Gustavus T. Kirby papers, 1900-1911

Collection context

Creator:
Kirby, Gustavus T. (Gustavus Town), 1874-1956
Extent:
0.21 linear feet 1 half-size document box
Language:
English .
Scope and content:

This small collection consists of a selection of Gustavus T. Kirby's correspondence related to the Columbia University Club (and the purchase of the new house by Gramercy Park and invitations to alumni), the Columbia 150th Founding Anniversary Dinner in 1904, George F. Sever's position at the School of Engineering, and a few letters related to the Athletic Association, which funded collegiate sports teams including football.

Biographical / historical:

Gustavus T. Kirby was a graduate of the Columbia School of Engineering (1895) and Law School (1898) and a most dedicated alumnus. As a student he pursued all sports: football, track and field, fencing and even intercollegiate bicycling. Sports and recreation were his passion. He served as president of the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU); served on every U.S. Olympic Committee from 1896 to 1956, and even served as president of the United State Olympic Association in 1920; was one of the organizers of the Public Schools Athletic League of New York and a director and treasurer of the Playground Association of America. Kirby was the inventor of a camera timer, or "Kirby camera," which simultaneously photographed the finish line and added a time-stamp to each shot. The invention was first used in Olympic track events in 1932. Kirby received the Columbia University Alumni Medal in 1933 and was the winner of the Annual Alumni Award at the 1949 Homecoming Reunion.

The Columbia University Club's mission was "to promote social intercourse among its members" and "to further the interests of, and in general to uphold the influence of, Columbia University." The Club started in 1901, with the first meeting place in some rooms at the Royalton Apartment House, 47 West 43rd Street. From December 1901 to October 1903, its first club-house was located at 41 West 36th Street. When the membership outgrew that space, the club leased a home on 15 Madison Square, North, from October 1903 to Summer 1905. In 1905, the Club purchased a property at the southwest corner of Gramercy Park and Irving Place. According to Kirby, the Club welcomed "all graduates, from the oldest living to the most recent, whatever their class or creed or race, who, as members, will give part of their time, service or money for the support and advancement of Columbia University, or of the Columbia University Club."

Access and use

Restrictions:

This collection is located onsite.

This collection has no restrictions.

Terms of access:

Reproductions may be made for research purposes. The RBML maintains ownership of the physical material only. Copyright remains with the creator and his/her heirs. The responsibility to secure copyright permission rests with the patron.

Preferred citation:

Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Gustavus T. Kirby papers; Box and Folder; University Archives, Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Columbia University Libraries.

Location of this collection:
6th Floor East Butler Library
535 West 114th Street
New York, NY 10027, USA
Before you visit:
Researchers interested in viewing materials in the RBML reading room must must book an appointment at least 7 days in advance. To make the most of your visit, be sure to request your desired materials before booking your appointment, as researchers are limited to 5 items per day.
Contact:
uarchives@columbia.edu