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By Elizabeth B. Scott
Collection Overview
Title: Superior General Rev. Victor Nicolle, 1946-1946
ID: SSE 2/SSE 2.7
Extent: 1.0 Boxes
Arrangement: Chronological
Languages: French, English
Scope and Contents of the Materials
<p> This subgroup consists almost entirely of correspondence. This correspondence is particularly important in understanding the growth and breadth of the Society during its formative years. The series is most likely incomplete, since Nicolle reportedly asked that recipients destroy all his correspondence. It is clear many did not follow this directive. Most correspondence is arranged chronologically and a calendar is available, but material from the South is arranged into a separate sub-series and does not have a calendar. Correspondence with other local administrations is located with the Local Administration record group.
The South files provide great insight into the development of the Selma Mission. Correspondence included in this sub-series is that which accumulated in the Superior General’s office. Most originated in the South, although copies of outgoing mail are sometimes included.
Collection Historical Note
The 1936 Chapter elected Victor Nicolle to a second term as Superior General. His second term, which lasted 10 years due to World War II, was an expansive time for the Society. This term marks the transformation of the Society from a primarily French society to one centered in America. For the first time, correspondence is primarily in English rather than French. Fr Nicolle planted new North American apostolates , most of which were maintained for much of the twentieth century. New missions began in Selma, Alabama in 1937, and later in other spots in Alabama and North Carolina. The Society also took on an English speaking apostolate in Quebec. Expansion within Vermont occurred as well, with the Society acquiring more land and expanding works to other parts of the state, including Southern Vermont. It also added a formal seminary program to its Formation program in Vermont. The Society still managed to maintain a presence in France, including a novitiate at Pontigny, despite World War II. In 1946 the Society held its first General Chapter in 10 years, the 1942 chapter having been postponed because of the War. This Chapter elected Fr. Jeremiah Purtill Superior General, and Fr. Nicolle stepped down. Nicolle returned to France and spent his remaining years there.
Administrative Information
Repository:
Saint Michael's College Archives & Special Collections
Related Materials:
Local Administration Record Group
Box and Folder Listing
Browse by Folder:
[
Folder 1: Correspondence July 1936-1938],
[
Folder 2: Correspondence 1939-1940],
[
Folder 3: Correspondence 1941-1944],
[
Folder 4: Correspondence 1945-1946],
[Folder 5: Correspondence South Anniston],
[
Folder 6: Correspondence South Elizabeth City],
[
Folder 7: Correspondence South Frank Casey (copies)],
[
Folder 8: Correspondence South Frank Casey 1937],
[
Folder 9: Correspondence South Frank Casey 1938],
[
Folder 10: Correspondence South Frank Casey 1939],
[
Folder 11: Correspondence South Frank Casey 1940],
[
Folder 12: Correspondence South Frank Casey 1941],
[
Folder 13: Correspondence South Frank Casey 1942],
[
Folder 14: Correspondence South Frank Casey 1943],
[
Folder 15: Correspondence South Frank Casey 1944],
[
Folder 16: Correspondence South Frank Casey 1945-46],
[
Folder 17: Correspondence South Mon Luis],
[
Folder 18: Correspondence South Selma Community],
[
Folder 19: Privileges and Dispensations],
[
All]
- Folder 5: Correspondence South Anniston
