Archives Scrapbooks

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Fogg Art Museum Scrapbook, January 1929-December 1931

ARCH.2003.25, Rendition: 793911

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The image appears to be a photograph of a newspaper clipping or article. It is titled "Harvard Sq. Is Like That" and is authored by W.A. MacDonald. The text discusses various aspects of Harvard Square, the bustling environment around Harvard University, including descriptions of social interactions, everyday activities, and notable individuals present in the area. The article provides insights into the daily life, community dynamics, and historical context of Harvard Square in the early 20th century. The style of the article and the presentation suggest it was written in the 1920s or early 1930s. The paper has a vintage appearance, with a yellowed tone and a hole punch at the top, indicating it may have been reused or collected.

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This image shows a printed article titled "Harvard Sq. Is Like That" by W.A. Macdonald. The article appears to be from a publication dated November 29, 1929, as indicated by the handwritten note at the top right corner. The article is printed on a page with three holes punched on the left side, suggesting it was part of a binder or notebook. The text describes various scenes and events around Harvard Square, mentioning notable figures, everyday occurrences, and the atmosphere of the area. The article is divided into two columns, with the left column starting with a large initial letter "A" and the right column continuing the text. The content includes anecdotes about university life, local characters, and the hustle and bustle of the square.

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This is a physical document, appearing to be a typewritten transcript of a newspaper or magazine article, dated November 29, 1929. The transcript is written on aged, yellowed paper with three punched holes on the left margin, suggesting it was stored in a binder.

The document features a typewritten title at the top: “Transcript” followed by the date “November 29, 1929”.

Below that is the article itself, which has a decorative header banner reading:

Harvard Sq. Is Like That

Underneath the title, it is credited to:

By W. A. Macdonald

The article is laid out in three columns of dense, justified text. The first paragraph begins with a large, decorative drop cap “A” and describes the bustling, lively atmosphere of Harvard Square after a football game. The text evokes a vivid sense of place and time, mentioning:

  • The “fur-coated” crowd from the Stadium.
  • The “Harvard band swinging jubilant into the avenue.”
  • A “youth” arguing with a “group as stimulated as himself.”
  • Cab drivers, citizens, professors (including Professor Munsterberg and Professor Palmer), and students.
  • Specific local details like “Holoake street,” “Quincy street,” “Widener Library,” and “Mount Washington.”
  • Anecdotes about historical figures like John Skehan and Commander Byrd.

The piece is a nostalgic, colorful portrait of Harvard Square in the late 1920s, blending everyday scenes with literary and historical allusions. It portrays the square as a cultural and intellectual hub teeming with life, youth, and character.

The tone is observational, lyrical, and affectionate, capturing the spirit of a “live” campus area that is “like that”—unpredictable, vibrant, and full of stories. The final sentence reads: “But chiefly it is the Square of the young men with their books, their strength and their future.”

The paper shows signs of age — discoloration and slight wear — and appears to be a preserved copy, possibly for archival or research purposes.


In summary: This is a 1929 typewritten transcript of a nostalgic, descriptive article by W.A. Macdonald titled “Harvard Sq. Is Like That,” capturing the lively, eclectic atmosphere of Harvard Square in the late 1920s as a place where students, professors, and townspeople mingled in a vibrant intellectual and social scene.

Amazon, amazon.nova-lite-v1:0

The image is a transcript of a newspaper article titled "Harvard Sq. Is Like That" written by W. A. Macdonald. The article describes the bustling activity and atmosphere of Harvard Square in Cambridge, Massachusetts, particularly focusing on the contrast between the square's lively summer season and its quieter winter months. The text mentions the square's significance as a gathering place for young men, students, and professors, as well as its role in the local community. The article also touches on the square's historical events, such as a fire that occurred half a dozen years ago and the aftermath of an earthquake that shook the area.

Amazon, amazon.nova-pro-v1:0

The image depicts a page from a newspaper or magazine with a headline that reads "Harvard Sq. Is Like That." The headline is followed by the author's name, W.A. Macdonald. The page appears to be from a publication dated November 29, 1929, as indicated by the date at the top of the page.

The text is arranged in a column format, with the main article occupying the left side of the page and a smaller article or sidebar on the right. The main article seems to be a narrative or descriptive piece, possibly about the atmosphere or character of Harvard Square, a well-known area in Cambridge, Massachusetts, near Harvard University.

The text is written in a style that was common in the early 20th century, with a formal and descriptive tone. The article likely provides insights or anecdotes about the people, events, or culture associated with Harvard Square during that time period.

The smaller article on the right side of the page appears to be a continuation or a related piece, possibly providing additional context or information about the main topic. The text is also written in a similar style, with a focus on narrative and description.

Overall, the image captures a snapshot of a bygone era, offering a glimpse into the past through the lens of a newspaper article. The content of the article may provide valuable historical insights or simply serve as a nostalgic reminder of a different time.

Amazon, us.amazon.nova-2-lite-v1:0

The image shows a scanned page from a newspaper or magazine, dated November 29, 1929, titled "Harvard Sq. Is Like That" and authored by W. A. Macdonald. The page appears to be a transcript or article discussing the atmosphere and events around Harvard Square in Cambridge, Massachusetts, during the early 20th century.

