Finding Aid for the Genay Family Correspondence D19xx.999
Finding aid prepared by Hilary E. Gordon
Denison Library Special Collections and Archives
1090 Columbia Ave
Claremont, 91711
(909) 607-3941
denison@libraries.claremont.edu
Spring 2010
Title: Genay Family Correspondence.
Collection number: D19xx.999
Contributing Institution:
Denison Library Special Collections and
Archives
Scripps College
1090 Columbia Avenue
Claremont, CA 91711
Language of Materials: Unless otherwise noted the
materials are written in French, with a very
small amount of materials in English.
Physical Description:
1 box
Date (inclusive): 1917-1935.
Abstract: Correspondence, photographs, greetings, and
published ephemera, 1917-1935, primarily illustrating the World War I Era narrative
of the French Genay family and their involvement with the charitable organization,
Fatherless Children of France [Fraternite Franco-Americaine].
creator:
Genay
family
Access
Collection is available for research.
Publication Rights
For permissions to reproduce or to publish, please contact Ella Strong Denison
Library staff.
Preferred Citation
Genay Family Correspondence, Collection D19xx.999, Ella Strong Denison Library,
Scripps College, Claremont, California.
Acquisitions Information
Method and date of acquisition unknown.
Processing Information
Processed by Hilary E. Gordon for Archival Studies 311, Claremont Graduate
University, Spring 2010; revised by Michael P. Palmer, MLIS, April 2011.
History
The Genay Family Correspondence is composed almost entirely of the correspondence of
Madame L. Genay, widow of Captain Eugene Genay, and her elder daughter, Camille
(1901-circa 1925), with an American friend, Miss Mildred Veitch (later Mrs. R. K.
West). The family, which included a younger daughter, Marie Louise, resided in
Versailles, and maintained a country home in the village of Saint-Sauveur. Captain
Genay was killed in April 1915, fighting for the Allies in Belgium. Miss Veitch
acted as a benefactor to the family through an organization with which all of the
women were involved, the Fatherless Children of France [Fraternite
Franco-Americaine]. Because of Madame Genay’s work as a teacher and the family’s
involvement in charitable war efforts, the women were connected to the events around
them and are able to provide unique insights into life in wartime France, women’s
war roles, American aid to foreign families, and many others. The bulk of the
material focuses on the war years.
Scope and Contents
The materials that constitute the Genay Family Correspondence describe and illustrate
the family’s involvement in events surrounding World War I and the subsequent years.
The collection consists primarily of correspondence between Camille Genay and
Mildred Veitch, with a few letters from Madame L. Genay, Camille's mother. These
letters, postcards, and greeting cards contain descriptions of the local war efforts
and conditions in France as well as the personal narrative of the Genay family. The
postcards themselves depict contemporary war events and scenes. Photographs
originally included with the correspondence depict both the Genay family and the
French landscape during the war years. The remaining published item in the
collection relates to the Genay women’s involvement with the organization Fatherless
Children of France [Fraternite Franco-Americaine]. This wartime charitable
organization matched French orphans with support systems and benefactors in the
United States and worked to publicize the role of cooperation between the Allied
Nations.
Arrangement
The Genay Family Collection is arranged into four series:
- Series 1: Correspondence
- Series 2: Postcards and Greeting Cards
- Series 3: Published Materials
- Series 4: Photographs
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Fatherless Children of France
(Organization).
Veitch, Mildred
Correspondence
Photographs
World War, 1914-1918--France
Box 1, Folder 1-22, 37
Series 1:
Correspondence.
1917-1920,
1930
(bulk 1917-1919).
Physical Description:
23 folders
Scope and Contents note
This series consists primarily of letters written by the Camille Genay and
her mother to Mildred Veitch, primarily between 1918 and 1920, but with
several items from 1930.
Box 1, Folder 1
Notification and letter to Madame L. Genay of the death of her
husband, Captain Genay, on the Belgian front.
