creator:

Catherine J. MacKay

title:

Papers

dates:

1917-1977, n.d.

extent:

1.92 linear feet (1 document box and 1 flat box)

collection number:

RS 12/1/11

repository:

University Archives, Special Collections Department, Iowa State University.

access:

Open for research

publication rights:

Consult Head, Special Collections Department

preferred citation:

Catherine J. Mackay Papers, RS 12/1/11,  Special Collections Department, Iowa State University Library.

Biographical note

Catherine Jane MacKay was born February 24, 1871, in Ontario, Canada.  Dean MacKay’s early education ended at age 16, when her mother died.  At that time, Dean MacKay took on a mothering role for her large family.  MacKay went back to school and received her Master’s degree (1905) from the Drexel Institute in Boston.  After school she went to Minneapolis, Minnesota, to teach to the Young Women’s Christian Association.  She then became supervisor of Domestic Science for the public schools in Winnipeg, Canada.  MacKay came to Iowa State College (University) in 1911, as an assistant to Miss Purmort - who was head of the Domestic Science department at the time.  In 1912, MacKay was named head of Domestic Science.  In 1913, the department was renamed Division of Home Economics, with MacKay named dean - making MacKay the first dean of the Home Economics Department.

Many changes occurred under MacKay’s leadership.  “Practice houses” were put into use, simulating real-life situations for students.  Enrollment and faculty increased greatly, as did the amount of extension work and personnel.

Dean MacKay was a consultant for the New Housekeeping department of the Ladies Home Journal.  She was a member of the Iowa Equal Suffrage Association, Phi Kappa Phi, Theta Sigma Phi, Delta Delta Delta, and Omicron Nu.  Dean MacKay received many honors as well.  In 1916, MacKay was elected president of the American Home Economics Association.  The Drexel Institute gave her an honorary Master’s degree (1917).  She also worked with the United States Food Administration, and was chairperson of the Women’s Committee of the Iowa State Council of Defense.

Dean MacKay died at her brother’s home in Canada in 1921.

Collection description

The collection documents the activities of Catherine J. MacKay as dean of the Division of Home Economics (College of Family and Consumer Science).  The collection contains newsclippings, articles, writings, and certificates.  There is a bound book included that holds the pamphlets Dean MacKay used in her extension work.

Organization

The collection is arranged alphabetically.

Container List