Home - The Project - The Colony - The Artists - Resources - Credits

Mildred Bruning McCray (1906-1995) - visitor

Born in the northwestern Iowa community of Odebolt, Mildred Bruning received her teacher training locally and married the artist Francis McCray in July 1928. The couple attended the Stone City Art Colony in 1932; Mildred accompanied her husband but was not enrolled as a student. While at the colony, she took many photos of the participants and the famous ice wagons. Despite having no art aspirations, Mildred was fascinated with Grant Wood and avidly collected items dealing with him for the rest of her life.

By 1934, the McCrays moved to Iowa City, where Mildred attended the Irish Business College. They had a daughter, Joan in 1936. The couple divorced in  1939, and Mildred remained in Iowa City for many years. She soon became employed as the administrative assistant for the director of the otolaryngology and maxillofacial surgery department at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, a position she held for thirty-five years. She was a talented bridge player and a Life Master in the Iowa City Bridge Club. In her later years, Mildred moved to Davenport and died there in September 1995.

Mildred & Francis McCray from the scrapbook dated 1932-33 owned by and used with the permission of their daughter, Joan Keller, Oroville, CA.

Mildred Bruning McCray from the scrapbook owned by and used with the permission of their daughter, Joan Keller, Oroville, CA.

When Tillage Begins: The Stone City Art Colony and School
Published online October 2003 by the
Busse Library,
Mount Mercy College
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Telephone: 319-368-6465
Fax: 319-363-9060
Email: library@mtmercy.edu

Researcher & Author: Kristy Raine
Library Director: Marilyn Murphy
Editor & Web Designer: Linda Scarth
©Busse Library 2003-2008