Charles F. Claar tribute album, 1953

Creator:

Extent:

.21 linear feet (1 half-size document box)

Language:

English

Scope and content:

Charles F. Claar rose from library page to Stackmaster at Butler Library over the course of 50 years (1903-1953). The tribute book was presented to him at a party held on May 4, 1953 in his honor. It contains photographs of the event as well as letters, notes and telegrams from colleagues, professors, alumni, and staff written in tribute to this man and his work in the library. Tucked into the volume is an article about the event published in an issue of LIBRARY JOURNAL and his obituary from when he passed away in October 1953.

Biographical / historical:

Born in 1889 and a native New Yorker, Charles F. Claar ended his academic education at Public School 166 around the time his father died. On May 4, 1903, at 14, he began as a page boy in Low Library at Columbia University, when "everything was footwork" and pages averaged thirteen miles a day hunting books on four flights. Later he was desk assistant and chief clerk. He eventually rose to the position of stackmaster, handling and supervising books for Columbia for fifty years.

During World War I, he served in France with the American Expeditionary Force as a corporal in Company D, 306th Infantry. He was wounded and received the Purple Hart.

Married to Louise B. Claar, he passed away on October 25, 1953 at his home in New York City after an illness of three days at the age of 64.

Catalog record:: View in CLIO
Local call number:: UA#0104
Processing information:: This collection was processed by Jocelyn Wilk, April 2026.
Acquisition information:: Source of acquisition--The Vaccaro Farmily. Method of acquisition--Gift; Date of acquisition--2026 March.
Accruals:: No additions are expected.
Physical description:: Album is in excellent condition.
Rules or conventions:: Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Preferred citation:: Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Charles F. Claar tribute album. University Archives, Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Columbia University Libraries.

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.

Location of this collection:: Columbia University Archives

University Archives Home Page
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

Collection