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Margaret Stephens Jochem Papers

Collection 297

Jochem, Margaret Stephens (1912–2007). Papers, 1884–1999

1 foot, 8 inches

Margaret Stephens Jochem was born to Edwin Lewis and Beverly Randolph Stephens on August 26, 1912 in Lafayette, LA. Her father served as the first President of the Southwestern Louisiana Industrial Institute, now the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. She was raised in the President’s residence on campus, and graduated from SLI in 1932. She went on to receive a Master’s degree from George Peabody College in Nashville, TN in 1937. After a brief time as an English instructor at Louisiana State University, she married Frederick Jochem in 1940. She gave birth to a son in 1946 before her husband was relocated to Rangoon, Burma, where they lived until 1948. After moving to Alexandria, Virginia, she taught in various capacities until her retirement in 1977.

The Margaret Stephens Jochem Papers reflect the life of the first President’s daughter. The collection includes photographs, newspaper articles, and works of the Stephens’, such as numerous writings of President Stephens and Mrs. Jochem’s thesis on SLI and her “Life Story of Edwin Lewis Stephens”. The collection also includes President Stephens’s alphabetized personal correspondence during his last year in office. Finally, the collection documents the Live Oak Society through newspaper articles and Live Oak Society papers.

The collection is organized into series pertaining to key subjects: Margaret Stephens Jochem, Edwin Lewis Stephens, Southwestern Louisiana Institute/University of Southwestern Louisiana, and the Live Oak Society.

Molly Jochem, the granddaughter of Margaret Stephens Jochem, donated the collection.

See also:Collection 56 - Live Oak Society Records

Series:

I. Margaret Stephens Jochem  
  A. Personal/Biographical 1-01 through 1-07
  B. Correspondence 1-08 through 1-09
  C. Newspaper Articles and Photographs 1-10 through 1-12
  D. Publications and Books 1-13; Box 2
II. Edwin Lewis Stephens  
  A. Personal/Biographical 3-01 through 3-03
  B. Correspondence 3-04 through 4-01
  C. Newspaper Articles and Photographs 4-02
  D. Publications 4-03
III. Southwestern Louisiana Institute/University of Southwestern Louisiana
  A. Newspaper Articles and Photographs 4-04 through 4-05
  B. Miscellaneous 4-06
IV. Live Oaks  
  A. Newspaper Articles and Photographs 4-07
  B. Live Oak Society 4-08

Inventory:

I. Margaret Stephens Jochem
  A. Personal/Biographical
     
1-01 1916 - 1921
    Better Babies Certificate of Examination, Oct. 9, 1916
    Marjorie Stephens Composition Book Nov. 1919
    Mt. Carmel Academy language book 1920
    Mt. Carmel Academy book 1921
    Mt. Carmel Academy book 1923 or 1924
    Mt. Carmel Academy Certificate of Promotion June 15, 1921
     
1-02 1927 - 1932
    Charcoal portrait, Dec. 1927
    Poem by Mrs. J.C. Pearce
    Southern Louisiana Institute commencement invitation May 1932
    SLI diploma May 30, 1932
     
1-03 1937
    Nashville Kiwanis Club speech “Talks of the State Presidents of the Student Body at Peabody College,” Aug 6, 1937
    George Peabody College Commencement program Aug. 20, 1937
    Peabody College diploma, August 20, 1937
     
1-04 Articles on Edwin Lewis Stephens
    “Life Story of ELS” 1937
    Memo with correction notes for “Life Story” from ELS
    Rough copies of “Life Story” (4?) (some partial copies)
    Incomplete later copy of “Life Story of ELS” (with note from MLS), 1 Aug 1955
    “The Life Story of Edwin Lewis Stephens” as Told to Margaret Stephens.
     
