Summary |
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| Creator: | Beebe, Minnie Mason. |
| Title: | Minnie Mason Beebe Journals |
| Dates: | 1907-1946 |
| Size: | 1 box (.25 linear foot) |
| Abstract: | The Minnie Mason Beebe Journals document the history of the Kolledj Klan, an interdenominational Sunday school class for college men and women at Syracuse University. |
| Language: | English |
| Repository: |
University Archives, Special Collections Research Center Syracuse University Libraries 222 Waverly Ave., Suite 600 Syracuse, NY 13244-2010 https://library.syracuse.edu/special-collections-research-center/university-archives |
Biography
Minnie Mason Beebe (1865-1955) was a faculty member and alumna of Syracuse University as well as a writer and world traveler. Born in Pavilion, New York, Beebe later moved to Geneseo, New York and graduated from Geneseo Normal School. After high school, she attended Syracuse University and graduated in 1890 with honors and a degree in history. During her time at the University she was part of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority and both the Phi Beta Kappa and Phi Kappa Phi honor societies.
Beebe married Reverend Theodore O. Beebe after graduation, which spurred her involvement in the ministry field. However, less than a year later her husband passed away. Shortly after, Beebe took a job as preceptress and teacher of English literature at Wyoming Seminary in Kingston, Pennsylvania from 1891 to 1898. Leaving this position, Beebe decided to attend the University of Zurich to pursue a doctorate in philosophy. While studying in Switzerland, she spent her vacations in Paris learning French, eventually becoming fluent in the language.
It was not until 1900 that Beebe took a position at Syracuse University, where she remained until retiring 37 years later. Her first seventeen years at the University were spent as a professor of history and French in the College of Fine Arts. She later became a professor of history in the College of Liberal Arts for her remaining twenty years. During her time as a professor, Beebe organized the Kolledj Klan, an interdenominational Sunday school class for college men and women. This organization continued for 25 years and had a peak enrollment of 600 members.
Throughout her career Beebe traveled many times to Europe, and at one point spent fourteen months in France. Beebe was also an accomplished writer. She wrote French grammar books for schools and universities, poems, and The American Soldiers’ Souvenir of Aix les Bains, which was published by the YMCA Press in 1919. Additionally, she was very active in the community. Beebe was part of the Faculty Women’s Club, YWCA, National League of American Pen Women, and Psi Upsilon Women’s Club.
Minnie Mason Beebe died on August 15, 1955.
Scope and Content Note
The Minnie Mason Beebe Journals document the history of the Kolledj Klan at Syracuse University. It includes three journals written by the organizer of the class, Minnie Mason Beebe, discussing the meetings, members, and activities of the Kolledj Klan over the period 1907 to 1946.
Restrictions
Access Restrictions
Please note that the collection is housed off-site, and advance notice is required to allow time to have the materials brought to the Reading Room on campus.
Use Restrictions
Written permission must be obtained from the Syracuse University Archives and all relevant rights holders before publishing quotations, excerpts or images from any materials in this collection.
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Preferred Citation
Preferred citation for this material is as follows:
Minnie Mason Beebe Journals,
University Archives,
Special Collections Research Center
Syracuse University Libraries
Acquisition Information
The Archives has no documentation about the acquisition of the Minnie Mason Beebe Journals.
Processing Information
Materials were placed in acid-free folders and an acid-free box.
Finding Aid Information
Created by: Emily Rindahl
Date: 2016
Revision history: