed

Finding Aid created by

ACU Staff, Drew Winters, Kayla Sanderson, Avery Reinoehl, Amanda Dietz, Mac Ice

Subjects--Personal Names

Perry, Myrta Blanche, 1890-1981

Comments

Please contact us with questions about our holdings or to schedule a research visit.

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