Scope and Content Note
The papers of May Benzenberg Mayer (1880-1952) span the years 1926-1983, with the bulk of the material dating from 1926 to 1952. The collection documents Mayer’s teachings, lectures, and writings as an instructor and founder of the School of Applied Philosophy, also known as the Path of Joining of Devotion and Gnosis (POJODAG) House.
The collection primarily documents Mayer’s esoteric philosophic teachings throughout her twenty-eight years at the School of Applied Philosophy. Her papers showcase the unique combination of world religion, philosophy, theosophy, and psychiatry she used to create her own “wisdom-lore” teachings. The collection was compiled by two of Mayer’s students, Gertrude Borchard (1891-1981) and Alice Borchard Greene (1893-1972), and shows their commitment to Mayer’s ideas and the work of the School of Applied Philosophy. The collection includes a manuscript of Mayer’s teachings compiled from lecture notes and audio recordings by Borchard and Greene. Also included are copies of Living magazine that comprises Mayer’s writings as well as news and course schedules from the School of Applied Philosophy and essays by Mayer's students. Other writings by Mayer are included as pamphlets published both before and after her death. In addition, hand-painted posters visually illustrate her teachings on philosophy, religion, truth, and enlightenment.