Photography and Memory: Core 2

*Some annotations could fit under multiple categories

1. Observe the two-page spread from Doris Grimstvedt Larsen's album
2. Click on the pink circles for a closer look of the material
3. Follow the numbers (1-18), reading each annotation

How to Go Through This Presentation

Color Guide

Blue= Annotations on Organization

Yellow= Personal Reflections

Green= Annotations on Subjects

Purple= Historical Annotations

Pink= Images

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18

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10

Sources

War on Campus

Inferring Relationship

The Subject

Album of Doris Grimstvedt Larsen '45

In her memoir, I finally found portraits of Doris that officially identified her. In scrapbooks, the owner does not have to identify what they look like because the scrapbook is just for their loved ones and themself. After putting a face to the name, I quickly realized the woman featured in the spread was not Doris. A new narrative arose as I furthered my research.

Who is the main subject of this spread?

Across this two-page spread, one young woman appears in multiple of the photographs. Her portrait is the main feature on the right page. Behind her smiling portrait, several smaller photos of her are hidden. There are pictures of her at different high points in life: graduation, enlisting in the military, and marriage. With so much material and focus on this one woman, I assumed that she was Doris, the owner and creator of the scrapbook. Halfway through my research, I found Doris's obituary online, as she passed away in 2020. The obituary referenced a personal memoir written by Doris called Letters of a Lifetime.

Inferring Relationship

After eliminating Doris as a potential identity for the woman on the right, I inferred she could be a college friend or close family member. However, her picture does not match the spread of portraits of Doris's college friends or any close relatives. Then, I made an inference based on Doris's professional pursuits. Doris was passionate about supporting the war effort in college, and she continued to help those who served afterward in her job as a Resettlement Secretary. I infer that this woman came into Doris's life, making a lasting impact. Together, they shared a strong bond that centered around a mutual passion for serving their community and country. Doris wanted to remember this friend fondly. In the large portrait on the right, the friend is beaming with pride. However, the similar portrait tucked under the main photograph displays her fear and worry. Doris chose to remember her friend as a prideful and excited citizen.

During Doris's time on campus, military trainees were temporarily housed there. Two dormitories were closed to students in order to house the trainees. This meant an increase in students housed in Agnes Mellby Hall. Doris and other seniors were asked to leave their current housing. This disrupted Doris's upperclassman years. Here is a letter informing Doris of the housing change. The letter insists, "You are acquainted, know your way about, and will not be subject to homesickness" while also assuming these upperclassmen will take on a "counselor" role to help the younger students adjust to the conditions while at war. Even when not directly involved with the war, there were still consequences and added responsibilities for Doris.

World War II in Northfield

Letters of a Lifetime

Doris Grimstvedt Larsen's Obituary

Manitou Analecta's "Second World War Years"

Links to Sources

St. Olaf Magazine Announcing Doris's Passing