1-05 1940 - 1951
    2 Wedding invitations for Marjorie’s wedding, April 22, 1940
    Pamphlet by Joel L. Fletcher May 8, 1947
    Phi Kappa Phi certificate May 23, 1951
     
1-06 1982
    Recognition speech of class of 1932 given at USL 1982 commencement
    Class of 1932 roster and updates (2 copies)
    1982 commencement program
    USL Golden Anniversary Diploma presented May 16, 1982
     
1-06.1 Honorary Alum diploma, New School of Design Sept. 4, 1991
     
1-07 1999
    Folder with planning emails and arrangements for Centennial Celebration, 1999
     
I. Margaret Stephens Jochem
  B. Correspondence
     
1-08 Margaret Stephens Jochem: May 26, 1932- September 20, 2004
     
1-09 Mrs. Frederick Hard (Beverly Stephens Hard): January 24, 1945- April 3, 1975
     
I. Margaret Stephens Jochem
  C. Newspaper Articles and Photographs
     
1-10 Newspaper Articles
    The Nashville Tennessean Aug 21, 1937: photograph, Margaret Stephens recipient of Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award at Peabody College
    Daily Advertiser May 7, 1940: Marriage announcement to Frederick Jochem
    The Vermilion July 28, 1961: “Stephens Heir Plans History,” writing History of Southwestern 1937-1961
    Daily Advertiser May 14, 1991: article and photo of Robert Gilmore, friend
    Lafayette Advertiser Dec. 9, 1995: photo, early 1920s Mt. Carmel Convent class
    Lafayette Advertiser Dec. 11, 1995: photo, early 1920s Mt Carmel Convent certificate winners, Margaret in photo
    The Times Sept. 15, 1999: “The 3rd Degree,” photo and interview of 86 year-old Margaret
     
1-11 Photographs
    4 unidentified photos
    8x10 Class of ’32,1982
    3 5x7s of Marjorie in Lafayette Centennial Costume 1923; 1 clipping of photo
    2 photos of flowers; display in President’s home, gardens
    Queen of Camellia and Crown Bearer Stephanie & Elizabeth Durand Jan. 17, 1936
    Photo Album from Majorie’s childhood and teens
    3 photos of Marjorie with Richard Kirk, author of Short Measures
     
1-12 Photographs
  2 4x6s recent pictures of the Old Guaranty Bank
  Lafayette postcard photos
     
I. Margaret Stephens Jochem
  D. Publications and Books
     
1-13 SLI Alumni News Sept. 1946-photo of Marjorie’s son p. 26-27
  SLI: A Self Study 1958-1959 - much marginalia, notes; history of SLI
  La Louisiane Fall 1992 - article on Caro Stephens Harris (sister)
     
Box 2 The Caduceus of Kappa Sigma. April 1938. includes article “Dr. Stephens Built a College”
  The Caduceus of Kappa Sigma. December 1938. includes article “In Memoriam” honoring Dr. Edwin Lewis Stephens
  Heartwood: Meditations on Southern Oaks, Poetry by Rumi, Photographs by William Guion, 1998
  Short Measures. Richard Kirk, 1943 (See also: photographs)
  A History of Southwestern Louisiana Institute 1900-1936. Margaret Stephens
  A History of the University of Southwestern Louisiana: 1937-1961. Margaret Stephens Jochem, Summer 1961. (draft of the book, includes typed list of “Addenda & Corrigenda” which are the corrections put in the manuscript)
  Siamese White. Maurice Collis, 1936
  Burmese Family. Mi Mi Khaing, November 1946. (3 copies)
  Grandfather Longlegs. Ian Morrison, 1947
  The Burmese Scene. Maurice Collis
  Trek From Burma. George Tidey (Pamphlet)
  Box of 13 paperback pamphlets on Burma
  Diplomatic List from Foreign Office, August 1948 (most not in English)
  German Iron Cross and Serbian medal; property of Edwin Lewis Stephens
  The Life Story of Edwin Lewis Stephens: As told by Margaret Stephens, 2 copies 1937
     
II. Edwin Lewis Stephens
  A. Personal/Biographical
     
3-01 Works by Edwin Lewis Stephens: Writings
    Memo Book, 1893
    Notebook Dec. 8, 1894-Jan. 24, 1896
    Diary, some 1933 dates but mostly 1934
     
