Guide to the Mary Purchase Papers,
[ca. 1937-1988]

Collection Number: 23-19-3201

Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections
Cornell University Library

Contact Information:
Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections
2B Carl A. Kroch Library
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 14853
(607) 255-3530
Fax: (607) 255-9524
rareref@cornell.edu
http://rmc.library.cornell.edu
Compiled by:
Damon Clark
Date completed:
July 2002
EAD encoding:
Damon Clark, July 2002
Date modified:
RMC Staff, November 2012

© 2002 Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections, Cornell University Library

DESCRIPTIVE SUMMARY

Title:
Mary Purchase Papers, [ca. 1937-1988].
Collection Number:
23-19-3201
Creator:
Mary Elizabeth Purchase.
Quantity:
1 cubic ft.
Repository:
Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections, Cornell University Library
Abstract:
Includes correspondence, publications, awards, and studies concerning Mary Purchase's career and her work on detergents, water quality, laundry, consumers and the economy.
Language:
Collection material in English

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE

Professor of Textiles and Apparel, Cornell University.
Mary Purchase came to Cornell in 1945 as a graduate student in chemistry, having earned a bachelor's degree from Eastern Michigan University in education and mathematics. After completing her master' degree, she was an instructor for three years in the Department of Household Economics and Management in the College of Home Economics. In 1951, she left Cornell for Iowa State University, where she earned a Ph.D. in household equipment and chemistry in 1957.
She returned to Cornell in 1961 as an associate professor in the Department of Household Economics and Management. In 1969 she served as graduate faculty representative and department extension leader in the newly formed Department of Design and Environmental Analysis. In 1973, Dr. Purchase was named professor and with the 1985 reorganization, became a member of the Department of Textiles and Apparel. She retired in 1986 and became emeritus professor that same year.
COLLECTION DESCRIPTION

Includes correspondence, publications, awards, and studies concerning Mary Purchase's career and her work on detergents, water quality, laundry, consumers and the economy.
SUBJECTS

Names:
Purchase, Mary Elizabeth.
Cornell University--Faculty.

Subjects:
Washing machines.
Consumers--United States.
Laundry.
Water Quality.
Detergents--Environmental aspects.

INFORMATION FOR USERS

Cite As:
Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections, Cornell University Library.
SERIES LIST

Series I. Publications Box 1 folders 1-5
Series II. Projects/Studies Box 1 folders 6-13
Series III. Conferences/Workshops Box 1 folders 14-21
Series IV. Correspondence Box 1 folders 22-45
Series V. Awards Box 1
CONTAINER LIST

Description
Container
Series I. Publications
Articles, 1950-1969
Box 1 Folder 1
Articles, 1970-1971
Box 1 Folder 2
Articles, 1972-1981
Box 1 Folder 3
Articles, 1982-1988
Box 1 Folder 4
Memos, 1979-1982
Box 1 Folder 5
Articles, Memos Written by Mary Purchase 1983-1988
Box 1 Folder 5A
Series II. Projects/Studies
Detergent-Phosphorus — information verification project, 1984
Box 1 Folder 6
Detergent-Phosphate Ban Controversy — summary report, 1984
Box 1 Folder 7
Detergent-Phosphate Ban-Va., N. Carolina, Wisconsin, 1984
Box 1 Folder 8
Detergent Ban — "Consumer Costs Associated with Detergent Phosphate Bans" report by Proctor and Gamble, 1981
Box 1 Folder 9
Home Economists' submissions to the International Joint Commission, 1980
Box 1 Folder 10
Detergent Legislation, 1971
Box 1 Folder 11
Research report for Proctor and Gamble, 1981
Box 1 Folder 12
Clay Soil Study, 1968-1969
Box 1 Folder 13
Series III. Conferences/Workshops
In-service conference-"Consumers and the Economy", 1977
Box 1 Folder 14
Conference - "Consumer and the Economy", 1978
Box 1 Folder 15
Food Editors Conference, 1978
Box 1 Folder 16
Human Ecology Institute- "Energy: Consumer Policy", 1978
Box 1 Folder 17
Workshop- "Cooking with Microwaves", 1978 and 1979
Box 1 Folder 18
Symposium — Third Domestic Water Quality, 1979
Box 1 Folder 19
"Toward a Philosophy of Home Management"- sponsored by US Office of Education - Penn State, 1962
Box 1 Folder 20
National Secretaries Association Presentation, 1979
Box 1 Folder 21
Series IV. Correspondence
General, July 1983-June 1984
Box 1 Folder 22
General, July 1982-June 1983
Box 1 Folder 23
General, July 1981-June 1982
Box 1 Folder 24
General, July 1980-June 1981
Box 1 Folder 25
General, July 1979-June 1980
Box 1 Folder 26
General, July 1978-June 1979
Box 1 Folder 27
General, July 1977-June 1978
Box 1 Folder 28
General, July 1975-June 1976
Box 1 Folder 29
General, July 1973-June 1974
Box 1 Folder 30
General, July 1972-June 1973
Box 1 Folder 31
General, July 1971-June 1972
Box 1 Folder 32
Correspondence concerning detergents, 1972-1973
Box 1 Folder 33
General, July 1969-June 1970
Box 1 Folder 34
General, July 1968-June 1969
Box 1 Folder 35
General, July 1966-June 1967
Box 1 Folder 36
General, July 1965-June 1966
Box 1 Folder 37
General, July 1964-June 1965
Box 1 Folder 38
General, July 1963-June 1964
Box 1 Folder 39
Correspondence concerning Electrolux, Maytag, Whirlpool, 1975-1984
Box 1 Folder 40
Correspondence concerning dishwashers, dryers, freezers, refrigerators, 1947-1972
Box 1 Folder 41
Correspondence concerning detergents, 1937-1974
Box 1 Folder 42
Correspondence concerning dust, equipment selection, finishes on fabric, home management and hoods, 1946-1971
Box 1 Folder 43
Correspondence concerning housecleaning, humidifiers, irons, laundering, metal cleaning, microwave ovens, odors and ranges, 1949-1973
Box 1 Folder 44
Correspondence concerning shampooing, soap, stain removal, testing products, vacuum cleaners, water softeners, 1948-1972
Box 1 Folder 45
Series V. Awards
ASTM- fellow — Recognition of exceptional leadership and acute technical and editorial insights and for diplomatic recommendations that bring together opposing points of view which were major contributions to the progress of F-11, 1986
Box 1 Folder
Caricature of Mary - done for her retirement
Folder Oversize