Percival and Margaret Perry Papers
Dr. Percival Perry (1916-2005) served as a Professor of History and Dean of the Summer Session at Wake Forest University. Margaret Ruthven Perry (1921-2010), his wife, served as Wake Forest University's first female registrar. This collection includes articles and essays written by Percival Perry, as well as correspondence, teaching materials, and a small number of photographs. Also included are some of his students' work, such as journals and papers. The collection includes professional materials from Margaret Perry and personal correspondence between the Perrys during the 1940s.
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Summary Information
- Repository
- Z. Smith Reynolds Library Special Collections and Archives
- Title
- Percival and Margaret Perry Papers
- Date
- circa 1939-1986
- Extent
- 2.94 linear feet / 6 document boxes, 1 legal half-document box, 1 half-document box
- ID
- MS661
Biographical and Historical Note
Percival Perry was born in 1916. He earned his B.A. from Wake Forest University, his M.A. from Rutgers University, and his Ph.D. from Duke University. Percival served as Professor of History, Head of the History Department, and Dean of the Summer Session at Wake Forest University. Perry was also a member of the International Council of Phi Alpha Theta, honor society in history, and from 1971-1981 served as News Editor of "The Historian," the journal of Phi Alpha Theta. He wrote numerous essays and articles, such as his "History of Wake Forest University" (1974). Perry served in the Third Army, XII Corps during World War Two. Percival died in 2005.
Margaret Ruthven Perry was born in 1921. Margaret began college at Winthrop College and graduated from the University of South Carolina. She served as the first female registrar at Wake Forest University and implemented the first computerized registration system at the University. She was a member and president of the Southern Association of Registrars and Admissions Officers, as well as many other professional organizations. She was also involved in the College Club for women, which was later renamed University Club. Margaret died in 2010.
Sources:
- "Dr. Percival Perry," Find a Grave, 2011 March. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/35328751/percival-perry
- "Margaret Perry Obituary," The Daily Reflector, 2010 September 9. Accessed at http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/reflector/obituary.aspx?n=margaret-ruthven-perry&pid=145194941
Collection Overview
This collection's contents spans from 1939 to 1986. It contains writings from Percival Perry, such as articles, essays, and personal correspondence; presentations and information pertaining to conferences and events that he spoke at; teaching materials such as examination questions; and student works such as journals and papers. Moreover, there are various materials relating to Wake Forest University during the time in which Perry taught, including information regarding the school's transition from a college to a university and the development of the History department. Two notebooks from Percival's younger brother, Jeremiah Buchanan (J.B.) Perry, during his time as a student, are also present.
The collection features speeches written by Margaret Perry, along with College Club (later known as University Club) materials. Materials from before their arrival at the University include personal correspondence from the 1940s between the Perrys, various newspaper clippings, and military paraphernalia from Percival's service in World War Two.
Collection Arrangement
The collection is arranged into three series: Series 1. Margaret Perry materials; Series 2. Percival Perry materials; and Series 3. Wartime materials. Series 2. Percival Perry materials, is split into 5 subseries: Subseries A. Biographical materials; Subseries B. Correspondence and writings; Subseries C. Presentations and conferences; Subseries D. Teaching and course work; and Subseries E. Wake Forest College/University.
Administrative Information
- Publication Information
- Finding aid prepared by Processed by Kristin Weisse, 2014
- Revision Description
- Revised by Anna Hathcock, 2018 May
- Conditions Governing Access
- Collection is open to researchers.
- Copyright Notice
- The nature of the WFU Z.Smith Reynolds Library Special Collections and Archives means that copyright or other information about restrictions may be difficult or even impossible to determine despite reasonable efforts. The Archives and Special Collections of ZSR Library claims only physical ownership of most materials. The materials from our collections are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study, pursuant to the U.S. Copyright Law. The user must assume full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials. Any materials used for academic research or otherwise should be fully credited with the source.
- Preferred Citation
- Percival and Margaret Perry Papers (MS 661), Z. Smith Reynolds Library Special Collections and Archives, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.