This collection contains materials pertaining to the philanthropic efforts of the Avery Family during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Collected by Jeanne Kleinfield Welcher (1923-2010), great granddaughter of Samuel Putnam Avery Sr. (1822-1905), this collection served as research material for the publication of
Donated by Jeanne Kleinfield to Avery Library, a small part of the collection originally arrived in 2006 and was partially processed then. The rest of the collection arrived in 2014 after the passing of Kleinfield. Due to the large chronological scope of the material, the material is organized to align with the research interest of the Avery Library. As founders of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and frequent donors to many institutions in the East Coast, archival holdings on the Avery Family at such institutions further supplement the impact of the family to arts and culture. Due to their profession as art dealers and significant philanthropic imprint in the region, historical record often lacks a differentiation between Samuel Putnam Avery Sr. (SPA Sr.) and Samuel Putnam Avery Jr. (SPA Jr). Where possible, this finding aid explicitly makes note of which Samuel is referred to in correspondence or publication.
The pedigree of Avery Family can be traced back to Richard Warren, a businessman who traveled on the Mayflower ship in 1620. As pertinent to this collection, the principal patriarch of the Avery family is Samuel Putnam Avery Sr. (1822-1905), married to Mary Ogden Avery (1825-1911). Originally a wood engraver, Avery Sr. established a career as a prominent art dealer in New York City during the second half of the 19th century. He was one of the founders of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and served as the commissioner in charge of the American Art department at the Exposition Universelle of 1867. Avery Sr. and Mary Ogden had six of children: Samuel Putnam Avery Jr. (1847-1920) was the eldest, who took on the mantle of art dealer as his father and continued philanthropic work in the name of the Avery family in both New York City and Hartford, Connecticut. Henry Ogden Avery (1852-1890) a Beaux-Arts trained architect, unexpectedly passed away at age 38. In memoriam to his death, the Avery Library at Columbia University was established by his father (SPA Sr.) in 1890. The construction of Avery Hall on the Morningside campus of Columbia University was supervised and financially supported by his brother (SPA Jr.). Of the six children of Samuel Putnam Avery Sr., only Fanny Falconer Welcher (1849-1918) had children: among them were Amy Ogden Welcher (1887-1992), Alice Lee Welcher (1884-1989), Emma Parke Avery (1881-1979) and Lester Groome Welcher (1885-1973). Jeanne Kleinfeld Welcher (1923-2010) was one of the daughters of Lester, ostensibly one of the last direct descendants of Samuel Putnam Avery Sr. Jeanne Welcher was a scholar and history professor at C.W. Post University.
Sources:
This collection is available for use by appointment in the Department of Drawings & Archives, Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library, Columbia University. For further information, please email avery-drawings@library.columbia.edu.
Jeanne Kleinfield Welcher papers on the Avery Family, 1853-2002, Department of Drawings & Archives, Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library, Columbia University.
This collection was processed by Nicolay Duque-Robayo (Graduate Student Intern) in 2023.
In addition to permission from Columbia University, permission of the copyright owner (if not Columbia University) and/or any holder of other rights (such as publicity and/or privacy rights) may also be required for reproduction, publication, distributions, and other uses. Responsibility for making an independent legal assessment of any item and securing any necessary permissions rests with the persons desiring to publish the item. Columbia University makes no warranties as to the accuracy of the materials or their fitness for a particular purpose.
This series individually represents the contributions of the Avery Family to multiple projects and institutions in the United States, largely in New York and Connecticut. Of significance, original documents and contemporary articles written regarding the establishment of Avery Library at Columbia University, and subsequently Avery Hall on the Morningside campus of the university.
Ledger of Financial contributions from Samuel Putnam Avery Sr. and Mary Ogden Avery (Ms. Avery) to Columbia University, dated from 1890 until 1905.
Correspondence from Nicholas Murray Butler to Samuel P. Avery (Jr) on the note of institutional gifts from Columbia University on behalf of the Avery name.
Invitation forwarded to Jeane Kleinfield Welcher, Photography and Illustration of Avery Hall, Book Page on the Avery Gold Medal.
"Catalogue of the Avery Architectural Library," dated to 1895, introduction to the catalog which includes the original letter from SPA (Sr.) to Columbia University. Included is an undated illustration of a plaque in honor of Henry Ogden Avery.
"The Henry O. Avery Architectural Library of Columbia University," by Edward R. Smith, Reference Librarian at Avery Library. Article on the library and its collections, published on the Journal of the Royal Institute of British Architects; "The Libraries of Columbia University:The Avery Library," by E.R. Smith. Reprinted from the Columbia University Quarterly, Marchi 1911.
