The digital collection consists of letters written by Katharine Wright Haskell ranging from 1922 to 1926. They contain a variety of details from her personal life, from major historical moments to minor details of her daily life and interpersonal connections. Throughout her life, Katharine assisted her brothers in their engineering and business ventures, was an activist in the first-wave feminist movement, taught high school, and was an Oberlin College Board of Trustees member.
These letters illustrate her life in her later years, allowing us a glimpse of who she was as a private person. She writes of her thoughts on a variety of topics and her daily life. Among other topics and events, we get insight into her life as companion and assistant to her brother Orville, her work on the Oberlin College Board of Trustees, her romantic relationship with Henry, and the many friendships she fostered throughout her life.
These letters were written prior to Katharine's marriage to Henry Haskell. We have chosen to refer to her as Katharine Wright in descriptions to reflect the time in her life when she was writing them.
The Wright State University Archives would like to make a special acknowledgment to Lois E. Walker for sharing her transcriptions of these letters.
For more information on this collection, please view the collection finding aid or visit Wright State University Special Collections and Archives.
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Letter, July 7-8, 1926, Katharine Wright to Henry J. Haskell
Katharine Wright Haskell
In this letter, written over 2 days, Katharine Wright writes to Henry Haskell after her return from Indiana where her and Orville attended her Aunt's funeral. She talks about her family, Henry's coworkers, her anticipation for the trip to The Bay at Penetang, Ontario, and other aspects of her daily life.
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Letter, July 6, 1926, Katharine Wright to Henry J. Haskell
Katharine Wright Haskell
In this letter, Katharine Wright writes to Henry Haskell about the search for a new president for Oberlin College, finances regarding buying the Kansas City Star, Henry's career at The Star, the death of Katharine's aunt, and other aspects of her daily life.
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Letter, July 5, 1926, Katharine Wright to Henry J. Haskell
Katharine Wright Haskell
In this letter, Katharine Wright writes to Henry Haskell about the Independence Day parade, Orville's desire to create a toaster he can take with them to the Bay, and her anticipation for the travel up to Ontario, as well as other aspects of her daily life.
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Letter, Undated #40, Katharine Wright to Henry J. Haskell
Katharine Wright Haskell
This letter is undated and unattached to any other letter, but is believed to have been written on July 4, 1926. In this letter, Katharine Wright writes to Henry Haskell, empathizing with the stress of The Star purchase being dragged out. She lets him know that Orville is planning to go to Lambert Island, Ontario ahead of her and she will join after a Trustees meeting. She discusses Henry's workplace and career, and talks about moving to Kansas City.
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Letter, July 2, 1926, Katharine Wright to Henry J. Haskell
Katharine Wright Haskell
In this letter, Katharine Wright writes to Henry Haskell addressing some personal drama happening with Henry involving another woman and the Fricks and talked about some financial situations.
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Letter, June 14, 1926, Katharine Wright to Henry J. Haskell
Katharine Wright Haskell
In this letter, Katharine Wright writes to Henry Haskell from Dayton after returning home from her trip to Oberlin, Ohio. She tells Henry about Oberlin College Commencement and parade, Dr. Milikan's address on "The Contribution of Science to Religion", and other aspects of her visit to Oberlin.
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Letter, June 12, 1926, Katharine Wright to Henry J. Haskell
Katharine Wright Haskell
In this letter, Katharine Wright writes to Henry Haskell from Oberlin, Ohio. She tells him about "Miss D's" election as a trustee, being put on a new committee, the Alumni Meeting, and other aspects of her day.
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Letter, June 11, 1926, Katharine Wright to Henry J. Haskell
Katharine Wright Haskell
In this letter Katharine Wright writes to Henry Haskell from Oberlin, Ohio. She gave him a brief summary of the trustees meeting, including the election of Miss Doerschuk to the Board of Trustees and the excitement surrounding it.
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Letter, June 10, 1926, Katharine Wright to Henry J. Haskell
Katharine Wright Haskell
In this letter, Katharine Wright writes to Henry Haskell from Oberlin, Ohio for the June trustee meeting, describing her interactions with her colleagues.
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Letter, Undated #60, Katharine Wright to Henry J. Haskell
Katharine Wright Haskell
This letter is undated and unattached to any other letter, but is believed to have been written on June 10, 1926. In this letter, Katharine Wright writes to Henry Haskell complaining about a stiff neck not helped by an automobile ride around with Orville. She tells Henry about a visit with a friend and tells him about the plans for her day and includes other aspects of her daily life.
