Ross, Metta J. (1890-1984). Papers, 1896-1984.

Collection

Identifier: H88-0131

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

Collection contains Ross' biographical information, writing (stories, essays, poems), research, news clippings, course and lecture information, correspondences, social information (conferences, organizations), and historical research on Drummond Island from 1812.

Dates

Creation: 1896 - 1984

Creator

Ross, Metta J., 1890-1984 (Person)

Biography

Metta J. Ross finished the last year of her degree at Hope College in 1926 after teaching history at Holland High School, as well as several other such teaching positions. She became a professor of History (and English at several points in her career) at Hope College from 1926 to 1960. She received her Masters Degree from Michigan University, and her contributions to Hope College's campus are numerous. Never married, she had a devoted social life, attended Hope Reformed Church, and spent lots of time on Drummond Island, Michigan, especially after retirement. She is noted for her passion for people, teaching, international affairs, art and culture.

Extent

9.00 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Hope College class of 1926; Hope College professor of History and English (1926–1960); founder of “Palette and Masque” drama club (forerunner to the Theatre department), and the International Relations Club; awarded a bronze medal by Queen Juliana of the Netherlands for donations and letter writing efforts during World War II; correspondence, history project on Drummond Island. The collection includes biographical material and correspondence, course materials such as clippings, lecture notes, pamphlets, bibliographies, outlines, and examinations, arranged under general categories of arts, biography, literature, international affairs, Latin America, Africa, Europe, Asia, and world civilization. Manuscripts include: "The Middle East Controversy," "The Rise of a Loud Speaker (Hitler)," "The Disease Called Malaria," "The East and West Indies," "The Political Situation in Africa, 1960," "Dutch Scholars," "Of Mercury and Men (Russia-Climate)," "Without Benefit of Clergy (Mexico)," "The United Nations and World Peace." Short story manuscripts include: "The Boomerang," "Cups," "The Spot of Blood," "Short-Changed." Also various unfinished manuscripts, and notes for a projected history of Drummond Island organized by Barbara Good-Van Heest in 1987. Reproduction of all Drummond Island materials are on microfilm. Collection also contains two oral history interviews conducted by Matthew Nickel concerning Ross with Dick and Phyllis Huff on March 15, 2002, and Paul Fried on April 1, 2002.