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Alice Virginia Kellam Scrapbook

 Collection
Identifier: SC 0182
  • Not requestable

  • Staff Only

Scope and Content

The Alice Virginia Kellam Scrapbook, 1923-1925, consists of one 8 3/4" x 15" x 2 1/2" scrapbook requiring 2.63 linear inches of storage space. The scrapbook is purple felt with orange script lettering "Memories" and an "HTC" (Harrisonburg Teacher's College) insignia stitched in orange felt and bound together with purple cotton cord. Contents of the scrapbook are mounted on black paper pages and consist of cards and letters from friends and family, newspaper clippings, class schedules, Constitution and By-laws of the Student Association, and the Student Handbook from 1923-1924.

Of particular interest to education students might be Miss Kellam's Training School Criticism Book with numerous entries from her professors critiquing her student teaching abilities. Also unique to the collection is a small address book which served multiple purposes as address book and daily log with such entries as "Fun at large." The small booklet also features a code deciphering section presumably for passing notes during class of which there are examples in the scrapbook. Ephemera within the scrapbook are flora, party favors and ribbons, candy wrappers and cigarettes, locks of hair presumably from the "bob" craze, as well as tickets and programs to campus and local events. A substantial program entitled "Trail Riders of the Rockies" by Colonel Philip A. Moore is also present. Also of local historical interest are several postcards of downtown Harrisonburg including the Kavanaugh Hotel, the B&O Railroad Station, and general views of the city.

Dates

  • Creation: 1923-1925

Creator

Access Restrictions

Collection is open for research. Researchers must register and agree to copyright and privacy laws before using this collection. Please contact Research Services staff before visiting the James Madison University Special Collections Library to use this collection.

Use Restrictions

The copyright interests in this collection have been transferred to the James Madison University Special Collection Library. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).

Bio/Historical Information

Alice Virginia "Ginnie" Kellam from Cheriton, Virginia in Northampton County is listed as a sophomore in the 1924 Schoolma'am and in the junior class roll in the 1925 Schoolma'am. The June 1925 Commencement program lists her as graduating from the "Professional Courses." Miss Kellam was a member of the Alpha Literary Society, the Choral Club, the Racquet Tennis Club, the Athletic Association, and the YWCA. Her inscription in the yearbook reads, "Of softest manner, unaffected mind, Lover of peace, and friend of humankind." Miss Kellam was the daughter of Mr. Clyde Kellam, also of Cheriton, Virginia.

Extent

0.2 cubic feet (1 box)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

This collection consists of one scrapbook compiled during Miss Kellam's enrollment in professional courses at the State Normal School for Women in Harrisonburg, Virginia, between the years 1923 and 1925.

Arrangement

The scrapbook remains bound and the original order was retained.

Acquisition Information

Purchased on eBay in October 2005.

Bibliography

  • The Schoolma'am, 1924. Harrisonburg (Va.): State Normal School for Women
  • The Schoolma'am, 1925. Harrisonburg (Va.): State Normal School for Women

Processing Information

The scrapbook was cleaned and remains intact. Preservation recommends that dismantling and contents migration be considered for long-term storage due to the inherent instability of the materials. The scrapbook exhibits some losses from light and insect activity, most likely moth damage to the wool felts.

In order to streamline the process of applying collection numbers, Special Collections staff completed a large-scale renumbering campaign in 2017-2018. This collection was previously cataloged as SC 5004.

Title
A Guide to the Alice Virginia Kellam Scrapbook, 1923-1925
Status
Completed
Author
Julia Merkel and Geraldine Poppke
Date
2007
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the James Madison University Libraries Special Collections Repository

Contact:
820 Madison Drive
MSC 1706
Harrisonburg Virginia 22807
(540) 568-3612