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Collection

Harry G. and Alice Wiard Gault papers, 1903-1967 (majority within 1911-1918)

0.3 linear feet (in 1 box) — 2 oversize volumes

Students at the University of Michigan College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (Class of 1915). Scrapbooks containing photographs, dance cards, grade report cards, event programs, objects, and other materials reflecting on the U-M student life and activities. Also, World War I-period correspondence.

The Harry G. Gault scrapbook and loose materials contain dance cards; post cards; a hand-drawn portrait of what appears to be Gault (artist unknown); photographs of past U-M presidents (Angell and Hutchins), 1911-1912 freshman and sophomore games, Adelphi Club, the Eremites Club, the 1912 CAP Night event-a large gathering in which freshmen transitioned into sophomores by throwing their grey caps into a bonfireth, the Griffins, the Michigamua upper class all-campus honor societies, the Sphinx Fraternity, and the Senior Swing Out exercises which incorporates the first wearing of the cap and gown prior to graduation.

His scrapbook also contains photographs of U-M sporting events, dances, the 1915 Lit Class, the Michigan Daily editorial office, and the Phi Delta Phi House. Of note is a non-descript group photograph including Gault (seated 3rd from left) and what appears to be an unidentified man of color (standing 2nd row, 2nd from right). Additional materials include a May 1, 1913 Griffins initiation certificate; a 1915/1916 poster titled Comparative Standings of Sororities and Fraternities and their House Clubs; newspaper clippings, report cards, wartime correspondence, obituaries, and other memorabilia depicting student life at U-M.

The Alice Wiard Gault scrapbook and loose materials include dance cards; programs (including football programs); menus; ribbons; photographs of dances including the 1916 J-Hop, women students, sorority house interiors; report cards; invitations; personal notes; place cards; and ticket stubs. Other items to note include a November 9, 1912 handwritten speech from the 1915 Sophomore Toast (authored by Alice?); newspaper clippings including one titled Sisters Announce Engagement-announcing Wiard's engagement to Boy Kennnedy. The handwriting beneath reads: "As near as I ever came to the fatal step." The scrapbook contains additional memorabilia depicting her life at U-M.