Preserving Memories: A Look into 19th Century Hair Scrapbooks
Vintage Hair Scrapbook: 1850s
Location: Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center
In the realm of personal memorabilia, hair scrapbooks stand out as poignant testaments to the intimate connections formed within families and among friends in 19th-century America. A notable example of this practice is a hair scrapbook created by Elizabeth C. Carr, dated between 1850 and 1865, primarily reflecting the customs and familial relationships of the 1850s. This artifact resides at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center, providing a link to a bygone era.
Before the popularity of baby books and the modern custom of preserving a child’s first haircut, individuals often honored loved ones by collecting strands of hair. These hair albums were not mere collections; they were artistic displays, showcasing hair meticulously arranged in intricate braids or woven into elaborate patterns. In many cases, the hair of married couples was intertwined, symbolizing their unity and bond. This practice illustrated the profound significance attached to hair as a form of remembrance and connection in a time when death often separated loved ones.
The scrapbook compiled by Carr features hair from several families, including the Carr, Pound, Kester, and Sparks families of Vigo County, Indiana. Remarkably, the scrapbook is adorned with a cross-stitched cover and decorated with ribbons and paper embellishments, enhancing the delicate presentation of the hair wreaths contained within. These decorative elements are characteristic of hair albums from this period, reflecting the creativity and sentimentality of their creators.
As the 20th century approached, the tradition of hair albums began to wane, overshadowed by the advent of photography. The ability to capture moments and memories through a lens fundamentally changed how families commemorated their histories. Today, the art of hair scrapbooking may seem a peculiar practice, yet it encapsulates the deep emotional ties that individuals felt towards one another in an era where personal mementos were cherished in tangible forms.
The Carr hair scrapbook serves not only as a historical artifact but also as a cultural reflection of how personal connections were celebrated in the past. Its place in the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center allows contemporary audiences to gain insight into the social practices of 19th-century America, reminding us that even in the face of modernity, the desire to remember and celebrate loved ones endures.
