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Agency History/Biographical note:
Ruth Esther Parker was born on September 30, 1895. She graduated from Grafton High School in 1912, and from Mount Holyoke College, in 1917. She married Emmons Eaton White, a missionary and Yale graduate, and they sailed to India in October of 1917 to work as missionaries. In 1934 they returned to the United States, and Emmons White became the Pastor for the Palmer Congregational Church. From 1920-1932, Ruth worked as the Superintendent of two boarding schools. In 1937 the Whites returned to India where they remained until 1959. They had three children while in India, and adopted a fourth much later. Ruth Parker White died on May 7, 1989, in Claremont, Massachusetts.

Scope and Content:
Chiefly letters by White and her husband, Emmons E. White, relating to their work as missionaries in southeastern India, 1917-1957. The letters particularly underscore their interest in the education and care of children, famine relief, a hospital for lepers, Christian churches in the region and Tamil music. Also includes letters written by Ruth Parker White as a student at Mount Holyoke College, 1913-1917; letters to the Whites from relatives and friends, including their son, Robin; diaries, speeches and other writings; biographical material; memorabilia; and photographs. Some materials, including letters, in Tamil.

Cite as: Ruth Parker White Papers, Mount Holyoke College, Archives and Special Collections, South Hadley, Massachusetts

Access Restrictions: Unrestricted

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