April 6 and 11, 1915.
Language of Material:
French and English.
Contents
On a single sheet: Lt. Col Barthelemy, Commandant of the 79th Territorial
Regiment of Infantry, to the Secretary General of the Prefecture of
Seine-et-Oise, announcing the death on April 3rd of Captain Genay,
commandant of the 7th company; Cadier, Lt-Tresorier of the 79th
Territorial Regiment of Infantery, to Madame Genay, detailing the
circumstances of her husband's death. 3 sheets of a typed incomplete
translation of both French letters.
Box 1, Folder 2
Letter. Madame L. Genay to Mildred Veitch.
June 29, ?1917.
Contents
Madame L. Genay writes to "Mademoiselle", Miss M. Veitch. Letter begins
with greetings and thanks for the help during the hard times since the
beginning of the war. Promises that Camille will be writing more often
soon, after her exams and during her vacation.
Box 1, Folder 3
Letter. Camille Genay to Mildred Veitch.
June 6, 1917.
Contents
Camille thanks her benefactor, introduces her family, and talks about
what the loss of their father has meant. She also discusses her studies
and approaching entrance exam for the highly reputable teacher's
college, Ecole Normale.
Box 1, Folder 4
Letter. Camille Genay to Mildred Veitch.
July 16, 1917.
Contents
Camille describes her personal pride and concern that the Americans will
be fighting closely with the French, as well as the general enthusiasm
and positive feelings of the French for the "handsome and noble"
American soldiers. She also describes her continuing studies for
entrance into teacher's college.
Box 1, Folder 5
Letter. Camille Genay to Mildred Veitch.
August 25, 1917.
Contents
Camille describes their family vacation in the country. She thanks Miss
Veitch again for her financial support and talks about how it will aid
in her educational efforts. While she has failed to gain acceptance to
the Ecole Normale, she will continue her teaching studies.
Box 1, Folder 6
Letter. Madame L. Genay and Camille Genay to Mildred
Veitch.
March 1918.
Contents
Camille says that she has been tired lately and is having trouble staying
alert through all of her classes. Her physics class was cancelled this
week because the students had to take refuge in the basement from the
local bombardments. All of the students and faculty, as well as the
director, were huddled there for over two hours studying, resting, and
singing patriotic songs. They could hear the planes flying above and the
sound of nearby cannon fire. Camille discusses how her mother was also
forced to take to the basement with her own students. Camille goes on to
describe the recent trouble in the city of Paris and the surrounding
suburbs caused by the German flotilla. She also recalls the recent
Allied retreat and loss of territory to the German forces. Still, she
has high hopes that the next offensive will regain the territory and
position. Camille describes the many Americans now in Versailles;
"handsome and full of energy", etc. She explains how her school
principal encourages the students keep up with news of the Allies'
efforts. There is a lengthy post script that discusses the newest
shellings around Paris, the Channy region, and the Oise.
Box 1, Folder 7
Letter. Mrs. Walter Brewster to Mildred Veitch.
March 26, 1918.
Language of Material:
English.
Contents
Mrs. Brewster thanks Miss Veitch for her support of the Genay family and
the Fatherless Children of France.
Box 1, Folder 8
Letter. Camille Genay to Mildred Veitch.
June 10, 1918.
Contents
Camille opens, discouraged by a formidable attack by "the Goths" against
the American front. She feels that many people are coming to doubt the
Allies' final victory and that unrest is rising in France. The Germans
have made significant advance and are coming closer to the city of Paris
(80km). Camille discusses the heroism of the soldiers and their courage
amidst ongoing gas attacks. There is more talk of taking refuge in
basements against the ongoing attacks. Her mother has taken Marie Louise
to Bourgogne to stay with friends. She laments on the sleepless nights,
the fatigue, and the concern of her mother.
Box 1, Folder 9
Letter. Camille Genay to Mildred Veitch.
August 3, 1918.