Two catalogues accounting for the history and collection of the Avery Memorial in the Wadsworth Atheneum (Hartford, CT). The museum received a gift from Samuel Putnam Avery (Jr.) in 1918 towards the expansion of the museum. Avery had resided in Hartford since 1909 until his dead in 1920. The first catalog is in commemoration of the Memorial opening in 1934, the second is in celebration of the 50th year anniversary of said opening in 1984. 1984 catalog is inscribed by museum archivist to Amy Welcher (nice of SJP Jr). Paper invitation to the opening of the the Avery Memorial also on file.
Collection catalog for a show titled "Antiques from the Island of Cyprus, gift of Samuel P. Avery [Jr.] / Casts of Cypriote Statues, Gift of Henry Walters" held at the Wadsworth Atheneum in 1916.
Six newspaper clippings covering the opening of the Avery Memorial at the Wadsworth Atheneum in 1934.
"The Arts of the Book" exhibition catalogue, held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art from May 12th through September 14th, 1924. No apparent connection to the Avery Family present in the catalogue.
Excerpt of the "Bulletin of the Metropolitan Museum of Art," Volume V, No. 6, New York, June 1910. This excerpt singles out Joseph H. Choate's Address delivered at the 1910 annual meetings for members of the corporation of the museum. The address largely address the founding history of the museum, in which Samuel Putnam Avery (Sr.)'s role was mentioned.
"List of gifts to the Metropolitan Museum of Art by the Late Samuel P. Avery [Sr.]" Two copies.
Affidavit for the appraisal of "Manuscripts and Printer Materials of the Samuel P. Avery Jr. Papers" given to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Requested by James Humphry III, Librarian at the Thomas J. Watson Library, prepared by Robert F. Metzdorf.
To Samuel Putnam Avery (Jr.) from the Board of Trustees at the institute, thanking him for the gift of works of art.
Four issues of different periodicals pertaining to the Brooklyn Museum/Brooklyn Institute of Arts and Sciences. The Bulletin of the Brooklyn Institute of Arts and Sciences (Volume VIII, No 21, May 1912; Volume X No. 19, May 1913, & a loose page of the December 14, 1912 issue); The International Studio (Vol LIV, No. 215, Jan 1915); The Brooklyn Museum Quarterly (Vol V, No. 3, July 1918). As a member of the governing committee, and frequent donor of fine art and artifacts, Samuel Putnam Avery (Jr)'s name is recurring through the periodicals.
Collection of three letters pertaining to the property "Button Island" owned by the Avery family between on Lake Champlain. Amy Ogden Welcher appears to be the principal owner of the property during this time period (Samuel Putnam Avery Jr's niece).
Stationary paper from "Summit Lake Camp, Central Valley, NY," likely a template for the Button Island stationary; research files on the history of Button Island circa 1988; "do not trespass" woven sign; copies of advertisement print out for the sale of Button Island circa 1970s.
Letter from Samuel Putnam Avery Jr to Emma Parker Avery Welcher.
Possibly from Emma Parker Avery Welcher. Includes an invitation to the dedication of the Mary Ogden Avery Convalescent Hospital and two photographs.
Eight newspaper clippings celebrating the construction and opening of the Mary Ogden Avery Convalescent Hospital, a branch of the Hartford Hospital (1931).
Voting resolution on the gift of Samuel P Avery Jr's gift to the Young Women's Christian Association of Connecticut. Not dated but likely 1917 as per Newspaper clipping (in the same folder) announcing the gift.
Two newspaper clippings from the Hartford Courant regarding the gift of Samuel Putnam Avery Jr. to the Young Women's Christian Association of Connecticut towards the expansion of their facilities. 1917 article notes the nature of the gift and provides a profile on SPA; 1938 article notes the unveiling of a commemorative plaque in Honor of SPA at the YMCA building, with Emma Avery Welcher and Amy Ogden Welcher in attendance.
One issue of the Branch Tavern, the periodical of the Young Women's Christian Association, dated to May 1917; "YMCA Guest House cost Prices" paper note, presumably written by Samuel Putnam Avery Jr; "Will/Personal," presumably SPA Jr, with gifts to the Hartford Hospital and the YWCA.
Newspaper clipping from unidentifiable publication, possibly published in 1961 as per pencil marks at the margins. Clipping accounts for "Avery Heights" senior housing community. No mention of the Avery family of SPA in the article.
1919 gift notice from Samuel Putnam Avery Jr. to the Hartford Seminary towards the fund for the construction of new facilities; 1926 Holiday card from the Hartford Seminary Foundation; 1927 Program for the Dedication of New Buildings and Campus at the Hartford Theological Seminary; 1939 "Historical Sketch of the Woman's Board of the Hartford Seminary Foundation: 1889-1939" booklet.
