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.
Box 1 Folder 1 Columbia University, Avery Fund, 1905
Ledger of Financial contributions from Samuel Putnam Avery Sr. and Mary Ogden Avery (Ms. Avery) to Columbia University, dated from 1890 until 1905.
Box 1 Folder 1 Columbia University, Correspondence, 1913-10-17
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.
Box 1 Folder 1 Columbia University, Correspondence & Ephemera, 1977
Invitation forwarded to Jeane Kleinfield Welcher, Photography and Illustration of Avery Hall, Book Page on the Avery Gold Medal.
Box 1 Folder 1 Columbia University, Catalogue, 1895
"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.
Box 1 Folder 1 Columbia University, Journal Articles, 1911-1914
"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.
Box 1 Folder 2 Wadsworth Atheneum, Catalogues, 1934, 1984
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.
Box 1 Folder 2 Wadsworth Atheneum, Catalogue, 1916, 1934
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.
Box 1 Folder 2 Wadsworth Atheneum, Newspapers, 1934
Six newspaper clippings covering the opening of the Avery Memorial at the Wadsworth Atheneum in 1934.
Box 1 Folder 3 The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Catalogue, 1924
"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.
Box 1 Folder 3 The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Periodical, 1910
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.
Box 1 Folder 3 The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Lists, 1881-1904
"List of gifts to the Metropolitan Museum of Art by the Late Samuel P. Avery [Sr.]" Two copies.
Box 1 Folder 3 The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Affidavit, 1965
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.
Box 1 Folder 4 The Brooklyn Institute of Arts and Sciences, Correspondence, 1917
To Samuel Putnam Avery (Jr.) from the Board of Trustees at the institute, thanking him for the gift of works of art.
Box 1 Folder 4 The Brooklyn Institute of Arts and Sciences, Periodicals, 1912-1918
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.
Box 1 Folder 5 Button Island (NY/VT), Correspondence, 1905-1936
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).
Box 1 Folder 5 Button Island (NY/VT), Other Papers, 1970s-1980s
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.
Box 1 Folder 6 Hartford Hospital, Correspondence, 1905-1920
Letter from Samuel Putnam Avery Jr to Emma Parker Avery Welcher.
Box 1 Folder 6 Hartford Hospital, Diary, 1931
Possibly from Emma Parker Avery Welcher. Includes an invitation to the dedication of the Mary Ogden Avery Convalescent Hospital and two photographs.
Box 1 Folder 6 Hartford Hospital, Newspaper Clippings, 1930-1931
Eight newspaper clippings celebrating the construction and opening of the Mary Ogden Avery Convalescent Hospital, a branch of the Hartford Hospital (1931).
Box 1 Folder 7 Young Women's Christian Association (CT), Memorandum, Late 1910s
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.
Box 1 Folder 7 Young Women's Christian Association (CT), Newspaper Clippings, 1917, 1938
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.
Box 1 Folder 7 Young Women's Christian Association (CT), Other Papers, 1917
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.
Box 1 Folder 8 Avery Heights, Newspaper Clipping, 1961
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.
Box 1 Folder 9 Hartford Seminary Foundation, Other Papers, 1919-1939
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.
Box 1 Folder 10 Samuel Putnam Avery Jr., Columbia Correspondence, 1911-1918
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.
Box 1 Folder 10 Samuel Putnam Avery Jr., The Art Institute of Chicago Correspondence, 1910
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.
Box 1 Folder 11 Samuel Putnam Avery Jr., Family Correspondence, 1898-1921
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.
Box 1 Folder 12 Samuel Putnam Avery Sr., Correspondence, 1867-1897
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.
Box 1 Folder 13 Mary Ogden Avery., Correspondence, 1871-1889
9 letters
Box 1 Folder 14 Unknown correspondence related to Samuel Putnam Avery Sr., 1889
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"
Box 1 Folder 15 Avery Extended Family, Correspondence, 1897-1989
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.
Item X1 Scrapbook, 1902-1915, 1902-1915
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.
Item X2 Scrapbook, 1915-1919, 1915-1919
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.
