This wonderful collection contains an autograph book (1892 – 1894) and scrapbook filled with calling cards that were the property of Sarah Louisa Buckwalter who was born on September 7, 1880 to Edwin and Mary (Price) Buckwalter in Little’s Grove, Blue Grass Township, Scott County, Iowa.
By the late nineteenth century, autograph books were used by young adults as a way to remember family, friends, and classmates. Those who signed a book may have included a quote, short poem, or drawing along with their signature.
Calling cards were used for paying visits or introductions, but young adults would also collect them as mementos in the same fashion as autograph book signatures. Autograph books began to decline in popularity in the mid-twentieth century as yearbooks were regularly produced. Calling cards fell out of favor when telephone usage increased and Victorian rules on visiting declined.
A special note for Sarah’s autograph book and scrapbook is the later addition of information that updates women’s names with their married name, who was deceased, and who was related to whom. We hope you enjoy images from these books.
Autograph book samples:
Examples from the scrapbook of calling cards. The late nineteenth-century was a wonderful time for calling cards with the introduction of colored ink to the printing process. The last card pictured belonged to Sarah Buckwalter.
Sarah married Julius Thiessen on October 18, 1904 in Davenport. They were dairy farmers for many years and raised three children, Bessie, Theron, and Wilbert, in rural Davenport. Sarah passed away on August 10, 1970 at the age of 89 in Blue Grass, Iowa and is buried at Fairmount Cemetery in Davenport.
(posted by Amy D.)
