Collections

The Abril Lamarque papers date from 1904-2002. The collection documents the life and career of Cuban-born cartoonist, designer, illustrator, graphic artist, caricaturist, and art director Abril Lamarque through printed materials, scrapbooks, writings, and original artwork. The collection includes examples of his cartoons and caricatures, these include clippings of the comic strip Monguito.

The Allen Morris Papers consist of personal and professional records and research materials accumulated by Mr. Morris over a period of about forty-one years. The papers consist of correspondence; biographical sketches of Florida officials and other famous Floridians; photographs, programs, and other materials related to the Allen Morris Legislative Awards; historical data concerning place names, historical houses, rivers and river boats.

The Arthur Letson Collection contains sixty photographs and one newspaper clipping collected by the Letson family of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Photographs include individual and group portraits from the Letson, Quick, Mahan, and Moore families, friends and associates of Fred Moore, Dania Beach Boulevard Bridge and Bridgehouse, and geographic areas such as the Altanitc Coastal Waterway, Fort Lauderdale, and Dania Beach.

The collection consists primarily of the correspondence of Wesley "Lee" Bouslog, with 106 letters and envelopes dated from December 31, 1917 to May 21, 1918. The first letter describes his arrival at the Camp, and thereafter, the often lengthy letters detail Bouslog's life as a soldier, including descriptions of his daily meals and routines, and maintenance tasks. The letters provide a glimpse into camp life, with Bouslog relating that more than twenty states were represented in his Barracks, as well as several different nationalities, including Irish, Scottish, and Jewish. According to the letters, soldiers enjoyed entertainment, including films and concerts at the Camp theater, and also received educational benefits on-base such as schooling. Due to a lack of initial transportation for the early soldiers on base, there are few references to visits to the City of Jacksonville and vicinity. As a result, many activities took place in the YMCA building on Camp grounds. Letterhead on Bouslog's stationery includes: "With the Colors" YMCA; National War Work Council, Army and Navy, Young Men's Christian Associations; and Camp Joseph E. Johnston Jacksonville, Florida. Printed materials in the collection include postcards, a souvenir folder (depicting 22 views of the Camp), and oversize photographs of the Camp's soldiers. The collection provides printed and visual documentation of the Camp's activities and development from 1917 to 1918, which signal the beginning of a significant military presence in the Jacksonville region.

Collection includes letters with holograph poems, one of which was by Ernest Dowson. Newspaper clippings, newsletters and two pictures - one of Governor John W. Martin and one of Major John W. Tench.

The Charles Rodes Collection contains photographs of Charles G. Rodes, his friends and family. The collection also comprises postcards collected by the family and feature Charles Rodes, Jr., Rodes Hotel, and the Rodes residence.