Collection ID: 2014-1

Collection context

Summary

Creator:
Kolb, Mary Ellen Rathbun
Abstract:
Two oral history interviews with Mary Ellen Rathbun Kolb.
Extent:
2.00 wav_files
Language:
English .

Background

Scope and Content:

Mary Ellen Rathbun Kolb '46, from Hoosick Falls, New York describes her college experience as one of the first female students admitted to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. The first interview proceeds chronologically, beginning with Mary's early school days. She describes her typical childhood experiences and interest in science, and her experience being at Bradford Junior College in Haverhill, Massachusetts. The interview continues with Mary's descriptions of typical college antics at RPI, places she lived such as Russell Sage college in downtown Troy, and the atmosphere of campus during World War II.

The second interview focuses on commencement and beyond. Mary describes more of her college experience and some of the work she did after college. The interviewers share several images with Mary, prompting further discussion.

Transcript: Part I

Transcript: Part II

For a list of sources regarding RPI's campus from 1939-1946 please see: Reference Timeline

Biographical / Historical:

Note written by Jenifer Monger

Acquisition information:

Institute Archives and Special Collections Department staff

Interviews were conducted with Mary Ellen Rathbun Kolb, RPI Class of 1946, on behalf of the Institute Archives and Special Collections Department, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York. They took place on Saturday, November 23, 2013 and January 6, 2014 at Atria Shaker Assisted Living Center in Albany, New York. The interviewers were Assistant Institute Archivist Jenifer Monger, and Automation Archivist Tammy Gobert. Also present was Mary's son, John Kolb, RPI Class of 1979 during the first interview, and Mary's daughter, Mary Jane Kolb Stanley Class of 1969 during the second interview.

Processing information:

Included with the audio recordings are research notes and materials acquired by Archives staff as background reference prior to the interviews.

Accruals:

Second interview conducted and acquired 01/6/2014.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access

TERMS OF ACCESS:

These transcipts are hereby made available for research purposes only. All literary rights, including the right to publication, are reserved to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. No part of the interviews may be quoted for publication without the written permission of the Institute Archives and Special Collections of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York.

LOCATION OF THIS COLLECTION:
Folsom Library
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
110 Eighth St
Troy, NY 12180, United States
CONTACT:
518-276-8340