The Muriel C. Spoden Collection is now open for patron access and the Finding Aid has been published online. One of my favorite things about the finding aid is the collection date span: 1800-2000. A perfect 200 years of documents, photographs, research, letters, etc.
All last week I pulled items from the collection and researched their significance and connection to Kingsport’s history inpreparation for an exhibit. I finished installing the exhibit on the main floor of the library, yesterday, so if you happen to be passing the Kingsport Public Library stop by and have a look.
In the left case, there are items from the early days of Kingsport Public School; photographs, a brochure, and the principal’s address book.
- Also in this case, a series of letters that endeavor to dispel the rumor that Kingsport was looking to replace Annie Mitchell with a male principal.
The left case’s school themed items range from ca. 1905-1920.
In the right case, there are items that support Ms. Spoden’s books. Here you see photographs from Historic Places of Sullivan County.
Boatyard store ledgers and receipts represent the research behind The Netherland Inn Chronicles.
The right case’s Sullivan County and Boatyard themed items range from ca. 1800-1972.
