H87.74.5

Shawl. Description: One ivory colored silk shawl, embroidered in matching silk twist, with elaborate matching fringe. The embroidery consists of highly stylised floral motifs; the corner motifs consist of two different designs in opposite corners. The centeral motifs also consist of two designs shown in opposite corners. All designs appear to be of a classical derivation. Dimensions: The main body of the shawl: 65-1/2" x 65-1/2" The fringe all around: 14-1/2" Condition: Spotty stains over all. There's a small hole in one corner. History: From the estate of Ina Coolbrith, who was made California's first Poet Laureate in 1915. These things are a gift to the Oakland Museum from the Ina Coolbrith Circle through the generosity of B. Jo Kinnick, who purchased them from the estate of Ina Coolbrith and donated them to the Circle. References/Remarks: The Ina Coolbrith Circle 2611 Brooks, El Cerrito, CA. 94530, (415) 232-0346. No one can tell whether it is Philippine or Chinese embroidery. It is early 20th century. (Joan Severa, 3/15/1994) Ina Donna Coolbrith, librarian and poet, was born in Nauvoo, Illinois, March 10, 1842. This town was the site of the Mormon Massacre, and her father, Don Carlos Smith, was a younger brother of Joseph Smith, founder of the Mormon Church. As the daughter of Don Carlos and Agnes Coolbrith Smith, the child was properly christened Josephine Smith. Because of her father's death in the massacre she feared identification with her family, and throughout a long life went by her mother's maiden name. Her mother re-married and in 1852 they came to California. She was educated in Los Angeles and San Francisco, and early in life showed great literary promise. In time she became one of the great writers of California, and by action of the legislature on April 21, 1915 was declared "Loved Laurel-Crowned Poet of California." In 1874 she became librarian of the Oakland Reading Room Association and was continued in office when the city took over the institution in 1878, serving until 1893. Then followed a number of years as librarian of the Mercantile Library in San Francisco, after which she devoted herself entirely to literary efforts. The influence which Librarian Coolbrith had on the development of Jack London is well known. Ina Coolbrith died on February 29, 1928.

Used: Ina Coolbrith | Adult | Female