Identity elements
Reference code
Name and location of repository
Level of description
Collection
Title
Mrs. George Hay Collection
Date(s)
- 1818 - 1881 (Creation)
Extent
0.25 linear feet
Content and structure elements
Scope and content
The collection contains correspondence, receipts, and a diary from various members of the Perry family. The correspondence details members keeping one another up to date with events in their lives. The date range stretches from the late 1820s to the early-1880s. Deeds come from when the Perry family resided in Rhode Island and reflect inheritances. The receipts show what family members bought and for how much. Many record purchases made at businesses in Genesee County. The diary was kept by Clarissa Potter Perry. It describes farm life, if sparingly, but from a woman’s perspective as well as her time at training school to become a teacher and recipes and ingredients. Perry occasionally kept track of ingredients bought and the prices involved.
System of arrangement
Past practices described the contents of this collection individually. Each item received an object ID number and was treated as a distinct artifact. Records have been reunited, but their original order may have been lost.
Conditions of access and use elements
Conditions governing access
No restrictions. Contact the Collections Department and the Archivist to arrange use for research at collections@sloanlongway.org or (810) 237-3421.
Physical access
The collection is housed in several acid-free folders, which were transplanted to a Hollinger box. The records are all paper-based, though the diary has a black leather cover. Handwriting is entirely cursive. Some is written in pencil, some in ink.
The general condition of the collection is fair. Yellowing is present throughout correspondence, deeds, and receipts, though most heavily among the receipts. This has caused the receipts to become more fragile than other paper. These receipts were also in one folder prior to arrangement. They were separated into two folders while retaining their original order as a means of better preserving them from harm. Many are small and difficult to keep in order in a single folder.
The diary is also in questionable condition. The pages remain together but have separated from the spine. The cover has fraying along its edges but remain intact. Handwriting on pages is faded in many spots, which makes for difficult reading.
Technical access
Conditions governing reproduction
No restrictions. Reproductions are done and charged in accordance with Sloan Museum Archives Fee Service Policy.
Languages of the material
- English
Scripts of the material
Language and script notes
Finding aids
A downloadable PDF finding aid is available.
Acquisition and appraisal elements
Custodial history
Mrs. George Hay donated the collection in September 1965. Accession records indicate Roger Van Bolt received the collection.
Immediate source of acquisition
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling information
Accruals
Related materials elements
Existence and location of originals
Existence and location of copies
Related archival materials
None.
Related descriptions
Notes element
Specialized notes
Alternative identifier(s)
Object Identification Number
Description control element
Rules or conventions
Describing Archives: A Content Standard, 2nd edition
Sources used
Archivist's note
Jonathan Kirkwood, Archivist
February 13, 2023 (PastPerfect)
Archivist's note
Jonathan Kirkwood, Archivist
April 10, 2024 (Access to Memory)
Access points
Place access points
Name access points
- Perry, Clara D. (Subject)
- Perry, George (Subject)
- Potter Perry, Clarissa (Subject)