Arthur and Mabel Billing papers , 1910-1960

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Billing, Mabel Spohr, 1880-1968; Billing, Arthur William, 1877-1960
Title
Arthur and Mabel Billing papers
Dates
1910-1960 (inclusive)
Quantity
1 linear feet, (2 containers)  :  2 manuscript boxes
Collection Number
Ax 652
Summary
Collection comprises papers of Arthur William and Mabel Spohr Billing, Methodist missionaries to China, connected with the Union High School at Foochow (Fuzhou), Fukien (Fujian) Province, and includes correspondence, Mabel Billing's diary (1939-1943), mission newsletters, minutes and other official records of the Foochow Conference of the Methodist Church, Foochow (Fuzhou) newspapers, Foochow Union High School pamphlets and photograph album, and a thesis by Portia Billings Foster on the high school.
Repository
University of Oregon Libraries, Special Collections and University Archives
UO Libraries--SCUA
1299 University of Oregon
Eugene OR
97403-1299
Telephone: 5413463068
spcarref@uoregon.edu
Access Restrictions

Collection is open to the public. Collection must be used in Special Collections and University Archives Reading Room. Collection or parts of collection may be stored offsite. Please contact Special Collections and University Archives in advance of your visit to allow for transportation time.

Additional Reference Guides

See the Current Collection Guide for detailed description and requesting options.

Languages
English
Sponsor
Funding for encoding this finding aid was provided through a grant awarded by the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Historical NoteReturn to Top

Arthur and Mabel Billing were longtime Methodist missionaries to China who were connected with the Union High School at Foochow, Fukien Province.

The correspondence in the collection is representative of their last years in China and letters written in retirement. Correspondents include fellow missionaries, former student and the Mission Board of the Methodist Church.

Outspokenly against United States involvement in Aisa, the Billings waged a correspondence campaign with the U.S. government regarding Indochina, beginning as early as 1954 to criticize Eisenhower policies, i.e., the rise of the domino theory. They were also critical of defense spending and nuclear development and testing.

Their dislike for Chiang Kai Shek and his "warlords," whom they accused of amassing wealth amid galloping inflation, led them to regard the change of government on mainland China as desirable and worthwhile for the people. Fellow missioner Congressman Walter Judd, now identified with the AMA and China lobbies, was the recipient of a denouncement of U.S. policy in Asia. His answer is not included.

After returning to the United States, the Billings were instrumental in bringing several former students to the U.S. for university education, in some cases giving financial assistance from their pensions.

Arthur and Mabel Billing are now deceased.

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

Collection comprises papers of Arthur William and Mabel Spohr Billing, Methodist missionaries to China, connected with the Union High School at Foochow (Fuzhou), Fukien (Fujian) Province, and includes correspondence, Mabel Billing's diary (1939-1943), mission newsletters, minutes and other official records of the Foochow Conference of the Methodist Church, Foochow (Fuzhou) newspapers, Foochow Union High School pamphlets and photograph album, and a thesis by Portia Billings Foster on the high school.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • Missionaries--China--Fuzhou Shi (Fujian Sheng)
  • Missions, American--China--Fuzhou Shi (Fujian Sheng)

Personal Names

  • Billing, Arthur William, 1877-1960
  • Billing, Arthur William, 1877-1960
  • Billing, Mabel Spohr, 1880-1968
  • Billing, Mabel Spohr, 1880-1968
  • Billing, Mabel Spohr, 1880-1968
  • Foster, Portia Billings

Corporate Names

  • Methodist Church. Foochow Conference
  • Union High School (Fuzhou Shi (Fujian Sheng), China)
  • Union High School (Fuzhou Shi (Fujian Sheng), China)

Geographical Names

  • China--Foreign relations--United States
  • Fuzhou Shi (Fujian Sheng, China)
  • United States--Foreign Relations--China

Form or Genre Terms

  • Correspondence
  • Photographs