Bernace M. Cochran Papers - Accession 103

Authors

Bernace M. Cochran

Files

Identifier

Accession 103

Inclusive Dates

1936-1977 (1960-1977)

Restrictions

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

Collection Size

3,500 pieces, 1.75 linear feet

Language

English

Historical Note

Bernace “Bee” M. Cochran (1908-2002) was an extension leader and club woman. Bee married W. Edward Cochran (1889-1973) and they lived in Greenville County, South Carolina. She had a huge involvement in the South Carolina Extension Homemakers Council and branched off from that into the Council of Farm Women, and the Home Demonstration Club. While involved in the Extension Homemakers Council she wrote a book titled, History of South Carolina Extension Homemakers Council: Fifty Years 1921-1971.

South Carolina Extension Homemakers Council was organized to promote the study of Home Economics and the work of home economics in the state. The council was originally known as the South Carolina Council of Farm Women which was organized at Winthrop in June, 1921. The name was changed to South Carolina Home Demonstration Council in 1957 and to South Carolina Extension Homemakers Council in 1966. The name was changed again in 1992 when it became the South Carolina Association for Family and Community Education, and finally became the South Carolina Family and Community Leaders in 1995.

Scope and Content Note

The Bernace M. Cochran Papers contain a variety of materials documenting the life and work of Bernace M. Cochran (1908–2002), particularly her leadership and involvement in several women's and civic organizations. The collection includes organizational histories, constitutions, bylaws, reports, memoranda, meeting minutes, membership lists, newsletters, handbooks, brochures, manuals, newspaper clippings, and photographs.

These materials primarily relate to Cochran’s participation in the following organizations:

• South Carolina Extension Homemakers’ Council (1936–1976)
• National Home Demonstration Council (1960–1976)
• Associated Country Women of the World (1947–1976)
• Master Farm Homemakers’ Guild (1964–1976)
• South Carolina Council for the Common Good (1968–1972)

The collection reflects Cochran’s active role in promoting home economics, rural development, and women’s leadership at the local, national, and international levels.

Provenance

The papers of Mrs. W.E. (Bernace) Cochran, home extension leader, were received as a gift by the Archives from Mrs. W. E. (Bernace) Cochran on June 24, 1977.

Keywords

Home Demonstration, Home Extension, Home Economics, Women's History

Copyright

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

Finding Aid Citation

Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections, Winthrop University, "Bernace M. Cochran Papers - Accession 103". Finding Aid 244.
https://digitalcommons.winthrop.edu/manuscriptcollection_findingaids/244

Related Collections

• Bernace M. Cochran Papers - Accession 1560