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Antique 1920s autograph and friendship album belonging to Alice Z. Matthis of Elizabethtown, Kentucky, compiled primarily while she was at Mount McGregor, New York, circa 1926-1929.
Research indicates the Mount McGregor references are associated with the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company Sanatorium, a well-known treatment and convalescent facility established for Metropolitan Life employees and others during the early 20th century.
Approximately 100 pages, the album contains numerous handwritten inscriptions from friends and fellow residents, many specifically dated at Mt. McGregor. Entries include names, hometowns and addresses from New York, Kentucky, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Canada and other locations.
Many inscriptions contain wishes for Alice’s health, recovery and future happiness, and several make references to doctors, wards, “The San,” and life at Mt. McGregor. Together, they provide an interesting firsthand glimpse into the social community surrounding a 1920s sanatorium/convalescent setting.
Several pages also have small original portrait photographs pasted alongside the handwritten inscriptions, adding considerable visual and historical interest.
The inside ownership information appears to read Alice Z. Matthis, with her home address identified as Elizabethtown, Kentucky. Independent historical/genealogical research indicates an Alice Z. Matthis lived in Elizabethtown during this period, although the album itself is the primary source for the identification.
A fascinating piece of 1920s New York medical, social, genealogical and vernacular history.
Please review all photographs for additional names, inscriptions, photographs and condition album shows substantial age and wear from nearly 100 years of use and storage. The front cover had a significant crack when acquired and the cracked portion separated/broke during photography; the damaged cover pieces remain with the album and have not been taped or repaired. Covers show heavy wear, cracking, edge and corner wear, discoloration and other age-related deterioration. Original cord-style binding is present. Interior pages show varying degrees of age toning, spotting, staining, handling wear and occasional edge wear, but the numerous handwritten entries remain generally legible. Several pages retain small pasted-in portrait photographs. No attempt has been made to clean, repair or restore the album. Please examine photographs carefully for the exact condition and contents.
Other vintage items available, happy to combine shipping
