Margery Hoffman Smith papers

Collection

Identifier: Mss2660

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

Collection includes correspondence and diaries of Julia Hoffman, 1891-1934; correspondence of Margery Hoffman Smith, 1896-1981; financial records; inventories of art collections; appointment calendars; memorabilia regarding the Smith and Hoffman families; miscellaneous papers and correspondence relating to Smith's professional and philanthropic activities. Materials previously designated Mss 2660-1 include: inventories and appraisals, 1957-1981; financial records, 1963-1981, of the Wauna Land Company, the Julia E. Hoffman Trust, the F.C. Smith Trust, and donations to the Portland Art Museum; and correspondence with Jane Steel. Materials previously designated Mss 2660-2 include: correspondence and financial records, 1975-1986, concerning estates and trusts; history of 825 Francisco; insurance information; notebook of Jane Steel.

Dates

1885-1986

Creator

Smith, Margery Hoffman, 1888-1981 (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

The Oregon Historical Society owns the materials in the Research Library and makes available reproductions for research, publication, and other uses. The Society does not necessarily hold copyright to all materials in the collections. In some cases, permission for use may require seeking additional authorization from copyright owners.

Biographical note

Margery Hoffman Smith was born in 1888 to a prominent family in Portland, Oregon. She became a leading supporter of the arts, both in Portland and later in San Francisco, where she lived with her husband Ferdinand C. Smith, a partner in the brokerage house of Merrill, Lynch, Pearce, Fenner and Smith. In the 1930s, Margery Hoffman Smith worked with the Works Progress Administration, supervising the handcraft work carried out for Timberline Lodge. Her later contributions to the Portland Art Museum and the Oregon School of Arts and Crafts greatly enhanced both institutions.

Extent

13.59 Cubic Feet (13 record cartons and 1 flat box)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Margery Hoffman Smith (born 1888) was a leading supporter of the arts, both in Portland, Oregon, and later in San Francisco. In the 1930s, Smith worked with the Works Progress Administration, supervising the handcraft work carried out for Timberline Lodge. Collection includes correspondence and diaries of Julia Hoffman, 1891-1934; correspondence of Margery Hoffman Smith, 1896-1981; papers related to Smith's professional and philanthropic activities; financial records; inventories and appraisals; and materials relating to Jane Steel, including corresondence and a notebook.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift of Margery Hoffman Smith estate, December 1981. Materials previously designated Mss 2660-1, gift of Marshall Steel, Jr., November 1985; materials previously designated Mss 2660-2, gift of Jane Watson Steel, August 1988.