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1922 “A Girl’s Graduation Days” Memory Book – Western High School – Nellie Burba
An original 1922 graduation memory book titled “A Girl’s Graduation Days,” belonging to Nellie Burba of Western High School. This is a wonderful snapshot of student life during the early 1920s, filled with handwritten inscriptions, original photographs, and personal memories from classmates and friends.
Unlike many surviving examples, this book is extensively completed with numerous dated entries and period photographs, making it an excellent piece of American social history.
Highlights
* Original 1922 graduation memory book
* Named to Nellie Burba
* Western High School
* Attractive blue cloth binding with gilt title and floral decoration
* Numerous handwritten farewell messages and poems from classmates
* Original mounted snapshot photographs throughout
* Family portrait cutouts mounted inside
* Dated inscriptions from 1922–1923
* School curriculum pages completed in ink
* Many classmates identified by name
Contents Include
* Graduation and friendship inscriptions
* Original black-and-white photographs
* School memories
* Humorous poems and advice
* Personal messages signed by classmates
* Family photographs
* Academic pages documenting Nellie’s coursework and promotion
Several classmates sign their names throughout the book, including:
* Frank H. Masley
* Helen Drew
* Reba Sarchet
* Lenore Burch
* Louise Walters
* Ethel (surname difficult to read)
* Edward A. Heiss
* Additional friends and classmates
One memorable inscription humorously reads:
“When you get married and your husband is cross, come to my house and eat apple sauce.”
These handwritten messages offer a genuine glimpse into the friendships, humor, and everyday lives of American high school students in the Roaring Twenties.
Condition
Good antique condition.
* Binding remains solid.
* Interior pages are clean overall with expected age toning.
* Numerous handwritten inscriptions throughout.
* Original photographs remain mounted.
* Light wear from age and handling.
* Blank pages remain toward the back.
Please examine all photographs carefully, as they are part of the description.
A Wonderful Piece Of 1920s Americana
This is more than just a graduation keepsake—it’s a preserved record of one young woman’s high school years, friendships, and memories from the early 1920s. An excellent addition to collections of:
* School memorabilia
* Yearbooks and memory books
* Detroit history
* Women’s history
* Social history
* Vintage photography
* Genealogy
* Roaring Twenties collectibles
Ships carefully packed to protect the binding and photographs.
