Mary Maude Smelser - April 4,1873–October 26,1960
Mary, more affectionately known as Maude, recalling her student days, said, “I was a wild one in college; I didn’t even graduate.” An article in her biographical file states this is because her parents wanted her to major in music, while Maude was interested in English and Literature.
In 1903, Smelser went to Carrie Watson enquiring about a job. Carrie was a bit apprehensive about employing a “giddy” youngster, and about her longevity in the position. Carrie Watson took a chance and hired Maude as a temporary assistant.
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The Kansas Room
In 1924, when Watson Library opened, Mary Maude was put in charge of accessions. In 1950, after the new addition to Watson was completed, Maude, Head of Cataloging at that time, became the Head of the Kansas Room. The Kansas Room had been a project of Carrie Waston’s from 1887-1921. In 1968, when Kenneth Spencer Research Library opened, the Kansas Room was relocated there. It is now known as our Kansas Collection, our regional history collection.
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Dandelion Days
Dandelion Days, an ephemeral springtime event in the 1940s, involved people assisting the landscaping crew in eradicating dandelions on campus, before the advent of weed killers. Dandelion Days were interrupted by WWII and began again in 1946, this time with a Dandelion King and Queen. By 1949, dandelions on campus were nearly eradicated, and the day was discontinued.
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Retirement
Mary Maude Smelser retires after 50 years of service to the University of Kansas Libraries. Upon her passing in 1960, Smelser was described as a “…vigorously and thoughtfully helpful..... one of the wisest and most beloved of KU figures.” Maude was known to refuse praise often saying, “I’m just the person who has put it together. If I hadn’t done it, someone else probably would have. The credit goes to the people who have made the history.”
