Collections : [University of Michigan William L. Clements Library]

The V-Mail Process collection is made up of 8 photographs and accompanying typed explanations, created in April 1944, which demonstrate the process of creating V-mail for the United States Marine Corps 2nd Division. The photographs are individually numbered and the typed explanations occasionally include commentary on the careers of pictured marines.

The V-Mail Process collection is made up of 8 photographs and accompanying typed explanations, created in April 1944, which demonstrate the process of creating V-mail for the United States Marine Corps 2nd Division.

Eight 8"x10" black-and-white photographs illustrate steps in the V-mail creation process, from initial composition to delivery. Eight 1-page, typed documents explain each step and occasionally identify the members of the Marine Corps 2nd Division depicted in the images, variously noting names, ranks, hometowns, and service histories. The explanatory text also provides numerical figures associated with the Marine Corps mail service, including an estimate of total pieces handled daily (image 2D-37), the number of letters on each roll of film and number photographed per hour (image 2D-39), the rate at which an operator prints and cuts images (image 2D-40), and the number of V-mail letters that could fit in one mailbag (image 2D-43). Sergeant J. L. Burns took the first photograph, and Sergeant Andy Knight took the remaining 7; each image is also attributed to Warrant Officer J.F. Leopold, Photo Officer, 2nd Marine Division.

The Wabash (Ind.) family photograph albums contain tintype and carte-de-visite studio portraits of men, women, and children in Indiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania in the 19th century.

The Wabash (Ind.) family photograph albums (both 14cm x 10cm) contain tintype and carte-de-visite studio portraits of men, women, and children in Indiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania in the 19th century. The first volume contains 19 tintypes and five cartes-de-visite, and the second volume contains 16 tintypes and nine cartes-de-visite; an index of subjects in included at the back of the second album. Some of the tintypes have raised decorated borders on their cardstock frames, and many include hand coloring. Most items are individual portraits, though some men and women posed in pairs. One man appears in a Masonic sash and apron. Each album has a brown leather cover with a raised geometric design and floral patterns stamped in gold.

This volume contains excerpts from Walley Chamberlain Oulton's 1812 play The Sleep Walker, or, Which is the Lady?, as well as excerpts from the works of Shakespeare and other sources.

This volume (28 pages) contains excerpts from Walley Chamberlain Oulton's 1812 play The Sleep Walker, or, Which is the Lady?, as well as excerpts from other works. Pages 1-7, 16-19, and 25-28 contain excerpts from The Sleep Walker; pages 8-15 and 20-24 contain copied excerpts from other sources, most frequently Shakespeare's plays. The lines from Oulton's play vary only slightly from an 1813 published version; one notable difference is a lengthier concluding monologue by the character Somno. The other excerpts are written under the names of prominent English actors from the early 19th century, including members of the Kemble and Siddons families. The volume has the bookplate of Erastus Tefft, which has an engraving of a Native American gazing at a European settlement.

Walter Willisson Stephen kept this notebook in 1903 as a 12-year-old boy. The bulk of the volume consists of seventeen chapters relating to the Moberly, Missouri, Fire Department, its infrastructure, equipment, and activities, with particular focus on the rescue efforts of Company 7 that was led by three teenage boys. It is unclear whether these fires were entirely imagined or based on real events, but the tales include heavily dramatized elements, flourishes, and dialogue while reflecting early-twentieth century firefighting practices and boyhood fascination with them. Stephen kept tables of data relating to baseball players' statistics in the back of the volume, seemingly for games held in Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Tennessee. The volume includes pencil drawings relating to firefighting, baseball, guns, and animals.

