Title: Ethel W. Squires Papers, 1952-1971

ID: OGLMC195

Primary Creator: Squires, Ethel (1882-1977)

Extent: 0.25 Linear Feet

Date Acquired: 05/30/1978

Subjects: University of North Dakota - Alumni, Women's History

Languages: English

Ethel Claire Wood was born in Sandwich, Illinois, on March 27, 1882. Shortly after her birth, the family moved to Wahpeton, North Dakota. She graduated as valedictorian from Wahpeton High School in 1899. She next attended the University of North Dakota. Her first day at UND was her first day in Grand Forks. Being a complete stranger to the area, she asked directions of a young man picking up mail for UND at the train station. The young man happened to be Vilhjamur Stefansson, who would later become a famous polar explorer. Steffansson led her to President Merrifield’s office. Her freshman English teacher was Vernon P. Squires. A romance developed, and the two became engaged. Ethel graduated from UND in 1901 with a Teaching Certificate. She then taught fourth grade in the Devils Lake, North Dakota, school system until she married Vernon on July 9, 1902. Vernon Purinton Squires was born on November 4, 1866, in Cortland, New York. He received a B.A. from Brown University in 1889 and a M.A. from the University of Chicago in 1895. He joined the faculty of UND as an Assistant Professor of English in 1897. He was Dean of the College of Liberal Arts from 1915 until he died on August 16, 1930.

Ethel and Vernon Squires had two daughters, Emily and Hope, and four sons: J. Duane, Vernon, Alden and Donald. All but Donald graduated from UND. Ethel W. Squires contributed a message in honor of her husband for the 1933 Founder’s Day activities, which celebrated the 50 year history of UND. In 1964, she delivered remarks when Squires Hall was officially dedicated in memory of her husband. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and Chapter D, P.E.O. Sisterhood.

Ethel W. Squires died in April 1977.

University of North Dakota - Alumni
Women's History

Repository: Elwyn B. Robinson Department of Special Collections

Access Restrictions: Open for inspection under the rules and regulations of the Elwyn B. Robinson Department of Special Collections.

Acquisition Method: Donation; the acquisition records are unavailable. An addition to the collection was received on May 30, 1978 (Acc.#78-514).

Related Materials: Vernon P. Squires Papers, OGLMC 232

Preferred Citation: (Description of Item) Ethel W. Squires Papers. OGLMC 195. Box #, Folder #. Elwyn B. Robinson Department of Special Collections. Chester Fritz Library. University of North Dakota.

Finding Aid Revision History: Finding aid migrated to Archon in November 2013.