Agency History/Biographical note:
Margaret Ball was born in New Haven, Connecticut on April 9, 1878. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Mount Holyoke in 1900, and went on to obtain a Master's Degree in English Literature and a Ph.D. in Education and Comparative Literature at Columbia University in 1903 and 1908 respectively. She published her first work in 1907, entitled "Sir Walter Scott as a Critic of Literature." In 1910 she published "The Principals of Outlining," and in 1924 an introduction to Charlette Bronte's "Jane Eyre," Modern Reader Series. Additionally, Ball wrote numerous articles in many popular periodicals. She taught as an assitant professor at Mount Holyoke College and Barnard College. She gained a full profesorship in 1921 and taught at Mount Holyoke until 1943. Margaret Ball died on January 3, 1952 in Lakeville, Connecticut.

Scope and Content:
The Margaret Ball Papers consist of correspondence, essay drafts, research notes, clippings, subject files, family financial records, and memorabilia. The correspondence, arranged alphabetically, represent over four decades of personal and professional experiences beginning with her undergraduate years at Mount Holyoke College, 1896-1900. The letters are primarily from friends, former students, and former colleagues discussing health, education, careers, and travels. Course materials include exams and reading lists and of special note is her introductory English course on the importance of letter-writing. The research notes include articles focusing on education and literature collected by Ball and copies of her works. Her writings represent her academic and intellectual development beginning with essays from college and graduate school to tributes to her colleagues and published works. Of particular note within the collection are correspondence and writings about fellow colleagues,  involvement in Mount Holyoke campus development and comments on the selection of Roswell Gray Ham as the first male president of the College.

Cite as: Margaret Ball Papers, Mount Holyoke College, Archives and Special Collections, South Hadley, Massachusetts

Access Restrictions: Unrestricted

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