BGSU Center for Archival Collections Blog

Welcome to the BGSU Center for Archival Collections blog! We're the home of BGSU's University Archives, Northwest Ohio regional history collections, Historical Collections of the Great Lakes, National Student Affairs Archives, Rare Books, and more! Visit our website at https://www.bgsu.edu/library/cac.html

[cac-bgsu]

We're excited to announce the Access the Archives travel grants! The CAC offers up to three annual travel grants of up to $1500 to help cover costs associated with travel to or residence in Bowling Green when conducting research in our collections. Learn more on our website: https://www.bgsu.edu/library/cac/events-and-programs/access-to-the-archives-travel-grants.html

[cac-bgsu]

This love letter is from a scrapbook put together by Martha Mildred Neumann. The letter is from Martha's eventual husband, Clarence Leroy Mahla. There's no date, but the letter is in the scrapbook with items dating from between 1915 and 1916. Martha and Roy married on June 17, 1916.

There are quotes around the text, which indicate that this was not an original composition, but we haven't been able to find the source for the poem. Comment below if you know where it's from.

[cac-bgsu]

Did you know that the traditional Groundhog Day predictions were canceled in 1942? Reporters were forbidden from broadcasting or publishing weather conditions to avoid giving information to Germany and Japan that could be used against the United States and celebrations like the one in Punxsutawney, PA were scrapped out of an abundance of caution. The February 4, 1942 issue of the BG News poked fun at the policy and reported that robin sightings on campus indicated that spring would return soon.

[cac-bgsu]

We're not sure why February 1 is Robinson Crusoe Day but it's a good excuse to show off this lovely circa 1930 Heritage Club edition. From the decorated title page, to the embossed cover, and the map on the end pages, this is a very attractive copy of the 1719 adventure novel.

The story of Robinson Crusoe's 28 years of survival after being stranded on an island was originally published with the main character credited as the author. As a result, many readers thought that is was a non-fiction account.

[cac-bgsu]

Today is #LibraryShelfieDay Head Librarian Michelle is highlighting our collection of Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps from 1931. Sanborn maps were originally created to allow insurance companies to assess their liability in a particular area. The maps show the outline of each building, color coded to show the construction materials. Today, they're a fascinating record of the way cities have changed over time.

[cac-bgsu]

These vintage microfilm readers are getting ready for their close-up! Readers like this aren't used much these days, but these two are breaking out of storage. They're packed up to be shipped off and take part in an undisclosed film project. We're excited to be supporting authentic set dressing.

[cac-bgsu]

Happy New Year, Falcons! The CAC is open 8-12 and 1-5 this week. Come by and see us!

New Year postcard circa 1910, from MS 1099 Joseph Carl Spratt papers.

[cac-bgsu]

The CAC will be closed December 23-January 1 for the holidays. We will be open January 2-5 8-12 and 1-5. Have a happy and safe winter break!

Please enjoy these illustrations of the four ghosts of A Christmas Carol by Everett Shinn from the 1938 edition.

[cac-bgsu]

Looking for new recipes for your holiday dinner? Here's a selection from "Sixteen Good Old Recipes for Christmas Fare," an undated pamphlet found in MS 294 Robert Aickman Collection. You've got your Yorkshire Christmas Pie and Rich Plum Pudding without Flour, which look fun, if a bit complex. There's also lighter fare, like Whipped Syllabubs. However, we can't present these recipes without noting Worcester Receipt for Potting Lampreys, which requires a stone jar, Punch That Will Keep for Any Length of Time, which requires 30 (30!) pounds of sugar, and Raisin Wine, which you should have started making back in August if you wanted it for the holidays.

[cac-bgsu]

Happy last day of classes, Falcons! Enjoy this circa 1910 card from MS 390 The Shinew and Lance Family Papers.

[cac-bgsu]

The CAC will be closed Thursday and Friday, November 23-24, for the Thanksgiving holiday. Have a happy Thanksgiving!

From MS 454 Edward Bronson Photograph Collection, 1931.

[cac-bgsu]

We're celebrating Club Sports with our new exhibit, curated by Allison and Lily from the Cochrane Cunningham Athletics Archive. BGSU's Club Sports include a variety of Men's, Women's, and Co-Ed teams that are open to all students and allow them to play and compete with their peers against other universities. Head up to the 5th floor to learn more!

[cac-bgsu]

The CAC will be closed Friday November 10 in observance of Veterans Day.

Wood County soldiers drafted into the 158th Depot Brigade, photographed in front of Wood County Courthouse, Bowling Green, Ohio, September 6, 1918.

[cac-bgsu]

Here is a step-by-step look into the process of the archival housing of objects. BGSU Athletics Archivist Allison Brandeberry is housing an outfit worn by BGSU alumni and Olympic gold medal winning figure skater Scott Hamilton, worn for Fox’s Rock and Roll Figure Skating Championships in 1994. The Cochrane Cunningham Archives also has Hamilton’s 1984 Olympic ski jacket and pants, and his 1997-1998 Stars on Ice performance outfit.

[cac-bgsu]

This just in! Just donated to the Cochrane Cunningham Archives is this BGSU Hockey Jacket. We have jackets with single and triple Falcon head designs, but this double Falcon head design is one we hadn’t seen before. Many thanks to the BGSU student who donated this intriguing item.

[cac-bgsu]

From the historic University Hall to the gone but not forgotten Saddlemire and our own iconic Jerome Library, at BGSU ArchivesU starts with our digital Campus Tour.

[cac-bgsu]

In honor of Homecoming this weekend, here's some images from the 1923 Homecoming Parade.