Identity elements
Reference code
Name and location of repository
Level of description
Title
Date(s)
- 1923-1981 (Creation)
Extent
27.44 linear feet (19 oversize boxes, 1 document case, 1 card file box)
Name of creator
Biographical history
Rhea Beryl DeHaven Stewart was born on September 2, 1899 in Linden, Iowa, to Albert and Eva DeHaven. The first years of Beryl's life were spent in Iowa, after which she homesteaded with her parents near Capa, South Dakota in 1907. In 1915, she and her family moved to Wessington, SD, which remained her home for most of her life.
In the fall of 1915, Beryl started teaching when she was drafted from high school to teach a group of 26 pupils in a rural school. In 1926, she completed her high school work at Northern States Teachers' college in Aberdeen, SD. She later took a teacher's course there and she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Education. She was a student assistant in various departments while she attended college. She was a member of Kappa Delta Phi and Pi Kappa Delta, national societies, Beaux Arts Club and the Pasque Board. She also participated in forensics, dramatics and stagecraft activities. / In 1927, she accepted a position at Roosevelt Junior High in Aberdeen, SD. In the spring of that year, she took over the English and artwork in the new Simmons Junior High School. In 1930, she was made Director of the English Department at Central High School in Aberdeen. She taught English and dramatic courses and was adviser to the Drama Club and Word Craft, a publication initiated by Stewart and produced by students of the high school. / In 1932, Beryl was granted a Master of Arts degree from the State University of Iowa. Her major field of study was English literature.
On January 24, 1943, she married Chase David Stewart. She gave up her career as a teacher to become a farm homemaker. They resided near Wessington, SD.
Beryl Stewart was a long-time contributor of poetry and prose to many publications. She was a member of the South Dakota Press Women and the National League of American Pen Women, serving the latter as state president. Her writings were awarded prizes in national competitions, poetry magazines and in South Dakota State Fair Literature contests. Her name appears in Who's Who of American Women, Who's Who in South Dakota and International Who's Who in Poetry.
Although Mrs. Stewart left her career as a teacher to become a farm homemaker, she retained her interest in education by serving on the South Dakota Board of Education from 1947 to 1959. She was also a member of President Eisenhower's Conference on Education in 1955. After her husband's death in February 1960, Mrs. Stewart returned to teaching English at Sioux Falls College.
Beryl DeHaven Stewart died on September 20, 1961.
Content and structure elements
Scope and content
This collection is comprised of manuscripts, published works, and personal archives of Beryl Stewart, reflecting her contributions to literature and education. It includes newspaper clippings referencing Stewart, a book mentioning her, and multiple issues of Word Craft, a publication from Aberdeen Central High School where she served as an adviser. Her correspondence (1923–1942) contains reference letters and exchanges with publishers, offering insight into her professional relationships.
Stewart's manuscripts consist of essays, poems, and short stories, including entries for the South Dakota State Fair literature contests, some with critiques and awarded ribbons. Her published works appeared in various literary and rural publications, demonstrating her influence in both creative writing and regional literature. The scrapbooks, spanning multiple decades, preserve correspondence, publication clippings, and personal reflections, highlighting the breadth of her literary career and the reception of her work. This collection serves as a valuable resource for understanding Stewart’s impact on South Dakota’s literary and educational landscape.
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use elements
Conditions governing access
The collection is open to all researchers, with materials accessible on-site only and not available for circulation.
For extensive research, scheduling an appointment in advance via phone or email is encouraged, including details about the research topic and intended use.
To access materials, researchers must complete and sign the Registration Form and provide proof of identity (e.g., University ID or driver’s license). By signing, researchers agree to adhere to the Reading Room Rules. The registration document also includes guidelines on making copies of materials, correct referencing, and copyright obligations.
Physical access
Technical access
Conditions governing reproduction
South Dakota State University supports access to its collections, both published and unpublished. However, access to certain items may be restricted due to their fragile condition, donor agreements, or copyright.
Reproduction of materials is allowed for research purposes only, and written permission is required for publication or distribution.
Due to the delicate nature of some items, reproduction may be limited.
Languages of the material
- English
Scripts of the material
Language and script notes
Finding aids
Uploaded finding aid
Acquisition and appraisal elements
Custodial history
Immediate source of acquisition
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling information
Accruals
Related materials elements
Existence and location of originals
Existence and location of copies
Related archival materials
Related descriptions
Notes element
General note
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General note
Copyright and Use Statement
In Copyright This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses, you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).
Materials in this collection may be subject to Title 17, Section 108 of the United States Copyright Act. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with copyright, privacy, trademark, and other applicable rights for their intended use. Obtaining all necessary permissions is the user's responsibility. Written authorization from the copyright and/or other rights holders is required for publication, distribution, or any use of protected materials beyond what is permitted under fair use.
Specialized notes
Alternative identifier(s)
ID
ID
Description control element
Rules or conventions
Sources used
Access points
Subject access points
Place access points
Name access points
- Stewart, Rhea Beryl DeHaven, 1899-1961 (Subject)