Collins Unbound

But what do I wear? The question that is too often asked by students these days. However, this question was answered very specifically in the 1968 “Welcome to Our Campus” handbook. According to this book, women were the ones who asked such questions and what to wear always “depends upon the type of occasion, the weather, and the type of date.” Over the years, it seems that the type of dress has become less about the occasion and more about comfort. Who knew there were so many occasions to dress up for? The guide suggests that a lady wear a skirt and sweater with nylons and loafers, a tailored coat and limited jewelry while attending sporting events. Remember that the next time you go cheer on your fellow Loggers. Overall, though, “the most important aspect to remember is that no matter what you wear, be yourself and dress for your personality with neatness, good taste and careful grooming”  – the wise words of 1968.

The Archives & Special Collections is open on Mondays and Wednesdays from 12:00-3:00 p.m. or by appointment.

By Sierra Scott

In the Archives and Special Collections, just like the rest of the world, you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. I pulled out a book and from the oatmeal colored cover and unassuming name, Haida Monumental Art by George F. MacDonald, I wasn’t expecting to find too much. What I found when I opened it up was a plethora of fascinating information and interesting photos. The Haida of the Queen Charlotte Islands in British Columbia constructed vast cedar houses and totem poles, some of the largest in the Northwest.

Haida Monumental Art includes many photos taken during the 19^th century of the remote villages whose magnificent art had not been so thoroughly recorded before. The Haida people were known for their seamanship, craftsmanship and trade skills. Just by peeking into this nondescript book, I ended up learning a lot more than I had originally expected.

Check it out on Primo!

The Archives & Special Collections is open on Mondays and Wednesdays from 12:00-3:00 p.m. or by appointment.

By Laure Mounts

Here in the Archives & Special Collections we have a myriad of intriguing items and unconventional books, including some books that are far too large to fit on a regular shelf. These books comprise our “oversized” collection, some of which are quite heavy and most certainly could not fit atop your average Puget Sound classroom desk. One of the items in this collection is a graphic novel (or rather, a collection of them) by Chris Ware called “Building Stories.” If one were to go searching for it, they would run into a very large box filled with illustrated books of various sizes and comic strips, none of which are titled or include much text outside of the comic speech-bubbles. This clever and relatable tale features the residents of a three-story apartment building in Chicago, and the interactions, introspective analyses, daydreams, struggles, and internal processes that comprise their daily lives. Among these featured residents is a single woman struggling with loneliness, a couple going through turmoil within their relationship, and an elderly woman. The illustrations provide narrative insight regarding many of the thoughts, insecurities, pain, worry, moments of intimacy, and comfort we experience as humans, and is therefore able to facilitate a broadened connection between each of us, as the pages illuminate much of what we may experience silently, within our own minds while we lie awake at night or choose between tomatoes at the grocery store. An eye-opening and entertaining spectacle, I would highly recommend flipping through these extremely colorful and thoughtful illustrations.

Come check it out!

The Archives & Special Collections is open on Mondays and Wednesdays from 12:00-3:00 p.m. or by appointment.

By Monica Patterson