Cultural Exchange Project: [Schools of] Mito, Japan with Central School, Greensboro, NC, PC.2024
Abstract
It appears that these papers are the result of a cultural exchange after the close of World War II among a school identified as Central School, Greensboro, N.C. (the now defunct Central Junior High School), and two Japanese schools, Mito Second High School and Daini Senior High School, Mito, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. One postcard identifies a librarian at Central School, Miss Mary Robert Seawell (1905-1980), who may have had major responsibility for this exchange.
Descriptive Summary
- Title
- Cultural Exchange Project: [Schools of] Mito, Japan with Central School, Greensboro, NC
- Call Number
- PC.2024
- Creator
- Mary Robert Seawell
- Date
- 1939-1946
- Language
- English Japanese
- Repository
- State Archives of North Carolina
Collection Overview
This collection, circa 1939-1946, contains two albums, one with narrative and photographs
of girls in classes, cultural and school activities, and one with post cards including
Japanese scenes and landmarks; two hand written and illustrated manuscript story books;
artwork, and other material indicating a cultural exchange between the schools.
It appears that the Parent-Teacher Association (P.T.A.) of Central School was a sponsor
of the exchange and sent books to the Japanese schools. The year probably is 1946,
but could be as early as the late 1930s. Of particular interest is the album with
photographs and narrative as it documents girl students in classes and school events,
such as plays and sports, and traditional Japanese activities such as flower arrangement
in interior decoration, apparently in the aftermath of World War II. Additionally,
there are two manuscript books depicting Japanese folk legends, handwritten in English
and with illustrations apparently painted in watercolors.
Additionally, there is one post card dated 12 April 1939 mailed from Stone Mountain,
Georgia to Miss Mary Robert Seawell, living in Greensboro. Miss Seawell was a graduate
of Meredith College, and a teacher and librarian. It appears that Miss Seawell was
probably instrumental in the cultural exchange and in maintaining the papers from
these Japanese school that survive from this exchange, apparently not long after the
close of World War II.
Arrangement Note
Arranged by type of material.
Contents of the Collection
Subject Headings
Acquisitions Information
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