Elizabeth Wright papers

Collection

Identifier: PP-A02

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection contains materials documenting Elizabeth Caramossi Wright’s contribution to the founding of Connecticut College and her time as the college’s first Bursar. This includes correspondence with James Love, Colin Buell, Katharine Blunt, and other faculty, staff, and benefactors of Connecticut College for Women; paperwork detailing her roles at the college; and articles about her life.

Dates

Creation: 1910-1968
Creation: Majority of material found within 1910-1912

Creator

Wright, Elizabeth C., 1876- (Person)

Restrictions

This collection is open to researchers

Administrative History

Elizabeth Caramossi Wright was born in Harford, Connecticut on November 14, 1876. She attended Hartford Public High School from 1890-1894, and went on to attend college at Wesleyan University. After graduating from Wesleyan in 1897, Wright became the Assistant Principal at Portland High School in Connecticut from 1898-1899, and then taught at Hartford Public High School from 1899-1913. In 1909, Wesleyan closed its doors to women, leaving Connecticut women with no option for a liberal arts education. In response, Wright and the Hartford College Club, a society for college-educated women, started a campaign for the creation of a women’s college in Connecticut. In 1910, she joined efforts with Colin Buell, principal of the Williams Memorial Institute in New London, Connecticut. Together they worked to secure funding for the school, with Wright serving as the Chairperson of the founding committee on Connecticut College.

On October 9, 1915, the Connecticut College for Women officially opened. Wright held a number of administrative positions in the early days of the college, serving as Secretary and Registrar until 1918. In 1915, Wright became the College’s first bursar, and served with her sister Mary Wright as the Assistant Bursar until 1943. Wright also held the position on Assistant Treasurer from 1928-1943. Upon her retirement Wright was conferred the title of Bursar Emeritus. Elizabeth Wright died on February 15, 1963.

References:

October 1943 Biographical packet, Folder 4, Box 2, Elizabeth Wright Papers. Linda Lear Center for Special Collections and Archives, Connecticut College.

Mathers, Paul P. "Eighth Sister No More" The Origins and Evolution of Connecticut College. New York, NY: Peter Lang, 2011.

Noyes, Gertrude E. A History of Connecticut College. New London, CT: Connecticut College, 1982.

Extent

0.625 Linear Feet (1 1/2 boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

This collection contains correspondence, paperwork, and articles documenting Elizabeth Caramossi Wright’s role in the founding of Connecticut College and her time as the college’s first Bursar.

Arrangement

Organized chronologically in three series:

Series 1: Correspondence regarding the Planning and Founding of Connecticut College for Women 1910 – 1918 (with gaps)

Series 2: Bursar Correspondence 1930 – 1944 (with gaps)

Series 3: Biographical Materials 1911 – 1968 (with gaps)

Acquisitions Information

Presumed donation by Elizabeth Wright; possibly collected by Gertrude E. Noyes in preparation for her book, A History of Connecticut College. A note in the Personal and College Correspondence folder states, "Miss Wright and others have been given honorary degrees, but Mrs. Williams thinks more recognition should be accorded. It was suggested that this historic material be collected and handed to the Public Relations Department to be used in some appropriate way" - Note from Trustees Meeting, May 1949 (There is no list of what was collected).