3-01.1 Letters to Edith Garland Dupré about Edwin Lewis Stephens
    [Nov. 1938] from Clevie McNeese
    Nov. 23, 1938 from Munger T. Ball
    [May 1940] from Sara [Landau]
    Unknown
     
3-02 Works by Edwin Lewis Stephens: Articles
    “Jamestown”
    “The Story of Acadian Education in Louisiana” Nov. 28, 1933 (2 different copies)
    “I Saw a Louisiana Live Oak Growing” April 1934 (3 copies)
    “How Old Are the Live Oaks”
    “Snapshots and a Few Time Exposures” (printed and rough copy)
    “How Southwestern Louisiana Institute Became a College” reprinted from Southern Historical Association Quarterly Nov. 1937 (2 copies)
    “Live Oak Society” handwritten, 1938
    “Reflections of a Louisiana College President” April 1938
    “Tribute to Elizabeth Carter McVoy” April 30, 1938
    Published Letter of Resignation, Jan. 3, 1938
    “The Live Oak Goes to Town” Address to Round Table Club March 24, 1938 (2 copies)
    “Words”
     
3-03 Miscellaneous
    Program of organ performance by William Haden in New Orleans, 1905
    Brief summary of ELS by his sister Mrs. J.L. Barrett, n.d.
    Chronology of ELS’ life to 1929
    Tribute to ELS by Frederick Hard for Joel Fletcher (2 copies), n.d.
    “My Most Unforgettable Character” by Danella Primeaux, n.d.
    “The Life and Work of ELS” by Frank J. Patti Aug. 1966
    List of ELS papers on microfilm from LSU
    Book plate; Holy Bible unbound front cover
    Resolutions on the Death of Dr. Stephens Adopted by a Committee & the Faculty
     
II. Edwin Lewis Stephens
  B. Correspondence
     
3-04 ELS: August 26, 1912- June 29, 1938
     
The following is from his file box containing alphabetized correspondence, clippings, etc. during 1937 and 1938.
3-05 "A"
3-06 "B"
3-07 "C"
3-08 "D"
3-09 "E-F"
3-10 "G"
3-11 "H"
3-12 "I-K"
3-13 "L"
3-14 "M"
3-15 "N-O"
3-16 "P-Q"
3-17 "R"
3-18 "S"
3-19 "T-V"
4-01 "W"
   
II. Edwin Lewis Stephens
  C. Newspaper Articles and Photographs
   
4-02 Newspaper Articles
    The Vermilion May 1936: photo and letter to student body from ELS
    Unknown June 4, 1937: “Dr. Stephens Recalls Old “Forum” Here”
    Unknown: “Stephens Sees Change for Better in Area Parishes Classed ‘Illiterate’”
    Daily Advertiser Jan 3, 1938: “Dr. Stephens Retires from S.L.I.”
    Times Picayune Jan 5: “Dr. Stephens Retires”
    Times Picayune: “Comment Made on Retirement of Dr. Stephens”
    Unknown Jan 3, 1938: “…Alumnus is Named President of SLI”
    Unknown Jan 3, 1938: “Historic Epoch Closes”
    Advertiser: “Edwin Lewis Stephens”
    Times Picayune: “Dr. E.L. Stephens”
    Unknown: E.L. Stephens’ obituary
    Unknown: “Faculty Adopts Resolution on Death of Dr. E.L. Stephens”
    Advertiser Nov. 7: “Tribute Paid…Dis’t Meet P.T.A”
    Unknown Nov. 5, 1938: “Taken By Death”
    Unknown: Resolution
    Unknown May 18, 1940: dedication of Stephens Memorial Library
    Daily World Dec. 1946 (2 copies): brief summary of Dr. Stephens and live oaks
    The Vermilion Sept. 26, 1947: “The Most Unforgettable Character,” on ELS
    Lafayette Advertiser Jan. 30, 1959: photo of ELS and other prominent Lafayette men; extensive “history of Lafayette” article
    Lafayette Advertiser March 9, 1969: photo and memorial to first USL student killed in WWI
    The Times May 5, 1999: “A University Without Walls”
    The Advertiser Oct. 15, 1999: photo from 1908; ELS and Lafayette men
    The Advertiser Dec. 30, 2000: “Stephens to Thank for Campus Oaks”
     
