Fonds
Helen Richmond Young Reid (1870-1941) was born in Montréal and educated at the High School for Girls. Together with Rosalie McLea, she approached J.W. Dawson (Principal of McGill) in 1884 to present the case for admission of women to McGill. She graduated as valedictorian of her class of "Donaldas" in 1889 with first class honors in modern languages. After a period of study in Switzerland and Germany, she returned to Montréal to undertake work in her two major fields of interests, civic responsibility and internationalism. She founded and directed a number of charitable or educational organizations, served on government committees and published in the fields of social welfare, public health and immigration. She also translated and wrote poetry. Reid traveled widely, and enjoyed a circle of friends from many countries, particularly India. Her work was recognized by a C.B.E. in 1937, and by numerous other awards and honors.
(Source: Guide to Archival Resources at McGill University: Private Papers at McGill University. McGill University Archives. 1985. Vol. 3, p. 285.)
Scope and Content
These personal papers consist of an album of calling cards, poems, sketches, and correspondence, including letters from Charles G. D. Roberts and Louis Frechette, dating from 1885 to ca. 1900; also included are typescripts of two of her poems, "Contemplation" and "My Prayer Star" and an autograph book, 1927-1934, which contains poems and messages, many from her indigenous friends.
(Source: Guide to Archival Resources at McGill University: Private Papers at McGill University. McGill University Archives. 1985. Vol. 3, p. 285.)
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This project is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Azrieli Foundation and Canadian Heritage.