Alice King Garrison (1906-2002) Scrapbook

The materials in the Alice King Garrison scrapbook date between 1924 and 1929 and document her social and academic life at Northwestern University. Included are many newspaper clippings, photographs, dance cards, printed materials, and other memorabilia.

The scrapbook has a purple hard-cover with a gold University Seal inscribed on the front; originally bound with a white leather cord. On the interior cover is a photo of the University, a Northwestern Banner, and University Seal. On the back cover is an unsigned watercolor (possibly done by King) of a pirate ship. The scrapbook style/type was copyrighted 1913 and produced by Inter-Collegiate Press, Kansas City, MO. Inserted in the back of the scrapbook are additional pages of photographs, printed material and memorabilia that appear to have been additions to the original book. These pages are black as opposed to the grey pages of the main book.

King's scrapbook documents her athletic achievements, and the recognition and honors she received, particularly in association with her strength as a swimmer, and as a contributor to the organizations in which she was involved. Also evidenced in her scrapbook is the social climate during her time at Northwestern. Many news articles from the Daily Northwestern give insight to King's popularity, as well as her friendships with other athletes and those active in student life at Northwestern; including the May Queen of 1928, Miss Jane Olson.

Due to its deteriorating condition, the scrapbook was disassembled and treated by the Northwestern University Library Conservation Laboratory in December, 1999. A number of loose items were placed in separate folders; these include materials relating to the Women's Athletic Association (W.A.A.); various publications such as the 1927 Women's Week-End Festival Program, 1928 Commencement Programs; and a purple felt armband with a white “N.” A plastic sleeve holds loose news clippings. In addition, oversized materials (full pages from newspapers, including one issue of Surkuss Solly, the Circus publication) were photocopied, the photocopies placed in a folder with the scrapbook, and the originals (now encapsulated) filed in the University Archives oversize materials drawers.