Description
Ruth and Eric Clarke were both children of missionaries in China, and the Clarkes lived in China through the 1940s. Ruth Clarke
was a passionate collector of Chinese art and the collection is largely focused on her collection and sales records, but there
are also many files of correspondence, genealogical records, and over ten boxes of photographs.
Background
The daughter of Dr. Charles Fletcher Johnson and Agnes Elliott Johnson, Ruth Clarke was born on April 2, 1890 in Wei Hsien,
Shantung, China where she quickly mastered Mandarin Chinese. She was educated at Miss Jewell's School in Shanghai which was
also attended by Miss Pearl Buck. After visiting her uncle Hosmer Johnson in Washington D.C., Ruth entered and graduated from
Wilson College (Chambersburg, Pa.) in 1912. She then returned to Shanghai to accept a teaching position at Miss Jewell's.
Extent
20 Linear Feet
(36 boxes)
Restrictions
While Special Collections is the owner of the physical and digital items, permission to examine collection materials is not
an authorization to publish. These materials are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study. Any transmission
or reproduction beyond that allowed by fair use requires permission from the owners of rights, heir(s) or assigns. Some of
these materials are believed to be in the public domain. There are no restrictions on use of public domain materials.
Availability
Open for research. Note that material must be requested at least 36 hours in advance of intended use. Audiovisual materials
are not available in original format, and must be reformatted to a digital use copy.