A Guide to the May Mann Jennings Papers
Finding aid prepared by Dept. Staff
University of Florida Smathers Libraries - Special and Area Studies Collections
March 2005
Please Note: To enhance access to the May Mann Jennings Papers, the collection will be digitized beginning in February 2009. As a result, some of the boxes in this collection will be unavailable to researchers for the next few months. Please contact John Nemmers to determine availability. Thank you.
Descriptive Summary |
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| Provenance: | Jennings, May Mann, 1872-1963 | |
| Title: | May Mann Jennings Papers | |
| Dates: | 1889-1963 | |
| Abstract: | Correspondence and miscellaneous materials of May Mann Jennings, a political and environmental activist. | |
| Extent: | 9 linear feet. (25 Boxes) | |
| Identification: | Ms 57 | |
Biographical/Historical Note
May Mann Jennings was a leading member of the women's club movement and an influential advocate for social reform and civic causes in Florida and nationwide. Born in New Jersey in 1872, she moved with her family to Crystal River, Florida, in 1874. She was educated at St. Joseph's Convent in St. Augustine, and lived primarily in Jacksonville throughout her life. No stranger to politics, her father was Florida State Senator Austin Shuey Mann and she married future Governor William Sherman Jennings in 1891. During their years in the Governor's mansion, she became known as the "Mother of Forestry" for her advocacy efforts on behalf of the state Board of Forestry. Her interests varied widely and she championed numerous causes related to the Seminole Indians, women's rights and suffrage, conservation, beautification efforts, child welfare, public health, education, and Democratic politics.
A prominent leader in the women's club movement, she served as president of the Florida Federation of Women's Clubs from 1914-1917, and as both Florida director and vice president of the General Federation of Women's Clubs (1918-1920). She also held several important leadership positions with social club and civic organizations throughout Florida, including numerous beautification committees and the state Audubon Society. During her tenure as president of the Florida Federation of Women's Clubs, she spearheaded the effort to have the Royal Palm State Park established in 1915, thereby preserving a portion of the Everglades for public use. Throughout the 1920s and 1930s she continued to oversee and advocate for the Royal Palm Park on behalf of the Federation. She was appointed to the Everglades National Park COmmission in the late 1930s and pushed for the creation of a national Everglades Park. She died April 24, 1963.
Scope and Content
The May Mann Jennings Papers (1889-1963) document her activities related to the Federation of Women's Clubs, the Royal Palm State Park, the Everglades, and her relationship with her husband, Governor William Sherman Jennings. Other topics include women's rights and suffrage, the Seminole Indians, beautification efforts, child welfare, public health, education, and Democratic politics. The collection consists of correspondence , photograps, news clippings, speeches, meeting minutes and biographical information. The personal correspondence includes letters to and from her husband and her son, Sherman Bryan Jennings.
Access or Use Restrictions
Access
Collection is open for research.
Related or Separated Material
For additional materials, consult the William Sherman Jennings Papers and the Napoleon Bonaparte Broward Papers.
Administrative Information
Preferred Citation
[Identification of item], May Mann Jennings Papers, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
Acquisition Information
Gift of Mrs. Jennings, Dorothy Jennings Sandridge, and other family members.
Contents List
Selected Subjects and Access Points |
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| The following terms have been used to index the description of this collection in the Library's online catalog: | ||
| Conservation of natural resources -- Florida -- Citizen participation. | ||
| Conservationists -- Florida -- Correspondence. | ||
| Florida Audubon Society. | ||
| Governors' spouses -- Florida. | ||
| Seminole Indians. | ||
| Women -- Suffrage -- Florida. | ||
| Women conservationists -- Florida. | ||
| Women in public life -- Florida. | ||
| Women social reformers -- Florida. | ||
For further information, please contact: Special Collections Access Services.
