Della May Noyes collection, 1868-1970

Full finding aid (pdf)

Collection Scope and Content

This collection consists of 16 daily diaries dated 1926, 1929, 1930-1943; one “Old Maids’ Retreat” log book of a camp/tent she frequented with friends, possibly on Pennesseewassee Lake in Norway, Maine, dated 1893-1900; one record book of the meeting minutes of the Young People’s Junior Union Universalist Church of Norway, Maine, dated 1900 to 1904, for which Noyes served as superintendent; one autograph book, illustrated with embossed cover, with one black feather enclosed, dated 1882-1884. Some of the autographs included are those of people named in the other logs and diaries; one photograph by a Norway photographer of a young woman, labeled in pencil on the reverse “D.M. Noyes,” not dated.

Biographical/Historical Note

Born in Falmouth, Maine in 1868, the daughter of Amos Oscar Noyes and a woman with the surname Spofford, Della May was adopted by her father Amos Oscar Noyes and Anna “Annie” Chase Noyes of Norway, Maine. Her half-brother was George Lorenzo “Shavey” Noyes. Her father was a successful businessman, owning both an apothecary and a book and stationery business in the 1870s and 1880s. He also served as tax collector, constable and town treasurer, and participated in fraternal organizations, committees, and boards of directors. Della was never married. She lived predominantly in Norway, Maine and died in 1970.