This series accounts for professional and personal correspondence of certain members of the Avery Family, principally Samuel Putnam Sr., Samuel Putnam Jr., and Mary Ogden. Of particular importance is correspondence from Columbia University to Samuel Putnam Avery Jr. regarding the establishment of Avery Hall, its construction, and allocation of financial support.
18 letter of correspondence from various administrators and employees of Columbia University to Samuel Putnam Avery Jr. regarding the maintenance and gifts related to the Avery Library on campus.
Thank you letter from the trustees of the Art Institute of Chicago to Samuel Putnam Avery Jr. for a gift of $10,000. Included is a torn page from the Bulletin of the Art Institute announcing the gift.
29 pieces of correspondence by and to Samuel Putnam Avery Jr, most frequently between him and his nieces ("girlies"): Amy Ogden Welcher, Emma Parker Avery, and Alice Lee Welcher. The content of the letters often notes travel stories and brief genealogical information on the Avery family. Letter from business colleagues and other individuals are part of the collection as well.
25 pieces of correspondence by and to Samuel Putnam Avery Sr, mostly pertaining to the his travels and the history of the Avery family. Most of the letters are between Avery Sr. and his children and extended family members.
9 letters
4 letters of unknown provenance. One of them is addressed to "Mr. Avery" and dated to 1889, thus likely meant for SPA Sr. There is no signature from sender. The three remaining letters make references to the Avery family, yet they lack who sent or received the letter. A note included in the interfolder notes "three letters to Mary & Fannie from Papa & Henry"
17 letters; most of the letters are address to SPA Jr's nieces (Amy Ogden, Emma Parker, Alice Lee), one letter by Henry
Due to the variety of material, this series is the largest in the collection. Most of it pertains to research material collected by Jeanne Kleinfield towards the publication of her book The Diaries 1871-1882 of Samuel P Avery [Sr.], Art Dealer (Arno Press, 1979). However, several remarkable items can be found early within the series: Henry Ogden Avery's business card in pristine condition; a set of diaries by Samuel Putnam Avery Sr., and two scrapbooks compiled by Samuel Putnam Avery Jr. between 1902 and 1920. Notably within the scrapbooks are photographs of Avery Hall (Columbia University) in construction, dated to 2011; along with a set of floorplan sketches for a summer home built for the YWCA of Hartford with money donated by Samuel Putnam Avery Jr.
Scrapbook by Samuel Putnam Avery Jr, from the years 1902 to 1915. It accounts for newspaper clippings, correspondence, photographs, and ephemera regarding the philanthropic impact of SPA Jr. Some of the institutions represented in the scrapbook include: Brooklyn Museum/Institute, Wadsworth Atheneum, Brookings Institute, New York Public Library, Columbia University (Avery Hall/Library), Metropolitan Museum of Art, Lincoln Memorial University, Camp Dudley, and the Art Institute of Chicago. Remarkably there are some photographs dated to October 1911 of Avery Hall in the midst of construction.
Scrapbook by Samuel Putnam Avery Jr, from the years 1915 to 1919. It accounts for newspaper clippings, correspondence, photographs, and ephemera regarding the philanthropic impact of SPA Jr. Some of the institutions represented in the scrapbook include: Brooklyn Museum/Institute, Wadsworth Atheneum, New York Public Library, Columbia University (Avery Hall/Library), Lincoln Memorial University, Camp Dudley, the National Arts Club, Colonial National Bank (Hartford, CT), and the Young Woman's Christian Association of Hartford. Remarkably there are some floor plan sketches for the YWCA Summer House funded by SPA Jr and detailed correspondence of the celebration of the Avery Medal at Columbia University.
Pristine Condition
Diary of Samuel Putnam Avery Sr. from June 29th until October 1st, 1889. Saddle-stitch notebook without a cover, identified to SPA by handwriting and content of the diary.
Diary of Alice Lee Welcher or Emma Parker Avery from November 16th until November 24th, 1926. A single page for August 31st of that same year is included. Content of the diary mostly accounts for a trip to Europe, principally Italy. Amy Ogden Welcher is often referenced in the entries, occasionally as sister.
Two sets of documents pertaining to the financial dealings of Samuel Putnam Avery Jr's estate after his death; 1) A list of claimants and debtors of the SPA Jr estate 2) a handwritten number of pages outlining the recipients of money after SPA Jr's death, likely written by him in 1919 and 1920.
