Guide to the May Hembree Autograph Journal MC 84

Language of Material: English

Contributing Institution: Sacramento Public Library, Sacramento Room

Title: May Hembree Autograph Book

Identifier/Call Number: MC 84

Physical Description: 1 Linear Feet 1 Archival Box

Date (inclusive): 1885-1890

May Hembree (a.k.a. May Jones) was born in September 1866. She married a bicycle salesman, Frank M. Jones in 1893 and they had a son together, Donald, in 1899. May was involved in the Good Templars, the YMCA, and the Mistletoe Literary Society, where she frequently played piano and gave recitations.

An Aldine Autograph Album book makes up the bulk of the manuscript collection. Over two hundred signatories used elaborate calligraphy and composed verse to commemorate the meeting. Others drew, painted in watercolor, while some quoted French or Latin, composed lines of music, and many notated the order of their entry and their hometown. Of considerable note includes a calling card from a member of the Capital City Wheelmen, the first bicycle club in the region, and a drawing and poem from her pastor, Robert L. McHatton. Contents include May's Autograph Journal from 1885 and a Sacramento High commencement ceremony for the Class of 1890. Loose items exist and are held in Mylar sleeves.

[Identification of item], Earl Schnetz Collection, MC 83, Sacramento Room, Sacramento Public Library, Sacramento, California.