Corajoyce Rauss Papers

Collection — Container: Box 1

Identifier: 1998-11

Staff Only

Collection Scope

The collection contains a good deal of letters from Henry Scripps Booth, as well as copy letters written by Corajoyce. They document her work for Booth, particularly at times when he is traveling, and include a commentary on family members and friends activities. The letters also include those written by Cranbrook colleagues, notably Helen McIlroy, Lillian Bauder, Roy Slade, and Ben Snyder. The collection also includes a small number of writings by Booth, mostly poems and a psalm, as well as a speech. There is a small amount of printed materials which includes Cranbrook publications and programs for events.

Dates

Creation: 1976 - 1987
Creation: Majority of material found within 1948 - 1998

Creator

Rauss, Corajoyce (Person)

Access

Access to the collection is largely unrestricted, with the exception of two folders, which are at the discretion of the Archivist.

Use

Permission to use collection materials must be requested in writing.

History

Corajoyce Nancy Lane was born in 1925. In 1945, at the age of 20, she responded to an advertisement in the Birmingham Eccentric for photographer's assistant with the Cranbrook Foundation, and she was hired by Harvey Croze. She stayed in the job only two months before getting a different position at Kingswood School with Margaret Auger. In 1948, Corajoyce was married to Robert Rauss and she left Cranbrook two years later to be a stay-at-home mom for their daughter. Corajoyce returned to Cranbrook in 1961 when she became secretary to Henry Scripps Booth. The two became lifelong friends and she eventually became the manager for his personal estate. After Henry's death in 1988, Corajoyce joined the Cranbrook Archives as a part-time bookkeeper. With the assistance of volunteers, Corajoyce created the Booth Family photograph albums which are held in the Archives. She also dedicated much time and effort to the genealogy which is contained in the Booth Family of America book. In 1990, Corajoyce was awarded the President's Award for Excellence by Lillian Bauder. Corajoyce finally retired from Cranbrook in 2007. She died on July 1, 2015 and a funeral service was held at Christ Church Cranbrook the following day.

Extent

.4 Linear Feet ((1 MS) )

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Corajoyrce Rauss was personal secretary to Henry Scripps Booth from 1961-1988. Lifelong friends, Rauss was also manager of Booth's estate. After his death in 1988, Rauss became staff at Cranbrook Archives helping to document the Booth Family until she retired in 2007.

The Corajoyce Rauss Papers document her time as a Cranbrook employee, particularly the years she worked for Henry Scripps Booth. Correspondence to and from Booth, as well as writings by Rauss and Booth, make up the bulk of the collection.