Newspaper clippings related to the passing of a numerous Avery Family members: six clips regarding SPA Jr's 1920 passing; three clips accounting for SPA Jr's impact in Hartford dated to 1956, one clip for the obituary of Emma Welcher [Avery] dated to 1979.
Condolence note sent from the Archaeological Institute of America (New York) to the Avery Family commemorating the death and contributions of Henry Ogden Avery.
Ledger of Charitable contributions from Samuel Putnam Avery Jr to a variety of organizations in the year 1910
Two copies of "The Robert Hoe Collection: Fourth Afternoon's Sale, Saturday February 18th, 1911" auction catalog. "SPA" initials at top corner for one catalog. Both catalogs are heavily annotated, one with names and prices; likely the sale price of the item at the auction and individual who purchased it.
Set of original prints for Bookplates of the Avery family: seventeen copies of Samuel Putnam Avery Sr; two for Samuel Putnam Avery Jr; two of the Avery Library Bookplate; two commemorative bookplates for the death of Ellen Walters Avery.
Documents pertaining the publication and reception of Jeanne Kleinfield's 1979 book The Diaries 1871-1882 of Samuel P Avery [Sr.], Art Dealer: Speech notes for a presentation of book research at the MET, dated to November 20th, likely 1979; 1972 letter to Kleinfield from unknown sender; list of books presumably purchased under the "Avery Fund" at Columbia University's Teachers College; copy of The Oxford Art Journal (1982) Vol 5., No 1, with an article by Jeanne K. Welcher (and Madeleine Fidell Beaufort) on art purchasing in New York towards the end of the 19th century; copy of PLA Report (1980) Vol 7. No 1, with a review of The Diaries... in it; Copy of The Bulletin of the New York Public Library (May 1969) Vol 73., No. 5, with an article by Jeanne Kleinfield titled "A Survey of the Scholarship on John Evelyn."
Research files on Samuel Putnam Avery Sr.'s Involvement in the 1867 World Fair in Paris as a delegate for the United States. These transcripts are typed up and appear to be delivered to Jeanne Kleinfield on November 1977
Draft for the introduction of reception of Jeanne Kleinfield's 1979 book The Diaries 1871-1882 of Samuel P Avery [Sr.], Art Dealer; annotated by pencil; draft of section titled "Letters from Americans to S.P. Avery."
National Endowment for the Humanities Report compiled by Madeleine Fidel Beaufort in 1976 regarding the grant received in 1975. Along with the report there are two documents providing an introduction to the life of Samuel Putnam Avery Sr. Presumably co-written by both Fidel Beaufort and Jeanne K. Welcher
"Samuel Putnam Avery (1822-1904), Engraver on Wood; a Bio-bibliographical Study" Master's Thesis submitted for the degree in Masters of Science in the Faculty of Library Sciences at Columbia University in 1940, with revisions added in 1942.
Four private libraries of New York: a Contribution to the History of Bibliophilism in America (1892). inscribed "Presented to Mr S Oettinger with the Regard of Samuel P. Avery, May-1897"
In Memoriam Henry Ogden Avery: Died April 30, 1890 (two copies); Some Account of the Park Family and Especially of the Rev. Joseph Park (1705-1777) and Benjamin Parke (1801-1882) (1917).
Collections of letters and newspaper clippings regarding Ellen Walters Avery prior to her death (1861-1893)
Set of original correspondence and research material on Benjamin Parker Avery (1828-1875), brother of Samuel Putnam Avery Sr, who died unexpectedly in Peking, China as a minister to the United States. Original correspondence of BPA, In Memoriam articles and booklets, illustrations, newspaper clippings, articles written by BPA, and research material address to Emma P. Welcher are included in the file.
Wedding Gift Registry for Fanny Falconer Avery and Manfred Philester Welcher Wedding in 1881, small bounded notebook; Three sets of reserved copper plates for the Avery Family Monograph and SPA Sr's Business cards.
10 Catalogs for various exhibitions and auctions related to the Avery family: Catalogue of the Ellen Walters Avery Collection of Books (1897), includes a handwritten list of books added to the collection between 1906 and 1907; The Henry Ogden Avery Memorial Library of architecture and the allied arts at Columbia University (1903); The S.P. Avery collection of prints and art books in the New York Public Library (1904); The Collection of Spoons made by Mrs. S. P. Avery, 1867-1890 (1899); French & English Furniture & Decorations Auction Catalog from the Collection of Samuel P. Avery Jr (1945), annotated by pencil; Samuel P. Avery, 1822-1904: Pioneer American Art Dealer (1979), two copies; Bookbinding as a Fine Art Exhibition Catalog (1979), held at Watkinson Library, Trinity College; Souvenirs of a Veteran Collector: the Samuel Putnam Avery collection at the New York Public Library (2002); Samuel P. Avery 1822-1904, Print Collector Catalog, date and provenance unknown.
