Newcomb Archives
Irvine, Mary Ellen Hunter
2007-64
Table of Contents
- Summary Information
- Biographical Note
- Scope and Content
- Organization and Arrangement
- Administrative Information
- Controlled Access Headings
- General note
- Collection Inventory
- Container List
- Cook Books, Recipes, and Menu-Collections: Books
- Recipe and menu collections
- Correspondence 1905-1988
- Mementos
- Miscellaneous Books
- Papers
- Photographs
- Photograph Albums & Scrapbooks: (Newcomb scrapbook collection)
- Manuscripts
Summary Information
- Repository
- Newcomb Archives
- Creator - Creator
- Irvine, Mary Ellen Hunter
- Creator - Creator
- Irvine, Sadie Agnes Estelle
- Creator - Writer of accompanying material
- Irvine, Wynne
- Title
- Mary Ellen Hunter Irvine Collection
- ID
- 2007-64
- Date [inclusive]
- Between 1895 and 1988
- Extent
- 10.8 Linear feet Cartons, flat boxes, scrapbooks.
- Language
- English
Biographical Note
While her baptismal record clearly states her date of birth as January 2, 1900, Irvine later attempted to correct what she viewed as an error by changing the record to state the year as 1901. Mary Ellen was raised in Central America by her father and mother, Dr. Orville B. Hunter and Ann Wilhelmina Prince Hunter. Later (1917-1920) she attended Holy Angels Academy, a French boarding school in New Orleans. In 1925 she received a B.A from Newcomb College in English literature. Between 1925 and 1928, Irvine taught English and Spanish at several high schools in the New Orleans area, until she headed the Spanish department at Ursuline Academy between 1928 and 1932. While teaching at Ursuline Academy in 1931, she married Wynne Irvine on December 19th; the Academy fired her, and a lawsuit resulted. Her case of breach of contract was dismissed, but the case is famous for being held in the convent itself. In May 1932 Irvine received an M.A. from Tulane in Spanish Literature. Her only child died in October 1932, shortly after birth. Later, Irvine turned her skills for language and organization to help research assistantship in manuscripts of New Spain (1936-1938), Historical Records Survey (1938-1941), Translator in the Office of Censorship (1942-1945), and librarian of the Middle American Research Institute (1945-1950). Irvine has been prominent in many volunteer organizations, including being the president of Newcomb Alumnae Association (1949-1951), and very active in AAUW (1948-1968). In the 1970s, Irvine was the author or coauthor of several articles and books, including 'Favorite Recipes of New Orleans,' 'Louisiana's Art Nouveau: The Crafts of Newcomb Style' (1976), 'Administrative papers: Copies relating to new Spain, A Collection of Manuscripts in the Middle American Research Institute.' An important contact in her life was her sister-in-law Sadie Agnes Estelle Irvine, who graduated from Newcomb with the Class of 1906 and remained there as Art School faculty until 1952.
Scope and Content
The Mary Ellen Hunter Irvine Collection spans a great number of years, from items belonging to Mary Irvine's and her husband's families ca. 1895, to material of Mary Irvine's from 1985. Included are correspondence (1908-1988), mementos, scrapbooks, papers, and photographs. Also included are typed and handwritten galleys, other material accumulated during the publication of several of Irvine's books, and part of Irvine's cookbook and recipe collection. Finally, included in the collection are several pieces of Newcomb pottery, photographs, and photograph albums once owned by Sadie Agnes Estelle Irvine, who was both Mary Irvine's sister-in-law and a Newcomb Art School faculty member. Mary Irvine's life at Newcomb College and New Orleans in the 1920s and 1930s is detailed in correspondence, mementos, papers, and college scrapbooks dating from the period. Photographs are of her friends and Newcomb events, invitations to plays and parties, a Realization Day badge, and letters from her future husband and old boyfriends all contribute to give flavor to the depiction of her life. Several letters and clippings concern a famed court case involving Irvine: Employed at the Ursuline Academy, she was fired for marrying, and she sued for breach of contract. Interestingly, because of an ancient New Orleans law exempting nuns from having to appear in court, the case was tried at the Academy. She lost the suit. Her later interests in cooking and Newcomb College are also detailed here. The recipe and cookbook collection was used by Irvine in gathering material to publish her own cookbook, 'Favorite Recipes of New Orleans.' The collection also reflects a woman who is related to a local celebrity, a Newcomb Art School faculty member and artist, her sister-in-law Sadie Agnes Estelle Irvine. Irvine became so interested in her sister-in-law's work that later she coauthored an important book on the topic, 'Louisiana's Art Nouveau.'
