Henry Scholey Saunders papers, 1884-1951, bulk 1911-1947
Collection context
- Creator:
- Saunders, Henry Scholey, 1864-1951
- Abstract:
- Henry Scholey Saunders' collection is comprised of letters, photographs, newspaper clippings, and hand painted watercolor greeting cards. In addition, the collection contains family files, bibliographies of Walt Whitman's works, and typewritten excerpts of Walt Whitman's published poems.
- Extent:
- .21 linear feet (1/2 document box)
- Language:
- English .
- Scope and content:
-
The Saunders collection consists primarily of correspondence (letters and greeting cards) to friends and business clients, and materials related to Whitman - handwritten bibliographies, reprints of poems on greeting cards, notes, articles, photographs and programs.
There are also family files consisting of newspaper clippings and personal papers.
- Biographical / historical:
-
Henry Scholey Saunders was born in 1864 in London, Canada. He married Georgina Helen Taylor on October 10, 1887 and they settled in Toronto for the rest of their lives. They had two children, a son, Harry Ernest, and a daughter, Ruth Mercer, who died at the age of two.
Saunders was a Toronto cellist, collector, bibliographer, and independent Walt Whitman enthusiast. He was a self-taught bookbinder, painter and typesetter, skills he used to write and produce his own books on Whitman's poems in limited quantities, which he gave to friends and kept for his own Whitman collection. His method of publishing was unique: he typed, bound, and carefully catalogued these books by hand. He ultimately sold his collection to Brown University in 1932. His only published work was Parodies on Whitman (1923).
Saunders died on October 25, 1951 at the age of eighty-eight.
Access and use
- Restrictions:
-
This collection is located off-site. You will need to request this material at least three business days in advance to use the collection in the Rare Book and Manuscript Library reading room.
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); Henry Scholey Saunders papers; Box and Folder; Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.
- Location of this collection:
- 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:
- rbml@library.columbia.edu