One of our favorite donations to receive at the Archives are scrapbooks. Many of these, often also referred to as a memory book, are from the early and mid-20th century. Some are meticulously completed, such as the one recently processed that had belonged to Harold Denny Campbell (1895-1955), some show signs that there was initial enthusiasm that apparently waned as student life became more demanding, and some, such as another Harold, Kenneth Harold Smith, end abruptly as a cadet left Norwich before completing their degree.
The Harold Denny Campbell Scrapbook is a prime example of a student who documented their experience at Norwich to the fullest and his exuberance enjoyment of life leaps off every page. Campbell was at Norwich University from 1913-1917. The scrapbook primarily contains ephemera related to his Norwich career and his off-campus excursions while a student. The materials include many photos, dance cards, report cards, disciplinary records, fair prize ribbons, rank patches, entertainment and event programs as well as numerous newspaper and magazine clippings. This scrapbook contains so many treasures that even if we could digitize them all faithfully (difficult to do with the size of the book and the varied materials it contains), it would truly not do it justice.
MG Campbell graduated from NU with a degree in civil engineering in 1917. During his Norwich career, he was the Editor-in-Chief of the Reveille, involved with the basketball program, and a member of the “Mounted Louies” drill team along with numerous other activities. While at Norwich, Campbell enlisted in the 1st Vermont Cavalry. Campbell began an illustrious 30-year career in the Marines upon graduation, serving in both world wars.
There is lots more to see and learn about Campbell, and we are grateful to his family for their donation. Please contact the Archives for a visit to see this scrapbook or one of our many others.
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