DATE: 1956-1996
CREATOR: various (see below)
SCOPE: The Pop-Up Book Collection contains movable books, children's books, toy cars, puppets, dolls, ornaments and decorations, and photographs of St. Louis, all collected by Mary Peter. The collection holds about 100 movable books, including a few reproductions of 19th century as well as contemporary books in various themes, about 130 toy cars, including Hot Wheel series from 1969 onward, puppets of different characters, and photographs capturing scenes in St. Louis.
EXTENT:
Series One, Pop-Up Books, contains about 100 pop-up books in various themes from 1956 to 1996, as well as some reproductions of 19th century popup books by Lothar Meggendorfer. Contemporary pop-up books include works by Nick Bantock, David A. Carter, Kees Moerbeek, Keith Moseley, Ib Penick, and Robert Sabuda.
Series Two, Children’s Books, contains three picture books.
Series Three, Toys, contains about 130 toys cars, including Mattel Hot Wheels series from 1974 onward, puppets of different characters, and dolls.
Series Four, Ornaments and Decorations, contains seasonal ornaments, including hanging ornaments for Christmas trees, and some figurines. There is a newspaper article that addresses wooden angel figurines in the collection.
Series Five, Correspondents, contains a greeting card for the Valentine’s Day and a letter from Mary Peter to director of the library addressing a brief description on the photographs.
Series Six, Photographs, contains a series of black and white as well as color photographs pertaining to St. Louis. Format varies from small snapshots to large, matted photographs.
ACCESS: This collection is available for on-site use only in the Rare Book and Manuscripts Reading Room. Some of the material in Special Collection M-157 may be photocopied, digitally scanned or photographed, subject to condition. For collections marked limited access, researchers are advised to contact the library at least three business days in advance of their visit to submit a request to view the physical material.
There is a finding aid available for download for this collection:
M-157: Pop-Up Book Collection.(pdf)
M-157: Pop-Up Book Collection.(rtf)
Researchers are advised to call ahead concerning changes in hours due to University intersessions and holidays. The St. Louis Mercantile Library is located on levels one and two of the Thomas Jefferson Library building.
In observance of security procedures, certain services may not be available shortly before the daily closing time.
Preferred Citation: When citing the material from this collection, the preferred citation is: From the Special Collections of the St. Louis Mercantile Library at the University of Missouri – St. Louis.
