Estelle Lutrell papers

AZ 055
Cover of the Mission of San Xavier Del Bac by Estelle Lutrell, 1922

Cover of the Mission of San Xavier Del Bac by Estelle Lutrell, 1922.

Collection area: University of Arizona

Collection dates: 1915 to 1947

About this collection

These papers were produced by Estelle Lutrell chiefly during her tenure as University Librarian. The correspondence relates to a survey of high school libraries in Arizona conducted by the University of Arizona Library. Writings include material on a pageant given by students in honor of the inauguration of University President R. B. Von KleinSmid in 1915; a paper read on Founder's Day, 1922, concerning early University days; and an article concerning the University Library's extension work which was published in Library Journal, March 1, 1924.

Her History of the University of Arizona, from 1885-1926, with supplementary data, 1936-1947, and Legislative Source Book for the University of Arizona, delineates the establishment, organization, and development of the University in its first four decades; also includes additional information about the institution, appendices and an index. The University history provides detailed information about the early presidents, Boards of Regents, life on campus, faculty, and campus buildings.

Material on the University of Arizona in World War I, 1917-1918, chiefly consists of an alphabetical listing of University men and women who served in the military and other services during that period. Each entry includes brief biographical information and military service record.

Parts of this collection were formerly located in the following collections: AZ 54, AZ 77, AZ 235, AZ 237, AZ 268, and AZ 277.

Historical background

Born in Boston in 1870, Estelle Lutrell earned A.B. degrees from Canton University and the University of Chicago, and later a master's degree from the University of Chicago in 1924. She worked as a librarian at the John Crear Library and at the University of Chicago before coming to the University of Arizona in 1904. At the University of Arizona she served as librarian and professor of English until 1922 when she became the University Librarian. After her retirement in 1932, she continued as a library consultant for many years.

She helped organize the Arizona State Library Association and served as president in 1930. Also during the 1930s, she directed the W.P.A. Historical Records Survey in Arizona. She was a charter member of the American Association of University Women, and president of the Saturday Morning Music Club in 1933-1934. Her publications include Arizona Bibliography, 1913, Mexican Writers, 1920, Mission of San Xavier del Bac, 1922, and Newspapers and Periodicals of Arizona, 1859-1911, published in 1950.

What's in this collection

A collection guide explains what's in a collection. New to using our collections? Learn how to use a collection guide.

Collection guide

Access this collection

Visit us in person to access materials from this collection. Our materials are one-of-a-kind and require special care, so they can’t be checked out or taken home.

How to cite

Learn how to cite and use materials from Special Collections in your research.