creator:

Iowa State University. College of Family and Consumer Sciences. Department of Family Environment. Home Management House Program

title:

“Baby Jean” Scrapbook

dates:

1934-1935

extent:

0.21 linear feet (1 half-document box)

collection number:

RS 12/5/5

repository:

University Archives, Special Collections Department, Iowa State University.

access:

Open for research

publication rights:

Consult Head, Special Collections Department

preferred citation:

Iowa State University, Department of Family Environment, Home Management House Program “Baby Jean” Scrapbook, RS 12/5/5, Special Collections Department, Iowa State University Library.

Historical note  

Baby Jean (Marilyn Smyth Johnson) was born June 29, 1934.  On September 26, 1934, she arrived at Iowa State College (University) and was placed in the Ellen H. Richards House, a home management practice house where students could gain experience running a household.  Six to eight students were assigned to care for Baby Jean and the house every six weeks.  Baby Jean was adopted by Mr. and Mrs. Porter J. Smyth on August 22, 1935.

Collection description

The collection (1934-1935) contains the baby scrapbook of Baby Jean, an infant raised by student “mothers” at Iowa State College (University) studying home management.  The scrapbook documents the growth and development of Baby Jean, details her daily schedule, and also includes instructions for food preparation.  The photographs show Baby Jean with her student mothers, at play, and on her first birthday.  The scrapbook also contains some writings from the student mothers.  The collection also includes a newspaper clipping announcing Baby Jean's adoption.

Organization

The collection is arranged in chronological order.