Bertha M. Fritzsche Collection

Series I: Biographical Data

Series II: Diaries

Subseries I: The Early Career Years (1937-1944)

Subseries II: The Middle Career Years (1!45-1950)

Subseries III: The Late Career Years (1951-1965)

Subseries IV: The William Carey Years (1965-1972)

Subseries V: The Retirement Years (1972-1987)

Subseries VI: The Nursing Home Years (1987-1990)



Series I: Biographical Data, 1929-1987 (Box 1)

This series consists of personal data (1929-1967), newspaper clippings (1937-1987), photographs (1937-1976), diploma from Ohio State University (1950), certificates of honor (1940-1975), a World War II ration card, Dr. Fritzsche's dissertation from Ohio State University entitled "Implications for Teacher Education suggested by the Responsibilities and Limitations of Homemaking Teachers in the Total School Program for Education for Family Living in Fifty-seven Public Schools in Mississippi" (1950), and a bound volume of tributes from friends and alumni of the USM Home Economics Department, lauding Fritzsche's accomplishments (1966). Of particular interest is a biographical sketch which discusses Fritzsche's activities and achievements beginning when she joined the faculty at State Teacher's College in 1929, and ending with her retirement from USM in 1967. Also of interest are the photographs in the collection which include pictures of Dr. Fritzsche with Dr. William D. McCain; a Vocational Teacher's Meeting (1964); faculty members of the Home Economics Department (1958); and a 5 x 7 color portrait of Dr. Fritzsche (1976). News clippings in the series (1937-1987) highlight Fritzsche's achievements in Delta Kappa Gamma (an education honorary society), her leadership in the American Home Economics Association, and her involvement with the Home Economics Department of USM.

Series II: Diaries: 1937-1990 (Boxes 2 - 6)

Fritzsche began her diaries in 1937 because she desired to "pass things down" to another generation. She began keeping a journal on January 1, 1937, which coincided with her added responsibilities as acting head of the Home

Economics Department. The entries are brief accounts of her daily routine and contain references to such historical events as the death of Franklin D. Roosevelt (1945), the assassination of John F. Kennedy (1963), and the launch of Apollo 11 (1969). Dr. Fritzsche's terse writing style reveals little concerning her innermost thoughts, however, the diaries reveal a dedicated professional, involved in campus and community activities. It is also evident from the diaries that she was a well-bred and responsible individual, admired and respected by many.

Fritzsche wrote in her diary daily, except when she went on vacation (July 1974 and September 1976) and was hospitalized (April 1987). While she was hospitalized, her nieces wrote entries for her.

The diaries are separated into six subseries: The Early Career Years(1937- 1944), The Middle Career Years (1945-1950), The Late Career Years (1951-1967), William Carey Years (1967-1972), The Retirement Years (1972-1987), and The Nursing Home Years (1987-1990). At the end of each subseries are photocpoies of news clippings found in the diaries.

Subseries I: The Early Career Years (1937-1944): This subseries is composed of materials related to Dr. Fritzsche's activities as the newly appointed head of the Home Economics Department at State Teacher's College (STC, 1937). The data is devoted primarily to her efforts to advance the department, such as instituting a household equipment course (required for the bachelor's degree, 1940) and a consumer education class (an elective, 1941). The department was further enhanced by placing home economic students in local schools for a quarter of student teaching, and by developing a curriculum for home economics classes in elementary schools (1937). There is also a significant amount of material concerning the activities of former STC president, Dr. Jennings Burton George. Among the other information included are notations of historical events such as the name change of STC to Mississippi Southern College (1941) and meeting Mrs. Elizabeth Huay of New Orleans in 1938 (Mrs. Huay was the daughter of Captain William Harris Hardy, founder of Gulfport and Hattiesburg). The final items in the series are newspaper clippings which address such topics as the need for home economics to be taught in the community; Fritzsche's nomination to Dean of Women at STC; and her appointment as head of the Home Economics division.

