Adhesive tape from 1949 is causing some Un-Happy Days in the Archive today.
Most of my relatives seem to have used either glue or corner hinges to attach photos to their album pages. Aunt Frances was the exception with this 1949 scrapbook of newspaper clippings from her senior year. You can easily see the damage caused by clear adhesive tape.
Few of these articles feature my aunt, but they do share the times and fashions. This could almost be on the set of “Happy Days.”
I am scanning any pages that include Frances Brown, and setting aside the six-pages of scraps with Auntie’s high school memorabilia. They would be perfect for an Auntie Smashbook!
I have learned a great lesson just yesterday at a photo scanning session…"at the moment you scan a photograph [or document, etc] you are saving it from deterioration'. I believe even the quality of the archival boxes/containers do not save items long term; to scan & file digitally on quality scanner equipment-made for photography- is bottom line best for archiving.
Yup, tape isn't good. I won't buy photo albums that use adhesive for the backs- that will ruin photos too. I use the acid-free ones. And I don't display original good photos either– sunlight kills them. I display copies instead and keep the originals in a special archival-quality box.
My grandmother enjoyed using either mucilage or scotch tape to put photos in the album and to repair torn photos or newspaper articles. I'm happy she saved the information even though it's frustrating to deal with the results.
Ah yes. I've run into a bit of that myself. UGH!
I, too, have this problem! Most of mine comes from newspaper clippings my mother kept from the 1940's and 1950's. I preach, preach, preach, now about using adhesives for saving items for the future!
Glad to know I am not alone!