Skip to main content

Clark family papers

 Collection
Identifier: c-00317

Scope and Contents

This collection consists primarily of correspondence and account books. The letters, which span ninety years, are between members of the Wall, Clark and Handy families. The bulk of the letters are from Hannah Wall Handy to her sister Abigail, who married Charles Clark. The Clarks moved to Grand Haven, Michigan, from Maine in the 1850s. When Abigail died in 1874, Charles married her sister, Augusta. The letters between family members occasionally mention politics or economic conditions, but they are primarily concerned with family news. The letters, most of which were written by women to women, discuss in detail home life and housework.

Three of the account books are from Charles Clark's general store, later moved to Robinson Township in Ottawa County. The account list debits for goods sold, with credits from work performed or cash. Six of the other volumes are Charles Clark's personal account books. One volume records school tax and maintenance records for Ottawa County. A second volume contains daily records of the construction of a bridge across to Manistee River at Parkdale, Michigan, in 1931.

Dates

  • Creation: 1848 - 1939

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

Permission to publish material from this collection must be obtained from University Archives & Historical Collections, Michigan State University.

Extent

1 Cubic Feet (, 12 folders and 10 volumes in box, 1 volume on shelf)

Language of Materials

English

Custodial History

Gift of Helen F. Clark, 1959-06-25. Transferred by Michigan State University Museum.

Legal Status

Copyright: Michigan State University. Property Rights: Michigan State University.

Title
Clark Family Papers
Status
4 Published And Cataloged
Date
October 1967
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid written in English.

Repository Details

Part of the University Archives and Historical Collections Repository

Contact:
Conrad Hall
943 Conrad Road, Room 101
East Lansing MI 48824 US
517-355-2330