John and Jane Adams Autograph Album Collection

Collection

Identifier: MS-0056

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection consists of 30 late Victorian autograph albums.

The albums in this collection (except one) all belonged to young ladies. Some have only a few entries; the majority have many pages filled out. The albums belonged to girls in numerous locations across the United States. Some albums have entries from a discrete group of people ("Normal Institute Class"), though most are made up of a variety of friends and family. Often it is apparent that the owner later filled in details about the signer, such as "Died cholera, 1866" in Hattie Churchill's album.

Dates

Creation: 1851-1933
Creation: Majority of material found in 1860-1890

Creator

Adams Autograph Album Collection (Organization)

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

The copyright interests in some or all of these materials have not been transferred to San Diego State University. Copyright resides with the creator(s) of materials contained in the collection or their heirs. The nature of archival collections is such that multiple creators are often applicable and copyright status may be difficult or even impossible to determine. In any case, the user must assume full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, obtaining publication rights and copyright infringement. When requesting images from Special Collections & University Archives for publication, we require a signed agreement waiving San Diego State University of any liability in the event of a copyright violation.

Historical Note

Autograph albums, also known as "charm" albums, "forget-me-not albums," or "memory books," were a popular pastime in America during the second half of the nineteenth century. These albums were small blank books that were sometimes decorated with attractive chromolithographs or engravings, or colored paper. Friends, acquaintances, school chums, and family would write brief sentimental verses (often original) or wishes of remembrance to the owner of the album. The inscriber would often sign with a flourish or draw or color a picture to make his or her entry unique and memorable. These albums were often also used to keep pressed flowers, locks of hair, bits of ephemera, and photographs.

Extent

1.67 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Arrangement Note

The collection is arranged in alphabetical order by last name. Where possible, geographic location(s) have been noted, along with date span of entries. There are four albums at the end of the collection that lack the last names of their owners. There is one blank autograph book at the end of the collection.