A rare multi-generational autograph and memory album chronicling the life of Bea (Bertha) Clark and her family from 1907 to 1928, beginning in Orion, Oklahoma and continuing after the move to Buckleton, Washington.
Early pages contain poetic inscriptions, school notes, and affectionate sentiments from classmates at Orion School and family members signing as “Friend,” “Aunt Bea,” “Sister,” “Niece,” etc. A charming child’s entry is marked at “4½ years old.”
The album features small sepia portrait photo cutouts, decorative embellishments, a folded hand-drawn bird illustration signed “Drawn by Mary Lucretia Clark before she was married,” and a full page written in early shorthand (Pitman/Gregg style) dated circa 1906–07.
In 1928, the story closes with a touching inscription addressed “Dearest Mother” and signed “Your Daughter, Clyda Maye – Sept 23, 1928,” confirming Bea as a mother whose daughter contributed to preserving her memory.
This piece offers deep genealogical value and insight into early 20th century American family life, friendship, faith, movement from Oklahoma to Washington, and handwritten expressions spanning two decades.
Provenance / Historical Note:
This autograph album belonged to Bertha Mariah “Bea” Clark (Johnston) of Puyallup, Washington (1887 – 1981), believed to have been active in local education during the early 1900s. The book is a genuine family keepsake—signed not only by Bea herself but also by her daughter, Clyda Maye Johnston (Wolf) (1916 – 2002), along with Bea’s nieces, sisters, aunts, and friends from Orion School and the surrounding Puyallup community.
Together, these handwritten notes capture a rare and personal record of early 20th-century life in Washington State, reflecting the tight-knit social and educational networks of women who helped shape their communities during that era.
Item Specifics:
Type: Antique Autograph / Memory Album
Family Name Referenced: Clark (Bea / Beasal / Mary Lucretia Clark / Clysle Maye)
Years Covered: 1907–1928
Locations Mentioned: Orion, Oklahoma; Buckleton, Washington
Content Includes: Poems, handwritten notes, shorthand page, school inscriptions, humor, children’s writing, family dedications
Art: Original hand-drawn bird illustration (pre-marriage signature)
Photos: Multiple cutout sepia portraits
Materials: Hardcover album with gilt “Album” text
Language: English + shorthand
Tags: antique autograph album, Clark family genealogy, 1907 scrapbook, Oklahoma history, Washington migration, early 20th century memory book, vintage photo album, Pioneer-era ephemera, multigenerational diary, handwritten poems
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