Edith Neal papers

Collection

Identifier: IWA0660

Staff Only
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Scope and Contents

The Edith Neal papers date from 1931 to 1997 and measure 7.5 linear inches. The papers are arranged in two series: Biographical and Vietnam War.

The Biographical series (1931-1997) consists of a memoir started by Neal in 1983, in which she recalls her childhood in Oklahoma and reflects on her Thanksgiving and Christmas activities. Included are religious, charitable and educational certificates, a detailed cash expenditure log, and directory of the Geneva Tower Residence in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The series is completed with a family photograph album, loose portraits and snapshots of Edith Neal and family members.

Neal's work corresponding with servicemen stationed in Vietnam is reflected in the Vietnam War series (1966-1969). The series is comprised of letters and cards written by servicemen stationed in Vietnam who fondly refer to Neal as their "adopted Mom." A scrapbook contains newspaper clippings, photographs, correspondence, and other memorabilia that provide insight into Edith Neal's work as the Vietnam Mail Lady. The photographs consist of servicemen, Vietnamese, and Vietnamese street and village scenes. Letters and cards glued into the scrapbook have been removed from their envelopes and placed in a separate folder. Photocopies have been made of newspaper clippings pasted within the scrapbook.

Dates

Creation: 1931-1997

Creator

Neal, Edith, 1916-2007 (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

The papers are open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

Copyright held by the donor has been transferred to the University of Iowa.

However, copyright status for some collection materials may be unknown. Transmission or reproduction of materials protected by U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.C.) beyond that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the copyright owner. Works not in the public domain cannot be commercially exploited without permission of the copyright owners. Responsibility and potential liability based on copyright infringement for any use rests exclusively and solely with the user. Users must properly acknowledge the Iowa Women’s Archives, The University of Iowa Libraries, as the source of the material. For further information, visit https://www.lib.uiowa.edu/sc/services/rights/

Biographical / Historical

Edith Neal was born in Tillman County, Oklahoma, April 11, 1916. At the age of thirteen, Neal moved with her family from Oklahoma to Iowa. After attending school in North Liberty for five years she moved to Iowa City and later settled in Cedar Rapids. Neal was married to Maurice Keefer with whom she had three sons, Marvin, David Lee, and Steven James (Jimmy) Keefer. She was later married to Henry Neal, a metal polisher.

Neal dedicated her time and resources to a number of organizations and causes. She was an active member of the Salvation Army for fifteen years, and a contributor to organizations such as the American Indian Youth Support. Neal's charitable work came to the forefront during the Vietnam War. She spent eight hours a day, six days a week coordinating mailing lists, writing letters and wrapping gifts to send to servicemen stationed in Vietnam. Fondly known as the "Vietnam Mail Lady," Neal advertised through newspapers, radio and television for women who wished tocorrespond with servicemen. Her "Servicemen's Name Clearing Bureau" provided mail for over one thousand soldiers, of whom she personally kept in contact with some 200, until her failing eyesight forced her retirement.

Edith Neal passed away on October 11, 2007.