Marion M. MacDonald: Papers, 1919-1995 | MSS 97.2

Historical Sketch:

            Marion Margaret MacDonald was born January 1, 1895. She was the daughter of James and Wilhelmina (Veazle) MacDonald of Mattapan. In 1917, MacDonald graduated from Roxbury High School and entered the House Hold Arts Department of Framingham State Normal School. While at FSNS, MacDonald participated in the Lend-A-Hand Club, the Fine Arts Club, and the YWCA. She also took part in the Middle-Junior play, “The Piper,” and attended the Summer Canning School. After her graduation in 1919, MacDonald sought a graduate degree in chemistry from Boston University, where she graduated from in in 1924.

            MacDonald’s professional career spanned over forty years. Her first job was as an instructor at the Walter E. Fernald School. Afterwards, she became a dietician and instructor at the Infant’s Hospital in Boston. She returned briefly to FSNS as Head Dietician and instructor, then taught for eight years at Keene State Teachers’ College in Keene, New Hampshire. MacDonald returned to Framingham as Assistant Professor in 1948 and remained an active faculty member until her retirement in 1965. After her retirement, she lectured both the graduate and undergraduate schools of Simmons College until age seventy-five.

            In addition to her teaching duties, MacDonald worked tirelessly for her alma mater and various professional associations. At FSC she was an active member of the building committees for O’Connor and Hememway Halls. She also organized the Alumni Club of Southern New Hampshire. Her activities as charter member of the Massachusetts Dietetic Association as well as her work for the “Massachusetts and Eastern Massachusetts Association of Home Economics,” “New Hampshire Home Economic Association,” and “American Association of University Women” earned her grateful praise during her lifetime. MacDonald also volunteered at the China Trade Museum in Milton until that museum moved to Salem.

            Macdonald was a resident of Milton and Mattapan prior to her confinement to the Rise-Eventide Home in Quincy. After a brief illness, MacDonald died March 15, 1997 at the age of 102.

 

Scope and Content:

            The records of Marion MacDonald contain an annotated copy of Dial (FSNS yearbook), class of 1919 Fiftieth Reunion booklet, commencement program, received letters, and framed certificates. These items reflect MacDonald’s long and highly productive life.

 

Provenance: Gift of Dr. Constance Jordan, executor of MacDonald’s estate, May 1997

Amount: 1 carton (1.25 linear feet)

Container List:

1)      1919 Dial, annotated

2)      Class of 1919 Fiftieth Reunion booklet, 1969

3)      FSC commencement program, 1991

4)      Letters recognizing MacDonald’s 100th birthday, January 1, 1995. Sent from President Clinton (2 items); Senator Edward M. Kennedy; Mayor of Quincy, MA, James A Sheets; The Commonwealth of Massachusetts; and Massachusetts State Representative A. Stephen Tobin.

5)      FSC Alumni Association Recognition Award, June 1, 1968

6)      FSC Alumni Association Half-Century Recognition, June 1, 1969

7)      FSC Assistant Professor Emerita Certificate, December 14, 1982

8)      American Home Economics Association Fifty Year Membership, June 26, 1975.