Guide to the Blanche E. Williams papers, 1901


Brown University Library, Special Collections
Box A, John Hay Library
Providence, RI 02912
Tel: 401-863-2146
E-mail: hay@brown.edu

Published in 2009

Collection Overview

Title: Blanche E. Williams papers
Date range: 1901
Creator: Williams, Blanche E. Wheeler
Extent: 7 item(s)
Abstract: The contents of this collection are almost entirely related to Blanche E. Williams' participation in an archaeological expedition in Crete in 1901.
Language of materials: English
Repository: Brown University Library, Special Collections
Collection number: Ms. 79.6

Scope & content

The papers consist of journals, a daybook, a letter written to her father, and notes for a series of lectures on an archeaology excavation trip to Crete in 1901. One set of notes pertain to Mrs. Williams' childhood school.

The expedition was led by Harriet Boyd Hawes, who also led several others in Crete. Mrs. Williams and Mrs. Hawes were among the co-authors of the book Gournia, Vasiliki and other prehistoric sites of the isthmus of Hierapetra, Crete; excavations of the Wells-Houston-Cramp expeditions, 1901, 1903, 1904. Philadelphia: 1908, by Harriet Boyd Hawes, Blanche E. Williams, Richard B. Seager, Edith H. Hall, and American Exploration Society.

Access Points

Subject Names Subject Topics Geographical Names Subject Topics

Arrangement

Arranged in one box.

Biographical note

Blanche E. Williams was the sister of Alan R. Wheeler (class of 1901) and niece of Mary C. Wheeler, founder of the Wheeler School in Providence. Mrs. Williams taught at the Wheeler School for several years prior to 1901.

Mrs. Williams was one of the co-authors of a book on her 1901 trip to Crete, entitled Gournia, Vasiliki and other prehistoric sites of the isthmus of Hierapetra, Crete; excavations of the Wells-Houston-Cramp expeditions, 1901, 1903, 1904. Philadelphia: 1908, by Harriet Boyd Hawes, Blanche E. Williams, Richard B. Seager, Edith H. Hall, and American Exploration Society

Mrs. Williams is known to have published one other book, a biography of her aunt, Mary C. Wheeler, in 1934.

Access & Use

Access to the collection: There are no restrictions on access, except that the collection can only be seen by prior appointment. Some materials may be stored off-site and cannot be produced on the same day on which they are requested.
Use of the materials: Although Brown University has physical ownership of the collection and the materials contained therein, it does not claim literary rights. Researchers should note that compliance with copyright law is their responsibility. Researchers must determine the owners of the literary rights and obtain any necessary permissions from them.
Preferred citation: Blanche E. Williams papers, Ms. 79.6, Brown University Library.
Contact information: Brown University Library, Special Collections
Box A, John Hay Library
Providence, RI 02912
Tel: 401-863-2146
E-mail: hay@brown.edu

Administrative Information

ABOUT THE COLLECTION  
Acquisition: The papers were donated in 1964 by George W. Wheeler.
ABOUT THE FINDING AID  
Author: Finding aid prepared by Nadia McIntosh.
Encoding: Finding aid encoded by Reiko Davis2009 April 13
Descriptive rules: Finding aid based on Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS)

Additional Information

Inventory

Box 1, Folder 1 Journal #1
Contents Note: Williams keeps a running account of work done and objects found in excavations on Crete. There is some account also of contemporary Cretan scenery and customs.

 1901 May 7 - July 3
Box 1, Folder 1 Journal #2
Contents Note: This journal contains various notes. Beginning at top of second page: "Fig trees / Caroub…"

 circa 1901
Box 1, Folder 2 Journal #3
Contents Note: This journal has a couple of long entries ([1901] April 17?, June 16); on front fly-leaf is written "Blanche E. Wheeler, / March 16, 1901." Stem and leaves of small plant laid-in.

 [1901] April 17?; 1901 June 16
Box 1, Folder 2 Daybook
Contents Note: Short and inconsistent entries covering Williams' travel to Crete and sojourn there. On front cover is printed "A Line a day", and on front fly-leaf is written "Blanche E. Wheeler. / March 16, 1901."

 1901 February 11 - July 30
Box 1, Folder 3 Letter
Contents Note: Autograph letter signed from Kavousi, Crete, dated 1901 May 20, from Blanche E. Wheeler (Williams) to her father ("Dear Papa"), in which she discusses a house sale in Providence and her work in Crete (3 pages on 1 sheet)

 1901 May 20
Box 1, Folder 4 Lecture notes
Contents Note: Three sets of notes for one or more lectures, at least one of which was delivered to the Providence Review Club. All are on the subject of archaeology in Crete; one refers to Pausanias. Include 18 cards (6" x 6.75"), 11 sheets (3" x 5", in envelope labelled "Notes for talk on Excavations", eight sheets (8" x 10.25"), and four smaller pieces.
Box 1, Folder 5 Manuscript notes
Contents Note: Description of Williams' childhood school, entitled "The West Primary"; include six cards (6" x 6.75").