The University of Iowa Libraries

Alternate Extent Statement: Photographs in Box 5

Access: The papers are open for research.

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

Acquisition: The papers (donor no. 1267) were donated by John Schmidt in 2012.

Preferred Citation: Donna Schmidt papers, Iowa Women’s Archives, The University of Iowa Libraries, Iowa City.

Repository:	Iowa Women's Archives
Address:	100 Main Library University of Iowa Libraries Iowa City, IA 52242
Phone:	319-335-5068
Curator:	Kären Mason
Email:	lib-women@uiowa.edu
Website:	http://www.lib.uiowa.edu/iwa

Donna Ayers was born in 1921 to Elmer and Helen Ayers in Brandon, Iowa. When she was a young girl her father rented farms throughout eastern Iowa. As a result, the family moved often and Ayers attended schools in more than a dozen districts in Iowa.
Donna Ayers graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in nursing and worked as a nurse at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. In addition, she served as a school nurse at the University preschool. In 1944 she married Fred Schmidt, a Johnson County farmer. The couple raised three children and were active in the Lutheran Church. Donna Schmidt died in 2011.

The Donna Schmidt papers date from 1938-2010 and measure 2 linear feet. The collection is comprised primarily of Schmidt's diaries, which span the period 1973 to 2010 and contain daily entries that discuss local and national news, the weather, and Schmidt's daily life including her health, social life, and farm activities. She often talked about planting, gardening, and other farm activities. The diaries also mention bridge, 4-H, and other clubs and organizations. In addition to the diaries, the collection includes one folder of family photographs from the years 1938-2009 and three pins associated with Schmidt's work as a nurse.

This collection is indexed under the following subject terms.

Personal Names:
Schmidt, Donna, 1921-2011

Dates:
20th century