Description
Edna Anderson began her teaching career
after high school in 1911. Anderson taught at country schools in Montana from 1911-1914,
saving her salary to attend college. During this time there was no government aid.
Nevertheless, Anderson worked hard and attended The University of California, Berkeley. In
1918, Anderson graduated with her Bachelor of Arts degree, and an Honors in English. In
1922, she received her Master of Arts in English. After graduation Anderson taught high
school in Washington, California, and Hawaii. In 1929, she became a charter member of the
Los Angeles City College faculty and an Associate Professor of English. Anderson was loved
by both her students and colleagues. Due to her devotion to public education her students
went on to become professional teachers, writers, dramatists, and script writers. Anderson
remained with Los Angeles City College until her retirement in 1960. After retirement
Anderson focused on her writing. However, her love for writing began as a young girl growing
up in Helena, Montana. In high school she wrote for her school paper The Nugget, and in
college she served on the Occident Magazine staff. During retirement Anderson focused her
attention to her love of Nature. She wrote poems depicting the beauty of Nature and sent
them to her family, friends, former students, and associates, always signed, "With love,
E.A." Edna Anderson passed away January 9, 1972.
Background
Edna Anderson began her teaching career after high school in 1911. Anderson taught at
country schools in Montana from 1911-1914, saving her salary to attend college. During this
time there was no government aid. Nevertheless, Anderson worked hard and attended The
University of California, Berkeley. In 1918, Anderson graduated with her Bachelor of Arts
degree, and an Honors in English. In 1922, she received her Master of Arts in English.
Restrictions
The Edna Anderson Collection of Poems and Papers is the physical property of California
State University, Los Angeles, John F. Kennedy Memorial Library, Special Collections and
Archives.