President's House guest books, 1912-1947

Collection context

Creator:
Columbia University. Office of the President
Extent:
0.42 linear feet (1 document box)
Language:
English .
Scope and content:

This collection consists of 6 guest books kept at the President's House, 60 Morningside Drive. The guest books include the signatures of numerous guests attending a wide range of events held at the House during President Nicholas Murray Butler's tenure. Events include dinners with dignitatiries, dinners in honor of convocation honorees, commencement dinners, etc.

Biographical / historical:

The President's House stands on the northeast corner of Morningside Drive and 116th Street, facing Morningside Park. It was first occupied by President Nicholas Murray Butler after it was constructed in 1912. This official residence on University property was intended to keep the President in close touch with campus life. The four-story, 21-room house was designed by McKim, Mead and White, the same firm that designed the original buildings on campus. The house was modelled on embassies and designed to host events with large numbers of guests. As constructed, the first floor contains a library, a dining room and a coat room. The second floor has a drawing room, a music room and a large central hall, which forms one large reception room. The third floor contains the family rooms and the fourth floor is for guests and servants. The kitchen was originally located in the basement.

The first event hosted at the House was a Trustees' dinner held in October 1912. President Butler, the first inhabitant, was allowed to remain in the house after his official retirement in October 1945. When he died in December 1947, his body rested in state in the gallery on the first floor. After an extensive renovation, the Eisenhowers moved in in May 1948. Presidents Grayson Kirk, William McGill and George Rupp also lived at 60 Morningside Drive. The house is currently occupied by Lee C. Bollinger, the nineteenth President of Columbia University.

Access and use

Restrictions:

This collection has no restrictions.

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); President's House guest books; volume and page number; 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