Three periodicals accounting for some history regarding the Avery Family, it is unclear if these were collected contemporary to the family's own historicizing efforts, or if compiled by Jeanne Kleinfield (archive creator); The American Painter (January 1902) Vol XXXIII, No. 5, only the article on SPA Sr. and cover of the issue, delicate condition; The Survey (October 2, 1915) Volume XXXV, No 1., Samuel P Avery Medal showcased, delicate condition; Sons of the American Revolution Magazine (July 1932), Volume XXVII, No.1, provides biographical note on Lester Groome Welcher (SPA Sr.'s Grandson).
Set of bounded printed material related to the Avery Family: In Memoria Benjamin Parke Avery (1875); Californian Pictures in Prose and Verse (1875); Works on Bookbinding, Practical and Historical (1903); Editorials and Resolutions in Memory of Samuel Putnam Avery (1905); The Warren, Little, Lothrop, Park, Dix, Whitman, Fairchild, Platt, Wheeler, Lane and Avery Pedigrees of Samuel Putnam Avery, 1847-1920 (1925); Some Account of the Park Family and Especially of the Rev. Joseph Park (1705-1777) and Benjamin Parke (1801-1882) (1917).
This series contains several photographs and illustrations dated from the mid nineteenth century to mid twentieth century. Most photographs are personal photographs of the Avery Family, principally portraits of various members. A significant file within the series is a grouping of photographs used to illustrate Jeanne Kleinfield's The Diaries 1871-1882 of Samuel P Avery [Sr.], Art Dealer (Arno Press, 1979), with pencil marks noting sizing and respective figure number in the publication.
Various photographs and illustrations of the extended Avery family.
Photographs for In Memoriam sculptures of Henry Ogden Avery and Mary Ogden Avery
Various photographs and illustrations of the extended Avery family.
Photographs and illustrations of various buildings and interiors connected to the Avery family. Principally in New York and Connecticut.
Photographs and postcards of Button Island, Vermont, an island owned by the Avery family until it was sold to the state of Vermont in the 70s.
Photographs of a series of Vases and objects gifted to the Brooklyn Museum/Institute by the Avery family.
Collection of figures and photographs used for the illustration of Jeanne Kleinfield's 1979 book The Diaries 1871-1882 of Samuel P Avery [Sr.], Art Dealer. Out of the 102 illustrations used in the book, 42 are present in the folder. The majority of items have a paper overlay indicating figure number and enlargement notes.
Daguerreotype of Mary Ogden Avery dated to 1852, encased with a wooden case and personal note; Avery portrait accordion, with Henry Ogden Avery and Samuel Putnam Avery Jr.
Photographs and illustrations of various buildings and interiors connected to the Avery family. Principally in New York and Connecticut.
Two illustrations pertaining to Henry Ogden Avery's profesional practice: one a group photographs with unidentified individuals, and the second of a sketch of the atelier of professor Jules Andre at the Beaux-Arts, with Henry depicted in a white coat. Both images are glued to boards. Delicate condition.
Photographs of a series of Vases and objects gifted to the Brooklyn Museum/Institute by the Avery family. Boarded.
Certificate noting Jeanne Kathryin Welcher's position as "fellow in perpetuity" at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Dated to March 10, 1964.
Scrapbook by Samuel Putnam Avery Jr, from the years 1902 to 1915. It accounts for newspaper clippings, correspondence, photographs, and ephemera regarding the philanthropic impact of SPA Jr. Some of the institutions represented in the scrapbook include: Brooklyn Museum/Institute, Wadsworth Atheneum, Brookings Institute, New York Public Library, Columbia University (Avery Hall/Library), Metropolitan Museum of Art, Lincoln Memorial University, Camp Dudley, and the Art Institute of Chicago. Remarkably there are some photographs dated to October 1911 of Avery Hall in the midst of construction.
Scrapbook by Samuel Putnam Avery Jr, from the years 1915 to 1919. It accounts for newspaper clippings, correspondence, photographs, and ephemera regarding the philanthropic impact of SPA Jr. Some of the institutions represented in the scrapbook include: Brooklyn Museum/Institute, Wadsworth Atheneum, New York Public Library, Columbia University (Avery Hall/Library), Lincoln Memorial University, Camp Dudley, the National Arts Club, Colonial National Bank (Hartford, CT), and the Young Woman's Christian Association of Hartford. Remarkably there are some floor plan sketches for the YWCA Summer House funded by SPA Jr and detailed correspondence of the celebration of the Avery Medal at Columbia University.