Jeanne Kleinfield Welcher collection of the Avery Family, 1853-2002, bulk 1867-1989

Series I: Institutional Records

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.