Theodora Sarah Orne Jewett (1849-1909) was born in the small town of South Berwick, Maine, near the New Hampshire border. Many of Jewett’s works take place in the area and derive their importance from her careful descriptions of local color. In 1901 she became the first female recipient of an honorary degree in literature from Bowdoin College. She died at the age of 59 in her birthplace of South Berwick. Jewett’s works include: Mr. Bruce, Deephaven, A Country Doctor, A White Heron, Country of the Pointed Firs, The Dulham Ladies, and The Tory Lover.
The September 1959 issue of the Colby Library Quarterly features articles on Jewett’s life and work, marking the 50th anniversary of her death.
Additional work consulted:
“Theodora Sarah Orne Jewett.” American National Biography Online. Web. 19 March 2015.
COLLECTION DETAILS
We have letters by and about Jewett, holograph manuscripts, periodicals containing her short stories, and books.
A finding aid and descriptive information for the Jewett Collection is available online.
HIGHLIGHTED DONORS FOR THIS COLLECTION
Colby Library Associates – primary donor
H Bacon Collamore – primary donor
Patrick Ferry – primary donor
Rosamond Thaxter – primary donor