Mary Eleanor Bissell Papers, 1738-1958

Summary

Creators:

Bissell, Mary Eleanor.

Abstract:

This collection chiefly contains correspondence and documents created by the Connecticut ancestors of Pasadena, California, socialite Mary Eleanor Bissell, the most prominent of whom are her great-grandparents, Eleanor Mills Bissell and Thomas Bissell (fl. 1796-1848).

Extent:

approximately 160 items in 1 box

Language:

English.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection chiefly contains correspondence and documents created by the Connecticut ancestors of Pasadena, California, socialite Mary Eleanor Bissell, the most prominent of whom are her great-grandparents, Eleanor Mills Bissell and Thomas Bissell (active 1796-1848). The collection contains around forty pieces of correspondence relating to her great-grandparents as well as over a hundred items relating to the Bissell family business. The business papers include court summons, bills of sale, receipts, promissory notes, quit-claim deeds and an account book, all dated between 1738 and 1836. The collection also contains documents on the genealogy of the Bissell family in Windsor, Connecticut, as well as eighteen photographs of family and friends.

A one volume guest book for Bissell's home in Pasadena, an autograph album, three lantern slides of Bissell's rose garden, one piece of correspondence, and a college diary are the only items in the collection that specifically pertain to Mary Eleanor Bissell.

Biographical / historical:

Eleanor Bissell was born circa 1870 in Winsor, Connecticut, the daughter of Thomas H. Bissell, banker and land owner. About 1924 she moved to Pasadena, California, where she was active in prominent, social groups until her death circa 1962.

Acquisition information:

The material was acquired from the estate of Eleanor Bissell through the courtesy of the Pasadena Art Museum, August 2, 1963.

Arrangement:

The collection is arranged broadly in chronological order.

Rules or conventions:

Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Indexed terms

Subjects:

Family-owned business enterprises -- Connecticut -- Windsor -- 19th century.
Landowners -- Connecticut -- Windsor -- 19th century.
Women college students -- Social life and customs -- 19th century.
Business records -- United States -- 18th century.
Family papers -- United States.
Genealogies -- United States.
Letters (correspondence) -- United States.
Photographs -- United States.
Business records -- United States -- 19th century.
Legal documents -- United States -- 18th century.
Legal documents -- United States -- 19th century.

Restrictions:

Open to qualified researchers by prior application through the Reader Services Department. For more information, contact Reader Services.

Location of this collection:

Huntington Library, Manuscript Collections

1151 Oxford Road

San Marino, CA 91108, US

Contact:

(626) 405-2191

reference@huntington.org

Website