 |
Ogden, Marion G., 1875-1976.Papers, ca. 1890-1970.Milwaukee Manuscript Collection EF, Milwaukee Small Collection 5, and Milwaukee Small Collection 481.8 cubic ft. (4 archives boxes, and 1 small archives box) + 2 folders + 1 folder |
ABSTRACT: Collection documents Ogden's many years as a Milwaukee social
reformer, mainly 1900-1930. The collection's significance is in its coverage of one female
social activist's efforts to cope with the problems of urban youth during the Progressive
era in Wisconsin. Includes Ogden's diary, journal, and record books (1901-1924) which are
filled with her ideas on child welfare reform and much information on Wisconsin's early
treatment of juveniles. Also contains materials on the Farm School, a foster home at Lad
Lake, which Ogden sponsored.
ACCESS RESTRICTIONS: There are no access restrictions on the materials, and the collection is open to all members of the public in accordance with state law. However, the researcher assumes full responsibility for conforming with the laws of libel, privacy, and copyright which may be involved in the use of this collection (Wisconsin Statutes 19.21-19.39).
SCOPE AND CONTENT: A diverse collection of papers document Marion G. Ogden's many
years as a Milwaukee social reformer. The bulk of the papers cover the period 1900-1920,
the three decades when she was most active in the child welfare and juvenile court
movements. Some items of earlier and later dates are scattered throughout several series
of the materials, and it is evident that Miss Ogden retained her interest in the problems
of urban children long after her active participation and leadership in organizations had
diminished. The collection covers the activities, thought, and contributions of one social
activist attempting to cope with the problems of urban youth during the Progressive era in
Wisconsin, and therein lies its major significance. No records of her association with the
Milwaukee County Historical Society are in this collection.
Correspondence includes both incoming (arranged alphabetically, 1907-1970), and outgoing
(arranged chronologically from 1907 to 1967), primarily with other people concerned with
child welfare legislation.
Writings of Miss Ogden's include: addresses and articles on various topics concerning
child welfare; and journals, diaries, and record books, 1901-1924. These are filled with
her ideas on child welfare reform and much information on Wisconsin's early treatment of
juveniles.
The materials on Child Welfare are divided in two parts: 1) papers on general child
welfare activities and philosophies, including addresses, broadsides, clippings,
handbooks, newsletters, pamphlets, and documents of the farm School, a foster home at Lad
Lake, which Miss Ogden sponsored; and 2) papers by or about Milwaukee organizations,
concerned with child welfare and social reform, including reports, a scrapbook and
miscellaneous documents.
Juvenile Court materials include drafts of a Juvenile Court law, 1901-1905; miscellaneous
papers, statistics, and studies; visiting committee reports; and materials on the Juvenile
Court of Denver, Colorado, headed by Miss Ogden's contemporary, Judge Ben B. Lindsey.
Legislative Papers document Miss Ogden's efforts to secure legislation promoting child
welfare. These consist of working papers and drafts of bills from both the Senate and
Assembly, and papers and minutes from the Children's Code Committee and the Legislative
Committee on Child Welfare.
A Chronology of Papers is also included which is Ogden's listing of important dates and papers in the collection.
Milwaukee Small Collection 5 contains reports and notebooks on Child Welfare in Milwaukee, particularly the Milwaukee Children's Betterment League, and five typed Manuscripts by Ogden on early Milwaukee and Delafield, Wisconsin, and on the Ogden family.
Milwaukee Small Collection 48 contains photographs and an essay on the resort hotel Draper Hall, built by Martin T. Draper in 1869 in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin.
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE: Marion G. Ogden, Milwaukee social worker and social activist, has been an influential member of various organizations dedicated to child welfare reform and legislation particularly during the Progressive Era. Granddaughter of John Ogden, who came to Milwaukee from Chicago in 1835, Marion was born to George W. And Elizabeth Ogden on February 20, 1875. She began her education at home, but entered the normal school in the fourth grade. Later she attended East Side High School from which she graduated in 1893. After one year of study at Wells College in Aurora, New York, illness cut short her education, and she remained inactive until 1900 when she answered an advertisement by Mrs. Henry F. Whitcomb seeking someone to visit boys in jail. 1900, therefore, marked the beginning of her career as a social activist. Under the guiding influence of Mrs. Whitcomb, founder and president of the Boys' Busy Life Club (later the Milwaukee Boys' Club), Miss Ogden became not only interested in every manner of boys' problems but also involved in institutions and organizations geared to the broader needs of youth. In the fall of 1900 the Boys' Club decided to work for the founding of a juvenile court through the Wisconsin legislature. The committee formed to coordinate the program consisted of Mrs. Katharine Van Wyck, a prominent Progressive; Mrs. Whitcomb; and Miss Ogden. Through their efforts a juvenile court bill passed the legislature in 1901. That action was followed in the same year by the founding of the Children's Betterment League. Child welfare activities were Miss Ogden's main preoccupation until 1903, when she traveled to Colorado. Upon her return the next year, she participated in the formation of the Central Council of Philanthropies and resumed her role as promoter and leader of programs and legislation to secure improved juvenile justice and social welfare. A progressive reform enthusiast, she founded or was active in numerous organizations that sponsored programs to better the lives of neglected children and youth in the urban environment, particularly in Milwaukee. Correspondence, planning, and meetings connected with these organizations and with her legislative and philanthropic interests dominated her life for many years. She was also one of the three founders of the Milwaukee County Historical Society.
COLLECTION CITATION: This collection should be cited as:
Ogden, Marion G., 1875-1976. Papers, ca. 1890-1970. Milwaukee Manuscript Collection EF, Milwaukee Small Collection 5, and Milwaukee Small Collection 48. Wisconsin Historical Society. Milwaukee Area Research Center. Golda Meir Library. University of Wisconsin--Milwaukee.
ACQUISITION: Presented by Marion G. Ogden of Milwaukee, Wisconsin on February 2, 1975 (accession number M75-106).
PROCESSING: Processed by C. Cummings (FGH Intern) and J. Hohler on October 19, 1976.
MARC RECORD SEARCH TERMS: The following terms were used in the online bibliographic MARC record to this collection:
About the
Archives | General
Information | Subject Listings
| Finding Aids
Genealogy | Upcoming Events | Exhibits | Teaching Resources
Records Management | Other Web Sites | Archives Home Page
©2003 University of Wisconsin--Milwaukee -- All Rights
Reserved.
URL: http://www.uwm.edu/Libraries/arch/findaids/mssef.htm
Last edited on Tuesday, May 13, 2003.
Ask an Archivist