Personal papers of a Mennonite missionary to Puerto Rico and advocate for Hispanic Mennonite Congregations in the United States. The papers are divided into four series:
(1) Biographical Information and Family Papers, 1909-2006
(2) Correspondence and Subject Files, 1949-2006
(3) Photographs and Plaques, 1915-2004
(4) Puerto Rican Mennonite Records, 1967-2003
Widmer, Gladys, 1915-2006
Personal papers of an (old) Mennonite Church missionary who served in Argentina (1928-1947) and Puerto Rico (1953-1964). Snyder also served as a pastor to (old) Mennonite Church congregations in Texas and Wisconsin. Snyder's papers include correspondence, programs and ephemera pertaining to Mennonite religious life and institutions in Argentina and Puerto Rico. A small amount of correspondence and miscellaneous records pertain to his pastorate in Texas.
Snyder, Elvin V., 1900-1985
Mennonite Board of Missions Overseas Ministries Puerto Rico Field Records
Mennonites began to serve in Puerto Rico as a result of a larger medical, social service, recreation, education and agricultural program begun by the Puerto Rico Reconstruction Administration (PRRA), established by the USA Relief Act of 1935. Extensive redistribution of land and construction of homes, schools and medical dispenseries took place from 1935-42. When money was no longer available to finance the programs, the PRRA made community center property available to the Brethren, Mennonites and Friends (Quakers).
The Church of the Brethren began work in 1942 at Castaner, and in 1943 invited Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) to provide medical and social service work in La Plata valley. This became known as Civilian Public Service Camp #43, and the workers were conscientious objectors who were doing alternative service during World War II. By 1944 the Mennonites had built a hospital at La Plata, and later a hospital opened at Aibonito (1957). In 1943 there were six MCC workers in Puerto Rico, of which two had been sent through Mennonite Board of Missions (MBM). In 1944 MCC personnel had expanded to 42 persons, of which 17 had been sent through MBM. In 1950, MCC transferred their administration to MBM’s Relief Committee.
The Mennonite Hospital in Puerto Rico began in 1944 and by 1950 came under the long-time administration of the Mennonite Board of Missions (MBM). MBM had operated several hospitals throughout its history dating back to 1898, and from the 1940s-1980s, had its own Health and Welfare department. MBM continued its operation of the Mennonite hospital in Puerto Rico at least through the 1960 and 1970s and maintained contact with the hospital at least until 1987.
Records in this series include correspondence, reports, newsletters, committee meeting minutes and reports, files pertaining to building projects, financial records, and photographs.
Mennonite Board of Missions
Lester T. and Alta E. Good Hershey Letters
The collection consists of letters written by Lester T. and Alta E. (Good) Hershey in Puerto Rico to friends back home.
Hershey, Lester T., 1912-
Beulah Litwiller Gonzales Correspondence
The collection consists of three letters written by then Beulah Litwiller from Puerto Rico to her friends from 1948 to 1950.
Gonzales, Beulah Litwiller