Fonds PL191 - Kate and Elliott Merrick fonds

Title and statement of responsibility area

Title proper

Kate and Elliott Merrick fonds

General material designation

  • Textual record

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  • Source of title proper: Title based on contents of collection.

Level of description

Fonds

Reference code

CA NL0051 PL191

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Issuing jurisdiction and denomination (philatelic)

Dates of creation area

Date(s)

  • 1982, 1986, 1987 (Creation)
    Creator
    Kate and Elliott Merrick

Physical description area

Physical description

2.0cm textual records.

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Archival description area

Name of creator

(1982, 1986, 1987)

Biographical history

Kate (Austin) and Elliott Merrick, Kate: (1895-1989), Elliott: (1905-1997). Kate Austin, originally from Australia, worked in Labrador as a nurse in the 1920s and 1930s. World War one influenced her decision to become a nurse, as it was an ideal occupation for travel and adventure. After being trained as a nurse, Kate left her family to work in France and later left France for Labrador in search of a more rugged experience. Elliott was the author of "Northern Nurse", a collaboration between husband and wife depicting Nurse Kate's experience in Labrador, as well as 7 other books and countless additional stories in magazines. Elliott was born into an affluent family in Montclair, New Jersey on May 11th, 1905. He worked with his father's firm, The National Lead Company for almost a year before travelling to Labrador as a volunteer with the Grenfell Mission. Following his time as a WOP (worker without pay) he stayed in Labrador as a school teacher in North West River where he met and courted Kate Austin. After the couple had been married and were expecting their first of three children they moved to New Jersey and later to a farm in Vermont, where the book "Northern Nurse" took shape. Kate died in 1989 at age 94 and Elliott died in 1997.

Custodial history

Scope and content

Collection consists of correspondence from Kate Merrick to THEM DAYS (1982); article by Elliott Merrick as appeared in THEM DAYS Vol. 9.4 entitled "The Kyle comes to Indian Harbour" (1984); newspaper articles from THE DAILY NEWS entitled: "Kate's Unforgettable Christmas" (1982); article from the NATIONAL FISHERMAN'S YEARBOOK 1982 entitled "Indian Harbour Vigil" (1982); article from NEWFOUNDLAND SHOWCASE (THE DAILY NEWS) entitled "Forgotten Nurse of Labrador" (1982); correpondence between Elliott Merrick and THEM DAYS concerning Merrick's manuscript entitled "War Comes to Hamilton Inlet" (1986-1987); Elliott Merrick's manuscript "War Comes to Hamilton Inlet"; copy of newspaper article from INTELLIGENCE REPORT entitled "Years Do Not Dim Memory of Attack" (1986). The material covers the years 1929-1945, 1982, 1986 & 1987.

Notes area

Physical condition

Immediate source of acquisition

Donated by Kate and Elliott Merrick in 1982 (191/1), 1986-1987 (191/2).

Arrangement

Language of material

  • English

Script of material

    Location of originals

    Some originals and some photocopies of originals stored at THEM DAYS.

    Availability of other formats

    Restrictions on access

    No restrictions.

    Terms governing use, reproduction, and publication

    Much material in THEM DAYS Archives has copyright protection. Researchers must obtain permission from copyright holders before publication in any form.

    Finding aids

    File lists and subject indexes are available.

    Associated materials

    THEM DAYS Vol 22.4 and other publications; LIBRARY.

    Related materials

    Accruals

    No further accruals are expected.

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