Mark and Ada Rich Collection

Historical Note

Ada Gillett and Mark Rich attended McMinnville College (later Linfield College) between 1917 and 1923. The two met in 1919 and had an off-and-on relationship that resulted in them being engaged before the end of the 1919 school year. Ada left to teach in Southern Oregon while Mark finished his remaining years at Linfield.

Ada was a sorority member during her time at McMinnville College and graduated in 1920 with a double major in Music and Philosophy before receiving her teaching certificate. Mark was a member of Delta Psi Delta fraternity, Glee Club during his sophomore year, was president of the Young Men's Christian Association (Y.M.C.A.) and Lyceum manager during his third year, and president of ASLC (Associated Students of Linfield College) during his senior year. He was also a member of the Linfield baseball team and was named captain during his senior year.

Collection Description

This collection consists of photographs and documents collected throughout the years Mark and Ada attended college. The collection contains photographs, a scrapbook, grade reports and letters from the school, and a chapter from Mark Rich’s unpublished autobiography. For additional historical background and collection inventory, please see the Guide to the Mark and Ada (Gillett) Rich Collection 1917-1923.

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Mark Rich Autobiography, Chapter Four

Mark Rich

Mark Rich wrote this autobiography for a class while attending Ithaca College. Chapter four is a summary of his time at McMinnville College (later Linfield College), starting before his first year and ending with his last. The chapter also depicts his family life, details about the college, and how Mark met his future wife, Ada Gillett, as well as their subsequent courtship.
Linfield College Baseball Game

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This action shot shows the Linfield College baseball team playing a game on Linfield's baseball field. Pioneer Hall can be seen in the background.
Mark Rich and Ada Gillett

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Ada (Gillett) Rich and Mark Rich are photographed together at McMinnville College (later Linfield College). Mark does yard work while Ada looks on. Newby Hall can be seen in the background.
May Day Queen and Attendants

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A May Day queen and her attendants approach the May Day pole. The May Day celebration was a popular Linfield College tradition which occurred annually until the late 1960s.
McMinnville College Baseball Team

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The McMinnville College (later Linfield College) baseball team poses for a team photo. Mark Rich was the team captain his senior year.

Top row (left to right): Carlton Lathrop (first on left), unidentified man, unidentified man, Harold Bliss, unidentified man, unidentified man

Bottom row (left to right): Ben Larson, unidentified man, Hugh Dowd, Mark Rich
McMinnville College Kappa Alpha Phi Sorority Group Photo

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In this group photograph of the Kappa Alpha Phi sorority at McMinnville College (later Linfield College), Ada (Gillett) Rich is in the front row, second from the right.
McMinnville College Students

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A group of students pose for a photograph at McMinnville College (later Linfield College). Ada (Gillett) Rich is in the middle row on the far right.
Portrait of Ada Gillett

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Ada (Gillett) Rich stands in front of Newby Hall, which was once used as the Linfield College gymnasium.
Rich Grades, Fall 1922

Mark Rich

Mark Rich's fall semester classes during his senior year at Linfield College include courses in biology, education, philosophy, public speaking, and sociology. Rich earned 'A's in all his courses.
Record of Graduation Letter for Ada Gillett

Gustav Reinhold Schlauch

This letter from Linfield College registrar G.R. Schlauch to an unknown party (most likely Ada (Gillett) Rich) confirms her graduation from Linfield in 1920. The letter functions as a transcript, showing all classes taken, as well as how long the classes were, how many credits were earned per class, and the grade. Gillett graduated from Linfield with degrees in philosophy and music. This letter also served as a recommendation to any state Board of Education so she could apply for a teaching certificate.
Mark Rich Baseball Portrait

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Mark Rich is seen here in his Linfield College baseball uniform. Rich, an outfielder, was the captain of the team during his senior year.
Portrait of Mark Rich

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This portrait of Mark Rich was taken for his senior year at Linfield College. The image can be found in the Associated Students section of the 1922 Oak Leaves.
Y.M.C.A. Student Conference 01

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The members of McMinnville College's Young Men's Christian Association (Y.M.C.A.) wave from a boat on the river. The Y.M.C.A. group annually attended a conference held in Seabeck, Washington. Mark Rich was the president of the Y.M.C.A. during his third year at McMinnville College (later Linfield College).
Y.M.C.A. Student Conference 02

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The members of the McMinnville College Young Men's Christian Association (Y.M.C.A.) pose for a group photo while attending a student conference in Seabeck, Washington. Mark Rich (top row, second from left) was the president of the Y.M.C.A. during his third year at McMinnville College (later Linfield College).
Ada Gillett Voice Recital Program

Linfield College

This program for Ada A. (Gillett) Rich's voice recital at Linfield College in the spring of her senior year shows the twelve songs she sang. Mark Rich, her future husband, was an usher during the recital.
Ada Gillett News Article

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This short news article (source unknown) recaps Ada (Gillett) Rich's senior vocal recital at McMinnville College. Gillett was aided by three fellow students and sang a number of songs in Italian and German. The recital was a requirement in order to graduate with a degree in music.
Letter from Margaret Mann to Mark Rich

Margaret Mann

This letter from Margaret Mann, secretary and instructor in stenography and typewriting at McMinnville College (later Linfield College), provides a response to a letter Mark Rich wrote before beginning his first year at the college. The letter answers questions regarding class requirements and his scholarship, and it explains the beginning of the fall semester was pushed back to October 1 because of a scarcity of labor.
Minister Mission Conference

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The attendees of the Minister Mission Conference pose at McMinnville College (later Linfield College). The conference was an annual get-together at various locations around the Pacific Northwest. Ada (Gillett) Rich, wearing a light-colored coat, is in the second row from the top, tenth from the right.
Ada Gillett Scrapbook

Ada Gillett

In this scrapbook, Ada (Gillett) Rich brings together photographs and text to illustrate her first year at McMinnville College (later Linfield College). The scrapbook contains photos of Ada, her friends, and school events such as the May Day parade and the annual picnic. Other photographs include a selection of outdoor activities, such as a trip down the Yamhill River.