Crowe-Maxfield Papers

Collection — Box: 1

Identifier: 2015-009

Staff Only

Scope and Content Note

This small collection of papers documents the education and writings of Susan Ernisse Crowe and her daughter Jane Ernisse Crowe Maxfield in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Both women grew up and received schooling in Rochester, NY. Both were proficient at writing and drawing, as reflected in these papers. Jane went on to graduate studies at the University of Rochester and Columbia University at a time when women were beginning to achieve the goal of higher education.

The papers include academic course schedules, transcripts, certifications, and letters of recommendation. Essays by Susan and illustrated literary journals by Jane and a childhood friend indicate the women’s writing interests. The papers are organized in the following

Dates

Creation: 1873-1941

Conditions Governing Access

There are no restrictions regarding access to this collection.

Conditions Governing Use

Permission to publish, reproduce, distribute, or use in any current or future manifestations must be obtained in writing from the Rochester Public Library Local History & Genealogy Division.

Biographical Note

From the age of two, Jane Ernisse Crowe Maxfield lived with her mother, Susan Ernisse Crowe, and with her maternal grandparents on Prince Street in Rochester, NY. Her grandfather, Abram Ernisse, emigrated from Holland as a boy and established himself in Rochester as a house painter. His business flourished, and he sent his sons to private schools and his daughter Susan to the Rochester Female Academy. Susan wanted to attend college, but at that time, according to Jane, “only strong-minded females” pursued a higher education. Instead, Susan enrolled in an art school in Baltimore. After marriage and then the birth of daughter Jane in 1882, Susan resumed her studies at the Art Students League in New York when Jane was five.

Jane herself was an excellent student, proficient at writing and drawing. She graduated with a classical diploma from Rochester High School and went on to the University of Rochester. There she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in classical arts (Phi Beta Kappa) in 1905 and a Master of Arts degree in English in 1909. Jane taught high school and college classes during this time period and then received a fellowship to Columbia University for graduate study, receiving a Master of Arts degree in 1910. Her graduate essay was titled “An Introduction to the Study of the Elizabethan Play-Goers: A Bibliographical Sketch.” She became a published poet and collected her work in a 1961 publication, Blue Chicory and Other Poems. Jane Ernisse Crowe Maxfield died in 1978.

Extent

0.4 Cubic Feet (1 box)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Arrangement

The papers are organized in the following series and sub-series: Series 1: Papers of Susan Ernisse Crowe, Sub-series 1-1: Academic Papers, Sub-series 1-2: Writings; Series 2: Papers of Jane Ernisse Crowe Maxfield, Sub-series 2-1: Academic Papers, Sub-series 2-2: Writings and Drawings, Sub-series 2-3: Miscellaneous

Custodial History

The Crowe-Maxfield Papers were donated to The Strong by Susan E. Maxfield on January 9, 2002. The Strong transferred the papers to RPL in May 2015.

Related Archival Materials

Jane Ernisse Crowe's friend Alice Harriet Colby was the daughter of Eugene C. Colby, who served as president of the Mechanics Institute and was an early leader in technical and creative drawing education. Papers concerning Alice's academic career at the U of R and her teaching career are included in the Eugene C. Colby Family Papers, 2014.057.