Key Observations:

  1. Title and Author:

    • The title, "Harvard Sq. Is Like That", suggests a descriptive or observational piece about the character and happenings in Harvard Square.
    • The byline, "By W. A. Macdonald", indicates the author of the article.
  2. Content Overview:

    • The article describes the scene after a football game, with fans and students gathering in Harvard Square. It captures the energy and vibrancy of the area, noting the bustling crowds and the interactions between people.
    • Specific details include:
      • Football game aftermath: Fans are described as "swung jubilant into the Square," indicating a celebratory mood.
      • Harvard Square's atmosphere: The article emphasizes the square's role as a hub for students, with references to the Harvard Yard, the Square, and the surrounding streets.
      • Human interactions: The narrative includes anecdotes about individuals, such as a driver who charged $4 for a ride, a student who climbed into a pitcher's stand, and a man who stopped to look at a cold morning.
      • Local landmarks: Mentions of places like Widener Library, the Square, and the surrounding streets (e.g., Quincy Street, Mount Washington) are included.
  3. Visual Elements:

    • The page has a classic, aged appearance, with a slightly faded and sepia-toned look, suggesting it is an old document.
    • There is a hole or tear on the left side of the page, indicating wear or damage.
    • The text is arranged in a standard newspaper column format, with justified alignment and clear typography.
  4. Contextual Clues:

    • The article references historical events and figures, such as Mr. Lowell, Professor Conant, and Professor Willard, suggesting it is set in the early 1930s.
    • It also touches on themes of student life, local culture, and the social dynamics of Harvard Square during that era.

Summary:

The image depicts a historical article titled "Harvard Sq. Is Like That" by W. A. Macdonald, dated November 29, 1929. The piece provides a vivid description of Harvard Square after a football game, capturing the lively atmosphere, interactions among students and locals, and the unique character of the area. The page shows signs of age and wear, with a visible hole on the left side. The content offers a snapshot of early 20th-century campus life and urban culture around Harvard University.

Meta, us.meta.llama3-2-11b-instruct-v1:0

The image depicts a vintage newspaper clipping featuring a column titled "Harvard Sq. Is Like That" by W.A. MacDonald, dated November 29, 1934. The article is presented on a yellowed piece of paper with three holes punched along the left side, indicating its origin from a scrapbook or binder.

Newspaper Clipping Details:

  • Title: "Harvard Sq. Is Like That"
  • Author: W.A. MacDonald
  • Date: November 29, 1934
  • Content: The article describes the vibrant atmosphere of Harvard Square in Cambridge, Massachusetts, during the 1930s, highlighting its unique blend of academic and cultural life.

Visual Description:

  • Paper Color: Yellowed with age
  • Hole Punching: Three holes along the left side, suggesting it was part of a scrapbook or binder
  • Background: A plain gray surface, possibly a table or shelf

Overall Impression:

The image provides a glimpse into the past, showcasing a nostalgic portrayal of Harvard Square's lively spirit during the 1930s. The yellowed paper and hole-punched edges add to the article's historical charm, making it a fascinating piece of ephemera for anyone interested in history, journalism, or the cultural heritage of Harvard University.

Meta, us.meta.llama3-2-90b-instruct-v1:0

The image is a scanned newspaper clipping from 1929, titled "Harvard Sq. Is Like That" by W.A. Macdonald, which describes the scene at Harvard Square in Cambridge, Massachusetts, during a heavy rainstorm.

The article is written in a narrative style, with vivid descriptions of the people and events that unfolded during the storm. The author describes how the rain caused flooding in the square, with water rising up to the ankles of pedestrians. He also notes that the storm brought out a mix of reactions from the people in the square, ranging from panic to amusement.

The article includes quotes from various individuals who were present during the storm, including a professor who was trying to get to his office and a group of students who were laughing and joking as they splashed through the puddles. The author also describes the efforts of the police and other authorities to manage the situation and keep people safe.

Overall, the article provides a vivid and engaging account of a dramatic event in Harvard Square, highlighting the resilience and adaptability of the people who live and work there.

Meta, us.meta.llama4-maverick-17b-instruct-v1:0

The image shows a scanned or photographed page of a newspaper article, titled "Harvard Sq. Is Like That" by W.A. MacDonald, dated November 29, 1929.

The article is printed on aged paper with a yellowish tint and is pasted onto a larger sheet of paper, which has three holes punched along its left edge, suggesting it was once part of a binder or folder. The article is divided into two columns, with the left column being more complete than the right, which appears to be torn or cut off at an angle. The text discusses Harvard Square, describing its atmosphere and the people who frequent it. The overall appearance of the page suggests that it is an archival document, possibly from a historical collection or library.

Meta, us.meta.llama4-scout-17b-instruct-v1:0

The image presents a scanned or photographed page from a newspaper, featuring an article titled "Harvard Sq. Is Like That" by W.A. MacDonald. The article is divided into two columns and appears to be a transcript of an event that took place on November 29, 1929.

Article Content:

  • The article describes a scene where hundreds of young men crowded and shuffled into Harvard Square to hear Coppey, a Christian radical, speak.
  • The event was attended by notable figures, including professors and students.
  • The article also mentions that the Square was bustling with activity, with people walking in all directions.

Page Details:

  • The page has three holes punched along its left edge, suggesting it was once part of a binder or folder.
  • The page is yellowed and worn, indicating age.
  • A handwritten note at the top of the page reads "transcript november 29, 1929."

Background:

  • The background of the image is a light gray color, providing a neutral backdrop for the newspaper page.

Overall, the image provides a glimpse into a historical event and the culture of Harvard Square in 1929.