On Nov. 13, 1918, The Campus, SMU’s student newspaper, reported that the library received Bohemia. This autobiography was written by the Czech immigrant, abolitionist and doctor, Anthony Michael Dignowity. He was born in Bohemia in 1810 and immigrated to the U.S. in 1832. His stories about selling pretzels during Lent and as a snail salesman during boyhood…Continue Reading Did You Know that the Library has a Very Interesting Book?
Christmas at Southern Methodist University—The Early Years
When SMU opened in 1915, students and faculty knew that they were creating precedents and traditions about how to celebrate holidays. In the early days of the twentieth century, much like today, students learned to balance studying for exams and celebrating Christmas. And much like today, authority figures worried about the balance between secular fun and…Continue Reading Christmas at Southern Methodist University—The Early Years
Preparing for the Christmas Holiday in 1929
Are you feeling overwhelmed by your list of things to do before December 25th? Step back in time and visit toys from the 1920s from JCPenney. Although JCPenney started in 1902, by 1929, the company was operating nationwide, had 1,395 stores, and was just beginning to pursue colorful advertising. This special 1929 Christmas booklet included…Continue Reading Preparing for the Christmas Holiday in 1929
SMU’s First Official Holiday
Rather than waiting for Thanksgiving to enjoy their first holiday during that first semester in 1915, overjoyed students were treated to a day off on Tuesday, October 19 that year, courtesy of President Robert. S. Hyer. This first official holiday at Southern Methodist University was on “Dallas Day” at the State Fair of Texas. Classes…Continue Reading SMU’s First Official Holiday
Mapping JCPenney stores
One of the best things about working with any archival collection is that you never know how a researcher will interpret the materials that he or she finds. Brett Lucas, an Economic Geographer and Spokane area city planner, has been working on a project for a couple of years asking for the opening and closing…Continue Reading Mapping JCPenney stores
Mr. Penney’s birthday celebrated on September 16
On September 16, 1875, James Cash Penney was born in Hamilton, Missouri. Although his retail career began in Hamilton, he moved to Colorado to find his fortune. His first store, the Golden Rule, opened in Kemmerer, Wyoming in 1902. Kemmerer was a small mining town. He and his wife and infant son lived above the small…Continue Reading Mr. Penney’s birthday celebrated on September 16
THE STATE FAIR OF TEXAS, 1886-2016: Celebrating 130 Years of a Texas Institution
This year, the State Fair of Texas is celebrating its 130th anniversary, a real Lone Star State tradition! Joining in the celebration, the DeGolyer Library will be kicking off the fun with an exhibition of State Fair photographs by Dallasite Lynn Lennon. In addition to Lennon’s images, there are several cases of related ephemera. Included…Continue Reading THE STATE FAIR OF TEXAS, 1886-2016: Celebrating 130 Years of a Texas Institution
Remembering Blackie Sherrod
Bill Millsaps of the Richmond Times-Dispatch once commented on Texas sportswriter Blackie Sherrod’s writing abilities by saying that, “John Kennedy once said Winston Churchill marshaled the English language and sent it into battle. Blackie invited the English language up on the porch, gave it some four-alarm chili and a Dr. Pepper, and sent it out…Continue Reading Remembering Blackie Sherrod
Jack and Beverly Wilgus History of Photography Collection Comes to the DeGolyer Library
[layerslider id=”3″] Above: A small selection of items in the donation. Hover over an image to stop the automatic rotation. The DeGolyer is pleased to announce a major donation of rare photographs and books to the library by Jack and Beverly Wilgus. This is the first of what will be a series of donations to…Continue Reading Jack and Beverly Wilgus History of Photography Collection Comes to the DeGolyer Library
DeGolyer Photography Collections
With over 1,000,000 photographs and negatives in the DeGolyer Library, a review highlighting the diversity of photographers and subjects in the collection A to Z seemed in order – there are so many choices! A – Alaska. “Treadwell’s Gold Mine, D.I.” Partridge Photo, 1887, albumen print. B – Barnard, George (1819-1902). “Battle Ground of Resacca [sic], GA….Continue Reading DeGolyer Photography Collections