Ralph H. Jacobs was born in Elliott, IL in 1918. He attended Saybrook High School, graduating in a class of 17 in 1936. He kept a scrapbook his senior year. It includes programs from graduation ceremonies, class plays, Fal and literary contests, and many clippings of athletic events. There are comments about other students and teachers and other memorabilia. Some clippings and programs are in an accompanying file.
Jacobs later received a degree in political science from Illinois Wesleyan University. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He became a manager of marketing for the Saybrook State Bank and was active in many community organizations.
Jacobs married Wanda LaVingon in 1944, they had two daughters. He died in 1977 in Champaign, IL.
The collection includes Jacobs’ scrapbook of his senior year at Saybrook High School, 1935-1936. There are also loose programs of high school events and many clippings, especially of athletic events.