Clarence E. and Minnie McDermaid Correspondence, MSS.2682

Abstract: This collection mainly contains correspondence from Emma O. Lundberg to her nephew Clarence McDermaid discussing events in her everyday life, family and friends, trips, and holidays. There is a large amount of general correspondence from Katharine Lenroot to both Minnie and Clarence consisting of holiday cards and letters discussing daily events, family members, and the illnesses of Emma Lundberg. Emma Lundberg and Katharine Lenroot were both child welfare activist and were pioneers in this field. They mention work in Washington D.C. and Wisconsin involving this field.Scope and Content Note: This collection contains personal correspondence to Clarence and Wilhelmina (Minnie) McDermiad, mostly letters from Clarence's aunt Emma O. Lundberg, a child welfare leader in Wisconsin and Washington D.C. Correspondence from Emma Lundberg mentions the 1933 World's Fair in Chicago and her employment by the New Deal Temporary Emergency Relief Administration. Katharine Lenroot, originally employed as Emma's assistant at the Wisconsin Industrial Commission, corresponds with Clarence and Minnie, including details of the weather and "Indian summers," general daily activites, discussion of various family and friends. and details of Emma's deteriorating medical condition. She is in poor health, undergoes various tooth surgeries and is diagnosed with arteriosclerosis and a case of pneumonia during the correspondence. She keeps in contact with the family after Emma's death in 1954.Biographical/Historical Note: The McDermaids are residents of Rockford, Illinois. Clarence is the son of Daniel and Minnie McDermaid and is a college student. Minnie McDermaid passes away between Jan 1954 and Dec 1959 Katharine Frederica Lenroot (1891-1982) was a child welfare leader and served as the third Chief of the United States Children's Bureau from 1934-1951 after an appointment by President Roosevelt. She is the daughter of Wisconsin senator Irvine She was Emma Lundberg's assistant at the Wisconsin Industrial Commission. Emma Octavia Lundberg (1881-1954) wrote Our Concern - Every Child and had a long career in social work. In 1914, she became the first Director of the Social Services Division of the United States Children's Bureau. Emma and Katharine resided together in Hartdale, New York from 1951 to 1954.Biographical Information on Katharine F. Lenroot found at: http://findingaids.cul.columbia.edu/ead/nnc-rb/ldpd_4079022 Biographical information on Emma O. Lundberg found at: http://cliobeta.cul.columbia.edu:7018/vwebv/holdingsInfo?bibId=407905