{"value"=>"<p>The scrapbooks make up the bulk of the collection and contain items that reflect Mr. DeMott's interest in the history of show business, particularly the Chautauqua and Lyceum circuits and the art of magic shows and magicians. The items include posters, handbills, flyers, business cards, clippings, photographs, brochures, correspondence and programs. There is no particular arrangement to the scrapbooks, Mr. DeMott appears to have glued items into the same scrapbook without regard to year or subject matter. Some of the scrapbooks contain publicity material of Mr. DeMott's own shows. A number of the scrapbooks have inscriptions written by Mr. DeMott and some items are autographed by the subject. Most of the scrapbooks are in very fragile condition with covers missing, pages loose and the backing paper very brittle. They should be handled carefully.</p>"}