Helen Barke was born in Donnybrook, ND in 1903. She attended North Dakota Agricultural College (NDAC) and graduated in 1925 with her bachelor's in pharmacy. This is the scrapbook (1922-1925) she kept during her years at NDAC. The scrapbook begins with sections for athletic records; “friends of mine;” theatres and entertainments; social functions; Helen’s notes; theater, dance, sports, programs; clippings, drawings; memorabilia; and a variety of photographs of student life at NDAC.  Toward the end of the scrapbook there are quite a few photographs that cannot be identified and we can only surmise that these were taken after Helen left NDAC or they are of family and friends away from campus.

Helen was extremely active during her collegiate years: Co-ed Prom Manager, President of Gamma Kappa Psi sorority, President of the North Dakota Pharmacy Club, Y.W.C.A. cabinet member, and member of the Inter-Sorority Council.

After graduating she worked as a pharmacist in Montana and Wyoming until 1934. In 1934 she began a new career in social work for the Federal Emergency Relief Administration in Miles City, MT and was promoted in 1936 to State field Supervisor (11 counties). In 1946 she was promoted and transferred to Helena as Assistant Director of the State Welfare Department. In 1951 she embarked on another career, establishing and managing Barke Employment Service, which she sold in 1960, due to poor health.

Upon retiring, Helen was a very active volunteer in for numerous health agencies, tutoring reading, hosting school programs, campaigning for political aspirants, and the establishment of Zoo Montana. In her spare time, she was an avid fly fisherwomen, conservationist, and sports enthusiast. Helen passed away in July of 2000 in Billings.

The scrapbook was donated to the University in 2000 by Helen's nephew and niece (Christie and JoAnn Barke).

NOTE

On the album pages where there are programs, invitations, clippings, and even some photos, you can click on the item and the contents will be revealed or enlarged.  Also click on the "friends of mine" pages to enlarge the pages.