Clara Soter Papers

Access and use

Location of collection:
James Madison University
Second Floor Room 203, MSC 1704
Carrier Library
James Madison University
880 Madison Drive
Harrisonburg, VA 22807
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Tiffany Cole
Phone: (540) 568-3444
Phone: (540) 568-3612
Fax: (540) 568-3405
Restrictions:

Collection is open to research. Researchers must register and agree to copyright and privacy laws before using this collection. Please contact Research Services staff before visiting the James Madison University Special Collections Library to use this collection.

Terms of access:

The copyright interests in this collection have been transferred to the James Madison University Special Collections Library. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).

Preferred citation:

[identification of item], [box #, folder #], Clara Soter Papers, 1969-1971, SC 0042, Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA.

Summary

Extent:
0.12 cubic feet 2 letter folders
Creator:
Soter, Clara Marie, 1915-2007
Abstract:
The Clara Soter Papers, 1969-1971, contain the January 1971 issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association and one report by Soter entitled "Sound Barrier," written for the U.S. Public Health Service Hospital in Norfolk, Virginia.
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

[identification of item], [box #, folder #], Clara Soter Papers, 1969-1971, SC 0042, Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA.

Background

Scope and content:

The Clara Soter Papers, 1969-1971, contain the January 1971 issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association (Volume 58, Number 1). Soter contributed a brief report to this issue on the U.S. Public Health Service Hospital of Norfolk's positive experience after hiring a deaf mute food preparation worker.

The second item in this collection is a disbound report and scrapbook entitled "Sound Barrier." Written and compiled by Clara Soter, "Sound Barrier" discusses the hiring of deaf employees and the growing popularity of sign language courses. The report is followed by several letters regarding the publication of Soter's article in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association. There are also various programs, pamphlets and newspaper clippings regarding deaf Americans, services for the death, and news stories about crimes and tragedies befalling deaf people. These clippings and papers all date to the early 1970s.

Biographical / historical:

Clara Marie Soter of Newport News, Virginia was born on December 12, 1915 to George N. and Agnes E. Soter. She attended Madison College, graduating in 1940 with a degree in home economics and specialty in dietetics. While enrolled at Madison College, Soter was involved with the Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority, Frances Sale Club (for home economics), and The Breeze where she worked for a time as a typist.

After graduating from Madison College, Soter interned at the Norfolk General Hospital. Soter went on to work as a dietitian at Elizabeth Buxton Hospital in Newport News, then as the Director of Dietetics at Norfolk's DePaul Hospital, and later in the United States Public Health Service. In 1960, Soter was appointed Director of Dietetics for the United States Public Health Service Hospital in Norfolk Virginia. She retired in 1977.

Clara Soter was a member of the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Norfolk, Virginia where she was a Eucharistic Minister. She was also a member of the American Dietetic Association, the American Association of University Women, and the Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority. Soter passed away on October 10, 2007 and was buried in the Peninsula Memorial Park in Newport News.

Acquisition information:
This collection was donated to the James Madison University Alumni Association and was subsequently transferred to the Special Collections Library.
Processing information:

The "Sound and Barrier" report was disbound in preparation for eventual fastener rusting. The front and back covers were retained.

Arrangement:

The collection is arranged topically in two folders.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard