Ade Bethune donated her collection of personal and business papers, sketches, artwork, books, and artifacts to the College of St Catherine (now St. Catherine University) over the period from 1984-2002.
The collection was processed and the finding aid written by Ruth Paloma, February through April 2009.
The collection includes personal correspondence with more than 150 individuals: handwritten and typed letters, photographs, postcards, and greeting cards, also any enclosed materials, such as print samples, informal sketches, or other items, that Bethune kept with the correspondences.
Ade Bethune was prolific in her correspondence. Especially of note is the over 30 years worth of correspondence she had with Arthur Graham Carey, as well as correspondence with Carey's wife, Nancy, and others in his family (Series 2). Bethune and Cary discussed matters such as art commissions, personal affairs, and John Stevens Shop or Catholic Art Association business, as well as more general thoughts on the theory and philosophy of art.
It appears from the breadth of this collection that Ade Bethune faithfully saved all the letters that she possibly could. Often times, correspondence was with church community figures (such as Sister Peter Claver Fahy or Rev. Frederick R. McManus) or admirers from all over the world. Topics included informal art and design advice, discussions on liturgy, religion, or other personal matters. Letters to news editors, television hosts, and political leaders are somewhat common. She also corresponded with other successful artists such as Leandro Locsin, Alfonso Ossorio, and Fernando Zobel.
Ade Bethune (full name Marie Adélaïde Anne Caroline de Bethune) was born into a privileged life in the Schaerbeek district of Brussels on January 12, 1914. A few months after Bethune's birth, her father was enlisted into the Belgian army and subsequently served in WWI. The rest of the family continued to live at her maternal grandfather’s country home in Belgium, where her first languages were Flemish and French. Her mother was one of the first major influences that helped shaped her life in the way of valuing her Catholic heritage, being politically active, and often striving to help people, especially children and the elderly. Another early influence that “converted” Bethune was when she learned of the life of St. Francis and his commitment to a life of poverty. When Bethune’s father, who was a chemical engineer, decided to patent and sell his inventions in America, the family immigrated to New York City in 1928.
As a teenager in New York, Ade Bethune attended Cathedral High School in New York City and the National Academy of Design. To help save her own money, she gave occasional private French lessons to Americans. In the midst of the Great Depression, she attended the Cooper Union as an art student and it was here that she was exposed to worker’s issues and publications. Her interest in one of those publications, the Catholic Worker, led to her extensive involvement in the Catholic Worker Movement. It was her involvement with the Catholic Worker Movement that would launch her liturgical art career, which then served as a stepping stone for an abundance of other accomplishments. Her illustrations in the publication drew the attention of many including her future mentors, Arthur Graham Carey, a writer and art philosopher, and John Howard Benson, a fellow artist. John Howard Benson had given Bethune studio space at the John Stevens Shop in Newport, Rhode Island, in order to work on art commissions that she had received due to her connections through the Catholic Worker. John Howard Benson’s influence also instilled in Ade a love for calligraphy, which is apparent in much of her correspondence.
Ade Bethune died in her long time home of Newport, Rhode Island on May 1, 2002.
[Series], Personal Correspondence, Ade Bethune Papers. Ade Bethune Collection, St. Catherine University Library, St. Paul, MN 55105.
An index to the correspondence in Series 2 is available.
The collection is divided into four series, with the last series containing a number of subseries.
Most other parts of the Ade Bethune Papers also contain Ade Bethune's correspondence. Of particular interest may be her correspondence with Dorothy Day and others in the Catholic Worker Movement, found in the
This series contains correspondence Ade Bethune exchanged with members of her family throughout her life. The materials consist of letters, photographs, drawings, family-related documents, articles regarding family members, and genealogical histories.
Organized alphabetically by correspondent.
Correspondence regarding calligraphy.
Correspondence regarding free-lance work and a personal loan; includes a logo design work done by Liz with the help of Ade; one small photograph of perhaps Liz.
Drawings and correspondence in French regarding house plans for Ade's brother, Pierre.
Text of lectures by Pierre de Bethune at Louvain University, Belgium; minor correspondence; note on original folder: "Lectures for senior citizens."
Letters, cards and photographs from friends and family overseas.
Collection of letters from family abroad.
Letters to and from family overseas.
Letters to and from family overseas.
Letters to and from family overseas.
Letters to and from family overseas.
Contains letters from various family members, cards, children's handmade cards to Ade, Bethune family and Christmas greeting photographs (c. 1950s to 1970s).
Miscellaneous items: a business card for "real Belgian laces"; letters from banks regarding the accounts of Gaston de Bethune, deceased.
Correspondence to and from brother-in-law and sister, Francoise, regarding a mix of personal matters, orders from the St. Leo Stop and blue prints of house plans.
Note from Ade that Father Oldenhove was her cousin; mostly photographs of monastery in Africa; correspondence; article regarding a monastery; layout drawing of a monastery in Ruanda.
This series contains original letters exchanged between Ade Bethune and Graham Carey. There are also letters from other members of Carey's family to Bethune. The materials consist of letters, postcards, and articles.
Organized chronologically, with additional materials ordered alphabetically at the end of the series.
An index to the correspondence in this series is available.
Correspondence from Nancy; includes many photos.
Undated letters and cards from Nancy Carey.
Carey's correspondence and writings regarding thoughts on "Fine Arts."
Correspondence to pastors and publisher with suggests for designs; one letter suggesting the use of wood cuts belonging to A. Graham Carey for book illustrations. This folder was originally included in the Carey-Bethune "originals" subseries but no correspondence between Carey and Bethune.
This series contains letters exchanged between Ade Bethune and a variety of friends, acquaintances, admirers of her work, and general contacts for information. The materials consist of letters, photographs, postcards, greeting cards, articles and rough sketches.
Organized alphabetically by correspondent or file folder title.
Correspondence regarding plans for a book about Father Dowling.
Correspondence from Mother Mary Osmund of the Convent of the Holy Child Jesus in Nigeria, Africa; commissioning biblical illustrations.
Postcards featuring Ade Bethune's images sent to Sister Helen Angela, faculty member at the College of St. Catherine.
Correspondence regarding Sister Francis Assisi's option of spending time in an artistic community.
Correspondence regarding a youth group from the Pawtuxet Valley CYO Center and arranging a visit for their summer program to a liturgical art workshop.
Correspondence regarding personal request for a picture.
Correspondence, postcards and picture of Ade's dog Tio Primo
Letters regarding requests of another liturigical designer to work at Ade's studio.
Letter enclosing information about FESTIVALS magazine.
Correspondence from personal acquaintance, Bob.
Correspondence regarding sending Catholic Art Association workshop papers to Rome to Mother Borgia.
Correspondence between Ade Bethune and her godson, Jeremiah Brady; also some letters from his wife, Marion.
Correspondence to and from Dr. Breydert, Ade Bethune's doctor and a mosaic artist, as well as her husband Frederick Breydert.
Correspondence regarding possible visits and personal updates.
Correspondence regarding Monsignor Brock's new assignment; invitation to College of St. Catherine.
Miscellaneous items: photographs, postcard, address note, bookmark.
Includes rough sketches of early representations of the passage to which "Noli me tangere" refers.
Correspondence regarding consultation, advice, and paid work surrounding the interior design and art of St. Mary's of Fair Haven, Vermont. Includes fabric samples used for tapestries and banners.
Correspondence regarding the requesting and repayment of a personal loan given to Coddington by Ade Bethune.
Correspondence regarding a booklet commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Southwest Liturgical Conference.
Correspondence regarding Comstock's drafting an autobiography which included sections about Bethune. Includes a letter from Bethune to assist Comstock, detailing the circumstances of her migration to the United States, how she met Comstock at the Copper Union, and then a brief chronology of her career.
Correspondence asking for a critique of cards printed by Conahan; includes the cards
Correspondence regarding a Memory Party to document the history of Charles J. Connick Associates stained glass makers.
Correspondence to the de Bethune family, wishing them Happy New Year.
Correspondence and newspaper article regarding a tapestry
Correpondence regarding photos.
Letters and greeting cards to Wm. King Covell, primarily from Elwin Eldredge, but 2 from the Bethune family.
Correspondence regarding recommendations for a stonecutter.
Discussion with Patrick W. Cunningham of the Pastorale Music Company about chants and parish music.
Unfinished handwritten letter to Fr. Damasus about the baptism ceremony
Correspondence regarding an art lesson for De Vitry's daughter, Mayalen.
Correspondence regarding a lace collection which Ade's mother appraised and catalogued; and negotiations on the final bill for the appraisal.
Correspondence between Doblmeier and Fr. Klement Van den Borght, O.S.F., regarding the circummstances around Mao Tse Tung's death and his possible baptism.
Photocopies of correspondence between Bethune and Doherty, from the Madonna House Archives, Combermere, Ontario
Letters to Bethune and Mary Paulson about St. Benedict's Farm.
Correspondence regarding possible apprenticeship with Ade
A brief note to Ade regarding designing "the little mountain chapel"; church newsletters written by Lucille.
Correspondence requesting an apprenticeship with Ade.
A neighbor's recollections of the de Bethunes.
Correspondence regarding the request for and care of earthworms; advice regarding composting.
Letter to Father Julian regarding the symbolism of bread and wine
Correspondence requesting an assortment of custom-made cards.
Letter enclosed with an issue of "Together in Christ"
Correspondence from Reverend Fernando asking for donations to support a chapel in India.
Correspondence regarding art slides.
Correspondence regarding the order of Christmas cards.
Correspondence regarding repair of a crucifix.
Correspondence regarding a former worker on one of the Catholic Worker farms, Hazen Ordway, and the annulment of his marriage.
Returned letter addressed to Mr. Ralph Macfayden in New York City, saying that she stopped wearing glasses.
Personal correspondence reminiscing over some connections with St. Paul and the Sisters of St. Joseph.
Advice on forming and running a religious goods shop.
Correspondence regarding borrowed stained glass books. One other letter from a family member named "Helene" that does not seem to belong in this folder.
Letter of transmittal sent with some of Bethune's articles. Enclosures not included in file.
Letter describing possibilities for story/coloring books.
Letters on various subjects, including the Lutheran hymn "A Mighty Fortress," the appropriate use of flags in church buildings, and the replacement of Maurice Lavanoux
Correspondence regarding assistance and education for Jane's children.
Correspondence regarding corrections to a TV program on St. Francis.
Letter regarding Dorothy Gauchat's funeral; includes obituary.
Correspondence regarding Bethune's citation from the Rhode Island House of Representatives.
Letters and photographs; travel and sightseeing information for trips to China.
Proposal to managing editor David Kraehenbuehl of the Paluch Co. regarding a set of images for the church year cycle.
Correspondence regarding advice on iconography and Christian art.
Correspondence and critique of article by Kuhnke.
Correspondence regarding a critique of Kwit's writing samples.
Correspondencer regarding the designing of a chalice, candle holders and baptismal fountain.
Letter regarding the possible name change of the ladybug.
Correspondence regarding donation of print to a hospital.
Plans to visit
Correspondence with Bethune's sister Francoise's Swiss sister-in-law regarding book orders.
Correspondence regarding life in the Mount Tabor Monastery.
Correspondence regarding the resettlement of displaced Japanese-Americans, discussing possibility of some being accepting onto St. Benedict's Catholic Worker farm.
Letter asking Ade to participate in a video series on people involved in the liturgical movement before Vatican II.
Correspondence with requesting a copy of the Ordo Hebdomadae Sanctae.
Correspondence, a photograph of Livingston, articles and writings by Livingston regarding theatre, dramatics and education; articles for the Catholic Art Quarterly. Related enclosures may be found in Box R24.
Correspondence requesting photos and information for Bethune's use in writing an article about the U.P. Chapel in the Philippines. Loscin is the architect. Photographs of Chapel of the Holy Sacrifice.
Personal correspondence
Correspondence regarding disagreement with TV program (Bill Moyers) guest.
Personal correspondence.
Personal letters from a house tenant.
Correspondence about using Bethune's pictures in printed calendars.
Misc. letters on various subjects throughout 1960-1965. Topics include published articles by Bethune, wheel calendars, Liturgical Arts, and changes in the liturgy.
About life in the seminary
Correspondence relating to Melone's ordination into the priesthood and about Russian icons.
Correspondence regarding scapulars and copyrights.
Advice on stained glass window designs
Correspondence regarding the "Christmas Crib" and Portuguese customs.
Personal correspondence; also includes correspondence with Mueller's daughter Gertrude Mueller Nelson.
Includes letter by Bethune describing how she became involved in the Catholic Art Association.
Correspondence regarding design advice.
Creating a film about environments for worship
Print samples, photographs, and sample cards of Ossorio's art; art exhibition notices; written materials by Ossorio.
Letter from Paschal expressing thanks for Ade's visit to a Catholic girls' school.
Correspondence regarding Sabbath and other Jewish traditions, and Jewish-Catholic relations.
Personal correspondence.
Discussion of rights for designs in Our Little Messenger and Treasue Chest
Note and request of picture sent to Ade.
Discussion regarding doing business with Paravan, Inc.
Letter requesting prints of designs created by Ade
Personal correspondence.
Correspondence regarding a request for Ade's "paintings" for a private household.
Ideas for a memorial card for Sr. Cyril Clare. Also contains envelope of photos and postcards labeled "Soeur Dominique."
Request for a copy of the stations of the cross
Correspondence on Lector workshops
Communication with member of Congress
Letter requesting pictures of baptismal fountain. Also includes note from Sister Peter Claver
Personal correspondence.
Correspondence regarding basket-making. Article featuring Stevens and his baskets.
Request to reproduce Bethune's work in newsletter
Copy of Sister Judith's correspondence to Sister Vera regarding her trip in Paris. Correspondence from Sister Judith regarding commencing a biography and taping Ade's oral memoirs. Also, newspaper with articles "Seneca Falls: Unlikely birthplace of women's movement," and "Women in the Hall of Fame."
Personal correspondence.
Request to reproduce some designs from the Catholic Worker
Comments and ideas on improving cartoon art created by the Northwind Studios International
Letters from Tripp and photographs of Bethune and Tripp.
Personal correspondence.
Correspondence with authors of Atlas of Early Christian World on subjects discussed in the Atlas.
Correspondence regarding book plates.
Correspondence regarding print designs. There seems to be two individuals with last name of Walsh - Elizabeth and perhaps "Gene". Bethune simply labeled the folder "Walsh".
Correspondence regarding Bethune's "Stations of the Cross" illustrations loaned to the school by Dorothy Day.
Correspondence regarding paper on "Signs: Fabric of the Liturgy" as well as other matters regarding the Catholic Art Association convention.
Letter to Bethune explaining some Shaker religious views.
Correspondence regarding request for book plates.
Correspondence and photos from family that Ade was assisting financially.
Personal correspondence and correspondence regarding stained-glass.
Correspondence commissioning art pieces for the new St. Joseph's convent.
Correspondence requesting information on wood-carving.
Correspondence regarding Francis Yeh's diary that Bethune had passed onto Reverend Whann.
Correspondence with artist Fernando Zobel. Includes autographed Sketchbooks.
Correspondence enclosing student paper on "Easy Pictures for the Green Revolution; the Catholic Worker and its Illustrations." Includes biographical details on Bethune.
This series contains two types of correspondence. Included are letters, post cards, and greeting cards to and from multiple individuals. These materials are grouped by year, initial of correspondent, or topic. It also contains letters Ade Bethune exchanged with organizations or companies.
Correspondence in this series is grouped into 4 subseries.
Arrangement varies by subseries.
This subseries contains letters, post cards and greeting cards from the later years of Ade Bethune's life. Most items were sent to Bethune by others, although there is some correspondence sent by her.
Materials in this subseries were primarily loose and unsorted at the time of Bethune's death. They have been separated by year and arranged chronologically.
This subseries groups single letters from multiple individuals.
Organized alphabetically by initial of last name (if known) or first name
This subseries is a mixture of correspondence with multiple individuals, as well as correspondence with organizations.
Organized alphabetically by file folder title
Miscellaneous correspondence; correspondence from family; copy of Last Will and Testament of "S.T. Terlinden"; rough sketches; 8x10 photo of Ade c. 1940; personal notes; mechanical drawing; children's drawings and theme papers; color photo negatives of what appears to be Ade's parents in flower garden.
Miscelleous correspondence.
Christmas letters and photographs from family and friends, some not dated over Christmas time.
Correspondence from various individuals from College of St. Catherine regarding personal matters or about management of Ade's collection.
A few letters which remained unsorted from earlier years.
Letters from readers regarding Easter Rabbit article.
Get-well and birthday greeting cards, formal invitations, postcards.
Get-well and birthday greeting cards, formal invitations, postcards.
Correspondence regarding a search for a ring maker. Ade's note: "A ring for Jane Marie."
Random letters, notes and cards.
Letters to the Editor
Correspondence from Ade in search of book, Planning for Good Acoustics.
Letters to editor of Providence Visitor.
Letter and prayer
Correspondence regarding songs; includes religious songs and sheet music from the Philippines.
This subseries contains items given to Ade Bethune by children. The materials consists mainly of children's drawings and some children's writings.
Organized alphabetically by file folder title.
Child's drawings and handmade book to Ade.
Two drawings done by children (one done by a young Tibetan monk). Also, letter in French from friend wishing Ade a Happy New Year.