Manuscript Collection

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Identifier

Accession 1739

Inclusive Dates

1921-1972

Restrictions

Open under the rules and regulations of the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections

Collection Size

1.00 linear foot, 2000 pieces

Language

English;

Scope and Content Note

The Mary Elizabeth Frayser Papers document the professional career, civic engagement, and reform work of Mary E. Frayser, an educator, home economist, social worker, and prominent women’s club leader in South Carolina during the twentieth century. The collection reflects Frayser’s long-standing commitment to education, social welfare, women’s rights, and public policy, as well as her involvement in numerous state and regional organizations dedicated to social and economic reform.

Materials in the collection include newspaper clippings, correspondence, speeches, reports, articles, pamphlets, meeting-related documents, publications, and other printed materials. These records document Frayser’s work with the South Carolina Extension Service (1912–1940), Winthrop College, and her leadership and participation in organizations such as the South Carolina Council for the Common Good, the South Carolina Federation of Women’s Clubs, the South Carolina Status of Women Conference, the South Carolina Division of the American Association of University Women (AAUW), the South Carolina Interracial Institute, the South Carolina Division of the Southern Regional Council, and the South Carolina Conference of Social Work.

The collection contains extensive subject files addressing issues central to Frayser’s reform efforts, including women’s suffrage and political participation, child labor and child welfare, education, prison reform, vocational rehabilitation, taxation, public health, racial cooperation, and community development. Of particular note are materials related to the National Child Labor Committee, published articles and speeches circulated nationally, and documentation of conferences and public programs focused on children, youth, and social welfare. The papers also reflect Frayser’s interest in libraries and her advocacy for state-supported public libraries in South Carolina.

Newspaper clippings and collected publications provide context for contemporary debates on social policy and women’s roles in public life, while university reports and educational materials illustrate Frayser’s ongoing engagement with higher education institutions. Correspondence with notable figures—including Wil Lou Gray, Christine South Gee, and Maude Massey Rogers—further documents her professional networks and influence within reform and club movements.

The papers span from 1841 to 1972, with the bulk of the materials dating from the early 1930s through the late 1940s, the period of Frayser’s most active involvement in women’s organizations and social reform initiatives. Due to the interconnected nature of women’s club activities during this period, researchers examining a specific organization or issue are encouraged to consult materials across multiple series within the collection. The Mary Frayser Papers provide a rich resource for the study of women’s activism, social reform, and the role of voluntary organizations in shaping public policy in South Carolina.

Provenance

The papers of Mary E. Frayser, educator, social worker, Home Economist and club woman, were received by the Archives near the latter part of May, 1970 from the Home Economics Department of Winthrop. The “Agreement of Gift” was executed on Oct. 10, 1974. The items in this collection were overlooked when completing the related collection. 

Copyright

For information concerning copyright please contact the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections at Winthrop University.

Mary Elizabeth Frayser Papers - Accession 1739

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