Walter Willisson Stephen kept this notebook in 1903 as a 12-year-old boy. The bulk of the volume consists of seventeen chapters relating to the Moberly, Missouri, Fire Department, its infrastructure, equipment, and activities, with particular focus on the rescue efforts of Company 7 that was led by three teenage boys. They extinguished fires in various buildings, like a mattress factory, the cotton exchange building, stores, saloons, and houses. At least two chapters refer to African American residents of Moberly, with one fire breaking out in a family's kitchen (p. 17) and another in a "small shanty" (p. 52). It is unclear whether these fires were entirely imagined or based on real events, but the tales include heavily dramatized elements, flourishes, and dialogue while reflecting early-twentieth-century firefighting practices and boyhood fascination with them. The first chapter opens with pencil illustrations of fire extinguishers, axes, and water hose nozzles. The inside front cover includes pencil drawings of three horse-drawn fire trucks, an American crest, and an airship.

Stephen kept tables of data relating to baseball players' statistics in the back of the volume, seemingly for games held in the following cities in Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Tennessee: Vicksburg, Mobile, Jackson, Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Shreveport, Little Rock, and Memphis. He made two pencil drawings of men playing baseball, and he included pencil sketches and doodles on the back inside cover of men, guns, animals, and geometric shapes.

Walter Willisson Stephen kept this notebook in 1903 as a 12-year-old boy. The bulk of the volume consists of seventeen chapters relating to the Moberly, Missouri, Fire Department, its infrastructure, equipment, and activities, with particular focus on the rescue efforts of Company 7 that was led by three teenage boys. It is unclear whether these fires were entirely imagined or based on real events, but the tales include heavily dramatized elements, flourishes, and dialogue while reflecting early-twentieth century firefighting practices and boyhood fascination with them. Stephen kept tables of data relating to baseball players' statistics in the back of the volume, seemingly for games held in Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Tennessee. The volume includes pencil drawings relating to firefighting, baseball, guns, and animals.

Walter Willisson Stephen kept this notebook in 1903 as a 12-year-old boy. The bulk of the volume consists of seventeen chapters relating to the Moberly, Missouri, Fire Department, its infrastructure, equipment, and activities, with particular focus on the rescue efforts of Company 7 that was led by three teenage boys. They extinguished fires in various buildings, like a mattress factory, the cotton exchange building, stores, saloons, and houses. At least two chapters refer to African American residents of Moberly, with one fire breaking out in a family's kitchen (p. 17) and another in a "small shanty" (p. 52). It is unclear whether these fires were entirely imagined or based on real events, but the tales include heavily dramatized elements, flourishes, and dialogue while reflecting early-twentieth-century firefighting practices and boyhood fascination with them. The first chapter opens with pencil illustrations of fire extinguishers, axes, and water hose nozzles. The inside front cover includes pencil drawings of three horse-drawn fire trucks, an American crest, and an airship.

Stephen kept tables of data relating to baseball players' statistics in the back of the volume, seemingly for games held in the following cities in Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Tennessee: Vicksburg, Mobile, Jackson, Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Shreveport, Little Rock, and Memphis. He made two pencil drawings of men playing baseball, and he included pencil sketches and doodles on the back inside cover of men, guns, animals, and geometric shapes.

This collection contains 5 letters and 1 printed item related to Warren Callahan's Korean War service with the 32nd United States Infantry Regiment. Callahan wrote to his parents about his time at the front lines and around the 38th parallel, daily life in the military, and, to a lesser extent, military actions on the peninsula.

This collection contains 5 letters and 1 printed item related to Warren Callahan's Korean War service with the 32nd United States Infantry Regiment. Callahan wrote these letters to his parents in Vinton, Virginia, between April 11 and July 25, 1951. He discussed his time at the front lines and around the 38th parallel, daily life in the military, and, to a lesser extent, military actions on the peninsula.

Callahan wrote his earliest letters from the front lines, mentioning enemy prisoners and nearby artillery fire, and providing updates on the state of the war. On June 7, 1951, he told his parents of an area where Chinese soldiers suffered heavy casualties, reportedly at the hands of the United States Air Force. He later noted the army's construction of "a defense line at the 38° in case they desire to bring this war to a close" (June 24, 1951). He described the recent theft of a camera, and the explosion that killed one of his buddies. Callahan's letter of June 7, 1951, is written on two identical pages, with a portion of a printed 1946 map of Japan on the back.

