Mary Elizabeth Williams diary

Item — Box: 1

Identifier: ML-063

Staff Only

Abstract

A travel diary from 22 year old Mary Elizabeth Williams as she traveled throughout Europe, spending considering time in Germany. Ms. Williams writes about her experiences visiting historic architecture, museums, churches, and operas. There is also Ms. William's commentary on Mass and specific Marian artwork, some of which was later destroyed during World War II.

Dates

Creation: 1930 - 1932

Creator

Williams, Mary Elizabeth (Person)

Access to Materials

This collection is open and available to the public for research in the Marian Library reading room. The materials are non-circulating.

Copyright Notice

The materials in this collection may be protected by copyright law (Title 17, U.S. Code). The materials are available for personal, educational, and scholarly use. It is the responsibility of the researcher to locate and obtain permission form the copyright owner or his or her heirs for any other use, such as reproduction and publication.

Biographical

Ms. Mary Elizabeth Williams was 22 years old at the time of her first entry on August 24, 1930. The front cover says that she is 23 on October 17, 1930. She was a part-time governness, and spoke and wrote fluently in German. Her initial entry mentions departing London and saying goodbye to "Mummie" and "Elsbeth."

History of the Marian Library

The Marian Library was founded by the Marianists of the University of Dayton in 1943 to make the Blessed Virgin Mary better known, loved, and served. It is a special library whose presence on campus is a significant expression of the university's Catholic and Marianist identity. Its collections are developed and maintained to preserve and provide access to materials that support its mission of fostering Marian scholarship and sound Marian devotion.

The Marian Library is recognized both nationally and internationally as a center for scholarship on the Blessed Virgin Mary. It serves the research needs of faculty and students of the International Marian Research Institute and of the broader University of Dayton community, and of visitors throughout the world. It also documents the diverse expressions of popular devotion to Mary, and it provides public outreach through its exhibits, tours, and reference services.