Bookplates

The Margaret and Willard Thorp Fund

July 1, 1975

This fund was established by Margaret and Willard Thorp for the purchase of books in the field of American literature and civilization.

Willard Thorp graduated from Hamilton in 1920 with Phi Beta Kappa honors. After leaving the Hill, he continued his education at Harvard University and Princeton, receiving a master’s degree and doctorate, respectively. Dr. Thorp taught at Smith College briefly before beginning his long tenure at Princeton, where he joined the English department in 1926 as the Holmes Professor of Belles Letters. He held that position for 40 years and served as the chairman of the department from 1958 to 1963. Additionally, he was largely responsible for developing the American Studies Program, as it is commonly referred to today, which seeks to impart an understanding of American civilization. Margaret Ferrand was also a renowned scholar and writer, and the two married in 1930.