Contents
This letter is written from the Genay family's country home at
Saint-Sauveur, a small village, where they are vacationing for three
weeks. She talks about the horses, the cultivation of wheat in the area,
taking long walks with her mother and sister, and the freshness of the
countryside and moves on to detail the large German offensive of July
18, 1918 (massive artillery shaking the doors and windows, etc.).
Camille says that they have heard also of a successful Allied advance
near Soissons and that she intends to talk with local French soldiers
once they return to their nearby fort. She describes the large numbers
of Americans staying near them at Saint-Sauveur. Camille closes with new
of her return to studies after their vacation.
Box 1, Folder 10
Letter. Camille Genay to Mildred Veitch.
September 13, 1918.
Contents
Camille again mentions the successful Allied offensive discussed in the
previous letter and assures her "big sister" that she has returned safe
from holiday. She gives praise to the families who have sacrificed so
much in the terrible war. Her mother will return to classes tomorrow but
she will have until October. In this portion, Camille makes a long
comparison between French and US vacation regions and comments with
respect to changes since the war.
Box 1, Folder 11
Letter. Camille Genay to Mildred Veitch.
October 18, 1918.
Contents
Camille has been resting and enjoying her school work this new year. In
this letter, she takes time discussing the problem of infectious disease
in wartime: the current epidemics, the precautions being taken, and the
recent cholera epidemic among the German soldiers. She also discusses
French happiness with the actions of the US President and his agreement
with the patriotic ideals of France. Camille moves on to the return of
Alsace-Lorraine and closes with hopes for a victorious year.
Box 1, Folder 12
Letter. Camille Genay to Mildred Veitch.
December 1918.
Contents
Camille is looking forward to meeting with Mildred Veitch’s friend, Mr.
Budge, who will be visiting this week. She has been spending a lot of
time with him lately, as well as her English teacher, Madame Jobard:
they have been talking about current events. She also includes the text
of a recent article about a "repatriatee" of Maine-et-Loire. Camille
goes on to elucidate recent situations involving the transfer of
prisoners of war and the US President's visit later in the month. She
has enclosed photos from the region of Bourgogne.
Box 1, Folder 13
Letter. Madame L. Genay to Mildred Veitch.
December 18, 1918.
Contents
Madame Genay opens with best wishes for the new year and affection from
her daughter Camille. She assures Veitch of Camille’s great enthusiasm
for her letters, happiness at having a "big sister", and growing love of
the United States. She gives thanks also for their introduction to Mr.
Budge, telling of their wonderful visit and time spent together. She
speaks of the heroism of the brave soldiers and their families, also
mentioning again the situations with the transfer of prisoners of war
and the conditions of their captivity. Discussed again is the situation
in Alsace. Genay assures Veitch that the French have not forgotten their
generous allies and the work they have done. She brings up current
situations with orphans and the concerns of the Fatherless Children of
France. She closes with thanks for the help of Miss Veitch and hopes
that they will all be able to gather soon in Paris.
Box 1, Folder 14
Letter. Camille Genay to Mildred Veitch.
February 2, 1919.
Contents
Camille would like to take a trip with Mildred's sister, who has also
been writing to them. Camille commends her courage in leaving her
parents and traveling across the ocean for her studies as well as her
great energy. She brings up the ongoing peace talks and the US
President's work along with Paris' slow recovery and how the industry
there has been hurt greatly by the war.
Box 1, Folder 15
Letter. Madame L. Genay to Mildred Veitch.
June 6, 1919.
Contents
Madame Genay expresses Camille's affection and thanks. She also expresses
affection for Veitch's younger sister, to whom the women have also been
writing. Madame Geneay speaks of her concern over Mildred's sister's
large work load and upcoming exam, and assures her that it should not be
very hard to pass. She tells how women had previously been barred from
participation in these tests, but now there are women moving forward
like never before. There are twenty or so young women at the Sorbonne
for every two or three hundred men. Madame Genay expresses hopes to see
Mildred's sister as well as her friend Mr. Budge in Versailles later
this month. She closes with affections and thanks.
