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By Abigail Sholes '23
Collection Overview
Scope and Contents of the Materials
Collection consists of 130 prayer covering patterns created by the Bucher sisters for women in the Annville Church of the Brethren as well as diaries of Sallie and Esther. The patterns are labeled with the names of the women for whom they were used.
Collection Historical Note
Clara, Sallie, and Esther Bucher were the daughters of Allen and Mary (nee Gingrich) Bucher. All three were raised in Annville, Pennsylvania on their father’s farm. Clara Bucher was born on 15 September 1888. She never married and lived with her sisters Sallie and Esther in Annville throughout her life. Clara was an active member of the religious community and made prayer coverings for local women in the Palmyra and Annville Brethren Churches. Clara Bucher passed away on 14 January 1967. Sallie Bucher was born on 22 July 1893. Alongside her sisters, Sallie Bucher never married. She was also an active member of the religious community in Annville and worked with her sister Clara and potentially Esther to make prayer coverings for local women. Sallie Bucher passed away on 21 December 1983. Esther Bucher was born on 3 November 1909. She attended a two-year teaching program at Elizabethtown College and graduated in 1931. Her first teaching job was located in North Londonderry Township. Later, she went on to teach first-grade in the Annville-Cleona School District for 45 years before retiring. Also a very active member of the church, Esther Bucher taught Sunday School at the Annville Church of the Brethren, which all three sisters were members of. She lived in Annville for most of her life, but passed away in Palmyra on 12 October 2000.
Subject/Index Terms
Administrative Information
Repository:
Earl H. and Anita F. Hess Archives and Special Collections
Acquisition Source:
Kathy Bucher
Acquisition Method:
Donated to the Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies
Related Materials:
Bucher, Simon G., 1887-1972, Papers (MG.1.071), Mennonite Life. For more information please see https://mennonitelife.org/research/.
Box and Folder Listing
Browse by Box:
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Box 1],
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- Box 9
- Volume 1: Esther Bucher Diary, 1 January 1961–31 December 1965
- Entries in this diary often detail the day’s weather, school events, and the work or chores completed that day. Many entries give a brief account of how the school day progressed, student behavior, or mood throughout the day. Some entries reference working late at school in the library, hosting conferences, or other activities. The author has many interactions visiting, hosting, or working with various community members. Notably, Esther most often mentions her sister, Sallie Bucher, and brother Allen Bucher.
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