W. Forrest Lee papers

Collection — Multiple Containers

Identifier: 37-5-2316

Scope and Contents

Collection consists of personal papers, correspondence, photographs, programs, paper ephemera, and memorabilia of William Forrest Lee, Cornell University Class of 1906 and Cornell University Medical College Class of 1911. Materials document Lee’s family life as well as his time at Cornell, including participation in social activities, athletics, and academics.

Dates

1900-1910.

Creator

Lee, W. Forrest (William Forrest), 1884-1963. (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research.

Biographical Note

William Forrest Lee was born on October 13, 1884 in Whitehall, Muskegon County, Michigan. He was the second of four sons of William Edward Lee and Sarah Ellen “Nellie” Chick Lee. The family moved to North Tonawanda, New York, where William Edward Lee worked as a lumber wholesaler. Lee graduated from North Tonawanda High School in 1902, and then attended Cornell University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1906. While an undergraduate, Lee played football and rowed crew. He was a member of the Zodiac, Sphinx Head, and Gemel Kharm honor societies, and served as the Class of 1906 Sergeant-at-Arms.

Beginning in 1907, Lee attended Cornell University Medical College, first spending two years at the Ithaca campus and completing his course of study at the New York City campus. He graduated with his medical degree in 1911. Lee served in the U.S. Army Medical Corps during World War I, and spent the rest of his career practicing medicine in Ithaca, New York. William Forrest Lee died on June 11, 1963 in Ithaca, at age 78.

Extent

3 cubic feet.

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Collection documenting the personal life and academic career of William Forrest Lee, Cornell University Class of 1906 and Cornell University Medical College Class of 1911. The collection includes extensive correspondence to Lee from family and friends, as well as materials documenting his academic career and social life as both an undergraduate and medical student. Also present are photographs; dance cards for events held at Cornell and elsewhere; leaflets; programs; course notes and assignments; paper ephemera; and artifacts and photographic plates belonging to Lee.

Arrangement

Collection is arranged into six thematic series: I. Personal, II. Correspondence, III. Dance cards, IV. Student Life, V. Academics, and VI. Artifacts. Series I, IV, and V are arranged by size, with standard-sized items in letter-sized folders and smaller items in white envelopes. Items are next arranged chronologically. Undated items are arranged alphabetically by title. Series II and III are arranged chronologically, with undated items arranged alphabetically by title. Series VI is arranged by size.

Processing Information

Boxes 1 and 2 of the collection were reprocessed at folder level in March 2026 by the Processing Archivist. Items from original Boxes 1 and 2 were rehoused in new Box 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.