Box 1, Folder 16
Letter. Camille Genay to Mildred Veitch.
August 22, 1919.
Contents
Camille discusses their plans to remain in Versailles for vacation rather
than going to Saint-Sauveur, as they usually do. In the month of
September, they will visit their brave father's tomb in Belgium. She
speaks of the sadness that they will feel on this trip, also the
inability to return his body closer to home. Camille says that her
mother has finished classes for the year and will be resting rather than
taking on work at a child care facility for extra money, as she usually
does. She has been thinking about her upcoming graduation and
preparations for her final school year. She is also excited about the
prospect of her sister Marie Louise attending school with her next year;
while she works hard, she is young and does not take school seriously
enough. Camille also mentions their frequent contact with Veitch's
sister Edith, whom they all enjoy. She closes with details on the
current demobilization efforts and efforts to renew French industry.
Box 1, Folder 17
Letter. Camille Genay to Mildred Veitch.
December 27, 1919.
Contents
Camille Genay tells of her vacation and impending graduation exams; she
has spoken with her sister Marie Louise about the possibility of joining
her in school. In France, life is starting to get back to normal, but
the devastated land and remaining economic problems continue to thwart
progress. Camille writes of some relaxation since the recent armistice,
but continued spirit to renew the economy after the years of tension.
"France is well, and she changes everyday…"
Box 1, Folder 18
Letter. Camille Genay to Mrs. Robert K. West [Mildred
Veitch].
September 28, 1920.
Contents
This letter offers affection and best wishes to Mildred on the
announcement of her wedding to Robert West. Camille Genay thanks Miss
Veitch for her continued communication, friendship, and support.
Box 1, Folder 37
Calling Card of Mme. (Widow) Eugene Genay.
circa 1920.
Extent: With felicitations and greetings to Mr.
and Mrs. Robert West.
Box 1, file 19
Letter. "Scotty" to "Veitchy".
June 8, 1930.
Language of Material:
English.
Contents
This letter is from a friend of Mildred and details a visit with the
Genay family.
Box 1, Folder 20
Letter. Madame A. Seligmann-Lui to Mrs. R. K. West.
June 12, 1930.
Language of Material:
English.
Contents
Madame Seligmann-Lui discusses the continuing efforts of the Fatherless
Children of France.
Box 1, Folder 21
Letter. Madame L. Genay to Mrs. Robert K. West [Mildred
Veitch].
October 8, 1930.
Contents
Madame Genay laments their confusion over Mildred's failure to write for
an extended time. She discusses Camille's recent graduation in Science
and Philosophy and the course of study that she is currently working on
at the Sorbonne in Paris. She speaks also of communicating with
Mildred's sister Edith and her friend Mr. Budge.
Box 1, Folder 22
Envelopes.
1918-1930.
Physical Description:
1 folder.
Box 1, Folder 23-36
Series 2:
Postcards and Greeting Cards.
1918-1930.
Physical Description:
14 folders.
Scope and Contents note
This series contains postcards and greeting cards exchanged between Veitch
and the Genay family.
Box 1, Folder 23
Postcard of American Independence Day Parade, Paris, July 4,
1918.
November 11, 1918.
General Physical Description note: With message
from C[amille] Genay.
Box 1, Folder 24
Postcard of the main square of Massevaux, "in Reconquered
Alsace".
November 11, 1918.
General Physical Description note: With
messages from Mme. L. Genay and Camille Genay.
Box 1, Folder 25
?Handmade Christmas card.
December 10, 1918.
General Physical Description note: With
inscription from C[amille] Genay.
Box 1, Folder 26
Postcard of the Palace of Versailles--Galerie des
Glaces.
May 27, 1919.
General Physical Description note: With
inscription from C[amille] Genay.
