Jane Messick Diary

Collection

Identifier: MSS031

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection consists of photocopies and typed transcripts of Jane Messick’s diary, in which she wrote almost daily over the course of 1927 to 1928. During this time, Jane Messick was attending Butler University, studying for a bachelor’s degree in fine arts. She describes attending classes and dances at Butler, being initiated into the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority, taking classes at John Herron Art School, and shopping in downtown Indianapolis.

Per repository documentation, the donor kept the original diary and transcriptions were made by Special Collections personnel. In addition, donor Sara E. Sanderson wrote an article about Jane Messick, which is included in the accession file; please contact the repository for more detail.

Dates

Creation: 1927 - 1929

Creator

Messick, Jane, 1908-1986 (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

Biographical Note

Jane Messick (1908-1986) was born in Columbus, Ohio. During the years 1927 to 1928, she was a young college student attending Butler University. The diary was given to her by her “first mother” Sarah Frances Downs in her sorority, Kappa Alpha Theta. The diary primarily includes daily anecdotes, including her remarks on very typical topics including school, boys, friends, and family. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from Butler University and a master’s in art education from the Herron School of Art. Jane Messick was the president of the Indiana Artist Club from 1959-1960 and taught at Shortridge High School for 35 years. She lived most of her life in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Extent

0.24 Linear Feet (1 box)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

This collection consists of a photocopy of the diary of artist Jane Messick during the years 1927 to 1928. During this time, Jane Messick was attending Butler University, studying for a bachelor’s degree in fine arts.

Arrangement

This collection is arranged in one series.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Sara E. Sanderson donated this collection to Butler University Libraries in 1989 (Accession Number 1989.005). She also wrote an article about Jane Messick, which is included in the accession file; please contact the repository for more detail.

Related Materials

UA05.00.02 Butler University Greek Organization Research Files, Special Collections, Rare Books, and University Archives, Irwin Library, Butler University