This collection consists of correspondence, writings, and photographs of Matilda Joslyn Gage; also included are published articles both by and about her. The correspondence is divided into two parts: family and other. The latter deals mainly with Gage's speaking engagements, writing, and other suffrage work, and consists (with the exception of Susan B. Anthony) mainly of single letters from notable men and women of the period. In 1956, before this collection was given to the Schlesinger Library, these non-family letters were microfilmed with the permission of Matilda Jewell Gage; this film is included in the SL/UPA project. Researchers should note that some letters of Susan B. Anthony on this film are not in the Gage collection, and some letters in the collection are not on this film.
Family correspondence consists primarily of letters to Thomas Clarkson Gage and Helen Leslie Gage from their parents, Matilda Joslyn Gage and Henry Hill Gage. The letters contain descriptions of Gage's work in the suffrage movement, advice to Thomas Clarkson Gage upon his marriage in 1885, and lengthy discussions of financial affairs, particularly regarding Thomas Clarkson Gage's business dealings in South Dakota. Gage especially devoted a great deal of attention to the financial and physical well-being of her family; scattered throughout her letters are remedies for various ailments and warnings as to the wisdom of potential financial transactions. Letters written during her later years reflect her growing interest in spiritualism; much of her advice springs from astrological configurations or from spiritual readings. Many letters have handwritten annotations by Sally Roesch Wagner, biographer of Matilda Joslyn Gage and friend of Matilda Jewell Gage.
Also included are manuscripts of stories and essays by Gage, most undated, and published pamphlets and addresses by Gage and her colleagues in the suffrage movement. There are also photocopies of two scrapbooks: one, assembled by Gage, consists of clippings by or about her; the other, belonging to Maud (Gage) Baum, contains clippings about the death of her mother. The location of the originals is unknown.
