[PW] Classroom geography books 1909-1922

[schmidt at tarleton.edu]

A colleague is seeking a list of the most common geography books
used in public schools for the years 1909-1922. The purpose of this
search is to find a photograph of the daughter of Esther Eneutseak,
named Columbia. The family performed at Eskimo Villages associated
with World's Fairs in the latter part of the 19th century and into
the early 1900s. In one interview published in the Kansas City Star on
January 13, 1909: "A daughter born in Chicago is named Columbia.
Her picture is in the late geographies, her mother says." In
1922, a Los Angeles Times article mentioned that "the present
generation" knew Columbia from their geography lessons. While
numerous pictures of Columbia are available, the one used in
American classrooms for geography textbooks -- probably to represent
Eskimo life in Labrador or other far North climates has not
been identified.

Any help appreciated.

Thanks,
Barbara Schmidt