The Definitive Resource for Autograph Collectors and Their Books
Collecting autographs was a highly prized hobby before the widespread availability of electronic media such as cell phones, televisions, iPods, and computers. Everyone, from the youngest children to the oldest adults, showed interest, regardless of age. Actually, there were specialized books made for autograph collectors because autograph collecting was so popular. Obtaining autographs was not limited to famous people.
Autograph collections were common among people of all socioeconomic backgrounds because regular people were more approachable than famous actors or athletes. As a hobby, autograph collecting in the nineteenth century sometimes involved keeping a book of signatures. Just like a mobile phone is now, autograph books were in demand when word got out, and they were sold at local five-and-dime stores.
In several regions, the autograph book even outsold the personal journal. In the 1950s and 1960s, autograph books were quite popular. The primary purpose of the majority of these signature books is precisely what it sounds like: to gather autographs.
The dimensions of these volumes were somewhat modest, measuring only eight by five inches. There were seventy pages in the book. The pages of certain books were a variety of colors. Pages typically included pastel hues like pink, blue, lavender, yellow, and light green.
These books had an astonishing amount of traction in college dorms and high schools. Classmates would pass these autograph books around during recess and other social events, both on and off campus. This signature collection was done with two objectives in mind. Getting every single classmate to sign was the first and, maybe, most crucial objective. Secondly, there was a desire to fill the entire book.
When someone asked for your autograph, you were both honored and happy since they were collecting autographs. The students at the very top of the popularity ladder were the first to be eliminated. On occasion, a small queue would form just to get the autograph of the famous individual. More importantly, everyone was eager to get their book signed by school officials, teachers, and administrators. Obtaining these signatures was just as significant as getting signatures from famous people today.
These autograph albums are still in circulation to this day. Many modern college libraries have special collections that include autograph collections. Before signing their names to the book, several pupils penned a verse or quotation that they loved. While some wrote about shared experiences with the person during this time, others focused on more personal memories.
College pranks, dorm rooms, card games, hangouts, and stunts were all part of these recollections. These books cover every aspect. Some of these publications include biographies of teachers, while others detail students’ experiences in the classroom.
Some students, who were less outspoken, would often simply sign and date the book. Autograph collecting, as you can see, extends to people of different ages, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds.