May Schaefer Iske Collection

Collection

Identifier: MSS027

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection is primarily composed of books and notes related to Butler professor May Schaefer Iske, including those discussing the sciences, with a focus on zoology, and the culture at Butler University during her time here. It includes alumni directories and information surrounding the university’s founding. Additionally, there are personal notes and writings, most of which pertain to her teaching, such as class reflections.

Of note in this collection are the original pages and photocopies of the book “Laboratory Directions in General Zoology,” a text May Schaefer Iske wrote with colleagues Henry Lane Bruner and Harriet D Johnson. Also included in the collection is a later copy of the book which lists Iske only as assisting with writing, an issue discussed in one of her personal letters.

Dates

Creation: 1847 - 1993
Creation: Majority of material found within 1920s

Creator

Iske, May Schaefer, 1901-1999 (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

Biographical Note

May Schaefer Iske was born in Maryland and came to Indianapolis at the age of 8. She received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Butler. Iske was an instructor of zoology at Butler University for 42 years, retiring as professor emeritus in 1967. Iske was passionate about the sciences and her teaching at Butler. While at Butler she worked on “Laboratory Directions in General Zoology,” and maintained meaningful relationships with both her students and family as seen through her personal items and letters. She passed away in 1999.

Extent

0.42 Linear Feet (1 box)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

This collection contains materials pertaining to the studies and teaching of May Schaefer Iske, a Zoology professor at Butler University.

Arrangement

This collection is arranged in one series.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Susan Neville donated this collection to Butler University Libraries in 2000 (Accession Number 2000.004).

Separated Materials

The 1929 version of “Laboratory Directions in College Zoology” was removed and catalogued separately; it is found in the Special Collections general stacks.