Organization and Arrangement
The collection has been arranged into nine series: I. Cookbooks, recipes, and menu collections; II. Correspondence, 1905-1980; III. Mementos; IV. Miscellaneous Books; V. Papers; VI. Photographs; VII. Photograph albums and scrapbooks; VIII. Pottery; IX. Publication-related materials.
Administrative Information
Publication Information
Newcomb Archives
Newcomb Center for Research on WomenSeltzer-Gerard Reading Room
62 Newcomb Place
New Orleans, Louisiana, 70118
504 865 5762
vorhoff@tulane.edu
Restrictions
Pottery restricted. Consult repository for details.
Controlled Access Headings
Occupation(s)
- Artists
- Cookbook Authors
Personal Name(s)
- Irvine, Mary Ellen Hunter
Subject(s)
- Family History
General note
Much of the pottery was used for an exhibit; numbers were assigned to these pieces at that time.
Collection Inventory
Container ListGeneral noteNAB-019 – 020: Correspondence NAB-021: Mementos NAB-022: Papers NAB-023: Publication materials NAB-024: Cookbooks NAC-127: #14, trophy, & lampshades of #15 NAF-003: Pottery lamp base of #15 NAF-004: Pottery #1, #2, #6, 1 of #7, #8, #9, #10 NAF-005: Pottery #4, #11, 1 of #16, 1 mug of #12, A, L, M, O, blue woven handbag with wooden handle NAF-006: Pottery pitcher and 3 mugs of #12, 3 of #16, C, D, G, K, N NAF-007: Pottery #3, #5, 1 mug of #12, #13, #17 NAF-008: Pottery 1 of #7, B, E, F, H, I, J NAF-009: Record, Uptown Jazz, with Mary Irvine on the cover Scrapbook collection: small black photo album & “snapshots” photo album; Green scrapbook, design portfolio, “Masters of Art’ portfolio; “h” scrapbook; Louisiana Art Nouveau scrapbook, Favorite Recipes of New Orleans scrapbook, Commencement Book NPH-002: Photographs: 140 photos, 1 negative Library: Butler, Pierce. Laurel Hill and Later: The Record of a Teacher. New Orleans, 1954; Dixon, Brandt V. B. A Brief History of H. Sophie Newcomb Memorial College 1887-1919: A Personal Reminiscence NAC-442: Travel Scrapbooks NAC-443: Travel |
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NAB-024 Cook Books, Recipes, and Menu-Collections: Books Between 1898 and 1968General noteAceite de Oliva Todo mal Quita, Aceite de Oliva Espanol. Antiguo Manual de Cocina Yucateca. Merida, Mexico, 1926. Chautauqua Cookery of Boulder Colorado: Traditional and Gourmet Recipes Collected by Chautauguans Throughout the Years, 1898-1968… Boulder, 1968. Signed by Enola S. McNamara ’68. Covert, Mildred L. and Sylvia P. Gerson. Kosher Creole Cookery. Gretna, 1982. Autographed by Mildred Covert. Holway, Merri. Que Rico: Recipes from Latin America. Pan American Union, Washington, D.C. How to Buy Food. Information Division, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. Infante, Eulalia Cordero. La Cocina Dominicana: Recetas Practicas Culinarias Y Consejos de Economia Domestica. Dominican Republic, 1942. Modern Home Cookbook with Helps and Hints for the Household and Family Physician. Household hints manual, ca. 1910. “Mary E. Hunter San Pedro Sula July 11 1910.” Ott, Eleanore. Plantation Cookery of Louisiana. New Orleans, 1938. Autographed by author. Sanchez & de Guise, ed. Cocina Practica Guatemalteca Por Concha v. de Azurdia. Guatemala, 1922. |
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NAC-127 Recipe and menu collectionsGeneral noteBlack binder with handwritten recipes Accordion file with clippings of recipes, divided into type of food Index cards with only names of dishes, divided into type of food. As many of these titles are checked off, it may be been used in the publication of a book Wooden box containing clippings of recipes Metal box with alphabetically arranged titles of dishes |
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NAB-019-020 Correspondence 1905-1988 Between 1905 and 1988General noteMuch of this correspondence is letters received by Mary Irvine between 1923 and 1933 and includes old love letters from Wynn and other young men, letters of condolence when Mary and Wynn’s baby died, and other personal correspondence. Also, there is a letter from Wynne to Sadie Irvine as a very young child, probably dating from 1905, and a few letters from Sadie. |
