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M. Belle Sweet Christmas Cards collection

 Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: MG 590

Content Description

Approximately 2,230 commercial and handmade Christmas cards, some with envelopes. Mailed to or collected by M. Belle Sweet, the first professional librarian at the University of Idaho.

Dates

  • Creation: 1898-1960

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research.

Biographical / Historical

Mary Belle Sweet was the first professional Librarian hired by the University of Idaho in November of 1905. She would work at the Library unitl 1948. During her tenure she would would build the Library collections following the 1906 fire.

Extent

2.5 Cubic Feet (3 boxes.)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

Christmas cards mailed to or collected by M. Belle Sweet.

Arrangement

Cards were numbered and ordered prior to transfer to Special Collections. They were grouped by the year in which they were received in envelopes. During the processing stage, the envelope contents were switched to folders, at which time they were place in their numbering sequence located on the items. The folders were then placed chronologically into archival boxes. Undated folders were place at the end.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Original items belonged or were collected by M. Belle Sweet. They were transferred from Lab of Anthropology and withdrawn from Museum collection in 2002.

Physical Description

Some cards are fragile and all should be handled with care. Older cards are more fragile and have more tears to their edges.

Processing Information

Collection was processed by Kelley Moulton in 2023.

Title
Guide to M. Belle Sweet Christmas cards collection
Status
Completed
Author
Finding aid prepared by Kelley Moulton.
Date
2023
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid written in English.

Repository Details

Part of the University of Idaho Library, Special Collections and Archives Repository