DATES: 1940-1944
CREATOR: Stracke, Elsie
EXTENT: 1 approximately 11 ½” x 15” x 2 ½” scrapbook
SCOPE: This collection contains a scrapbook and other print materials compiled by Elsie Stracke, a competitive female bicycle racer. The items in this collection range mostly from 1940-1944, with one photograph in series 3 dating to 1902. Within this collection, the materials are divided into 4 series: the scrapbook itself, race bibs, photographs and other ephemera, and newspaper clippings. The scrapbook itself also contains race bibs, photographs, and newspaper clippings, as well as personal correspondence, bicycle race booklets and pamphlets, comic strips, and other print materials. The scrapbook is bound in black leather and bound with black cord on the left side.
Elsie Stracke was a resident of St. Louis, Missouri and competed in female bicycle racing. From the materials collected in the scrapbook, Elsie Stracke looks to have been competing in these races during the 1940s.
PROVENANCE: Purchased for the St. Louis Mercantile Library in April of 2025 from Martin Hartzold Books.
ACCESS: This is collection M-699. This collection is available for on-site use only in the Rare Book and Manuscripts Reading Room. Some of the collection may be photocopied, digitally scanned or photographed, depending on condition. Researchers are advised to call ahead concerning changes in hours due to University intersessions and holidays. The St. Louis Mercantile Library is located on levels one and two of the Thomas Jefferson Library building. More information about conducting research with the archival collections of the Library, including current building hours and reading room policies, can be found on our Research page.
RESTRICTIONS: None.
Preferred Citation note: The preferred citation for this collection is “From the Special Collections of the St. Louis Mercantile Library at the University of Missouri – St. Louis.”
INVENTORY:
Series 1: Scrapbook (newspaper clippings, photographs, race bibs, personal correspondence, pamphlets, booklets, comic strips, and other printed materials), 1940-1944
Series 2: Five race bibs with personal annotations on the back
Series 3: Photographs and other paper ephemera
- 18 photographs, two with newspaper clippings adhered to the back
- One card advertising a Saint Valentine’s Day event, 1942
- Five Century Road Club of America Schedule of events, 1940-1944
- Two bicycle pamphlets
- One receipt of bonds and property
- Five Century Road Club of America race awards for Elsie Stracke
