While there are many, many MANY cool things about volunteering at the Robert L. Parkinson Library & Research Center (the world's foremost research facility for circus history), my favorite part is when things come together.
Researching and cataloging is not for the faint of heart. You must get used to disappointment. Dead ends. Frustration. Rabbit holes. And understand the work takes LOTS of time and effort.
But when it comes together! OH MAN. Happy Dance. For real. Happy Dance!
Case in point. This beauty of a jacket.
Long sleeve. Red wool. Black velvet. Button up the front. Mandarin collar. Still holding onto numerous sequins outlining the pattern. Heavy. And I can assume, very hot.
Across the back hangs a dashing red cape-ish material resplendant in sequins and completing the pattern. In amazing condition. Just wonderful.
The curator tasked me with photographing items in the collection. The online catalog is much more exciting when you can actually see what the item is and not just read about the size, condition, and description.
Many weeks or months after taking these photographs, I was reviewing photos by the hundreds (as you tend to do) for another project and came across THIS!
Yup. Check it out! 1915 Street Parade in Little Rock Arkansas. Let's just say I grabbed the photo, ran down into the bowels of the building. Located the article. Ran back up the stairs (no easy feat, lots of stairs!). Did a happy dance while the curator and archivist pulled out the magnifying glasses to confirm.
THIS makes all the hours worthwhile. THIS makes the frustration worth it. THIS keeps us going back for more. Good times. Love it when it all comes together.
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