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NAB-021 Mementos Between 1905 and 1932General noteBookmark, silver, 2" x 1/2", features a cross on the diagonal (NAB-021) Christmas ornament, handmade, featuring a house with a mailbox marked "Irvine" (NAB-021) Hymnal of Sadie Irvine's mother, 4 3/4" x 3", black leather cover, embroidered cross with phrase "Remember Me" across top (NAB-021) Knitted shoe bags, 2 pair, yellow and green, made by Sadie Irvine (NAB-021) Medal, inscribed with phrase "Instituto de las Espanas," awarded to Mary Hunter Irvine during her Sophomore year at Newcomb upon winning a Spanish contest (NAB-021) Medallion from the Medallion Club, Tulane University, in appreciation of Irvine's support of the Tulane Forward Fund (NAB-021) "N" patches, 2 items, (one 5.5" x 5" and one 4 3/4" x 3.5"), blue with brown trim (NAB-021) Plastic figures, 2 2" items, a male in morning coat and a flapper female, which were decorations for wedding cake of Mary Hunter and Wynne Irvine, 1932 (NAB-021) Postcards, 1905-1913, 102 items, addressed mainly to Mrs. O.B. Irvine, cards addressed to Dr. Irvine, Nellie Hunter, and Carlee Hunter are also colleected here. Many of the cards are in Spanish, from Central America (NAB-021) Record, The Uptown Jazz, with Mary Hunter Irvine in background of cover photo. Includes explanatory note (NAF-009) Trophy, the I.R.H. Presidential Award, for cooperation with the Newcomb Alumnae Association (NAC-127) Veil worn by Mary Irvine at her wedding, 1932 (NAB-021) Woven handbag, blue, with wooden handle, made by Sadie Irvine watercolor sketches, 25 items, made by Mary Hunter Irvine at Newcomb College, 10" x 14" |
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Miscellaneous Books Between1925 and 1969General noteButler, Pierce. Laurel Hill and Later: The Record of a Teacher. New Orleans, 1954 (Library) Dixon Brandt V.B. A Brief History of H. Sophie Newcomb Memorial College 1887-1919 A Personal Reminiscence. New Orleans, 1928 (Library) Gironde, 1931 yearbook of the Ursuline Academy (NAC-127) Jambalaya, Yearbook of Tulane University, 1925 and 1937 (Workroom) Tarpon, 1969 yearbook of the Alcee Fortier High School (NAC-127) |
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NAB-022 Papers Between 1925 and 1987General noteArtwork & music: illustrated poem, probably torn from a magazine or book, possibly drawn by Sadie Irvine, two sheets of music, and a sketch of Irvine drawn by a student Bibliography on Newcomb Pottery Calling cards, dance cards Certificates, membership card, including baptismal record, marriage license, gradation certificates, certificates of appreciation Certificates of Wynn Irvine Clippings, Friends, Newcomb history and interests other than pottery Clippings, Newcomb pottery Employment application, transfers, etc., ca. 1931-1968 Family history: “Mostly Relating to the Pedigree of Mary Ellen Hunter Irvine” 1981 Financial and legal papers, ca. 1925-1987, including receipts paying off a loan from the Newcomb Alumnae Association in 1925, an itemized financial statement, possibly concerning the dispensation of Irvine’s father’s property, a bill for the cost of her baby’s funeral, several hospital bills, and several documents concerning the sale of a piece of property in Central America Miscellaneous: including an apparent bridal shower game, membership list of “Les Marionnettes”, and eulogy for Yvonne Trapolin MacDonald Newcomb Pottery notes: Including notes marked “Sadie Irvine’s notes on people who worked in Newcomb Pottery.” Programs and invitations, including those for several church celebrations, weddings, the program of Loyola University’s presentation of a Doctor of Laws to Huey P. Long Programs and invitations, Newcomb and Tulane Program and invitations, Newcomb Pottery exhibits and Sadie Irvine Sale of Sadie’s belongings other than artwork, ca. 1970: 27 handwritten receipts, mostly on 2.5” x 1.5” paper, a list of Sadie’s books, and a brief tally of finances involved in sale School related material, including term reports and transcripts of Newcomb College Travel diary, 4 1/4” x 2 3/4”: Created anytime between 1935 and 1960, this diary is a record of mileage, sights, and expenses Irvine encountered on a driving trip to New York City with “Anita.” There are also a few addresses and itemized lists |
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PhotographsGeneral note140 items, 89PA003, complete inventory available. |
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Photograph Albums & Scrapbooks: (Newcomb scrapbook collection)General note(Newcomb scrapbook collection) |
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"Snapshots" photo album, 9 3/4" x 6" Between 1905 and 1915General noteAnother album, ca. 1905-1915. Reportedly made by Sadie Irvine for her brother Wynne, this bound book of rough grey paper contains 60 photographs glued within it. There is also one loose page from the album with 5 glued photos, and 7 loose photos that were originally stuck in the book. There is no writing or other labelling within the book. |
