Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for research.

Preferred Citation

MSS 16900, Dolores Ann Smith autograph book, Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library, University of Virginia Library.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

This collection was a purchase from Caroliniana Rare Books to the Small Special Collections Library at the University of Virginia Library on 23 April 2025.

Content Description

This collection contains the autograph album of Dolores Ann Smith, an African American student from Roanoke, Virginia. The album's cover is embossed with "My School-Day Autobiography" in gilt letters. Two black and white photographs of young African American children are at the front of the album, one pasted and the other tipped in. The names of Dolores's teachers up to the eighth grade are identified on the "My Teachers" listing and a list of classmates. Seven autographs with associated greetings dedicated to Dolores appear throughout the album from classmates and family. These autographs range in date from December 1944 to November 1948. One page near the end of the album is written as a diary entry by Dolores from 1945. The end page, contains the address and the date August 14, 1948.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

• Women's Scrapbook/ Commonplace Book Collections (University of Virginia)
• African American children
• Friendship booklets
• Girls