The collection also contains a "safe conduct pass" with a printed note and signature from Douglas MacArthur to members of the UN forces, promising "good treatment to any enemy soldier desiring to cease fighting." The reverse side of the pass bears printed images of good treatment given to prisoners of war, including medical care, food, and recreation (basketball).

The Warren L. Fletcher diary chronicles Fletcher's daily activities in Leominster, Massachusetts, during the year 1897. Fletcher held a job, played with several orchestras and bands, visited the Y.M.C.A., and socialized with friends.

This diary (approximately 150 pages) chronicles the daily activities of Warren Lewis Fletcher, a resident of Leominster, Massachusetts, during the year 1897. The "Standard Diary" contains several printed pages of reference material, including a page providing Fletcher's height, weight, and clothing sizes, and each diary page contains entries for 3 days. Fletcher regularly kept entries throughout the year, reporting on his work and social activities, which often included visiting the Y.M.C.A., attending high school football games, and playing cards with friends. Fletcher, a member of several musical groups, played the banjo, flute, and other instruments, and his diary often records the amount of time he spent practicing. On most weekdays, he spent from 8.5-10 hours at work, and on Sundays he frequently attended church services, both at Baptist and Methodist churches. The back pages contain records of Fletcher's finances, a list of addresses and social calls, and a pencil sketch of a person lying next to a bottle, entitled "Among the Rushes."

This collection contains 3 letters (32 pages) that Thomson W. Webb ("Tommie") wrote to her sisters and aunt while visiting family members in Clarksdale, Mississippi, in March 1891. She reported extensively on her social outings, which included dances, parties, and interactions with local men.

This collection contains 3 letters (32 pages) that Thomson W. Webb ("Tommie") wrote to her sisters and aunt while visiting family members in Clarksdale, Mississippi, in March 1891. She reported extensively on her social outings, which included dances, parties, and interactions with local men.

While in Mississippi, Webb, her brother Whitney, and an unnamed sister stayed with their Aunt Alice and various cousins, who included Sam and Alice. Webb spent much of her time attending formal social gatherings, such as traditional balls, and related stories of her experiences with local men, both at social events and during visits. She also discussed clothing and food, described a ride on a "flying jennie" (March 17, 1891) and shared her enjoyable experience at a "euchre party," despite knowing that her aunt would disapprove (March 21, 1891).

The Wella and Pet Anderson spirit drawings photograph album contains 26 cabinet card photographs of pencil-drawn portraits of spirits of various historical figures made by a spiritualist couple in San Francisco, California in the early 1870s.

The Wella and Pet Anderson spirit drawings photograph album contains 26 cabinet card photographs of pencil-drawn portraits of spirits of various historical figures made by a spiritualist couple in San Francisco, California in the early 1870s.

The album (17.5 x 12 cm) has marbled paper board covers and the spine has been reinforced with library cloth. Inside of the front cover, a handwritten note has been laid in that states “The following Photographs were presented to this society by Col. J. C. Bundy. They are from full-sized drawings, made with a Faber pencil, by Mr. & Mrs. Wella Anderson of California, when in a ‘Trance’ or unconscious state. About two hours time was required in which to draw each Portrait. For further particulars see ‘Descriptive Catalogue of the Ancient Band.’ July, 1879.” John C. Bundy (1841-1892) was the chief publisher of The Religio-Philosophical Journal, a Chicago-based spiritualist periodical that Bundy inherited from his father-in-law Stevens S. Jones (1813-1877) after the latter’s murder. The society to which Bundy gifted this album has not been identified.

