J.U. Salvant Drawings for Land of Good Water

Collection

Identifier: MSS-0086

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The collection consists of original drawings by J.U. Salvant created for the publication The Land of Good Water by Clara Sterns Scarbrough, which explores the history and cultural heritage of Williamson County, Texas. The drawings include detailed illustrations of historic landmarks, landscapes, and significant local scenes that bring the county’s story to life. Each piece reflects a careful attention to the architectural and natural elements unique to the region, capturing its evolving identity and charm. These artworks provide visual context to the book’s narrative and serve as a standalone artistic representation of Williamson County’s past and present.

Dates

Publication: 1973

Conditions Governing Access

The materials are open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

Southwestern University Distinctive Collections and Archives is the owner of the physical materials in the collections and makes available reproductions for research, publication, and other uses. Written permission must be obtained from SU Distinctive Collections and Archives before any publication use. Distinctive Collections does not necessarily hold copyright to all of the materials in the collections. In some cases, permission for use may require seeking additional authorization from the copyright owners. Consult repository for more details.

Biographical / Historical

Joan Meredith Usner (JU) Salvant was a Texas-based artist known for her vibrant depictions of Southern life and landscapes. Born in 1932, Salvant developed a distinctive style that captured the essence of everyday scenes, particularly of Texas and Louisiana. Her work often highlighted regional architecture, traditions, and cultural events, contributing to her reputation as a visual storyteller of Southern heritage. Salvant’s art has been featured in galleries and collections throughout the South.