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Verhoeff, Carolyn Parker, Mary E. Verhoeff, et al.

[The Verhoeff Sisters of Louisville, Kentucky: Photographs, Family Papers, Genealogical Notes, and Journals.]

Louisville, Kentucky and other locales, 1895–1988. 2 diaries, 7 notebooks, 3 genealogical charts, numerous original b&w photographs ranging from miniature size to 8” x 10”, numerous professional and personal letters, poetry, speeches, programs, news clippings and misc. family papers. Fuller description below.

An archive of correspondence, writings, photographs, news-clippings, etc. documenting the philanthropic work of Carolyn and Mary Verhoeff, as well as genealogical and family papers documenting the Verhoeff and Parker families of Louisville, Kentucky. The archive also includes peripheral material relating to the eldest, third sister, Minne C. Verhoeff, who married into the Hartwell family, and a diary kept by the sisters’ elderly aunt Matilda at Louisville from 1918–22.

The Verhoeff sisters were born in the mid-1870s to Herman Verhoeff, Jr. and Mary Jane Parker, one of Louisville’s richest families. Both went to Vassar College in New York, graduating in 1895 and 1897, respectively. The two traveled and were lifetime companions and activists in their Second St. home in Louisville.

Dubbed in her obituary “one of the last of a generation of genteel crusaders,” Carolyn Parker Verhoeff (1876–1975)—Vassar Class of 1897—accomplished much during her long, vital life. Best known for her Animal Welfare activism, Verhoeff founded the Kentucky Animal Rescue League in 1921; publicized the horrifying conditions at the city dog pound; and campaigned for humane treatment of animals used for medical research. In 1959, she was honored by the National Society for Medical Research and in 1963 by the University of Louisville School of Medicine, when the Carolyn Verhoeff Animal Care Center was dedicated to her. What’s more, she was a Kindergarten movement advocate; a Louisville Suffragist in 1916; a teacher (until 1903); author of three books (All About Johnnie Jones; Four Little Fosters; Love Me, Love My Dog), and was a supporter of settlement houses such as the Hull House in Chicago. An intelligent and energetic activist, Carolyn’s letters to officials are often spirited and sometimes scorching.

Mary Verhoeff was a scholar, suffragist, geographer, civic leader and a member of the Filson Club, now Filson Historical Society.

The Filson sisters’ father Herman had immigrated to America with his parents in 1836, eventually settling in Louisville, Kentucky in 1861, where he became a leading pioneer in the grain and commission business under the firm name Verhoeff Brothers (in partnership with his younger brother Otto). They extended their operations widely in the Ohio Valley, shipping grain on the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers as far south as New Orleans. After Otto’s death in 1870, Herman gave an interest in the firm to his nephew Henry Strater, and Herman remained President until his death in 1893.

CONTENTS OVERVIEW:

The archive consists of several categories: Diaries and Student Notebooks (5), Philanthropic Activity Letters and Papers (59 letters; 18 papers), Genealogical Materials (4 notebooks, 3 charts, numerous notes), and Family Papers and Photographs (40 letters, 70 photos), Misc. Literary Manuscripts (54 poems, stories, plays, essays, and a lesson plan).

DIARIES AND NOTEBOOKS

1) Carolyn Verhoeff. European Tour Diary. May-Sept. 1901. 12mo (8” x 5”), brown leather wrappers, gilt borders, marbled endpapers. 97 pp. manuscript, 46 blank pp., 2 affixed theater programs, 1 affixed color 1897 Madame Tussaud’s brochure cover, 1 affixed letter on pictorial letterhead from St. Ermin’s Hotel, numerous laid-in and affixed postcards, photos, notes, news clippings and calling cards with envelopes.

A spirited account of Carolyn Verhoeff’s experiences and observations during a grand European tour at age twenty-five, interspersed with her poetry and scrapbook items.

