Autograph Books
What is an autograph book?
Autograph books were especially popular during the Victorian era, but there are many instances of their continued popularity through the twentieth century, and even into the twenty-first century.
The blank books often had ornate covers. Girls and women exchanged them with friends and family during visits. They filled the books with poems and messages—sometimes funny, sometimes sentimental. Many entries include drawings and some have mementos like pressed flowers and locks of hair.
In 2022, a mysterious envelope sparked our interest in autograph books.
The envelope contained an old autograph book. It had belonged to Katie Kennedy who was born in Osgoode Township in 1875. Katie’s autograph book was full of signatures, poems, jokes and wishes for the future. Many of the messages have a similar theme—”remember me.”
Some historians think that autographs books are similar to social media. While they may seem worlds apart, both let people to connect and express themselves. You can use them to share memories, celebrate friendships and make your mark in the world.
Meet the youth of yesterday
Since receiving Katie’s autograph book, we found more of these keepsakes in our collection. One of them even belongs to Katie’s older sister, Jessie Kennedy!
Our team scanned seven autograph books from young people who once lived in Osgoode Township. The oldest book is from 1881 (Mary Fisher Carlyle) and the newest is from 1930 (Gladys Folkard Quaile).
Explore our autograph book collection below
