Stereograph Collection
Content Description
This unique collection of almost 325 prints in stereoscopic views, centers mainly on photographs taken in the Rochester, New York area between 1865 and 1900. Supplementing this collection are stereographs from other regions of New York State and other states. Very few items are unidentified. The majority of the items were taken by local photographers, but a few are from other New York State and non-local creators. Some items are heavily annotated on the back, but most are not.
The vast majority (approximately 150 items with a handful of duplications) deal with Rochester scenes. There are 18 cards of other states. About 20 cards are completely unidentified. There are 154 items which show scenes from other New York State locations.
Dates
- Creation: 1865-1900
Conditions Governing Access
There are no restrictions regarding access to or use of the collection.
Conditions Governing Use
Permission to publish, reproduce, distribute, or use in any current or future manifestations must be obtained in writing from the Rochester Public Library Local History and Genealogy Division.
Administrative History
The stereograph was an early type of three-dimensional photography. Also referred to as stereograms, stereopticans or stereo views, stereographs consisted of two identical photographs placed next to one another on a sheet of cardboard and viewed through a stereoscope. Stereographs were introduced in the 1850s and found immediate commercial success as a form of entertainment and in journalism. Inexpensive to produce and requiring a simple tool for viewing, they were a popular phenomenon until the early 20th century. This collection consists of stereographs documenting Rochester, New York and the surrounding region, along with New York State as a whole. It includes images by such photographers and reproducers as Charles W. Woodward, George H. Monroe and the Union View Company.
Extent
1.1 Cubic Feet (Two boxes.) ; Each box is 12 x 10 x 8 inches.
1.45 Cubic Feet
Language of Materials
English
Arrangement
The collection is arranged in 2 boxes housing 64 folders. Folders 1-38 contain cards of the Rochester area, and are arranged alphabetically according to subject matter. Folder 39 is not used. Folders 40-59 contain cards of New York State, also arranged alphabetically, but by region or town. Folders 60 and 61 contain cards of various other states. Folders 62-64 contain miscellaneous unidentified items. There is a Folder 65 which is empty. Most of the items in the folders have archival sleeves.
Custodial History
Acquired by the Hoover Institution Archives in 1980. It is not known when the collection was transferred to the Rochester Public Library.
Bibliography
American Antiquarian Society. "Stereographs." Accessed August 7, 2020 from https://www.americanantiquarian.org/stereographs.htm
Condition Description
The condition of the items is overall very good. A few items have missing edges or cracks and most of them have somewhat dingy borders and evidence of light scratching of the prints.
- Title
- A Guide to the Stereograph Collection
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Elizabeth P. Spring
- Date
- 2013
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- Undetermined
- Script of description
- Code for undetermined script
- Language of description note
- English
- CHARLES W. WOODWARD BIO, INVENTORY OF STEREOGRAPH COLLECTION, MARC RECORDS FOR STEREOGRAPH COLLECTION, STEREOGRAPH COLLECTION FINDING AID (OLD), STEREOSCOPE CREATORS.
Repository Details
Part of the Local History & Genealogy Division Repository
115 South Ave.
Rochester 14604 USA
585-428-8370
585-428-8353 (Fax)
lochistref@libraryweb.org