Every hour of Verhoeff’s grand tour as documented in this diary is full of activity, communication with friends, genuine interest in other cultures, and concerns about the welfare of others. Her tour commences with a seven-week stay in London with friends and chaperones. Verhoeff thoughtfully describes her visits to the British Museum, Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, church services at St. Paul’s, the National Portrait Gallery, the Wallace Collection, an Old Curiosity Shop, the Courts of Justice, Hampton Court, the Foundling Hospital, the Globe Theater, Kensington Palace, Buckingham Palace, Albert Hall, Madame Tussauds, Toynbee Hall, Kew Gardens, and shopping on Regent Street. She is horrified by the cruelty she learns about at the Tower; pleased at her accidental discovery of an Old Curiosity Shop; admires the performances of Mme. Patti and Miss Julia Neilson; and opines on the lives of some 500 children she sees in the clinical environment of the foundling home. Verhoeff continues her journey through Britain, visiting Windsor Castle, Henley races, Oxford (which she finds tiresome), the Duke of Marlborough’s estate, Stratford-on-Avon, York Cathedral and a number of country homes, cathedrals, abbeys, and castles. On 19 July, she arrives in Edinburgh, Scotland. [Fuller description available upon request.]

SOME REPRESENTATIVE PASSAGES:

Foundling Hospital; 9 June 1901 “Miss [Swett?] finding that I was interested in all philanthropic work told me of some interesting settlements to visit, and recommended me to go to the Church at the Foundling Hospital. This Miss Clapp and I did, going all over the building after the service. This was much too long for grown up people to say nothing of the poor children, all of whom seemed to be present from the tiny four year olds up to girls 16 and boys 15. At that age, the boys are sent to the army, the girls out to service.”

“All the children are illegitimate and must be brought by their mothers before they are a year old. The mothers do not see them again for some special reason but are allowed to write. The babies are all kept out in the country until four years old. The institution is very large, accommodating about five hundred children, all of whom looked very well and for [the] most part happy.”

“There is absolutely no place for individuality. All the children are dressed just alike in quaint costumes and do everything in military precision. Poor little things, I just longed to take some up in my arms, especially the little boys.”

St. Germain, France; 23 Aug. “My French teacher went with us [to St. Germain]. [She told me that] marriages are still arranged for girls in Paris, and they mostly turn out happily. She would not go to a cafe with me for some lemonade because she would be surely insulted if she did. ‘American ladies have many more privileges over here than we have,’ she said. I certainly am glad I was born in America.”

Dom, Germany; 6 Sept. “I like the German people so very much better than the French. They seem much more sincere and have a real tenderness underlying their politeness which is not true of the French I think. They do eat and drink too much but the spiritual side does not seem to become hardened thereby, as their love for music and art shows.”

2) Carolyn Verhoeff. A Review of the Condition of Europe between 814–962. 17 April 1895. Brad-bound notebook, 4” x 5”. 35 pp. in red and black ink on recto leaves.

3) Carolyn Verhoeff. “Animal Welfare Committee.” Notebook, 9.75 x 7.5”. Approx. 104 pp. in pencil on rectos and versos, with committee notes, rough-draft stories and letters, numerous laid-in typed and manuscript poems, and other writings.

4) Margaret F. Lougee of Robinson Seminary, Class of ‘96. Literature. 1896. Pocket size notebook, 4” x 6”. Approx. 50 pp. in pencil on rectos and versos, with neatly written notes, outlines, etc.

5) Matilda Verhoeff. Diary. 1918–22. Notebook, 8.25” x 6.25”. Approx. 100 pp., manuscript in ink on the rectos and versos, with a majority of headings reading “Louisville, Ky.” plus dates.

A diary of daily entries beginning on 10 September 1918 and ending on 28 December 1922, when Matilda was 82 years old. Verhoeff chronicles her outings to the market and to church, to women’s missionary meetings and other events, as well as visits from her relatives in Louisville. She describes the influenza outbreak in 1918, which resulted in the closure of all churches and many deaths, and social visits from all three Verhoeff sisters: Carolyn, Mary, and Minnie, as well as Minnie’s husband Frank Hartwell.

