U.S. Naval Academy Farewell Aide-Mémoires, 1913

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Two Aide-Mémoires, or note pads, given as favors to those who attended the United States Naval Academy Farewell Ball on June 6, 1913. The term aide-mémoire was used to descirbe a small notepad or book which one carried in order to remember important dates, events, etc. The cases of the Memoires are composed of a silvery lustrous metal. On the front of the Memoire are three raised emblems. The central emblem is that of the U.S. Naval Academy. In the lower right hand corner is another naval symbol, with an eagle perched ona ships wheel with crossed sword behind. In the upper left hand corner is yet another naval symbol of an eagle perched on a ship's bell with crossed oars behind it. One of the most intriguing aspects of these pieces is the closing mechanism. A small metal pencil is attached to the right hand side of the memoire. While the pencil is inserted, the book stays closed, but when removed it is "unlocked'. The Penicls are mechanical and will dispense more graphite if twisted clockwise. The top spine of the memoire features a loop which is attached to a blue and gold cord (extant on only one of the aide-mémoires). The front of the book proper contains a small page commemorating the farewell ball, which took place at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. The second page features a small color picture of a girl dressed in a navy pea coat carrying a small holly tree. The following pages are filled with the different dances that were played that night, as well as the title of the song and the composer. The owner of one of the aide-mémoires wrote down multiple "Xs" beneath the titles of the song, it is unknown what this was indicating. Later, the owner also writes several names down beneath the dances, probably the names of her partners. After the dance pages is another picture of a pea coat clad girl, but this time she's looking out of an open porthole. The next page lists all of the members of the Farewell Ball Committee. The last page reveals that the owner of the aide-mémoire was Emily M. Hall, and also gives her address. Subsequent pages are blank. Of the two notepads, the aide-mémoire with the tassle and writing within was clearly handled more. It shows some patina as well as a general dulling of the metal. The second aide-mémoire shows little signs of aging save some patina near the hinge. Transferred from the Hall Family Papers (Mss. 90 H14). Located in Dec Obj S2 SS2, Box 3. Mss 90H14.A18ab

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