Subseries II: The Middle Career Years (1945-1950): These dairies relate to Fritzsche's activities as the School of Home Economics Division Head after STC changed its name to Mississippi Southern College (1940). In addition, many of the entries during these years are devoted to other developments at Mississippi Southern College, such as approving Library Science as a major (1949), adding physical education (1949), and improving the nursery school in the Home Management House (1945). There is also a significant amount of material pertaining to MSC politics. For instance, in March 1945, the appointment of Dr. R.C. Cook as president of the college is discussed. The diaries also highlight national home economics news such as the founding of a high school club entitled, "Future Homemakers of America." Also included are notations of historical events such as the death of Adolph Hitler in 1945. The final items in the series are newspaper clippings which address the return of Fritzsche's nephew, George, from World War II.

Subseries III: The Late Career Years (1951-1965): Diaries comprising this subseries relate to Fritzsche's activities in her final years as dean of the School of Home Economics. The material emphasizes Fritzsche's involvement with the School of Home Economics, Delta Kappa Gamma, American Home Economics Association, and Altrusa Club. Regarding the School of Home Economics, Fritzsche notes the strengthening of the curriculum by the addition of clothing manufacturing as a required course for undergraduate students (1954). Other entries concern the resignation of Dr. Cook (1954); the presidency of Dr. William D. McCain (1956); and the name change of MSC to the University of Southern Mississippi (1962). Also included are notations of historical events such as the Civil Rights Act of 1965. The final items in the series are newspaper clippings which address such topics as the Altrusa club, Delta Kappa Gamma, MSC being accredited by the American Association of University Women, and Dr. Fritzsche's retirement from USM.

Subseries IV: The William Carey Years (1965-1972): These diaries pertain to Fritzsche's retirement from USM and her subsequent work in the home economics department at William Carey College. She began teaching there in 1969, and assisted in the USM-William Carey home economic's conference which emphasized the implementation of the Mississippi Action Program in targeted counties and the use of television in higher education (1968). A number of entries for these years continue to pertain to USM. For instance, she recalls Gale Dickerson's appointment as assistant dean of women (1969) and the establishment of the Bertha M. Fritzsche Graduate Fellowship (1966). On a local and regional level, she devotes several entries to hurricane Camille's devastation in 1969. Also included are notations of historical events such as the launching of Apollo 11 (1969), and the 1972 presidential election between Richard Nixon and George McGovern. The final items in the series are newspaper clippings which address such subjects as the renaming of William Carey's home economic's building as Crawford Hall (1969), Bertha Maude Fritzsche Day (1966), the Distinguished Professor Award (1968), and miscellaneous items pertaining to Dr. Fritzsche's honorary awards at Iowa State (1971).

Subseries V: The Retirement Years (1972-1987): These volumes document Fritzsche's activities following retirement from academic life. Unlike the previous subseries, the data is devoted to her personal life. On a local level, she becomes involved with the United Methodist Women's Group, the Forrest County Chapter of the Mississippi Safety Council, the American Association of Retired Persons, and the Arthritis Foundation. During this time she traveled extensively to such locales as Alaska, Central and Eastern Europe, the Philippines, and the U.S. West Coast. Several entries pertain to USM, such as the naming of Bennett auditorium and the J.B. George Commons. Also included are notations of historical events such as the Reagan/Gorbachev summit (1986) and Mississippi's first gas chamber execution in nineteen years (1986). The final items in the series are newspaper clippings which address such topics as United Way, Mississippi Safety Council, American Association of Retired Persons, Delta Kappa Gamma, and miscellaneous items concerning USM.

Subseries VI: The Nursing Home Years (1987-1990): The final subseries is composed of diaries relating to Fritzsche's life in Friendship Haven Nursing Home in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Entries are devoted to her daily routine such as combing her hair and therapy for her legs and arms. It is important to note that her handwriting becomes poor during this period, and at times her nieces make entries in the diaries for her. Daily entries begin with the weather, what she ate, and when the nurse arrived with her medicine. Occasionally, she mentions having her hair shampooed and set and reading the Methodist daily devotional "The Upper Room". The last entry, dated March 2, 1990, (the day before her death) states "I am fortunate this morning to see the beautiful bright sky."

This collection provides insight into the history of USM and the School of Home Economics from 1937-1987. More specifically, the diaries demonstrate how Fritzsche molded the Home Economics department into a respected school among home economists throughout the state of Mississippi. For those interested in Home Economics, USM history, or the activities of a professional woman in Mississippi, this collection will be useful.