Moina Michael papers, 1900-1965
Collection context
Summary
- Creator:
- Michael, Moina Belle, 1869-1944
- Date:
- 1900-1965
- Extent:
- 1.25 Linear Feet 2 boxes, 1 oversized folder
- Language:
- English
- Preferred citation:
-
Moina Michael papers, ms4189, Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, The University of Georgia Libraries.
Background
- Scope and content:
-
Collection consists of papers related and belonging to Moina Michael. Correspondence includes letters to family and communication with the University of Georgia, including a letter from president Harmon Caldwell declaring her a University emeritus. Also includes poetry and notes written by Moina Michael and photographs featuring Moina Michael and other members of the Michael family.
- 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.
Indexed terms
- Subjects:
- World War, 1914-1918.
Poppies.
Poetry -- Georgia. - Places:
- Monroe (Ga.) -- History.
Access and use restrictions
- Preferred citation:
-
Moina Michael papers, ms4189, Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, The University of Georgia Libraries.