Historical information
This is an incomplete record of those people who signed Laurie's autograph book. Most of the pages contain remembrances from members of Laurie's extended family however some relate to Mont Albert Central School where Laurie was a student. Those entries which are dated are from 1957.
This is part of a large donation relating to the Young / Mair / Deakin families.
Significance
In Europe autograph books have a history that can be traced back to 15th century university students. In Australia autograph albums were particularly popular towards the end of the 19th century, although there are known examples as far back as the 1830s. The increase in popularity coincides with printing and book binding becoming more affordable.
Autograph books came in many sizes but were typically small with blank pages, usually in pastel colours.
The books were often exchanged so the gathering of autographs was a very social pastime. Pages were filled with not only names, signatures and personal details but also poems, limericks, drawings, personal messages, small pieces of verse, and other mementos, such as pressed flowers, locks of hair and even embroidery. Although they could be very personal, unlike a diary they were meant to be viewed as part of the exchange.
Autograph books from the 1950s may have a different focus. Although it remained common to collect the autographs of friends it was also highly desirable to collect the signatures of the famous, especially rock and television stars.
Autograph books are of social relevance because they reflect the sentiment of the era of creation; they can also be reflective of social change, major political events or new inventions.
Physical description
Nine pages which have been cut from an autograph book. The pages are faded pink, blue and green in colour with a gold edge. All but one have inscriptions on one side only.
