Helen Winifred Pflueger Papers, 1874-1984, bulk 1911-1979

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Summary

Creators:
Pflueger, Helen Winifred, 1898-1979.
Abstract:
This collection contains the papers of seamstress and unpublished novelist Helen Winifred Pflueger (1898-1979) of Sierra Madre, California. The collection contains Pflueger's writings, including two copies of her manuscript "New Paradise Lost," diaries (dating from 1911-1979), correspondence, and ephemera.
Extent:
1,326 items in 11 boxes + 3 rolled items
Language:
English.

Background

Scope and content:

The manuscripts include two complete copies of Pflueger’s book “New Paradise Lost” as well as draft pages and notes for the novel. There are also papers and essays written by Helen in high school and later in life as well as copies of writings and poems by Helen and others.

The diaries span the years 1911 to 1979. The diaries include daily entries with detailed information about Helens’ daily activities: visits to friends, seamstress work, trips taken, etc. She also talks a lot about her religious beliefs and her struggles to be a good Christian.

The majority of correspondence is written by others to Helen but there are a few pieces of correspondence by her (retained copies). There are several letters to and from Rev. Gilbert P. Symons of the Forward Movement of the Episcopal Church and others dealing with her religious beliefs and search for a church to attend. There is also one letter by Edgar Bergen (1941, Apr. 15) in response to a letter Helen wrote to him and “Charlie.” There are also a few letters regarding her book “New Paradise Lost” (1940).

The ephemera includes a variety of material including account books, address books, bank statements, biographical information, financial papers, medical papers, calling cards, church bulletins, dress patterns, family estate papers (including a copy of Helen’s will), greeting cards, newspaper clippings, photographs, school notebooks and a recipe book. Some of the newspaper clippings deal with Sierra Madre, California. There are also three rolled items: two diplomas from the Minneapolis School of Music (1919-1920) and a painting of Helen Pflueger.

Indexing Subjects

Episcopal Church

  • Subject in Correspondence (1940-1942). Box 8 (6).
  • Subject in Church Bulletins (1930-1934). Box 10 (9).

Methodist Church (U.S.)

  • Subject in Church Bulletins (1930-1934). Box 10 (9).

Biographical / historical:

Helen Winifred Pflueger (1898-1979), a resident of Sierra Madre, California, was born in Holman, Wisconsin, in 1898, and was deaf from the time of her childhood. She attended the Minneapolis Academy of Music, Drama, and Expression. In 1930, after her father’s death, she and her mother moved to the Los Angeles area. Helen supported herself as a seamstress during the depression. She wrote a novel called “New Paradise Lost,” which was never published. She died in 1979.

Acquisition information:
Gift of the Estate of Helen Pflueger via Betty Deming, August 20, 1980.
Arrangement:

Arranged in the following manner: 1. Manuscripts (Boxes 1-3); 2. Diaries (Boxes 4-7); 3. Correspondence (Boxes 8-9); 4. Ephemera (Boxes 10-11).

Rules or conventions:
Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

Open to qualified researchers by prior application through the Reader Services Department. For more information, contact Reader Services.

Location of this collection:
1151 Oxford Road
San Marino, CA 91108, US
Contact:
(626) 405-2191
reference@huntington.org
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