Each photograph in this album bears printed captions identifying the subject. All but two of the photographs also bear printed copyright statements stating “Photographic copy of the Original Life-size Pencil painted Portrait, executed by those celebrated Spirit Artists, Wella and Pet Anderson, when in the unconscious ‘trance’ condition. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1874, in the office of Librarian of Cong. Washington, D. C. by the Pacific Art Union, of San Francisco, Cal. Inc. March, 1874.” Two of the photographs (portraits of Anthony van Dyck and Peter Abelard) have copyright statements attributed to Jonas Winchester.

While many members of The Ancient Band were true historical figures, numerous fictitious or legendary individuals were also counted amongst the group, including an adult woman supposedly born in Massachusetts ca. 1774 named “Dawn” who lived for only one hour and who served as an assistant for The Ancient Band; Henri de Brianville, a supposed English knight and alchemist who lived during the reign of Charles I; Ayotte, a supposed French Huguenot artist, poet, musician, and occult alchemist from the 15th-century; Peter Korzakieff, a supposed Polish writer and scientist from the 15th-century; Mazeleel, a supposed high priest of the Magi of Nineveh, Assyria, active during the 7th-century BCE; Hiram Abiff, a pseudo-historical allegorical figure presented to candidates embarking on the third degree of Freemasonry and described as the chief architect of Solomon’s Temple; Pietro Vecchia, a supposed 5th-century ruler of a Venetian island republic called Rialto; Catullus, a supposed Roman metallurgist and descendant of poet Gaius Valerius Catullus employed during the reigns of Nero and Vespasian; Hassan al Meschid, a supposed Persian Magi who aided an insurrection against Cambyses II and declared himself King before being killed himself; Abd El Kader, a supposed Arabian chief from 1500 B.C. described as the father of Arabian chemistry and a direct descendant of Ishmael; and Adehl, a supposed Indian Hindu chief and necromancer that lived “8,000 years ago” and who utilized an Elixir of Life to live until the age of 180 before he was put to death.

Also present are depictions of supposed figures from the legendary ancient civilization of Atlantis, including Orondo (described as an eight foot tall expert in mining, a trusted advisor of head Atlantean ruler Yermah, and the progenitor of intermarriage alliances with indigenous tribes of North America following the fall of Atlantis) and Atyarrah (described as a military commander who was part of an expedition of North America and the constructor of earthwork defenses against Native American tribes, some of which yet remain in the Mississippi Valley).

Authentic historical figures represented amongst The Ancient Band include Archbishop of Canterbury Thomas Cranmer (1489-1556); Flemish painter Anthony van Dyck (1599-1641); French writer Philippe Quinault (1635-1688); Italian friar Giovanni Giocondo (1433-1515); English philosopher and statesman Lord Francis Bacon (1561-1626); medieval French polymath Peter Abelard (1079-1142) and his philosopher lover Héloïse d'Argenteuil (ca. 1095-1163 or 1164); Alfred the Great, King of the Anglo-Saxons (ca. 849-899); Greek philosopher Plutarch (ca. 46-after 119); Umar ibn al-Khattab, second caliph of the Rashidun Caliphate (ca. 583 or 584-644); Greek poet Pindar (ca. 518 BCE-ca. 438 BCE); Chinese philosopher and politician Confucius (ca. 551-ca. 479 BCE); and Gautama Buddha, Indian ascetic and founder of Buddhism (ca. 563 BCE or 480 BCE-ca. 483 BCE or 400 BCE).