II. Edwin Lewis Stephens
  D. Publications
     
4-03 The Louisiana School Review Nov. 1905
  SLI Alumni News Dec. 1938-memorial article on ELS
  "What Is Education Doing for Women?" By Edwin L. Stephens, 1916
     
III. Southwestern Louisiana Institute/University of Southwestern Louisiana
  A. Newspaper Articles and Photographs
     
4-04 Newspaper Articles
    Daily Advertiser Jan. 7, 1938: “Dr. E.L. Stephens Presents New President of Southwestern At College’s Annual Honors Night”
    Times Picayune Jan 7: “Frazar Program Held by College”
    Unknown: 2 articles on university under Fletcher, photos
    Daily Advertiser June 3, 1949: “Brilliant SLI Building Program Continues College’s Success Story”
    Daily Advertiser 1949: “49 Years See Southwestern Grow From Single Industrial School”
    Daily Advertiser Sept. 18, 1950: “Southwestern, Our Biggest Asset”
    Unknown: “Mid-Centennial Ceremonies At Southwestern Begin with Founder’s Day Program”
    The Advertiser May 1, 1960: “SLI—Springboard for Teachers” Part 2
    The Advertiser May 10, 1960: “SLI—Developer of Leaders” Part 4
    The Vermilion July 29, 1960: “Southwestern University Status Recognized,” official name change
    Unknown Jan. 1963: Dean Doucet’s obituary
    Unknown 1965: article on Harry L. Griffin and wife, photo
    Lafayette Advertiser Oct. 19, 1975: photo Dr. Authement and Caro Stephens (Mrs. Harris)
    Lafayette Advertiser (Sunday) Oct. 19, 1980: article on Roy Residence as Historic landmark
    Sunday Advertiser (same?) June 6, 1982: “USL has long history of summer sessions”
    The Advertiser: USL name change (3 articles)
    Daily Advertiser Sept. 11, 1999: Centennial Spectacular photo and article
    The Times Sept. 22, 1999: name change celebration, photos
     
4-05 Photos
    17 8x10 photos; Cypress Grove, landscaping, campus buildings
     
III. Southwestern Louisiana Institute/University of Southwestern Louisiana
  B. Miscellaneous
     
4-06 Speeches and Addresses:
    “The Ideals of a University” Frederick Hard for Alumni Homecoming 1960
    “The Acadians in Louisiana Today” Joel Fletcher Oct. 30, 1947
    “Industrial Growth through Higher Education” Joel Fletcher Nov. 9, 1960
    Address to Lafayette Parish Parent-Teacher Association Feb. 22, 1961
    “Gulf South” Joel Fletcher May 1961
    Release: University of Southwestern Louisiana admitted to Southern University Conference
     
4-06.1 University of Southwestern Louisiana/University of Louisiana at Lafayette Lafayette Live Oaks
    Planting of Second Century Oaks Program
    Century Oaks Maturing to 100 article
     