Box 1, Folder 27
Bonne Annee Postcard.
December 1921.
General Physical Description note: Winter leaf
motif. With message from Camille Genay to Mildred Veitch.
Box 1, Folder 28
Wedding Invitation. Marie-Louise Genay and Jean
Barbotte.
July 28, 1930.
Box 1, Folder 29
Postcard of the Trianon Palace, Versailles, as English
hospital.
n.d.
General Physical Description note: With
inscription from Camille [Genay].
Box 1, Folder 30
Postcard of the Palace of Versailles--Salle du Jeu de
Paume.
n.d.
Box 1, Folder 31
Joyeux Noel card.
n.d.
General Physical Description note: With
inscription from Camille [Genay].
Box 1, Folder 32
Souhaits de Bonheur card.
n.d.
General Physical Description note: With New
Year's wishes from Camille Genay.
Box 1, Folder 33
Postcard of the Jardin des Tuileries, Paris.
postmark illegible.
General Physical Description note: With
inscription and signatures of Camille Genay, Mme L. Genay, Marie-Louise,
Edith.
Box 1, Folder 34
Postcard of young girl with fish and flowers.
n.d.
General Physical Description note: Inscription:
On dit que sa porte bonheur / Je le desire de tout mon coeur.
Box 1, Folder 35
Hereux Noel card.
n.d.
General Physical Description note: Embroidery on
cloth.
Box 1, Folder 36
Bonne Annee Postcard.
n.d.
General Physical Description note: With
inscription by C[amille] Genay.
Box 1, Folder 38-40
Series 3:
Published Materials.
1917-1926.
Physical Description:
3 folders.
Scope and Contents note
This series contains pamphlets, a newspaper clipping, and a calling card,
relating to the Genayfamily and their work with the Fatherless Children of
France.
Box 1, Folder 38
Article :To My Big Sister America,"
Chicago Herald.
September 10, 1917.
Language of Material:
English.
Extent: 1 newspaper clipping + preservation
photocopy.
Scope and Contents note
This article discusses the Genay family women and their involvement with
the organization, Fatherless Children of France [Fraternite
Franco-Americaine].
Box 1, Folder 39
Institut de France, Award of the Prix Audiffred to the Fatherless
Children of France [Fraternite Franco-Americaine].
March 17, 1923.
Box 1, Folder 40
Fatherless Children of France [Fraternite Franco-Americaine],
Proceedings of the 11th Annual General Meeting.
April 22, 1926.
Box 1, Folder 41-49
Series 4:
Photographs.
1918-1930.
Physical Description:
9 folders.
Box 1, Folder 41
"Maman et son amie".
circa 1918-1920.
Scope and Contents note
Photograph of Madame Genay and her 2 daughters, together with a female
friend and her son.
Box 1, Folder 42
"Vue du parc". Versailles.
circa 1918.
Scope and Contents note
Soldiers sitting in pyramid-shaped structures in the park at
Versailles.
Box 1, Folder 43
"Dans le parc. Quelques Americains passent."
Versailles.
circa 1918.
Scope and Contents note
Soldiers in the park at Versailles.
Box 1, Folder 44
Panorama of Paris viewed from St. Cloud.
circa 1918-1920.
Box 1, Folder 45
Lake at Moutier, in the Bourgogne.
circa 1918-1920.
Box 1, Folder 46
Photographs of the Genay family, together with others, on the
shore of the lake at Moutier, in the Bourgogne.
circa 1918-1920.
Box 1, Folder 47
"Route sur laquelle nous allions souvent nous promener en
vacances".
circa 1918-1920.
Box 1, Folder 48
"Paysage de Bourgogne".
circa 1918-1920.
Box 1, Folder 49
Wedding photograph. Versailles.
circa 1930.
Scope and Contents note
Probably from the marriage of Marie-Louise Genay and Jean Barbotte,
Versailles, July 28, 1930.