• 1) “Dawn.” Born in Massachusetts 100 years ago, living only an hour.
• 2) Henri de Brianville. English Knight and Soldier of Fortune - Days of Charles I. [“1630” inscribed alongside caption]
• 3) Cranmer. Archbishop of Canterbury - Burned at the Stake in 1635.
• 4) Vandyke. The Great Flemish Painter - Pupil of Rubens - Died 1642.
• 5) Ayotte. French Hueguenot, Artist, and Alchemist - 15th Century.
• 6) Philippe Quinault. Distinguished French lyrical Author and Poet - Born 1635.
• 7) Fra Giocondo. Dominican Friar - Architect of St. Peters - Born in 1435.
• 8) Lord Bacon. High Chancellor of England, and Scientist - Born in 1561.
• 9) Peter Korzakieff. Polish Scholar and Scientist - time of Casimer, about 1460.
• 10) Abelard. Celebrated French Scholar - Lover of Heloise - Born 1079.
• 11) Heloise. Mistress of Abelard - Abbess of the Paraclete - Born 1101.
• 12) Alfred the Great. The Noblest Saxon Monarch of Britain - Died A.D. 900
• 13) Plutarch. The Greek Historian and Philosopher - Born A.D. 50.
• 14) Mazaleel. Most learned of the “Magi” in the best days of Nineveh.
• 15) Hiram Abiff. The “Widow’s Son” - Grand Master of Ancient Masonry.
• 16) Omar I. 2d Moslem Caliph - Conqueror of Syria and Egypt - 644.
• 17) Pietro Vecchia. Tribune of a Venitian Island Republic in the 5th Century.
• 18) Catullus. Roman Metallurgist and Jeweller, of the Time of Nero.
• 19) Pindar. Most famous of the Ancient Greek Poets - Born 520 B.C.
• 20) Orondo. Of Yermah’s Time - Father of the “Mound Builders.”
• 21) Hassan al Meschid. Persian Magian, Astrologer, and King - lived B.C. 500.
• 22) Atyarrah. Warrior of Yermah’s Time and Country, high in Rank.
• 23) Confucius. The Great Chinese Reformer and Sage - Born B.C. 551.
• 24) Gautama. Brahminical Reformer - Father of Buddhism - B.C. 557.
• 25) Abd El Kader. An Arabian Chief - Descendant of Ishmael. - B.C. 1,500
• 26) Adehl. Hindoo Necromancer - 2d Chief - lived 8,000 years ago.

This album contains photographs of local residents, buildings, and natural scenery taken in the Congo region of Africa, around 1887. Africans and white missionaries posed singly and in groups. Landscape views, village scenes, images of vegetation and rock formations also appear.

This album (43cm x 32, 61 pages) contains 269 photographs of local residents, buildings, and natural scenery, possibly at an American Baptist mission in the Congo region, circa 1887. Three to eight items are pasted onto each page, and captions are written directly into the album where photographs are missing. The three-quarter-bound volume's covers are black and gray.

The photographs are roughly organized by topic. Pages 1-23 are comprised of individual and group portraits of Africans and of white missionaries. Many are identified by name. Of particular interest are posed ethnographic photographic studies of native men, women, and children shown in traditional African and western dress. Many if not most images appear to have been staged by the photographer. Among those may be of native inhabitants appearing as manacled slaves or prisoners; a mock execution, people with primitive weapons; mock combat with bow, spear, and shield; the wearing of ceremonial masks, families with children, and a young man with a large snake around his neck. "Mr. Clark" is identified in group photos as is "Dr. Flemming," a black woman, who is occasionally pictured with the missionaries. "Mr. Lewis" appears with a camera and tripod and may be the photographer for this album. "Mr. Roger Casement," future British consul to Portuguese West Africa and Irish Nationalist, is identified in one photograph and appears in at least one other. A set of four photographs depicts two African boys using a camera obscura on a stand to produce drawings of each other. The images on pages 23-31 include village scenes, rustic buildings including a church, post office, and photographer's booth. A man posed with the decapitated head of a hippopotamus appears on page 23.

Pages 32-48 concentrate on details of trees, fruits, and other vegetation, and pages 49-60 pertain to rock formations and rivers. These items include views of rocks with unidentified carved inscriptions, of caves, and of sailing and steam ships in a harbor. A small river steamer, theHenry Reed , a canoe, and a shipwreck are also pictured. The final item, located on page 61, is a photograph of William Shakespeare's supposed birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon, England.