| Scope and content |
The bulk of the collection consists of correspondence of M. Louise Avett to her family, although a few letters were penned by friends and other missionaries. Much of the correspondence pertains to agriculture and gardening. Letters describe primitive tools and farming methods, growing seasons, the condition of crops, plowing with water buffaloes, and harvesting rice. Travel accounts describe Avett's train trip across the United States and Canada; her voyage to China; and her travel by river boats, trains, and buses throughout China. In her descriptions of the culture and customs of the Chinese people, Avett describes Chinese holidays and celebrations; the preparation and consumption of Chinese food; and their dress and mannerisms. Other topics include the nature of missionary work; the religious and social activities of missionaries; and the programs and problems of teaching at Changshu, Huchow, Chekiang, and Suining mission schools. Avett describes the impact of the Sino-Japanese War and World War II on life in China. Descriptions pertain to the Japanese invasion of China and the effects of war on the Chinese economy and on missionaries. |
| Access restriction | No access restrictions. |
| Cite as |
M. Louise Avett Papers (#422), Special Collections Department, J. Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA. |
| Terms of use | Literary rights to specific documents are retained by the authors or their descendants in accordance with U.S. copyright law. |
| Acquisitions source |
Joyner- Gift of Miss M. Louise Avett. |
| Biographical note | Louise Avett, a native of Norwood, N.C., attended Davenport College, Duke University, and Scarritt College in Nashville, Tenn. The Western Carolina Conference of the Methodist Church sent her to teach in Soochow, China, in 1932, and later to do rural work in the West China localities of Huchow, Chekiang, Suining, and Szechuan. She remained in China until after the conclusion of World War II. |
