Marie Read Smith papers, 1934-1938
Summary Information
Abstract
At a Glance
- Call No.:
- MS#1616
- Bib ID:
- 6915026 View CLIO record
- Creator(s):
- Smith, Marie Read
- Repository:
- Rare Book and Manuscript Library
- Physical Description:
- .42 linear feet (1 box)
- Language(s):
- English .
- Access:
- You will need to make an appointment in advance to use this collection material in the Rare Book and Manuscript Library reading room. You can schedule an appointment once you've submitted your request through your Special Collections Research Account.
-
This collection is located off-site. You will need to request this material at least three business days in advance to use the collection in the Rare Book and Manuscript Library reading room.
This collection has no restrictions.
Description
Summary
The collection is comprised of a scrapbook, a July 1934 issue of Fortune magazine, a photograph of a woman Smith met while in Italy, and a letter to Smith's parents. The scrapbook is a thorough documentation of Mussolini's adult life and tenure as Prime Minister, and includes both photographic clippings and news articles. As Smith was an ardent proponent of the dictator, the scrapbook also serves as a tribute. The issue of Fortune magazine includes a special section on Italian fascism, which can be found between pages 46 and 126. The collection also features a handwritten letter addressed to Smith's parents, dated May 21, 1938. The letter describes Smith's encounter with Mussolini while studying in Italy, and is accompanied by a photograph of her friend, Daisy, also a friend of Mussolini, who facilitated the meeting. Albeit brief, the encounter is described by Smith in detail, and the letter also includes observations of Hitler, who was also present at the time.
Arrangement
This collection is arranged in 1 series.
Using the Collection
Restrictions on Access
You will need to make an appointment in advance to use this collection material in the Rare Book and Manuscript Library reading room. You can schedule an appointment once you've submitted your request through your Special Collections Research Account.
This collection is located off-site. You will need to request this material at least three business days in advance to use the collection in the Rare Book and Manuscript Library reading room.
This collection has no restrictions.
Terms Governing Use and Reproduction
Reproductions may be made for research purposes. The RBML maintains ownership of the physical material only. Copyright remains with the creator and his/her heirs. The responsibility to secure copyright permission rests with the patron.
Preferred Citation
Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Marie Read Smith Papers; Box and Folder (if known); Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.
Accruals
Materials may have been added to the collection since this finding aid was prepared. Contact rbml@columbia.edu for more information.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Source of acquisition--Marie Read Smith. Method of acquisition--Gift; Date of acquisition--January 13, 2000.
About the Finding Aid / Processing Information
Columbia University Libraries, Rare Book and Manuscript Library
Processing Information
Papers processed Megan Darlington, MSI Candidate 2013, University of Michigan 5/2/2012.
Finding aid written Megan Darlington, MSI Candidate 2013, University of Michigan 5/2/2012.
Revision Description
2012-05-04 xnl document instance creted by Megan Darlington.
2019-05-20 EAD was imported spring 2019 as part of the ArchivesSpace Phase II migration.
Biographical / Historical
Marie Read Smith was an avid supporter of Benito Mussolini, the Italian dictator and leader of the National Fascist Party. Likely affiliated with the women's division of the No Foreign War Committee, she was staunchly opposed to American involvement in World War II. In 1938, she was granted a fellowship by Casa Italiana and Barnard College to study in Italy. While there, she had a brief encounter with Mussolini, which is the subject of the letter in this collection.
Subject Headings
The subject headings listed below are found in this collection. Links below allow searches for other collections at Columbia University, through CLIO, the catalog for Columbia University Libraries, and through ArchiveGRID, a catalog that allows users to search the holdings of multiple research libraries and archives.
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