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Marjorie Van Meter Letters

 Collection
Identifier: MSS-438-SC

Scope and Content

This collection contains letters written from Marjorie Van Meter, residing in Empalme, Mexico (in the State of Sonora), from 1912-1913 to her family in the United States. There is one letter from her brother (also residing in Empalme) to Marjorie after Marjorie's return to the United States. Judging from these letters, Marjorie Van Meter went to Empalme to teach in a school which catered to the children of United States colonists in Mexico. The letters describe conditions in Empalme and Guaymas, in particular, but also mention Topolobampo, with regard to revolutionary activity. Interspersed with news of the revolution are comments on Iowa socialites, fashion, detailed accounts of shopping trips in Guaymas, and numerous comments which reveal the privileged status of North American colonists in Mexico at that time. This correspondence also sheds light on ethnic relations among North American colonists, indigenous peoples of Mexico, and mestizo Mexican nationals in the early 1900s. This collection is of value to researchers mainly for its comments on the atmosphere created by revolutionary activity from 1912-1913 in Sonora, Mexico, from an unusual perspective. In particular, these letters address frequent changes in leadership in Mexico during that time, interactions with Yaqui rebels, Mexican and North American soldiers, Pancho Villa's revolutionary forces, and local government's fear of General-turned-President Victoriano Huerta's wrath.

Donated by Mrs. Frank Hibben, the collection was formerly called the Mrs. Frank Hibben papers.

Dates

  • 1912-1916
  • Majority of material found in 1912-1913

Creator

Language of Materials

English.

Access Restrictions

The collection is open for research.

Copy Restrictions

Limited duplication of CSWR material is allowed for research purposes. User is responsible for compliance with all copyright, privacy, and libel laws. Permission is required for publication or distribution.

Extent

1 Folder

Abstract

This collection contains correspondence from Marjorie Van Meter, residing in Mexico from 1912-1913, to her family in the United States.

Related Material

Sadie Moore Walker Papers.. Center for Southwest Research. University of New Mexico

Separated Material

One album containing photographs and postcards, plus clippings, posters, articles, and invitations transferred to the Howard Van Meter Pictorial Collection.
Title
Finding aid of the Marjorie Van Meter Letters, 1912-1916 (bulk 1912-1913)
Status
Approved
Author
Processed by K. Stocker
Date
©2000
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid is in English

Revision Statements

  • June 28, 2004: PUBLIC "-//University of New Mexico::Center for Southwest Research//TEXT (US::NmU::MSS 438 SC::Marjorie Van Meter Letters)//EN" "nmu1mss438sc.sgml" converted from EAD 1.0 to 2002 by v1to02.xsl (sy2003-10-15).
  • Monday, 20210524: Attribute normal is missing or blank.

Repository Details

Part of the UNM Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections Repository

Contact:
University of New Mexico Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections
University Libraries, MSC05 3020
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque NM 87131
505-277-6451