Mary T. McCowen papers

  • Creator Names McCowen, Mary T., 1849-1930.
  • Title Mary T. McCowen papers [manuscript], 1920-1978.
  • Physical description 0.5 linear feet (1 box)
  • Collection summary Correspondence, newspaper clippings, programs, bulletins, an autobiography, and a biography of teacher and school principal Mary T. McCowen. Born in Iowa, McCowen spent most of her career in Chicago (Ill.) and developed the oral speech method of instruction for people who were deaf or had a hearing impairment. The method was adopted by the Chicago Public Schools in 1895-96. McCowen was especially known for advocating the education of young children who were deaf and for founding the McCowen Oral School for Deaf Children at 6550 South Yale Avenue in Chicago. Some items in the collection were created by Sarah K. McElroy, one of Miss McCowen's students.
  • Biographical or Historical Note Miss McCowen founded her first school in 1883 at 61st and Wabash in Chicago. It was a boarding school and later operated at 414 Normal Parkway, where McCowen resided after she retired from the Chicago Public Schools. She died in September 1930 at the age of 82.
  • Location of Other Archival Materials Note Related materials at Chicago History Museum, Research Center, include the Mary T. McCowen photograph collection (2009.0001.2) and a document by her cataloged separately.
  • Acquisition information Gift of Jeanette L. McElroy (2009.0001.1).
  • Names
    • McCowen, Mary T., 1849-1930. Archives.
    • McElroy, Sarah K.
    • McCowen Oral School for Deaf Children (Chicago, Ill.)
    • McElroy, Sarah K.
  • Subjects
    • Deaf Education Illinois Chicago.
    • Deaf Education United States.
    • Public schools Illinois Chicago.
    • Women teachers Illinois Chicago.
    • Women school principals Illinois Chicago.
  • Geographic coverage
    • Chicago (Ill.) Intellectual life.
    • Englewood (Chicago, Ill.)
  • Geographic name United States Illinois Cook County Chicago.