Special Collections & University Archives
403 Parks Library
701 Morrill Road
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011-2140
RS 12/5/5
Iowa State University
Department of Family Environment
Home Management House Program
"Baby Jean" Scrapbook, 1934-1937
Descriptive summary
| creator: | Iowa State University. Department of Family Environment. Home Management House Program |
| title: | "Baby Jean" Scrapbook |
| dates: | 1934-1937 |
| extent: | 0.21 linear feet (1 half-document box) |
| collection number: | RS 12/5/5 |
| repository: | University Archives, Special Collections and University Archives Department, Iowa State University. |
Administrative information
| access: | Open for research |
| publication rights: | Consult Head, Special Collections and University Archives Department |
| preferred citation: | Iowa State University, Department of Family Environment, Home Management House Program "Baby Jean" Scrapbook, RS 12/5/5, Special Collections and University Archives Department, Iowa State University Library. |
Biographical note
Baby Jean (Marilyn Smyth Johnson) was born June 29, 1934. On September 26, 1934, she arrived at Iowa State College (University) and was placed in the Ellen H. Richards House, a home management practice house where students could gain experience running a household. Six to eight students were assigned to care for Baby Jean and the house every six weeks. Baby Jean was adopted by Mr. and Mrs. Porter J. Smyth on August 22, 1935. This scrapbook was donated by Marilyn Smyth Johnson, who presently lives in Chariton, Iowa. |
Collection description
The collection (1934-1937) contains the baby scrapbook of Baby Jean, an infant raised by student "mothers" at Iowa State College (University) studying home management. The scrapbook documents the growth and development of Baby Jean, details her daily schedule, and also includes instructions for food preparation. The photographs show Baby Jean with her student mothers, at play, and on her first birthday. The scrapbook also contains some writings from the student mothers. The collection also includes a newspaper clipping announcing Baby Jean's adoption and Iowa State College publications containing images of Baby Jean. |
Organization
The collection is arranged chronologically |
Container list
Box |
Folder |
Title |
Dates |
1 |
1 |
Scrapbook (26 b/w photographs) |
1934-1935 |
1 |
2 |
News clipping: Adoption announcement |
1935 |
1 |
3 |
Home Economics at Iowa State College booklets containing images of Baby Jean |
1936-1937 |