Abstract:  Helen Laura Ruth was a teacher at Leland University in New Orleans, La., a private institution of higher learning for African Americans founded in 1870. It closed in 1915; was re-named Leland College and re-opened in Baker, La., in 1923; and finally closed in 1960. The collection includes two scrapbooks of Helen Laura Ruth and a student essay. The 1913 scrapbook contains photographs of Ruth’s family and Leland students, some taken on the Leland University campus, and pictures, postcards, and brochures relating to her travels to Washington, D.C.; around New Orleans; Altlanta, Ga.; and other locations. Most of the scrapbook items have diary-like annotations. The 1940 scrapbook documents travel with friend Jenny Feiser around the western half of the United States, including Los Angeles, Calif.; Portland, Ore.; and Seattle, Wash. The undated and unascribed essay, “School in the Year 2000,” appears to have been written by a Leland student.

Repository: Southern Historical Collection