Box 2 Folder 1 Henry Ogden Avery, Business Card
Pristine Condition
Box 2 Folder 2 Avery Family Diaries, Samuel Putnam Avery Sr, 1889
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.
Box 2 Folder 2 Avery Family Diaries, Alice or Emma Welcher, 1926
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.
Box 2 Folder 3 Avery Family End of Life Papers, Financial Documents, 1919-1921
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.
Box 2 Folder 3 Avery Family End of Life Papers, Newspaper Clips, 1920-1979
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.
Box 2 Folder 4 Henry Ogden Avery, Condolence Notice, 1890
Condolence note sent from the Archaeological Institute of America (New York) to the Avery Family commemorating the death and contributions of Henry Ogden Avery.
Box 2 Folder 5 Samuel Putnam Avery Jr, Ledger, 1910
Ledger of Charitable contributions from Samuel Putnam Avery Jr to a variety of organizations in the year 1910
Box 2 Folder 6 Auction Catalogs, 1911
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.
Box 2 Folder 7 Avery Family Bookplates, 1873
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.
Box 2 Folder 8 Jeanne Kleinfield Research Files, 1972-1982
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."
Box 2 Folder 8 Jeanne Kleinfield Research Files, 1867 World's Fair Files, 1977
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
Box 2 Folder 8 Jeanne Kleinfield Research Files, Book Draft, circa 1978
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."
Box 2 Folder 9 National Endowment for the Humanities Report and Files, 1975
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
Box 2 Folder 10 Ruth Sieben-Morgen Master Thesis, 1942
"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.
Box 3 Folder 1 Printed Material, 1892
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"
Box 3 Folder 2 Printed Material, Genealogical Books, 1890-1917
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).
Box 3 Folder 2 Ellen Walters Avery Items, 1890-1893
Collections of letters and newspaper clippings regarding Ellen Walters Avery prior to her death (1861-1893)
Box 3 Folder 3 Research Material on Benjamin Parker Avery, 1869-1969
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.
Box 3 Folder 4 Other Objects, 1881
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.
Box 3 Folder 5 Avery Family, Various Catalogs, 1893-2002
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.
Box 3 Folder 6 Other Research Journals, 1902-1932
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).
Box 4 Printed Materials, 1875-1925
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.
Box 5 Folder 1 Avery Family Portraits, 1853-1916
Various photographs and illustrations of the extended Avery family.
Box 5 Folder 2 Avery In Memoriam Illustrations
Photographs for In Memoriam sculptures of Henry Ogden Avery and Mary Ogden Avery
Box 5 Folder 3 Avery Family Pictures, 1853-1906
Various photographs and illustrations of the extended Avery family.
Box 5 Folder 4 Avery Family Pictures, Homes and Buildings
Photographs and illustrations of various buildings and interiors connected to the Avery family. Principally in New York and Connecticut.
Box 5 Folder 5 Avery Family Pictures, Button Island, 1913-1968
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.
Box 5 Folder 6 Avery Family Pictures, Gifts to Brooklyn Museum
Photographs of a series of Vases and objects gifted to the Brooklyn Museum/Institute by the Avery family.
Box 5 Folder 7 Diaries of Samuel Putnam Avery [Sr.] Illustrations
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.
Box 5 Folder 8 Other Objects, 1873-1877
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.
Oversize Box 1 Folder 1 Avery Family Pictures, Homes and Buildings, 1887-1909
Photographs and illustrations of various buildings and interiors connected to the Avery family. Principally in New York and Connecticut.
Oversize Box 1 Folder 2 Henry Ogden Avery, 1879
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.
Oversize Box 1 Folder 3 Brooklyn Museum Gifts
Photographs of a series of Vases and objects gifted to the Brooklyn Museum/Institute by the Avery family. Boarded.
Oversize Box 1 Folder 4 Metropolitan Museum of Art, Certificate, 1964
Certificate noting Jeanne Kathryin Welcher's position as "fellow in perpetuity" at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Dated to March 10, 1964.
Item X1 Scrapbook, 1902-1915, 1902-1915
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.
Item X2 Scrapbook, 1915-1919, 1915-1919
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.