The Michigan State Normal College Stereograph collection is composed of sets of stereographic cards that were mailed to Michigan high schools, in order to illustrate the MSNC campus, facilities, and student life. The cards include building views, both interior and exterior, sports facilities and teams, classrooms, the library, and views of the natural landscape on campus. There are also a few views of Ypsilanti, including Michigan Avenue and the post office building. As noted on each cardboard mount, the photographs were taken by the MSNC Department of Physics, and were issued by the Ypsilanti Board of Commerce.

A sheet of paper included in set of cards reads the following:

"The pictures in this set were all photographed by a special camera having two lenses placed as far apart as the distance between the two eyes. They are therefore so slightly different that it does not appear to the unaided eye, but it is due to this fact that they present such a strong perspective when viewed through a good stereoscope. Without the stereoscope they do not show the fine detail and depth which the camera has actually recorded.

Inasmuch as the views must pass through many hands, you are asked to protect them in every possible manner, and finally to pack them carefully and mail as directed from the Normal College office. Postage will be sent for this purpose.

The following suggestions are offered: 1. Retain the corrugated packing paper in which the box of views is sent so that they mailed safely to the next school. 2. Authorize some pupil to secure a good stereoscope from some patron of the school and take full charge of the views while they are in your care. Direct this pupil as to the best place to put the pictures on exhibition. 3. In mailing, kindly see that all the [blank] pictures are in the box with these directions at the top, pack well in the corrugated packing, and mail third class as directed from this office.

In case the superintendent or any of the teachers of the school are alumni of the Normal College, they will be able to supplement most interestingly the descriptive matter printed on the views. The cooperation of the high schools of the state in the successful circulation of these views is earnestly solicited and will be greatly appreciated."

-Instructions for Use. Michigan State Normal College Stereograph collection. Eastern Michigan University Archives.

The label on each of the boxes of stereograph sets reads the following:

"To the High Schools of Michigan The enclosed stereographic views are loaned to the high schools of this county by the State Normal College through the courtesy of the Ypsilanti Board of Commerce. Kindly follow the suggestions given below: 1. Provide yourself with a good stereoscope. Such an instrument is easily found in any community or high school. 2. Read the descriptive matter printed on the back of each card. 3. Do not allow the pictures to become scattered or lost. 4. Avoid scratching the glossy faces of the views when replacing them in the box. 5. Repack carefully and mail to the next town when notified by the College. Sufficient postage will be sent. 6. In case the box becomes damaged seriously, return the parcel to the Normal College.

Details regarding Normal College courses and curricula are set forth in the Catalog which will be sent free on request. Address College Secretary."

-Package for distribution. Michigan State Normal College Stereograph collection. Eastern Michigan University Archives.