Hist. Mss. 1-32 SC
Helen Alderfer
Papers, 1953-1994
4 Folders (Small Collection)

Introduction

These papers were deposited into the Archives by Helen Alderfer, Goshen, Indiana, in 1998.

Alderfer served as associate editor of Christian Living, at the Mennonite Publishing House (MPH) from 1959-84. She began her assignment as successor to Alta Mae Erb as Home Life Editor, and worked with four editors through 25 years, Millard Lind, Dan Hertzler, Lorne Peachey, and David Hostetler. She worked out of her home from 1959-70, and moved her desk to MPH when she took on editorship of On the Line, from 1970-85. Other titles she edited or participated in were Hi-Lights (the in-house staff publication of MPH), A Farthing in Her Hand, Breaking Bread Together, Helping Your Child to Grow, and Life and Values.

"While trained as a teacher she felt that this background, plus all of her experiences in her family, the several places where they lived, as well as her childhood and youth experiences, were instrumental in forming and preparing her for the editorial task which she served so well and effectively for 25 years." James E. Horsch, editor, hi-lights, August 31, 1984


Inventory Listing

Includes some biography articles on Alderfer, 1955-84; samples of Alderfer's writings; background materials on Christian writing and the Mennonite Publishing House; and the debate on Christian Living, 1980.

4 Folders (Small Collection)

Biography, 1955-84
Writings, 1973-94
Mennonite Publishing, 1953-59
Includes The Christian Writer, Writer's Conference, and the anniversary issue of Youth's Christian Companion (December 26, 1954)
Christian Living debate, 1980
Includes anniversary issue of Christian Living (January 1979), and the debate with Guy F. Hershberger on the role of the magazine, including writings by editor J. Lorne Peachey, Dan Hertzler, and Hershberger.

Name and Subject Tracing

Alderfer, Helen
Christian Living
Hershberger, Guy F.
Hertzler, Dan
Peachey, J. Lorne
Women in Church Work

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Archives of the Mennonite Church, Goshen, Indiana
02-09-98/Dennis Stoesz