Special Collections Department
403 Parks Library
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011-2140

RS 21/7/250
Mary E. (Graf) Speer
Scrapbook, 1943-1946


Descriptive summary

creator: Speer, Mary E. (Graf)
title: Scrapbook
dates: 1943-1946
extent: 1.67 linear feet (1 oversize box)
collection number: RS 21/7/250
repository: University Archives, Special Collections Department, Iowa State University.

 

Administrative information

access: Open for research
publication rights: Consult Head, Special Collections Department
preferred citation: Mary E. (Graf) Speer Scrapbook, RS 21/7/250, Special Collections Department, Iowa State University Library.

 

Abstract

Mary E. (Graf) Speer was born and educated in Elkader, Iowa. She received her B.S. (1946) in food and nutrition from Iowa State College (University). She became a consulting dietitian with small hospitals and nursing facilities throughout Central Iowa. This collection consists of loose scrapbook pages of memorabilia compiled by Speer during her college years at Iowa State. These materials include newspaper clippings, dance cards, athletic programs, concert programs, VEISHEA programs, Frisbie Fellowship Club materials, travel brochures, and her membership certificate for joining Sigma Eta Chi. The newspaper clippings cover various topics including student life, women's fashion trends, the integration of blacks into Big 6 athletic competitions, and World War II.

 

Biographical note

Mary E. (Graf) Speer, better known as Meg, was born and educated in Elkader, Iowa. She received her B.S. (1946) in food and nutrition from Iowa State College (University). As a student, she was involved in a number of campus organizations including, Sigma Iota Chi, Home Economics Club, YWCA, Interfaith Council, Women's Athletic Association, Junior Prom Central Committee, and Home Economics Ball.

Meg became a dietitian and worked for Bethany Manor in Story City and Eastern Star Masonic Home in Boone. She also served as a dietetic consultant for numerous small hospitals and nursing facilities throughout Central Iowa. Throughout her life, Meg was active in the community and served on boards for a number of local organizations.

In 1947, she married Iowa State graduate Vaughn C. Speer, who went on to teach in the Department of Animal Science at Iowa State for many years. They had four children: David, Jim, Elizabeth, and Diana. They are both currently retired and reside in Ames, Iowa.

 

Collection description

This collection (1943-1946) consists of loose scrapbook pages of memorabilia compiled by Speer during her college years at Iowa State. These materials include newspaper clippings, dance cards, athletic programs, concert programs, VEISHEA programs, Frisbie Fellowship Club materials, travel brochures, and her membership certificate for joining Sigma Eta Chi. The newspaper clippings consist of articles from the student paper documenting student life and commenting on women wearing pants, the integration of blacks into Big 6 athletic competitions, and the ever-present war in Europe. The collection also contains some brief biographical and genealogical information.

 

Container list

Box

Folder

Title

Dates

1

 

Scrapbook pages (loose)

1943-1946