Archives West Finding Aid
Table of Contents
Michael Compton Calliope Scrapbook, 1959-1971
Overview of the Collection
- Title
- Michael Compton Calliope Scrapbook
- Dates
- 1959-1971 (inclusive)19591971
- Quantity
- 0.25 linear feet, (1 box)
- Collection Number
- MSS 036
- Summary
- Material from a scrapbook about "Cal" the Calliope when it was owned by Michael Compton of Boise, Idaho.
- Repository
-
Boise State University Library, Special Collections and Archives
Special Collections and Archives
1910 University Drive
Boise ID
83725
Telephone: 2084263990
archives@boisestate.edu - Access Restrictions
-
Collection is available for research.
- Languages
- English
- Sponsor
- Funding for encoding this finding aid was provided, in part, by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities
Historical NoteReturn to Top
Michael Compton purchased "Cal" the Calliope in 1959 from an ex-circus performer. "Cal" was originally built in 1923 and is one of only a few of its kind left in the United States. It is a fully air-powered instrument, made up of wood, leather and string. For several years, Compton and the 43 key, 39 piped- whistle machine participated in parades, political rallies and other community events.
In 1971, in order for "Cal" to remain in Boise, Compton donated it to Boise State's Music Department. Unable to pay for its repairs, however, the University let it stand for years in Bronco Stadium. In 1980, when the University considered selling the calliope, it met with severe opposition from school's students and staff. The Vocational-Technical Department quickly adopted "Cal" and raised more than $30,000 from the community to restore the machine.
The calliope returned to its civic duties in 1982. "Cal" now participates in university events, holiday parades and non-political activities.
Content DescriptionReturn to Top
The collection contains material from a scrapbook about "Cal" the Calliope kept by the Compton family.
Use of the CollectionReturn to Top
Preferred Citation
[item description], Michael Compton Calliope Scrapbook, Box [number] Folder [number], Boise State University Special Collections and Archives.
Administrative InformationReturn to Top
Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top
| Container(s) | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| Box | Folder | |
| 1 | 1 | Photocopies of scrapbook |
| 1 | 2 | Newsclippings of events |
| 1 | 3 | Letters |
| 1 | 4 | Memorabilia |
| 1 | 5 | Photos |
Names and SubjectsReturn to Top
Subject Terms
- Calliope
- Idaho--Songs and music
- Music
- Universities and Colleges
Corporate Names
- Boise State University
Form or Genre Terms
- Scrapbooks
Collection processed by Mary Carter
1995; updated 2023
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
