In the same way she excluded herself when writing the history of the Chemistry Library, Miss Sparks was often behind the camera instead of in front of it. Below you’ll find the pictures we do have of Miss Sparks, along with a range of the pictures she took of her students and around the university. There is also a picture of the plaque that currently hangs in her honor in the chemistry library, as well as a picture of the house she once resided in (along with details about other inhabitants of the house).
Printed on back of photo: “Marion E. Sparks. She was graduated from O. T. H. S. on June 2, 1892”
Ottawa Township
High School graduation
1892
Sparks photograph in front of Noyes Laboratory dated April 1917
Sparks sitting on the front steps of Noyes Laboratory
1917?
Printed on back of photo: “Possibly also rec’d S. 14, ’17, but probably a yr, or so later.
Marion”
Sparks and an unknown woman in front of Noyes Laboratory
Printed on back of photo: “Me & the boy who took G & I to train last year. Wind blew my dress. Sat. 5pm June 9 ’28.”
Sparks at the reference desk
(date unknown; circa 1916)
Sparks at the reference desk (smaller copy)
1916?
Sparks at the reference desk (matted)
Sparks in the library
1916?
Sparks in the library (zoomed in on her)
Sparks portrait sans glasses (c. 1920s)
Sparks portrait sans glasses (c, 1920s, true color)
Sparks portrait with glasses
(c. 1920s)
Sparks portrait with glasses (c. 1920s, brighter version)
The Chemical Library in Harker Hall
(pre-April 1916)
Chemistry Library in Noyes Laboratory (post-April 1916)