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Letter, June 8, 1926, Katharine Wright to Henry J. Haskell
Katharine Wright Haskell
In this letter, Katharine Wright writes to Henry Haskell about various news and aspects of her day. This includes her attending Moraine Park School Commencement, proposed changes to Oberlin College's class structures, and her future engagement ring.
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Letter, Undated #59, Katharine Wright to Henry J. Haskell
Katharine Wright Haskell
This letter is undated and unattached to any other letter, but is believed to have been written on June 7, 1926. In this letter, Katharine Wright writes to Henry Haskell admonishing a mutual friend's conception of money, updating Henry on how the Lords are doing, her and Orville's upcoming travel plans, and other aspects of her daily life.
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Letter, Undated #38, Katharine Wright to Henry J. Haskell
Katharine Wright Haskell
This letter is undated and unattached to any other letter, but is believed to have been written on Mary 25, 1926. Katharine Wright writes to Henry Haskell thanking him for the flowers he sent her.
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Letter, Undated #39, Katharine Wright to Henry J. Haskell
Katharine Wright Haskell
This letter is undated and unattached to any other letter, but is believed to have been written on May 25, 1926. In this letter, Katharine Wright writes to Henry Haskell while traveling up to Oberlin, Ohio. She briefly describes her trip and her arrival to the Faculty Club. She also expresses her desire to be with Henry in Kansas City.
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Letter, Undated #20, Katharine Wright to Henry J. Haskell
Katharine Wright Haskell
This letter is undated and unattached to any other letter, but is believed to have been written on May 24, 1926. In this letter, Katharine Wright writes to Henry Haskell about interactions with her friends, Orville's upcoming trip to Hartford to assist in the building of a new aeronautical motor, Katharine's own upcoming trip to Richmond and Oberlin, and other aspects of their daily life.
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Letter, Undated #37, Katharine Wright to Henry J. Haskell
Katharine Wright Haskell
This letter is undated and unattached to any other letter, but is believed to have been written on May 24, 1926. In this letter, Katharine Wright writes to Henry Haskell telling him of her upcoming trip to Oberlin and praising him on his adaptability in light of the changes happening at The Star. She reports to him about a conversation she had with a colleague about changes proposed for the college.
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Letter, May 19, 1926, Katharine Wright to Henry J. Haskell
Katharine Wright Haskell
In this letter, Katharine Wright writes to Henry Haskell talking more of Orville's distress at their relationship, Henry's career and work - requesting he not write about Sinclair Lewis, and mentioning mutual friends.
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Letter, Undated #33, Katharine Wright to Henry J. Haskell
Katharine Wright Haskell
This letter is undated and unattached to any other letter, but is believed to have been written on May 19, 1926. Katharine Wright pens a love letter to Henry Haskell.
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Letter, Undated #34, Katharine Wright to Henry J. Haskell
Katharine Wright Haskell
This letter is undated and unattached to any other letter, but is believed to have been written on May 18, 1926. Katharine Wright pens a love letter to Henry Haskell.
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Letter, Undated #35, Katharine Wright to Henry J. Haskell
Katharine Wright Haskell
This letter is undated and unattached to any other letter, but is believed to have been written on May 17, 1926. In this letter, Katharine Wright writes to Henry Haskell about Trustee nominations, Henry's coworkers, and aspects of her daily life.
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Letter, Evening of March 16, 1926, Katharine Wright to Henry J. Haskell
Katharine Wright Haskell
In this letter, Katharine Wright writes to Henry Haskell about her distress and divided desire to stay living with Orville and ease his distress and her love of Henry and desire to marry and live with him.
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Letter, March 16, 1926, Katharine Wright to Henry J. Haskell
Katharine Wright Haskell
In this letter, Katharine Wright writes to Henry Haskell about Orville's continuing distress over their relationship and the threat of Katharine leaving.
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Letter, March 15, 1926, Katharine Wright to Henry J. Haskell
Katharine Wright Haskell
In this letter, Katharine Wright writes to Henry Haskell expressing her despair, anxiety, and doubt in the face of Orville's reaction to her and Henry's relationship.
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Letter, March 14, 1926, Katharine Wright to Henry J. Haskell
Katharine Wright Haskell
In this letter, Katharine Wright writes to Henry Haskell after his visit. It seems Orville has been told of their relationship. Katharine expresses her heartache, despair, and depression at Orville's reaction.
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Letter, May 8, 1926, Katharine Wright to Henry J. Haskell
Katharine Wright Haskell
In this letter, Katharine Wright writes to Henry Haskell asking him to talk to Orville about their relationship in light of some gossiping. She talks about a dinner she's going to hosted by the Deedses, an update about her friends, Nan Pinneo, and continues recounting her time in Oberlin.
