The Eva Dutcher collection, 1908, 2018, and undated, consisted originally of both two-dimensional and three-dimensional pieces focused on her teaching career throughout Michigan. The two dimensional pieces in the Dutcher collection comprise personal letters, commencement materials, biographical materials, yearbook photographs, family photographs, personal notes and examples. The materials are arranged in alphabetical order. A great amount of the collections photographs consist of class photographs in which Eva Dutcher was a student, specifically the Chippewa pages from Central Michigan Normal School (1921), later Central Michigan College of Education (1950-1951), now Central Michigan University (CMU). A considerable portion of the collection is detailed drawings from 1920 to 1923, and class notes which express Eva Dutcher’s creativity. The collection includes seven wooden, created and used for teaching purposes by Eva Dutcher.
Throughout the years of 1920-1923, Eva Langworthy’s creativity was constantly recognized from her class notes. Langworthy’s creativity with manual arts was so precise that every example had exact length to width measurements. The examples constructed by Langworthy are very diverse as they differed from class subject and involve plant structure, sewing or knitting clothes, and animal anatomy. Langworthy’s CMU classes which are documented in her notes include:
-Memory Gems (ethics class) contains sixty-two inspirational and educational life quotes, August 2, 1921. -Sewing class, taught by Miss Hand. Contains detailed drawings of various sewing patterns, authentic sewing materials and list of cost of materials. June 26, 1923. -Botany (biology class) taught by Mrs. Ferris and Miss Balkey. Contains thorough drawings of plant structure. June 27 -August 1, 1923. - Nature study class, taught by Miss Woldt. Contains a nature study researched by Langworthy April 1 -June 17, 1920. -Agriculture, taught by M.A. Cobb. Contains pictures and examples of animals and tools used in agriculture. April 14th-July 29, 1920. -Elements of Music (music class) taught by Miss Craw. Contains many drawing of detailed music notes and symbols. February 12, 1921. -Manual Arts, contains Langworthy’s most descriptive and creative drawings. Winter, 1921.
All materials presented in the Dutcher collection are relevant to researchers seeking CMU student and teaching history primary sources.
Processing Note: The collection contains two flags that are undated, and were transferred to the CMU Museum. Seven wooden educational toys created by Eva when a CMNS student formed drawings in her Manual Arts were transferred to the CMU Museum. Twelve items were separately cataloged. A small number of duplicates, newspaper clippings, and reference materials were returned to the donor as per the donor agreement.
