Ella Tilles Falk

Ella Tilles Falk was born in 1902 in Fort Smith, Arkansas to George and Lillian Tilles. In 1919 she entered the University of Chicago, graduating from the College of Commerce and Administration in 1923. While at the University, she was vice-president of the Southern Club, active in the WAA, and served on the staff of the Commerce and Administration Magazine. In October of 1923, Ella married another University of Chicago alumnus, John Allfree, in her hometown. She later married George Falk, an insurance agent, and spent the rest of her life in Fort Smith collecting dolls until her death on April 21, 1999.

This collection consists of a scrapbook compiled by Ella Tilles while an undergraduate at the University of Chicago. The collection includes personal items such as photographs, notes, and drawings from friends, as well as miscellaneous items (e.g. dance cards, ticket stubs, and event programs). Of special notice are a number of small party place cards and other party decorations--including an articulated paperboard skeleton--and a folder of Valentine cards.

The Ella Tilles Falk Papers may be viewed in the Special Collections Research Center in the University of Chicago Library.