Helen Collar Papers, 1907, 1996
5 cubic feet (in 8 boxes)
This is a well-documented research collection of Beaver Island history, concentrating on the Irish Catholics and, secondarily the Strangite Mormons, who settled there, as well as other aspects of Beaver Island history. It is divided simply by format into two series: Papers and Notecards. Topical materials (in folders) within the Papers and the topics of the Notecards are in alphabetical order.
The Papers, 1907-1996 (Scattered), and undated, consist mainly of Helen’s research notes and drafts of manuscripts, as well as collected reference materials and photographs, for her Irish Book, and papers or speeches on various aspects of Beaver Island area history, including: land [property], Native Americans, Irish, Strangite Mormons, fishing, boats, statistics, culture, and genealogy.
There are a few manuscript drafts, typed papers, and research notes on Crinoids (fossils) and the Sugar Creek of Montgomery County, Indiana.
Also included are Biographical Materials, 1990, 1996-1997, and undated (1 folder), which includes Photographs of Helen. There is Correspondence from various people asking Helen to do genealogical research for them or answer genealogy questions, and/or supplying her with genealogical information and other materials for her research (6 folders). There is also Correspondence, 1969-1974, regarding manuscripts she submitted to journals for publication (1 folder).
The 5”x8” Notecards (3 boxes) document her research on the following topics: Beaver Island Vital Statistics, Ireland, Emigration/ “Trip Over”; Beaver Island History; Boats/Fishing; [data from] the Michigan Census, 1850-1910; and Mormons. The Notecards are in the process of being transcribed by a Central Michigan University professor.
A map of Beaver Island and a book about Arranmore (Ireland), which were part of Helen Collar’s reference materials, were cataloged separately.