The Correspondence to Mary E. Mock contain letters directed to a young woman in the early 20th century. The collection dates from 1906-1920, with the majority of letters from 1914-1920. Letters from friends and family detail gossip and complaints. The majority of the letters are from Mary’s future husband, Dr. Paul Walter, and describe his training as a doctor and his experience during the first World War.

Mary E. Mock Walter was born sometime around 1886; there are conflicting reports about when she was born with some sources saying she was born in Pennsylvania and others in West Virginia. She was the daughter of John Francis Mock (1847 – 1934) and Jeannette Dinkey Mock (1860 – 1935). Mary had one sister, Eurana Mock De Bobula. Mary’s aunt, Emma Eurana Dinkey Schwab (1859 – 1939) was married to wealthy steel magnate, Charles Michael Schwab (1862 – 1939).

Mary married Dr. Paul Hardtmayer Walter at her aunt and uncle’s 75-room mansion in New York. The couple Settled in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where Paul served as the head of the Ear, Nose, and Throat Department of St. Luke’s Hospital. They had one child together, Paul C. Walter (1925 – 2005).

Mary Mock Walter died in 1963. She is buried in the Nisky Hill Cemetery in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

The Correspondence to Mary E. Mock contain letters directed to a young woman in the early 20th century. The collection dates from 1906-1920, with the majority of letters from 1914-1920. Letters from friends and family detail gossip and complaints. One woman, identified only as Emily S., talks about having to leave Washington, D.C and give up her African-American servant, Robert, writing “If he were a slave, I would buy him.” The majority of the letters are from Mary’s future husband, Dr. Paul Walter, and describe travels, his training as a doctor, and his experience during the first World War. The collection contains postcards, newspaper clippings, and several photos of Dr. Walter during his service.