Leoti West Papers

Collection

Identifier: WCMss-569

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Leoti West Papers contains several newspaper clippings written by and about Leoti West, who taught children and young adults for 54 years, mostly in Walla Walla, Washington. The papers include two small books of poems and writings by Leoti West. The majority of the clippings are from approximately 1920 to 1925, while the poems and writings were written between 1895 and 1905. This collection documents her life as well as her views on children, parenting, and school.

Dates

Creation: 1897-1926

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research.

Biographical Note

Leoti West, born in 1851, was thought to be one of the best teachers of children and young adults in the state of Washington according to several newspaper articles. She began teaching in Iowa at age 17 before moving west, where she continued to teach and travel. During a trip through Washington she was recruited by the principal of Colfax High School, where she taught until being hired to teach at Baker School in Walla Walla, Washington in 1883. She remained at Baker School until 1901, at which point she was asked to take a position at Rosalia High School. She retired in 1905 in Spokane, where she lived until her death on December 2, 1933.

Extent

0.2 Linear Feet (1 manuscript box)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Leoti West was a teacher for 54 years in Washington state, primarily in Walla Walla. The Leoti West Papers contains newspaper clippings of articles written by and about Leoti West, as well as some of her poetry and writings.