Botany Notebooks, 1934-1940
Scope and Content of the Collection
Six three-ring notebooks containing pages of hand-written entries, botanical drawings, and clippings. Notebooks focus on themes of nature, leaves, and wildflowers. Inserted clippings of note: Leaves – 1935 US Postage Stamp (pg. 71) Nature – National Geographic article “Butterfly Travelers” (pg. 246-264) Wildflowers – Photograph of horse titled "Sikin, Registered Arab Stallion owned by W.K. Kellogg Institute, Pomona, CA." (pg. 67)
Dates
- Creation: 1934-1940
Language of Materials
Languages represented in the collection: English
Access
Collection open for research.
Publication Rights
All requests for permission to reproduce or to publish must be submitted in writing to Special Collections.
Biography/ Administrative History
David French, born April 21, 1855, donated six botanical notebooks, tables, chests, vases, bowls, boxes, cans and a tray to Claremont Graduate School and University Center. French donated the collection with the intention of leaving a legacy of how he engaged with nature--understanding nature as a continual teacher to humans. French clearly garnered great meaning and wisdom from nature and its relationship to humankind, and has left a legacy of such appreciation with these Botany Notebooks.
The Botany Notebooks are compiled by David French, with botanical drawings and paintings by Estella E. Howes.
Botany Notebooks were returned to Special Collections on October 1, 2018 by Fabien Jammes of Pomona College Biology Department.
Extent
From the Collection: 3.5 Linear Feet (7 documents boxes)
Abstract
A collection of six botanical notebooks compiled and donated by David French on topics of leaves, nature, and wildflowers. Each explores botanical and philosophical themes of design, growth, and beauty in nature. The notebooks embody French’s dedication to and love of nature. Growing up on an old Illinois farm, French developed a life-time love of nature, and eventually compiled these notebooks on nature’s abundance, uniqueness, patterns, and philosophical meaning. They include written reflection and quotes by people such as John Muir and Shakespeare, photographs from outside sources, and botanical drawings by Estella Howes of leaves, flowers and animals.
Organization and Arrangement
Original order maintained. Pages were originally in 3-ring notebooks; pages were removed and placed in protective sleeves and boxes.
Physical Location
Please consult repository.
Provenance/Source of Acquisition
Gift of David French
Accruals
No additions to the collection are anticipated.
Processing Information
Processed by Sandra Sublette, The Claremont Colleges Services, Spring, 2019.
Repository Details
Part of the 01 - Special Collections & Archives, The Claremont Colleges Library Repository
800 North Dartmouth Ave
Claremont CA 91711 United States
Email: specialcollections@claremont.edu