IV. Live Oaks
  A. Newspaper Articles and Photographs
     
4-07 Newspaper Articles
    Times-Picayune October 6, 1935: “Patriarchs of Louisiana’s Forests Become Members of Unique ‘Tree Society’”
    New Orleans Tribune Nov. 22, 1936: “Meet the President”
    American Magazine March 1937: “Druid”
    Louisiana Conservation Review 1939: “Great Oaks”
    Chicago Daily News April 4, 1942: “Land of the Tree”
    *another copy from Memphis newspaper
    Lafayette Advertiser Feb. 19, 1944: “Cathedral Oak Flourishes After Tree Surgery Work”
    Times-Picayune April 2, 1944 (3 copies): “From Tiny Acorns…” with photos
    Unknown Jan 21, 1945: “Useful Society”
    Times-Picayune Jan 21, 1945 (4 copies): “Most Peaceful Club Revived in Bloodiest War”
    Unknown (2 copies): “State’s Live Oak Society Reborn”
    Milwaukee _____ Spring 1946: “A Club for Centenarians”
    Coronet April 1946: “Trees that got Clubby”
    Unknown Dec. 8, 1947: “Oak-ay”
    New Orleans _____ Nov. 26, 1951: “Two Officials of Live Oak Society in Audubon”
    Unknown 1960: “As Others See it…” on Live Oak Society
    Times-Picayune July 8, 1964: “Appeal is Made to Preserve ‘Largest’ Oak Tree”
    Times-Picayune July 12, 1964: “Landmarks Society Blasts Decision to Destroy Tree” (attached to unknown article: “Threat to Fell Historic Oak Termed Hoax”)
    Times-Picayune July 14, 1964: “No Intention of Destroying Tree, Says Firm’s Officer”
    Times-Picayune July 23, 1964: “Live Oak Society: Origin and Aims”
    Times-Picayune Jan. 19, 1965: “Massive Tree Becomes Live Oak Society Member”
    Lafayette Advertiser March 25, 1966: “English Grandson of USL’s First President Admires Campus Live Oaks”
    Times-Picayune September 6, 1967: “Famous Old Oak is Dead, But Will Remain Standing”
    St. Tammany Farmer May 10, 1968: “Doby Oak to be Honored by State Society”
    Mandeville Bantam May 10, 1968: “Dedicate Tree Here Saturday”
    Unknown (Mandeville Proclamation) May 1968: Live Oak Society Month
    Mandeville Bantam May 17, 1968: commentary on Seven Sisters Oak dedication
    Mandeville Bantam May 17, 1968 (different article) “Doby Seven Sisters Oak is Dedicated”
    Lafayette Advertiser Aug. 29, 1968: “Louisiana Boasts of Only Group for Tree Members”
    Times-Picayune Nov. 28, 1968: “Famous Old Oak Defies Destruction After Death”
    Dixie Aug. 10, 1969: “Naming a President”
    Los Angeles Times April 14, 1970: “Live Oak Society—No Bite but Lots of Bark”
    Times-Picayune Oct. 1, 1971: “USL Oak Loses Remaining Top Half”
    Lafayette Advertiser July 14, 1996: commentary and information on ELS and Live Oaks
    Roots Dec. 28, 2000: “Stephens Oaks Spread Into Their 2nd Century”
     
4-08 Photo
    4x6 photo of The LaBelle, Franklin, Louisiana (live oak) 6 unidentified people at base
     
4-08.1 Stephens’ Photo Book of Trees, 1938
     
IV. Live Oaks
  B. Live Oak Society
     
4-09 Records
    Live Oak Society bulletins and reports June 15, 1935-Jan. 25, 1938
    Live Oak Society New Series Bulletin #1 May 1, 1945
    The National Gardener “Ancient Trees Have There Own Society” Nov.-Dec. 1964
    Registered Live Oak list 1964
    Préservation article for Louisiana Landmark Society Fall 1964
    Live Oak Society report 1965-Aug. 23, 1965
    Live Oak Society report 1965
    Live Oak Society invitation to tree dedication May 1968
    Live Oak Society tree dedication program May 11, 1968 (2 copies)
    The Oaks of Office” Southern Living March 1969
    Louisiana Tourist Commission report on Live Oak Society
    New York Times June 3, 1973
    “History of the Live Oak Society, 1934-1968” Louisiana Garden Club Federation Newsletter Nov.-Dec. 1973
    Live Oak Society Constitution and By-Laws July 1981
    History of the Live Oak revised July 1981
    Live Oak Society registry application
    3 Live Oak membership certificates (1 blank, 1 for Locke Breaux Oak, 1 for Dr. Edwin L. Stephens Oak)