Moina Michael papers

Descriptive Summary
Title: Moina Michael papers
Creator: Michael, Moina Belle, 1869-1944
Inclusive Dates: 1900-1965
Language(s): English
Extent: 1.25 Linear Feet 2 boxes, 1 oversized folder
Collection Number: ms4189
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

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.

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Administrative Information

Preferred Citation

Moina Michael papers, ms4189, Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, The University of Georgia Libraries.

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Related Materials and Subjects

Subject Terms

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Series Descriptions and Folder Listing

 

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folder

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1

1

Letters from Moina Michael, 1927-1944

 

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1

Letters to Moina Michael, 1928-1943

 

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2

"Toast to her Boys" written by Moina Michael, undated

 

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2

Handwritten list of books and a typed poem to Ernest Hartsook, 1931 January 14

 

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3

Contract between Moina Michael and Dorrance & Company Inc. of Philadelphia, 1940 March 7

 

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4

Invitations and pamphlets, 1933-1965

 

1

5

Photographs, 1900-1969

 

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6

Newspaper clippings, 1930-1966

 

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7

Moina Michael stamps from first day of issue, 1948 November 9

 

1

8

Print of "In Flanders Fields" and "We Shall Keep the Faith" signed by Moina Michael with Georgia State Citation making Moina Michael a "distinguished citizen of Georgia", 1937 November

 

box

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2

Scrapbooks

 

oversized_folder

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1

Design of Moina Michael's birthplace marker in Good Hope, Georgia

 

1

"Torch and Poppy" flag designed by Lee Keedick, undated

 

1

Print featuring poems by Colonel John McCrae and Moina Michael, photo of Moina Michael, and paper poppy; signed by Moina Michael, 1939 November 11

 

1

Print of Colonal John McCrae's "In Flanders Fields", undated

 

box

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3

Jewelry - One brooch and one lapel pin