SOME REPRESENTATIVE PASSAGES:

10 Sept. 1918 “Thankful that I was able to go to church Sunday and go to the women’s meeting Thursday…”

12 [Sept.] Went to the missionary meeting, not so many ladies there but a good meeting…a missionary from Africa spoke to us, very interesting…”

14 Oct. “Received a letter from cousin Mary this morning…the sun is shining brightly but so much sickness in the city – if only the influenza would be stopped, do not feel very well…”

18 Oct. “Cannot go to church on account of the churches being closed because of the influenza…cannot see very well…”

12 Nov. “Minnie and Frank Hartwell went to Atlantic City today…I guess it will be a long while yet before the war is settled…”

14 Nov. “Went to the missionary meeting, heard a good lecture from a gentleman missionary from India…”

10 May 1919 “Sorry I cannot go to the women’s missionary meeting…cannot trust myself with the troubles I have in my head…”

1 Feb. 1922 “I am here and able to write this morning, 82 years is a long life. I had never thought I would live to such an old age, I feel that God has been very good to me. In my life I have had sickness and accidents, I have received much kindness and can be here in the home with my relatives…”

PHOTOGRAPHS

- Outdoor portrait of “The Verhoeff Sisters” Carolyn and Mary Verhoeff. Mounted gelatin silver print, 4.5” x 7.75”. Louisville, Kentucky, ca. 1895.

- Lougee family (Hotelier uncle from Rye Beach) portraits and snapshots, including one small envelope of family photographs containing 2 albumen miniature photos ca. 1900, 20 gelatin silver snapshots; two oval portraits of Mabelle R. and Gilman Lougee, 5” x 3.5”; 2 cabinet cards; 1 framed miniature albumen photo; two framed b&w photos, 3.5” x 2.25” ; plus numerous snapshots of family and houses.

- Hartnell family, unidentified original circular photo, 1” x 1”.

- Numerous portraits and photos of treasured niece Margaret.

- House portrait. Mounted gelatin print, 6” x 8.25”. [Annie, ] scrawled in pencil on verso.

- Portrait of Carolyn Verhoeff. 10” x 8” in blue-matted, filigree metal frame.

- Portrait of Mary Verhoeff. 9” x 7” in a filigree metal frame.

- Portrait of elderly Carolyn and Mary wearing corsages, sitting with a group of seven younger adults during a Christmas event. 8” x 10” in black frame.

- Photo of Carolyn posing by 1963 Animal Care Center dedication plaque. 8” x 10” b&w in black frame.

- Photo of Carolyn and brother Frederick at dedication ceremony. 10” x 8” b&w.

- 3 b&w photos of 1931 London trip.

- 2 small portraits of Carolyn.

PHILANTHROPIC ACTIVITY PAPERS

Kindergarten Movement work of Carolyn Verhoeff:

- Essay on “The Value of the Kindergarten to the Average Child.” 7 pp., typed.

- Rough draft to Kindergarten Board about causes of low attendance in two of its schools. 11 pp. manuscript.

- Interview between Carolyn Verhoef and Miss Champion, entitled “A Tribute to Miss Patty Smith Hill,” a leader and teacher in the Kindergarten movement. February, 1964. 2 pp., typed.

- 3 letters and envelopes from St. Nicholas Magazine relating to publishing “Sleeping Beauty,” a play for children. 4 pp., typed and signed.

- Letter from Kanazawa Japan requesting a translation of Sleeping Beauty. 1 p. signed manuscript.

- Undated news clipping about Sleeping Beauty performance.

- Publisher’s circular (Milton Bradley) for All About Johnny Jones. 13 x 8.25”, purple ink on blue paper, with affixed card, 3” x 2”.

- Copyright card for All About Johnny Jones, 3” x 5”, 1935.

