Who is Meiko? An introduction to the exhibit

I seem to have lived two lives always -- the one which the world saw -- which was really respectable, hard working -- almost admirable -- and the other -- the hidden, emotional one, revealed only in my diary and to the few people personally involved.

[Diary: 1976-1980 pg.105-106]

From a very early age, Muriel Orr-Ewing (nicknamed "Meiko") was a prolific writer. Exhibiting an intense desire to capture her thoughts and feelings on the people, places and events in her life, Meiko wrote constantly over the course of her lifetime. Her writings provide a rare uncensored glimpse into the world of a modern 20th century woman.

Why are Meiko's papers so important to preserve? Often personal papers donated to archives are censored by the creator or their heirs. After pulling out documents they wish to remain hidden, only the higlights are left. However, researchers find a lot of evidential value in history's trials and tribulations. Meiko's papers represent the full spectrum of her life through over 60 years worth of diaries, correspondence, photographs, and business records.

The Muriel Orr-Ewing Papers were donated to the University Archives by Meiko's son, UB professor Emeritus, Dr. Peter Boyd-Bowman. Dr. Boyd-Bowman left the collection intact with little to no intervention on his part. Therefore this collection represents a distinctive voice of the 20th century.

In this exhibit you will get hear Meiko's story told through her own distincitve voice.

Who is Meiko? Well...

Next: Miss Muriel Muschamp

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