Contents


Collection Overview

Biographical Note

Scope and Contents of the Collection

Organization of the Collection

Search Terms

Fritts papers, 1914-1988 (bulk 1914-1919)

Finding Aid

Encoding funded by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.

© 2003

Collection Overview

Creator: Fritts, Ruth Sonn (Ruth Myrtle), 1897-1988.
Title: Fritts papers
Dates: 1914-1988
Dates: 1914-1919
Abstract: Fritts, Ruth Myrtle Sonn, 1897-1988; Teacher. Mount Holyoke College graduate, 1918. Papers consist of diary, correspondence, notebook of expenses, biographical information, memorabilia, and photographs; primarily containing correspondence from Russell Weisman, a former Mount Holyoke teacher, regarding his work in the Harvard Ambulance Corps in Europe during World War I and descriptions of her academic and social life at Mount Holyoke.
Extent: 1 box(2.5 linear in.)
Language: English.
Identification: MS 0540
Location: LD 7096.6 1918 Sonn

Biographical Note

Ruth Myrtle Sonn was born on November 30, 1897, in Jersey City, New Jersey. She graduated from Mount Holyoke College in 1918 and worked for two years teaching French, German, and Music. On May 7, 1921, she married Harold E. Fritts. In 1946, she received her master's degree from New York State College for Teachers. She worked at Chatham Public School in Chatham, New York. Ruth Sonn Fritts died on March 13, 1988, in Golden, Colorado.

Return to the Table of Contents


Scope and Contents of the Collection

The Ruth Myrtle Sonn Fritts Papers contain a diary, letters, notebook of expenses and other notes from her years at Mount Holyoke, biographical material, memorabilia, and photographs. The diary is equivalent to a daily planner that notes Fritts' daily activities and notes special campus events, such as Mountain Day, and family occasions during her four years at Mount Holyoke College (1914-1918). The letters from Fritts' former teacher, Russell Weisman, a member of the Harvard Ambulance Corps, describe his entrance into the military, his "Joining Uncle Sam." The ensuing letters describe Weisman's movements around Europe and his "baptism by fire" on the front line while stationed in France. Weisman further describes the destruction of World War I not only on the physical landscape, but the morale of the troops and he further describes the treatment of American soldiers, especially from gas intoxification, through the Harvard Ambulance Corps. Weisman writes of about the armistice due to German surrender primarily as a result of troop starvation.

Return to the Table of Contents


Search Terms

Return to the Table of Contents


Organization of the Collection

This collection is organized into five series.

Return to the Table of Contents