The subject of this week’s “Look what I found in the WFAA Newsfilm Collection” is very appropriate given this last week of the inauguration and presidential politics in the media. The clips from the film collection are a series of interviews with former President George H. W. Bush. [wpvideo NCCwAcpU] In 1970, after serving two terms in the…Continue Reading WFAA Newsfilm Collection: Political Highlights from 1970
Did You Know that the Library has a Very Interesting Book?
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
Collection Spotlight: Edward Gustav Eisenlohr art work and papers
Edward Gustav Eisenlohr was born in Ohio to a family of German immigrants. When he was two years old the family relocated to Dallas, where his father established Eisenlohr Drug Store. As a young boy living in Dallas, E. G. Eisenlohr showed a strong aptitude in art, a trait which continued into his adult life….Continue Reading Collection Spotlight: Edward Gustav Eisenlohr art work and papers
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
WFAA Newsfilm Collection: Highlights from 1969
For my next trip into the WFAA Newsfilm Collection, I have chosen to focus on two musicians’ visits to Dallas in 1969. First up, Glen Campbell, who also brought his TV show to the Dallas Memorial Auditorium for a taping on June 20, 1969, shares his thoughts on the importance of keeping politics and entertainment…Continue Reading WFAA Newsfilm Collection: Highlights from 1969
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
Collection Spotlight: Vivian L. Aunspaugh Art Club records
The Vivian L. Aunspaugh Art Club was organized in 1945 by former and current students of Miss Vivian Louise Aunspaugh and others interested in studying art in Dallas. Miss Aunspaugh, a native of Virginia, studied art in New York and France prior to moving to Dallas in 1891. She soon taught art classes in local…Continue Reading Collection Spotlight: Vivian L. Aunspaugh Art Club records
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
How the News Got Made: A Rare Look at SMU’s WFAA Newsfilm and a Conversation With the People Who Created It
Learn how the news was captured and shared, and gain a new appreciation for the hard work and ingenuity that went into making the WFAA nightly news throughout the 1960s and ’70s. A panel of notable WFAA staff, including on-screen personalities and behind the scenes personnel, will present clips from SMU’s Jones Film and Video…Continue Reading How the News Got Made: A Rare Look at SMU’s WFAA Newsfilm and a Conversation With the People Who Created It