Mary Bullock Aker (1892-1985) Papers (KC0115)

Mrs. Mary B. Aker was born May 19, 1892, in Clay County, Missouri.  She was the daughter of William and Cora Chedester Bullock.  In 1911, she married Ernest G. Aker and began housekeeping in Parkville, Missouri, where, after her husband’s death in 1958, she continued to live.

Mrs. Aker began writing articles for the local newspapers around 1927.  Interested in pursuing this work she attended courses in journalism, forums, and writing workshops, and joined the Missouri and National Press Women’s Association and the National League of Pen Women.  During the peak of her writing, Mrs. Aker sold articles to many local and national newspapers and adult and children’s magazines.  She earned numerous state and national awards for her work, including a Valley Forge Freedom Foundation Award for an essay entitled, “The American Way of Life.”

In 1967, Mrs. Aker compiled a booklet on Parkville and Platte County history which was sold by the Parkville Business and Professional Women’s Club.

Mrs. Aker was active in a variety of activities in Platte County during her long life.  She served as an organizer and officer of such groups as the local PTA, the Red Cross, the Women’s Association of the Parkville Community Church, the Missouri Press Women’s Association, the Parkville Business and Professional Women’s Club and the Platte County Chapter of the American Association of Retired Persons.  She was an ordained Deacon and Elder in the Parkville Community Church.  She was also a founder, past president and executive secretary for the Platte County Historical Society.  Mrs. Aker received a number of awards and recognition for her extensive community work.

The papers contain short stories and newspaper/magazine articles written by Mary B. Aker and include both rough and final drafts.  Only a few are dated.  The articles cover a variety of topics from the Revolutionary War to household hints.  The originals were copied and returned to Mrs. Aker.  An addition to the collection is an autobiographical story which Mrs. Aker wrote in her 91st year.  It includes memories of her childhood in and around Parkville, Missouri.  ca.1930 - ca. 1984.

27 folders.

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