A wonderful and unique fan covered with mementos from colleges and resorts of the 1890's, including Harvard and Mt. Holyoke, but the majority of the college scraps are from Vassar college, and I have dated the piece from the largest scrap on the outer left corner that says "Vassar - December 5, 1890" along with the Greek letter 'Phi' and some other writing that I just can't make out... but Vassar has never had sororities or fraternities on campus, so this cannot be a sorority piece.

Vassar is one of the Seven Sisters schools, which are a women's counterpart to the Ivy League. It was founded in 1861, and in 1969 became the first of the Seven Sisters to become co-educational. There has always been a lively social life among students of this small group of northeastern US colleges, and I'm sure that's where this piece fits in, although I'm not sure exactly how or where.

CONDITION is really great, the piece appears complete and in good working order, with the wooden sticks in excellent sturdy condition. When closed this piece measures 10 3/8" exclusive of the metal hanging loop.

An historical document really, folk art, and certainly a unique and very interesting piece. A wonderful subject to frame. Enjoy!