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Mattie Davis friendship album

 Collection — Box: BW 56, Folder: 001
Identifier: MSS 16789

Content Description

This collection contains a friendship album belonging to Mattie Davis given to her by her father on Christmas Eve, 1861. The album entries date from 1861 to 1867 and the majority of entries are poetry or short verses with themes of morality and friendship. There is no identification of Davis location; however, most entries are from Taylorsville, Indiana, so it is likely she is from that area. In addition to Taylorsville, there are several entries from Dupont, Indiana and Wilmington, Ohio. Also of note are two drawings, both done by the same person, Konn B. Tayres. The first is of the American flag, and shield, done in red, white, and blue ink, with the last stanza of the poem, "The American Flag," by Joseph Rodman Drake underneath it. The other is a pencil drawing of a visiting card, featuring the same motif of the American flag and shield, along with the name "Konn B. Tayres, Main Street, Wilmington, OH." The album features five black and white engravings, including the title page and frontispiece, with a mix of portraits and landscapes.

Dates

  • Creation: c.1861-1867

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for research use.

Extent

.03 Cubic Feet (one letter-sized folder)

Language of Materials

English

Immediate Source of Acquisition

This collection was purchased from Eclectibles by the Small Special Collections Library at the University of Virginia Library on 5 May 2022

Condition Description

Fair. General wear due to age. Foxing on pages with engravings. Cover edge wear and damage to back strip due to rubbing so bottom of the spine is exposed.

Title
Mattie Davis friendship album
Status
Completed
Author
Ellen Welch
Date
2023-06-05
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library Repository

Contact:
Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library
P.O. Box 400110
University of Virginia
Charlottesville Virginia 22904-4110 United States