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Margaret Kent Medler Scrapbook and Almanacs

 Collection
Identifier: MSS -225 -BC

Scope and Content

The Medler collection consists of one scrapbook compiled by Medler between 1894-1918. The scrapbook includes newspaper clippings announcing weddings, deaths, and social events of Albuquerque residents, playbills for local theater and musical productions, programs for events at educational institutions in the United States, and other mementoes of the Albuquerque social scene. Most of the clippings are undated. Tucked into the pages is a 10 page handwritten manuscript called 'A Prairie Memory' by Medler's mother (Christina McKenzie) containing reminiscences of her life in Kansas. In addition, two almanacs, one for 1881 and the other for 1881-1882 are inserted into the back pages of the scrapbook. The almanacs give health tips, census statistics, and other handy information. One almanac is in Spanish.

Dates

  • 1881-1918

Language of Materials

English

Access Restrictions

Collection is open for research.

Copy Restrictions

Limited duplication of CSWR material is allowed for research purposes. User is responsible for compliance with all copyright, privacy, and libel laws. Permission is required for publication or distribution.

Biography/History

Margaret (Marguerite) Elizabeth Kent Medler (nee Kent), Albuquerque real estate agent and socialite, was born in 1873. She came to New Mexico in a covered wagon in 1880. Her father, Frederick H. Kent, built the family home in Albuquerque's New Town. He was a pharmacist and realtor who ran a drug store in Albuquerque's Old Town and was regarded as one of Albuquerque's oldest and wealthiest residents. Medler attended Albuquerque High School and Kentwood College in Illinois. She married lawyer Edward L. Medler in 1901, who at the time was an assistant to U.S. attorney W.B. Childers. The couple divorced in 1906, although Medler continued to use her married name in association with her maiden name throughout her life.

Margaret Medler devoted her time to moving in Albuquerque's social circles and to running her father's realty business, the F.H. Kent Agency. The F.H. Kent Agency was established in 1882 to sell real estate and insurance. Medler clerked for her father prior to her marriage and continued to work in the office throughout her life. She became manager of the F.H. Kent Agency in 1919. At that time the office specialized in insurance, real estate, rentals, loans, and surety bonds. The F.H. Kent Agency ceased operations in 1942, shortly after Medler's death. Socially, Medler was involved in the lives of many Albuquerque residents, as newspaper clippings attest to her role in organizing and attending social events. Medler died suddenly in 1942 in her Albuquerque home.

Extent

1 box (.35 cu. ft.)

Abstract

The Margaret Kent Medler collection contains a scrapbook of newspaper clippings and other items pertaining to Medler's social life in Albuquerque, New Mexico, between 1894-1918. Two almanacs inserted in the scrapbook are dated 1881-1882.

Related Material

Cobb Memorial Collection (000-119), contains photographs of Medler.Center for Southwest Research, University of New Mexico

Separated Material

Photographs have been transferred to the Margaret Kent Medler Photograph Collection.
Title
Finding Aid of the Margaret Kent Medler Scrapbook and Almanacs, 1881-1918
Status
For Approval
Author
Processed by Tad McIlwraith
Date
©2002
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid is in English

Revision Statements

  • June 28, 2004: PUBLIC "-//University of New Mexico::Center for Southwest Research//TEXT (US::NmU::MSS 225 BC::Margaret Kent Medler Scrapbook and Almanacs)//EN" "nmu1mss225bc.sgml" converted from EAD 1.0 to 2002 by v1to02.xsl (sy2003-10-15).
  • Monday, 20210524: Attribute normal is missing or blank.

Repository Details

Part of the UNM Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections Repository

Contact:
University of New Mexico Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections
University Libraries, MSC05 3020
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque NM 87131
505-277-6451