Nell H. Trotter papers

Nell H. Trotter :

A Guide to Her Papers at Georgia State University Library

Georgia State University
Georgia State University
Special Collections and Archives
100 Decatur St., SE
Atlanta, GA 30303-3202
404-413-2880
Fax: 404-413-2881
archives@gsu.edu

2002

Organization of the Papers

Scope and Content of the Papers

The collection is comprised of scrapbooks, postcards, photographs, slides, photocopies of newspaper clippings, speeches, personal papers, correspondence, certificates, bound volumes, audio-cassettes, plaques and silverware (much of which was given as commemorative gifts). The materials reflect some of Trotter's personal and professional life between 1934 and 1971, as well as changing attitudes to and of women in higher education throughout the twentieth century.

Biography of Nell H. Trotter

Nell Hamilton Trotter was born in 1904 in Hartford, Arkansas. She attended Maryville College, Tennessee, and the University of New Mexico, before obtaining her BA in History and Political Science from the University of Arkansas (1924), and, after a short time teaching in the public school system, her MA in Political Science from the University of Wisconsin (1929). While she was studying at the University of Wisconsin, Nell met Richard (Dick) Trotter. The couple married 28 August 1929, and not long after, moved to Atlanta Georgia, where Dick was offered a job at Georgia Institute of Technology. In 1931, having enrolled at the Georgia Tech Downtown Evening School of Commerce (later Georgia State College and eventually Georgia State University), Trotter made her first enquiries about the possibility of a faculty position at the school, only to be told that it was not the school's policy to hire women to its faculty. In 1933, after the birth of her first son, Richard, Nell made further enquiries about a faculty position, with the result that she was hired. In 1947, because she felt she needed more time with her family, Mrs. Trotter resigned her position, returning in 1953. During her time off she did some free-lance writing work, and as a result became interested in teaching business communication. Mrs. Trotter remained at Georgia State College and University until 1971, when she retired.

During her tenure at GSU, Nell Trotter taught classes in social ethics, home economics, history, political science, and business communication. She went on to become Assistant Dean of Students, Dean of Women, and Assistant Professor of Business Education. She was chairman of the Board of Founders of the George M. Sparks Scholarship Fund, and having been an active member of the Georgia Association of Deans, was elected to serve as president in 1961. In 1963 she became president of the Atlanta branch of the American Association of University Women, and served as co-chairman of the Educational Committee of the Georgia Commission on the Status of Women. In 1962 she was named the 1961 Atlanta Woman of the Year in Education and overall Atlanta Woman of the Year. She was also included in Who's Who Among American Women. In 1964-65 Mrs. Trotter traveled around the world as a student of the University of the Seven Seas, and during the trip, lectured at colleges in India and Japan. Atlanta Mayor, Sam Massell proclaimed May 17th 1971 Nell H. Trotter Day. After retirement Nell and Dick Trotter moved to Daytona Beach, Florida. Mr. Trotter died 26 March 1976, and Mrs. Trotter died 18 February 1996, at age 91.

Index Terms

This collection is indexed under the following headings in the Georgia State University Library online catalog (GIL). Researchers desiring materials about related topics, persons, or places should search the catalog using these headings.

Restrictions

Restrictions on Access

Unrestricted access.

Terms Governing Use and Reproduction

To quote in print, or otherwise reproduce in whole or in part in any publication, including on the Worldwide Web, any material from this collection, the researcher must obtain permission from (1) the owner of the physical property and (2) the holder of the copyright. Persons wishing to quote from this collection should consult the reference archivist to determine copyright holders for information in this collection. Reproduction of any item must contain the complete citation to the original. All requests subject to limitations noted in departmental policies on reproduction.

Administrative Information

Citation

[item], [folder title], [series title], Nell H. Trotter papers, W036, Archives for Research on Women and Gender. Special Collections and Archives, Georgia State University, Atlanta.

Acquisition Information

Gifted by Nell H. Trotter's son, Michael H. Trotter, March 1999, June 1999, and January 2000.

Processing Information

Processed by Morna Gerrard, 2002.

Related Material

Related materials in this repository: A copy of Nell Trotter's journal is also available in the University Library's General Collection, LD1965 .T76.

A photocopy of the typescript of "Breakfast Reminiscing-June 28th 1971", (which is largely the same as the audio-cassette version of the speech,) is available in the University Library's General Collection, LD1965 .T76 B7.

Further material relating to Nell Trotter can be found among the Georgia State University Archives' Dean of Students records, 1930-1970 (G1973-4), and the records of the President's Office, 1933-1955 (G1973-5).

Separated Material

Separated material: During processing, books and periodicals were separated to various collections. See List of Separated Material following Detailed Description of the Collection.