Walter L. Bogert Photograph album, 1932-1943
Collection context
- Creator:
- Bogert, Walter Lawrence, 1864-1959
- Abstract:
- Views of Columbia University in the City of New York and the surrounding neighborhood of Morningside Heights taken by Walter Lawrence Bogert (CC AB 1888, AM 1889, LLB 1934). Buildings depicted include Low Memorial Library, St. Paul's Chapel, Grant's Tomb, Avery, Livingston, and John Jay Halls.
- Extent:
- 1 album 1 album 265 photographic prints 2 boxes; 19 x 26 cm
- Language:
- English .
- Scope and content:
-
One album, containing 265 black and white photographic prints, documents Columbia University in the City of New York and the surrounding neighborhood of Morningside Heights. The bulk of the photographs measure 8.5 x 11.5 cm (3.5 x 5 in) and are affixed with photo corners on 113 album pages measuring 17.5 x 25.5 cm. Eight additional pages were found inside the album, measuring 13.5 x 18 cm, with 40 black and white photographs measuring 4 x 6 cm (1.5 x 2.5 in.). The smaller pages were not bound, but were probably a later addition, yet still part of the gift.
Bogert used collage techniques for a few pages, with prints overlapping without adhesive on the page to create one larger view. The New York Times article, "Gates from Past Given to Columbia," was inserted following photographs of the St. Paul's Chapel gates, pages 75-76.
The album leaves have been unbound and separately housed in polypropylene sleeves to prevent further deterioration, and pages are numbered for ease of access. Pages were originally bound in reverse chronological order, with some gaps in dates. A photocopy of the letter acknowledging this gift precedes the album cover.
This album serves as a comprehensive source for campus views in this period. Of note are views of the George Washington Bridge, the old Juilliard School of Music building, and scenes of Student Army Training Corps (SATC) reviews. Bogert donated negatives and additional prints to the university at another time, which means that duplicates and other views may also be found in the Historical Photograph Collection (UA#0003).
- Biographical / historical:
-
Walter Lawrence Bogert, conductor and music teacher, was born in Flushing, Queens, on December 7, 1864. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Columbia College in 1888 and Master of Arts in 1889. He entered the Law School in 1888, but the degree program was extended for one year. Members of that class did not graduate but later received a Certificate in Law in 1925. He received a Bachelor of Law degree in 1934. Bogert's father, Henry Augustine Bogert, attended Columbia (A.B. 1846, A.M. 1849), as did his brothers: John Lawrence Bogert (A.B. 1878), Marston Taylor Bogert (A.B. 1890), Theodore Lawrence Bogert (A.B.1897), and Henry Lawrence Bogert (A.B. 1878).
As a student, Bogert was active in the Columbia College Dramatic Club, as musical director and orchestra conductor of the group's burlesques. He was appointed Lecturer in Music History and Appreciation at Yale University by 1920. By 1925, he had returned to New York as a member of the American Academy of Teachers of Singing and offered classes for singers and speakers at his apartment. He later served as president of the Alumni Association of the Columbia Graduate Schools in 1939. He lived at 25 Claremont Avenue and produced a photographic record of his alma mater and neighborhood. Some of his campus views were included in the 1940 Columbia University calendar. This album was accepted by President Grayson Kirk as a gift to the University on April 21, 1953. He died at the age of ninety-four on August 13, 1959.
Access and use
- Restrictions:
-
There are no restrictions on this collection.
This collection is located onsite.
- 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); Walter L. Bogert Photograph album; Box and Page Number; University Archives, Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University in the City of New York.
- Location of this collection:
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6th Floor East Butler Library535 West 114th StreetNew 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