US-RPB-ms79.6 Guide to the Blanche E. Williams papers1901 Finding aid prepared by Nadia McIntosh. Brown University Library 2009 April 13
Box ABrown UniversityProvidence, RI 02912Tel: 401-863-2162Fax: 401-863-1272email: rock@brown.edu
 Finding aid encoded by Reiko Davis2009 April 13 English Finding aid based on Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS) English Brown University LibrarySpecial Collections
Box A, John Hay LibraryProvidence, RI 02912Tel: 401-863-2146E-mail: hay@brown.edu
 Williams, Blanche E. Wheeler Blanche E. Williams papers 1901 Williams (Blanche E.) papers 7 item(s) The contents of this collection are almost entirely related to Blanche E. Williams' participation in an archaeological expedition in Crete in 1901. Ms. 79.6 Biographical note

Blanche E. Williams was the sister of Alan R. Wheeler (class of 1901) and niece of Mary C. Wheeler, founder of the Wheeler School in Providence. Mrs. Williams taught at the Wheeler School for several years prior to 1901.

Mrs. Williams was one of the co-authors of a book on her 1901 trip to Crete, entitled Gournia, Vasiliki and other prehistoric sites of the isthmus of Hierapetra, Crete; excavations of the Wells-Houston-Cramp expeditions, 1901, 1903, 1904. Philadelphia: 1908, by Harriet Boyd Hawes, Blanche E. Williams, Richard B. Seager, Edith H. Hall, and American Exploration Society

Mrs. Williams is known to have published one other book, a biography of her aunt, Mary C. Wheeler, in 1934.

 Collection information

There are no restrictions on access, except that the collection can only be seen by prior appointment. Some materials may be stored off-site and cannot be produced on the same day on which they are requested.

Although Brown University has physical ownership of the collection and the materials contained therein, it does not claim literary rights. Researchers should note that compliance with copyright law is their responsibility. Researchers must determine the owners of the literary rights and obtain any necessary permissions from them.

Blanche E. Williams papers, Ms. 79.6, Brown University Library.

The papers consist of journals, a daybook, a letter written to her father, and notes for a series of lectures on an archeaology excavation trip to Crete in 1901. One set of notes pertain to Mrs. Williams' childhood school.

The expedition was led by Harriet Boyd Hawes, who also led several others in Crete. Mrs. Williams and Mrs. Hawes were among the co-authors of the book Gournia, Vasiliki and other prehistoric sites of the isthmus of Hierapetra, Crete; excavations of the Wells-Houston-Cramp expeditions, 1901, 1903, 1904. Philadelphia: 1908, by Harriet Boyd Hawes, Blanche E. Williams, Richard B. Seager, Edith H. Hall, and American Exploration Society.

Arranged in one box.

Administrative information

The papers were donated in 1964 by George W. Wheeler.

 Names Hawes, Harriet Boyd, 1871-1945 Subjects Archaeology Archaeologists Excavations (Archaeology) Crete (Greece) RIAMCO Browsing Terms Social Life and Customs Additional information

1 1 Journal #1 1901 May 7 - July 3

Williams keeps a running account of work done and objects found in excavations on Crete. There is some account also of contemporary Cretan scenery and customs.

1 1 Journal #2 circa 1901

This journal contains various notes. Beginning at top of second page: "Fig trees / Caroub…"

 1 2 Journal #3 [1901] April 17?; 1901 June 16

This journal has a couple of long entries ([1901] April 17?, June 16); on front fly-leaf is written "Blanche E. Wheeler, / March 16, 1901." Stem and leaves of small plant laid-in.

 1 2 Daybook 1901 February 11 - July 30

Short and inconsistent entries covering Williams' travel to Crete and sojourn there. On front cover is printed "A Line a day", and on front fly-leaf is written "Blanche E. Wheeler. / March 16, 1901."

 1 3 Letter 1901 May 20

Autograph letter signed from Kavousi, Crete, dated 1901 May 20, from Blanche E. Wheeler (Williams) to her father ("Dear Papa"), in which she discusses a house sale in Providence and her work in Crete (3 pages on 1 sheet)

 1 4 Lecture notes

Three sets of notes for one or more lectures, at least one of which was delivered to the Providence Review Club. All are on the subject of archaeology in Crete; one refers to Pausanias. Include 18 cards (6" x 6.75"), 11 sheets (3" x 5", in envelope labelled "Notes for talk on Excavations", eight sheets (8" x 10.25"), and four smaller pieces.

 1 5 Manuscript notes

Description of Williams' childhood school, entitled "The West Primary"; include six cards (6" x 6.75").