Henry M. Wheeler Photoprint Collection, ca. 1889-1915
approximately 719 photographs in 3 volumes and 3 boxes
approximately 719 photographs in 3 volumes and 3 boxes
The Henry M. Wheeler photoprint collection consists of approximately 719 images of colonial architecture and historical locations in Massachusetts from ca. 1889 to 1915. The collection is mainly composed of 10 x 15 cm silver platinum, platinotype, and gelatin silver prints as well as 15 x 20.5 cm cyanotypes. A couple of manuscript notes are also present. Much of the focus is on eastern Massachusetts, centering on Wheeler’s hometown of Worcester. Photographs show residential architecture from the 17th century, unidentified colonial homes, and contemporary architecture from Wheeler's day and age. Many of the historical structures documented here were in danger of vanishing during Wheeler's lifetime, and many have long since been destroyed. Other photographs show natural landscapes, noteworthy trees, country roads, parks, public and educational buildings, farms, monuments, bridges, milestones, and gravestones as well as images of famous paintings, engravings, and lithographs. Also included are a small number of images related to Washington, D.C., Maine, and New Hampshire. Wheeler likely took the vast majority of these photographs, though there are several instances where he credited the original sources of certain images. The collection materials were removed from the original album volumes they were stored in and have been rehoused in three 3-ring binder albums and three flat boxes. Most photographs also have original reference numbers that were used by Wheeler to organize the collection.
In addition to this finding aid, the Clements Library has created the Henry M. Wheeler Photoprint Collection Inventory. This inventory lists items according to volume/box location and includes references to specific page/mat numbers, image descriptions (most of which are derived from captions originally inscribed by Wheeler on photograph versos), and photographic formats.
approximately 719 photographs in 3 volumes and 3 boxes
21 items
This collection contains 21 sermons and sets of sermon notes compiled by Reverend James Cushing of Haverhill, Massachusetts, and Plaistow, New Hampshire, between 1734 and 1756. Each sermon records the date on which it was first preached, as well as dates and places of subsequent delivery, which occasionally included private residences. Cushing traveled around northeastern Massachusetts, often preaching in Andover and Salisbury. The sermons include Biblical verses as a basis for discussion, and address topics such as vanity, sin, and divine laws. Several sermons include expanded sections titled "Improvements." Most of the sermons are bound, and some comprise over 30 closely written, two-column pages; many items contain the texts of multiple sermons.
25 items
This collection contains 25 letters to Sally Perry of Bridgeport, Connecticut, and her son Talmon. From 1826-1856, Sally Perry received 23 letters from her brother, sisters, son, and nieces. In the earliest letters, Perry's siblings expressed their condolences on the illness and death of her husband, Talmon Perry, in November 1826. Perry's correspondents provided news of family and friends in towns such as Somers, New York, and Andover, Massachusetts; many also discussed travel in New York and New England.
Talmon Perry, Jr., wrote to his mother about life at Yale College (October 6, 1842, and January 26, 1843) and in Princeton, New Jersey (December 7, 1848-March 7, 1849), commenting on subjects such as his adjustment to college life, a religious revival in Bridgeport, and a problem with his eyes. The final dated items, addressed to Talmon Perry and his wife in 1860 and 1862, pertain to finances and a lease.
Current results range from 1734 to 1915