- Letter from Milton Bradley Co., 1 p. on letterhead, typed and signed. 1925; plus typed copy of David and Jimmy Stories. 16 pp.

- Planning notes for a Dayton parade. 3 pp., manuscript.

- Notes from a lecture on “Primary Methods” by Miss Moore included in correspondence with Dr. James B. Bullitt. 3 pp. manuscript in ink.

Kentucky Animal Rescue League and Animal Welfare Society Work of Carolyn Verhoeff (1926–1969):

- 13 letters of typed suggestions and complaints to 6 doctors: Dr. Kinsman (6 letters, 10 pp.), Dr Davidson (2 pp.), Dr. Barnes (2 pp.), Dr. Lawson (2 letters, 4 pp.), Dr. Moore (2 pp.), Dr. Kensler (5 pp.) and Dr Barbour (1 p., on a 1928 Rescue League letterhead).

- 1 response in protest from a University of Chicago professor. 2 pp., typed and signed.

- 7 essays with titles such as The Cost of a Cur, and Pounds and Laboratories. 43 pp., typed.

- 2 appeals. 5 pp., typed.

- 3 “Talks to Medical Students.” 5 pp., typed.

- 6 Kentucky Animal Rescue League bulletins, 1924–1926.

- 1 League circular.

- 2 “Bulletin for Medical Research” journals with Verhoeff articles, 1949, 1960.

- 4 “Kindness to Animal Week” articles in envelope. 8 pp., typed

- 3 misc. letters. 3 pp., typed.

- 1 letter from the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 1 p., manuscript, signed.

- 6 retained letter correspondence with the Office of the Mayor of Louisville, in envelope. 10 pp., typed, 1 signed.

- 4 retained letter correspondence with the University of Louisville School of Medicine, in envelope, 10 pp., typed.

- 1 Memorandum of Agreement with envelope, concerning the disposal of impounded dogs. 3 pp., typed; plus 1 letter from a Reverend Swann. 1 p., typed.

- 2 retained letter correspondence with the Kentucky Humane Society, 1955. 3 pp., typed, 1 signed.

- 2 attorney letters. 2 pp., typed; plus manuscript note in pencil concerning a potential lawsuit with the Courier Journal. 4 pp.

- 4 receipts for fines paid to dog biting incident. 4 pp., 2 typed and 2 manuscript; plus an attorney letter. 1 p., typed and signed.

- 2 letters to the editor. 2 pp., typed.

- 8 commendations. 8 pp., typed and signed; plus related material. 7 pp., typed.

- 1 commemorative dog medal.

- Numerous newspaper clippings relating to the Animal Care Center dedication.

Kentucky History Work of Mary Verhoeff:

- Miscellaneous editions of the Filson Club History Quarterly and other Filson Club materials and newspaper clippings.

- Commendation for Mary Verhoeff from the Filson Club. 4 pp., typed and signed.

- Verhoeff, Mary. The Kentucky Mountains: Transportation and Commerce 1750 to 1911. A Study in the Economic History of a Coal Field. Filson Club Publication Number Twenty Six. Louisville, Kentucky: John P. Morton & Company, 1911. 4to, printed green wrappers. Frontis. port., xiii, 208 pp., uncut leaves, 17 plates of b&w illus. and maps.

GENEALOGICAL PAPERS: VERHOEFF & PARKER FAMILIES

Genealogical materials researched and compiled by Mary Verhoeff from the 1890s to the early 1920s, primarily documenting the Verhoeff and Parker families dating back to the 17th century and up through the early 1920s. Also documented are several related lines, including the Strater family.

Typescript. [“Parkers in America”]. 4to (8.5” x 11”). Approx. 50 pp. of typescript and carbon copy. With annotations by Mary Verhoeff in ink. Note: a few of the annotated typescript sheets are interleaved in the carbon copy.

Three Genealogical Charts:

1) The Parker Family. Written out (in the hand of Mary E. Verhoeff?) on one large folded “elephant folio” sheet.