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Small black photo album, 7 3/4" x 5 1/2" Between 1905 and 1915General noteBound book of rough, black paper. Total of 116 photographs, and one reprographic copy of a newspaper clipping glued onto pages. Constructed by Sadie Irvine for her brother Wynne, the album focuses on Wynne Hunter’s childhood, ca. 1905-1915. Included are photographs of Wynne, Sadie, family, and friends taken on holidays in Horseshoe, North Carolina and Laurel, Mississippi, as well as various addresses within New Orleans. A humorous series of photographs features a young Wynne playing Cowboys and Indians with his friends. Many of the photographs are labeled with the subjects’ names and the location of the shot. Some of the names recorded as subjects in the album are: Thelma Linenburg, Will Norris, Raymond Weig, George and Bill Opdenmeyer, and Demetrio D. Diaz Met. |
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Commencement Book, 9" x 7" Between 1917 and 1922General noteCreated by Mary Hunter Irvine ca. 1920-1922, this commercially prepared commencement book is filled with descriptions and details of Irvine’s school years at Holy Angels Academy 1917-1920, as well as some photographs of these school friends in the next couple years. The total of 45 photographs (5 of which are loose within the book) are often accompanied by poems and descriptions by the subject; most are captioned. Also contained within this book are drawings, a pressed flower, descriptions of a speech by Eamon de Valera, President of the Irish Republic, programs, invitations, clippings, etc. |
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"Master of Arts" portfolio, ca. 1925General noteThese 23 documents, handwritten on both sides of 10” x 14” paper, each feature a black and white picture of an important painter’s (a “Master in Art”) significant work. The text is a discussion of different painters’ lives and styles, lists principle works and critiques one piece. Most probably, this document was a class assignment. |
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"h" scrapbook, 12 3/4" x 10 1/2" Between 1923 and 1975General noteThis scrapbook, the bulk of which was constructed ca. 1923-1927, with additions in 1965 and 1975 by Mary Irvine, includes invitations, clippings of Newcomb Baby Day, her sister’s wedding, the political situation in Honduras, personal letters (both in Spanish and English), programs of Newcomb plays, commencements, and other events; a field day score sheet, and a Realization Day badge. Also included are 65 photographic prints and 1 negative; subjects of these photos include May Day 1924 (the theme of which was “The Kingdom of the Sea”), travels, and friends during college days. Most of the photographs, if labeled at all, use only the first names of subjects. A few pieces of correspondence concerning the 1925 class reunions in 1965 and 1975 have also been collected here. |
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Portfolio with designs made by Sadie Irvine's studentsGeneral noteMostly woodcuts by various student artists. |
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50-year reunion scrapbook, 14 1/2" x 12" Between 1925 and 1975General noteThis green scrapbook with gold embossed decoration on cover was constructed ca. 1976 by Mary Irvine. Primarily contains clippings concerning the book "Louisiana’s Art Nouveau": reviews, book-signings and other publicity events, etc. A few other clippings focus on Newcomb’s pottery in general. Also included in this scrapbook are a few letters, programs, and one photograph, all centered on the publication and publicity of "Louisiana’s Art Nouveau." |
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Favorite Recipes scrapbook, 14 1/2" x 12" Year 1979General noteThis dark blue scrapbook with no decoration is Mary Irvine’s ca. 1979 scrapbook focusing on the publication and publicity surrounding her book "Favorite New Orleans Recipes." Mostly clippings, also included are letters, telegrams, one photograph and two slides devoted to the topic. Typed manuscripts, English. |
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50th Wedding Anniversary scrapbook 1981-12-18 0.25 Linear feet One scrapbook containing photos, greeting cards and notes. General noteControlled Access HeadingsGenre(s)
Personal Name(s)
Subject(s)
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ManuscriptsGeneral noteMaterial accumulated in the publication of "Entertaining, New Orleans Style." Handwritten and typed manuscript. |
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