Identity elements
Reference code
Name and location of repository
Level of description
Collection
Title
Susie C. Fisher Collection
Date(s)
- 1918 (Creation)
Extent
One acid-free folder.
Content and structure elements
Scope and content
The collection consists of several letters and one poem received by Susie C. Fisher from various men serving in U.S. Army in World War I. Letters do not provide details as to whether she was related to them or if they were friends or suitors. All were handwritten in either ink or pencil except one that was typed. Letter writers were Valeno Prince, who served in the headquarters of the American Expeditionary Force, Carl Paterson, who served in evacuation hospital no. 21, and Ralph Manwell, who served at an artillery school. All three served in France during the war. Every letter but one was mailed from France. The one exception originated from Camp Custer in Battle Creek, Michigan. Letter writers mentioned training, operations of their units, and what France and its people were like, but wrote sparingly about combat.
The poem is a chilling account of how the Spanish influenza affected a person’s body. It is unknown when and where the poem was written.
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 to arrange use for research.
Physical access
The collection is housed within a single acid-free folder. Paper composes the media content. One letter and one poem, were written by hand. Envelopes are paper-clipped to some letters. Other envelopes were found separated when processing began on the collection.
The general condition is fair. Sheets of paper have yellowed to varying degrees. Many have frayed along their edges with tears also present. Many envelopes exhibit the same condition. Paper appears to retain much flexibility, but staff and researchers should handle them with care.
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
Susie C. Fisher donated the records in December 1965. Roger Van Bolt received them.
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
The accession contains many three-dimensional artifacts.
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
December 5, 2022 (PastPerfect)
Archivist's note
Jonathan Kirkwood, Archivist
April 9, 2024 (Access to Memory)
Access points
Subject access points
Place access points
Name access points
- Fisher, Susie C. (Subject)
- Manwell, Ralph (Subject)
- Paterson, Carl (Subject)
- Veleno, Prince (Subject)