2) The Verhoeff Family. Five quarto sheets. Photocopied genealogical chart with numerous manuscript annotations and historical notes written in pencil and ink.

3) The Hartwell Family. Genealogical chart in ink on one folded sheet (10.5” x 17”).

Four Binders of Biographical and Genealogical Materials. 4 three-ring loose leaf binders (each approx. 7” x 10”), containing manuscript research notes and compilations of biographical and genealogical information, together with various letters and documents.

- Miscellaneous Clippings and Biographical Materials in one small folder.

MISC. FAMILY PAPERS

- 2 letters relating to Vassar, 13 pp., manuscript, signed. 1907, 1949.

- Vassar class bulletin, [ca. 1960] with 1893–1901 class updates 4 pp.

- U.S. Department of State passport document Issued to Carolyn Verhoeff. 12” x 17”. Completed in manuscript. Signed and dated 18 Oct. 1901.

- Programs for National Centenarian’s Reunion, Sunday, May 18, 1975. 3 printed programs with varied typed versos, 12 pp.

- Letter concerning the estate of Carolyn Verhoeff, with related materials and news clippings. 1 p.

- House Inventory (Marblehead), 1972.

- Appraisal of Margaret L Verhoeff property in Boston.

- Appraisal of Louisville furniture, 1971.

- Diploma from The Winsor School for Margaret Verhoeff, in frame, 1937.

- Diploma from the Louisville Female Seminary for Minnie Charlotte Verhoeff, 1800.

- Will of Annie S. Symonds, 1936, leaving $3000.00 to Margaret Verhoeff, 6 pp, typed.

- Three holograph letters in German, 1922–23 (addressed to the “Fräulein Verhoeff”), 14 pp.

- Letter from E. A. Verhoeff on Denver Union Terminal Railway Company letterhead, 1 p. typed and signed, 1939, plus 14 partial and toned pp., in German, typed.

- 18 letters to and from the Misses Verhoeff. 64 pp., manuscript; plus 3 b&w photos, 2.5” x 4.5”.

- 6 letters. 8 pp., typed

- 2 reproduced images with text of the Verhoeff House in Louisville, late 1870s.

- 1939 Sears catalog.

- Baby book with affixed photos in a tow-color folder from Mr. Foster’s “Dancing Lessons” class. 11 pp.

- Misc. cards, notes, lists, poems, etc.

- Lougee letter, relating to Mabelle. 4 pp., manuscript.

- Hartnell letter, relating to Minnie. 4 pp., manuscript.

MISC. LITERARY MANUSCRIPTS

Carolyn Verhoeff:

- Folder with fasteners entitled “Thoughts About God.” 16 typed pp.; plus 16 laid-in typed and manuscript pp.; plus 1 “scratch book” with 15 pp. of notes in manuscript.

- The Murderer. 8 pp., typed; plus identical toned, fragmented copy.

- 3 poems, 3 pp., typed and signed.

- 7 poems, 7 pp., typed with pencil notations.

- Letter from Morehead State College reviewing Verhoeff’s poetry. 1 p., typed and signed.

- Lesson plans. 10 pp., manuscript.

- Poem about Mary and Carolyn, 5 pp., manuscript.

- Story entitled How the Fairies Made a Great Man of Little Charles. 11 pp., manuscript.

- Poem entitled Life: The Question. 1 p., in pencil.

- Poem entitled 1 p., typed.

- Poem entitled The Soul of a Dog. 1 p., typed.

- Play entitled A Mistake Allaround. 23 pp., typed.

Others:

- Verhoeff, Minnie C. Concentration. 8vo, white wrappers bearing printed title “1880. Minnie C. Verhoeff,” with 2” wide, yard-long white satin ribbon tie. 11 leaves of ms. written on one side only. Apparent graduation essay.

- Verhoeff, Margaret. Literature [student writings] at age 14. 25 pp., manuscript.