Moina Belle Michael papers

Descriptive Summary
Title: Moina Belle Michael papers
Creator: Michael, Moina Belle, 1869-1944
Inclusive Dates: 1918-1940
Language(s): English
Extent: 0.5 Linear Feet 1 box
Collection Number: ms3137
Repository: Hargrett Library

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Collection Description

Historical Note

After World War I, Moina Michael pursued the idea of selling silk poppies as a means for raising funds to assist disabled veterans. In 1921, her efforts results in the poppy being adopted as a symbol of remembrance for war veterans by the American Legion Auxiliary. She retired from the University of Georgia in 1934 and published an autobiography in 1941, The Miracle Flower: The Story of the Flanders Fields Memorial Poppy. In 1944, a Liberty ship constructed in Georgia was named the SS Moina Michael in her honor. In 1948, the U.S. Postal Service issued a commemorative stamp in her honor and in 1969 the Georgia General Assembly named a section of U.S. Highway 78 the Moina Michael Highway.

Scope and Content

The collection consists of correspondence, booklets, and news clippings regarding the establishment of the poppy as a memorial flower. Some correspondents include Mary B. Poppenheim, Mde. E. Guerin of the American & French Child's League, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, and Charles M. Gallienne, Jr. Also included is a page of the 1948 Moina Michael stamp and a typescript titled The Miracle Flower.

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Administrative Information

Preferred Citation

Moina Belle Michael papers, ms3137, Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, The University of Georgia Libraries.

Finding Aid Publication

Finding aid prepared on: 2019.

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Related Materials and Subjects

Subject Terms

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Series Descriptions and Folder Listing

 

box

folder

Request box

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Papers, 1918

Bethel Woman's College; Notes on poppy day letters and publicity; Roster of Members of the 25 th Conference of Overseas War Work Secretaries of the YMCA; Roster of Members of the 28 th Conference of Overseas War Work Secretaries of the YMCA; ALS John Jury to Moina; Typed copy Moina to Hon Charles Brand; TLS Charles Brand to Moina; Typed copy of agreement between Moina & Otho L Ferris & Lee Keedick; ALS John C Elder to Moina Check on Bank of Monroe to Elder

 

1	2	Papers, 1919
		Newsclips; Card with torch and poppy signed by Moina; TLS Moina to Effie Polk; TLS Moina to Mrs Chas A Bruce; TL Edward A Filene to Moina; TLS Moina to Mrs W B Rhodes; TLS L H Marlin to Moina; TLS J W Beeson to Moina-glued on verso is-; TLS Nannie B Edwards to Moina; TLS [G] B Dixon to Moina & on verso is Newsclip of; TLS Emily Douglass to Moina; Newsclip; TLS Mrs G A Mahan to Moina; TLS H M Gage to Moina; State Normal School program; Guests were old soldiers & sailors of world war; Newsclip regarding memorial service at University Chapel; TLS Mary B Poppenheim UDC to Moina

 

1	3	Papers, 1920-1925
		Newsclip on Legion's Stand on Union Labor; Isabella Mack to Moina, regarding American & French Child's League; "Le Semeur", article by Mde E Guerin on the League; Typed copy of article by Mde E Guerin on the League; Lemuel Bolles, American Legion to Moina; Copy of typed letter from E Guerin to Moina; Clipping from Herst's American newspaper; TLS Chas M Gallienne Jr to Moina, and copy of his Resolution

 

1	4	Papers, 1931-1941
		Typed resolution, L L Hargrove, Disabled American Vets of World War, awarding Moina the Woodrow Wilson Foundation Award; Typed copy Tramwell Scott to Moina of following; Typed copy of American Legion directive; TLS Lee Keedick regarding fist poppy sale; Copy of TLS Moina to Mme E Guerin and Mme J Boulle; TLS E A Guerin to Moina

 

1	5	Stamps, 1948
		Issue of 50 stamps, 3 cents, with Moina's picture and poppy in presentation folder from Auxiliary, Allen R Fleming Jr Post No 20, American Legion

 

1	6	Papers, undated
		Business cards and notes; Service Star Legion information

 

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Moina's The Miracle Flower typescript, 1940