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Chester G. Fuson papers, 1909-1963 (inclusive)

Extent:

0.8 linear feet (2 boxes)

Abstract:

Chester Garfield Fuson (1881-1965) taught English, geography, and Bible studies at the Canton Christian College in Canton, China. He participated in a magnetic survey across Asia, and served as a teaching missionary under the Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions from 1917 to 1949. The collection documents Fuson's life in China from 1909 to 1917, as well as his continued interest in the country from 1943 to 1963.

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts [Contact Us]

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Doris Samitz papers, 1956-2008 (inclusive)

Extent:

0.4 linear feet (1 box)

Abstract:

Doris Samitz (1923-2008), an art enthusiast, was involved in the Philadelphia art scene. This collection documents her involvement with the Arts Council of the Broad Street "Y" and the Barnes Foundation from the 1950s until her death, but particularly during the 1960s and the 1970s.

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts [Contact Us]

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British Gurkha Mission to Nepal photograph album, 1947 july-1948 january (inclusive)

Extent:

0.25 linear feet (1 box, containing 1 volume)

Abstract:

Following Indian independence in 1947, the British and Indian armies agreed to divide the Gurkha regiments between the two armies. British, Indian, and Nepalese delegations met in Nepal from July 1947 to January 1948 in order to discuss the terms of service of the Gurkha soldier as well as specific rights granted to them in relation to religion, rates of pay, performance and conduct, and leave from duty. This photograph album, containing 90 photographs, documents the three delegations' tour through Nepal. The images, probably created by a British delegate of the Mission, are labeled and the album includes photographs of people, landscapes, and historical and religious sites.

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts [Contact Us]

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Gordon Block collection of Lincolniana, 1760-1963 (inclusive) 1840-1950 (bulk)

Extent:

2.5 linear feet (13 boxes)

Abstract:

Gordon Alexander Block (1885-1964) was a Philadelphia lawyer and collector of Lincoln documents and memorabilia. The collection includes twenty-three documents either signed by Lincoln or in his hand including a number of pleadings and court documents from his years as a lawyer in Illinois. The collection also contains a variety of ephemera from the Civil War era, including campaign ribbons and songbooks from 1860 and 1864 as well as broadsides, ribbons, and mourning cards issued after Lincoln's assassination. In addition, researchers will find a rich selection of visual representations of Lincoln in the collection, including lithographs, prints, photographs, and engravings of the sixteenth president.

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts [Contact Us]

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Ann Jane Mitchell McAllister commonplace book, 1832-1836 (inclusive)

Extent:

1 volumes

Abstract:

This commonplace book belonged to Ann Jane Mitchell McAllister of Philadelphia, PA. The entries in this book date between 1832 and 1836, before she married William Young McAllister. Her name is signed simply as Ann Jane Mitchell. This volume contains various copied poems by poets such as Lord Byron, Sir Walter Scott, and L. E. L. (Letitia Elizabeth Landon). There appear to be two hands active in the volume and the poems are copied from literary magazines such as Blackwood's Magazine, The Literary Gazette, and The Athenaeum.

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts [Contact Us]

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Mamie A. Jones autograph album and sketchbook, 1869-1901 (inclusive)

Extent:

0.1 linear feet (2 volumes in 1 box)

Abstract:

Mamie A. Jones was a young woman from Philadelphia who was probably a Quaker. She created two volumes, an autograph album and a sketchbook, which document both her role in a fairly wide social circle as well as her substantial artistic talent.

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts [Contact Us]

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Daniel G. Brinton collection on Spain and New Spain, 1582-1854 (inclusive)

Extent:

1.4 linear feet (4 boxes)

Abstract:

Daniel Garrison Brinton (1837-1899) was a Philadelphia surgeon and anthropologist who created, collected, and donated collections of books and manuscripts related to anthropology, colonization of the Americas, and native American linguistics. This collection on Spain and New Spain documents, to a limited degree, Spain's relationships with its colonies and other European powers while struggling to maintain its empire.

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts [Contact Us]

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John B. Thayer memorial collection of the sinking of the Titanic, 1912-2012 (inclusive)

Extent:

0.4 linear feet (1 box)

Abstract:

John "Jack" Borland Thayer (1894-1945) and his mother, Marian Longstreth Morris Thayer (circa 1872-1944), survived the sinking of the Titanic along with only 705 other people. His father, John Borland Thayer (1862-1912) died during the only voyage of the "unsinkable" ship. The John B. Thayer memorial collection of the sinking of the Titanic, contains first-hand accounts of the sinking, Thayer family material, and more recent material documenting the continued interest in and efforts to memorialize the tragedy.

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts [Contact Us]

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Reah Frazer letters, 1826-1856 (inclusive)

Extent:

0.2 linear feet (1 box)

Abstract:

The attorney Reah Frazer (1804-1856) was a leading figure of the Democratic Party in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The letters addressed to him relate mostly to local and national politics, but also to private and professional matters.

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts [Contact Us]

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Stewart Culin collection of 19th century advertisements, 1884-1886 (inclusive)

Extent:

0.4 linear feet (1 box and 2 volumes)

Abstract:

Stewart Culin (13 July 1858-8 April 1929) was an American anthropologist and ethnographer primarily interested in games, fashion, and the decorative and commercial arts. Culin assembled a collection of advertisements related to businesses and products largely located and sold in Philadelphia between May 1884 and February 1886. The collection features two scrapbooks and a series of 93 loose advertisements organized by topic.

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts [Contact Us]