Helen S. Pratt and Edward S. Steele collection, 1839-1990

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Summary

Creators:
Pratt, Helen, -1965 and Steele, Edward Strieby, 1850-1942
Abstract:
A collection of material related to Helen Steele Pratt, Southern California ornithologist, and Edward Strieby Steele, American botanist.
Extent:
0.25 Linear Feet (1 box)
Language:
Materials are in English.
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item]. Helen S. Pratt and Edward S. Steele collection, The Huntington Library, San Marino, California.

Background

Scope and content:

A small collection of family material related to Helen S. Pratt and Edward S. Steele; it includes manuscripts, correspondence, and ephemera. The manuscripts include information on the Amistad (Schooner), Alexander Steele, James Steele, Descanso Gardens (Los Angeles, California), and biographical information for Helen S. Pratt and Edward S. Steele. The correspondence includes a letter to Oberlin College, and family letters, one of which is a copy of a letter written by John Steele from India in 1839. The ephemera includes photocopies, clippings, and three leather wallets; one of the wallets contains German papiermark bills issued from 1910 to 1919.

Biographical / historical:

Helen Steele Pratt (1883-1965) was an American ornithologist, teacher, and botanical collector. Pratt graduated from Oberlin College in 1906 and moved to Eagle Rock, California, in 1914. She was an avid ornithologist and secretary for the state Audubon Society, who helped write the section on birds in the Boy Scout handbook. Pratt also, along with Harriet Myers, helped the children of the state of California choose the quail as the state bird. Edward Strieby Steele (1850-1942) was an American botanist and an uncle of Helen S. Pratt. He graduated from Oberlin College in 1872 and became a teacher and Professor of Philosophy. He also worked as an editor and spent many years working for the United States government as a botanical clerk in various positions. Steele moved to Los Angeles, California, in 1932, and worked with Helen Pratt as botanical co-collectors. James Steele (1808-), the father of Edward S. Steele, was involved with helping the Amistad captives return to Africa.

Acquisition information:
Gifts of Donna R. M. Adams, August-September, 1990.
Processing information:

Processed by Gayle M. Richardson in November 2022.

Arrangement:

Arranged in the following series: 1. Manuscripts; 2. Correspondence; 3. Ephemera.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

Open for use by qualified researchers and by appointment. Please contact Reader Services at the Huntington Library for more information.

Terms of access:

The Huntington Library does not require that researchers request permission to quote from or publish images of this material, nor does it charge fees for such activities. The responsibility for identifying the copyright holder, if there is one, and obtaining necessary permissions rests with the researcher.

Preferred citation:

[Identification of item]. Helen S. Pratt and Edward S. Steele collection, The Huntington Library, San Marino, California.

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