SMU Libraries Digital Collections Update: May 2020

In May 2020, SMU Libraries uploaded 270 items into SMU Libraries Digital Collections. Highlights include:

77 scrapbook pages, ca. 1911-1950, from Mainly Concerning Myself, a scrapbook compiled by Texas artist Edward G. Eisenlohr. This scrapbook captures a record of Eisenlohr’s life from his childhood through his later years. It features a number of black and white photographs of his artwork, including pieces such as  “Our Lady of Guadalupe,” “Waller Creek,” and “The Three Veterans. Also included are collections of clippings and exhibition catalogs, which tell the stories of Eisenlohr’s many shows in Dallas and elsewhere. For more information about the scrapbook, its contents, and how it was digitized, visit the Hamon Arts Library Blog.

8 obsolete and canceled Texas currency notes and 2 uncut sheets of unissued Republic of Texas currency ca. 1837-1869 from the the Rowe-Barr Collection of Texas Currency. Among the notes are two sheets of unissued Republic of Texas “Government of Texas” notes showing the forms of notes for various denominations. Other notes include a circulated $1.00 Government of Texas note and two examples of municipal scrip issued by the cites of Houston and Indianola.

79 images, 1870s-1933, from the Collection of Dallas Morning News Negatives and Copy Photographs. These images showcase various views throughout Dallas over the course of several decades, including many shots of Main Street and downtown areas. One image shows Main Street in 1880 and in 1918, highlighting the rapid changes the city experienced between those decades.

45 images, 1953-1967, from the Richard Steinheimer Photograph Collection. These photographs, which were taken in locations throughout California, depict a number of different Southern Pacific locomotives and train yards. Included are several views of the 3rd and Townsend station in San Francisco. A particularly striking image shows decommissioned steam locomotives awaiting the scrap heap at San Francisco’s Bayshore yard, while a newer locomotive passes by in the background.

59 videos, 1969, from the WFAA Newsfilm Collection, ca. 1960-1978. Highlights include footage of Santa Claus arriving by helicopter and construction at the future site of the John F. Kennedy Memorial, as well as an interview with two adults about a sports banquet for preteens that was raided by the Balch Springs police chief for violating a ”no dancing” law after an anonymous tip from a concerned citizen.

Bridwell Library exhibits and news: