Moina Belle Michael papers, 1918-1940

Summary

Creator:
Michael, Moina Belle, 1869-1944
Date:
1918-1940
Extent:
0.5 Linear Feet 1 box
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

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

Background

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.

Biographical / historical:

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.

Access and use restrictions

Preferred citation:

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