Elizabeth Pafford papers

Collection

Identifier: CA-MS-01158

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Elizabeth Pafford Papers contain correspondence, class notes, films, memorabilia, travel logs, photographs, and poems. The collection is primarily related to Pafford’s years as a Smith student, including a trip she took to Europe in the summer of 1930. There are, however, several letters Pafford received from friends and family after graduation, including several from her Smith roommate Caroline (Cal) Woodhull, and her notes from the 1933 Alumnae College.

Dates of Materials

1926 - 1987

Creator

Pafford, Elizabeth (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for use without restriction beyond the standard terms and conditions of Smith College Special Collections.

Conditions Governing Use

Smith College retains copyright of materials created as part of its business operations; however, copyright in other items in this collection may be held by their respective creators. For reproductions of materials that are governed by fair use as defined under U. S. Copyright Law, no permission to cite or publish is required. For instances which may regard materials in the collection not created by Smith College, researchers are responsible for determining who may hold materials' copyrights and obtaining approval from them. Researchers do not need anything further from Smith College Special Collections to move forward with their use.

Biographical / Historical

Elizabeth Pafford was born in Brooklyn, New York, to Dr. Frederic and Helen Adams Pafford on May 24, 1910. In 1927, Pafford graduated from Packer Collegiate Institute in Brooklyn and entered Smith College. She received her bachelor’s degree from Smith in 1931. On January 5, 1935, she married Robert P. Anderson, a young lawyer. They moved to Noank, Connecticut, where she raised their two sons, Robert and Frederic Anderson, and a foster daughter, Cynthia Lewis Borden. Pafford was active in the Noank community and in her Baptist Church. In the church, Pafford was chairman of the music committee, served on the building committee, was a member of the church choir, and was the church’s deacon, becoming honorary deacon in 1981. Pafford also served on the Board of Trustees of both Connecticut and Mitchell Colleges and for Mystic-Noank Library. She was dedicated to conservation and was active in the Mystic Garden Club and the Pequotsepos Nature Center. She was a member of Connecticut Children’s Aid Society, Special Gifts chairwoman for United Way of Southeastern Connecticut, and a volunteer driver for the Transportation Answering Service. In 1971, Pafford received the Mystic Chamber of Commerce’s 11th Annual Community Service Award. She died in 1987.

Extent

1.333 linear feet (4 containers)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Elizabeth Pafford was a 1930's Smith College graduate and was very active in her Connecticut community. Her collection contains material on her time at Smith, including biographical materials, photographs, correspondence, Travel Logs, and coursework.

Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements

As a preservation measure, researchers must use digital copies of audiovisual materials in this collection. Please consult with Special Collections staff or email specialcollections@smith.edu to request the creation of and access to digital copies.