Stereograph Collection, 1865-1900

Summary

Extent:
1.1 Cubic Feet Two boxes. and 1.45 Cubic Feet
Language:
English .
Preferred citation:

Stereograph Collection. [box #,folder #]. Local History and Genealogy Division, Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County N.Y.

Background

Scope and content:

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.

Biographical / historical:

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.

Custodial history:

Acquired by the Hoover Institution Archives in 1980. It is not known when the collection was transferred to the Rochester Public Library.

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.

Physical 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.
Dimensions:
Each box is 12 x 10 x 8 inches.
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

There are no restrictions regarding access to or use of the collection.

Terms of access:

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.

Preferred citation:

Stereograph Collection. [box #,folder #]. Local History and Genealogy Division, Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County N.Y.

Location of this collection:
Rundel Memorial Building
115 South Avenue
Rochester, NY 14604, United States
Link to repository site
Contact:
585-428-8370
lochist@libraryweb.org