Iris Bassett Scrapbook, 1909-1912

Summary

Extent:
1 Volumes
Language:
English .
Preferred citation:

Iris Bassett Scrapbook. Local History and Genealogy Division, Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County N.Y.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection consists of a scrapbook created by 1911 West High School graduate Iris Bassett. It includes photographs, event programs, ephemera and other materials reflecting her experiences as a student. The contents of the scrapbook date between 1909 and 1912; there is considerable undated material present.

Biographical / historical:

The donor provided the following extensive information regarding the scrapbook and its provenance:

This scrapbook was compiled by West High graduate, Iris Bassett, who, with her brother and family lived at 71 Chili Ave, just W. of Ardmore St. (the house remains, today). Its contents are impressive – and, for most of the ephemera, are likely the only surviving examples of these items (invitations, posters for school events, dance cards, etc.). It's also generously illustrated with photos of classmates, involved in many school-related activities (both on and off campus). This scrapbook came to me – with a collection of other significant family materials – thru Iris Bassett's sister-in-law, Helen Rearwin Bassett (Mrs. Philip Bassett), who was married to Iris' brother. After Helen's death in 1996, these materials were stored in the barn of a family friend in Adams Basin/w. of Spencerport, until they were "passed on to me" – in hopes of finding an archive for them. Iris Bassett, like her brother, was a graduate of Cornell Univ., married/had a family, move to New Hampshire/raised her family/remained for the rest of her life.

Iris Bassett (Mrs. Stanley) Coville, who resided with her parents and brother, Phillip, at 71 Chili Avenue (house still extant). As we discussed, she and her brother were both graduates of Cornell University. Her brother married architect Helen Rearwin (a Michigan native; 1926 graduate of the School of Architecture/Univ of California – Berkeley). Iris married Stanley Coville, another Cornell alumnus. They eventually lived in New Jersey; are buried there They had 2 children (both deceased): a son, Stanley (1926-2013), also a Cornell grad; here's link to his obituary (https://www.lordfuneralhome.com/obituary/Stanley-Coville). They also had a daughter, Iris Marie (1922-2017), named for her mother; here's link to her extensive obituary ((https://www.conwaydailysun.com/community/obituaries/obituary-iris-marie-coville-thompson-ortner/article_836d02a9-a134-5d71-a251-d409d910a4ab.html) Interred in New Hampshire, both siblings had fascinating lives! Too bad they weren't aware of their mother's 1911 scrapbook.

One of the son's children, Ned Coville, appears to be still living and residing in New Hampshire. In fact, he owns a contracting business (https://chinookcontracting.com/) . Ned and his sister are the grandchildren of Iris Bassett Coville. Additional info/data on the Bassett Family Association website (https://www.bassettbranches.org/tng/getperson.php?personID=I31562&tree=1A). According to the Mount Holly Cemetery in New Jersey website, Stanley and Iris are buried here (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/63913960/iris-marie-coville) I also checked out Rochester area interment sites: Iris Bassett's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Ellsworth Bassett, who lived at 71 Chili Ave., are interred in Mount Rest Cemetery, town of Bergen, Genesee Co. (there are many of their Bassett/his and Peck/her ancestors also in this cemetery). Here's link to Samuel's "Find A Grave" info (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/121792981/samuel-ellsworth-bassett). When Samuel died, there was a special article in "Democrat & Chronicle" about his prominent music teaching career, community band member, etc. https://democratandchronicle.newspapers.com/image/136091462/?terms=samuel%20bassett&match=1.

Acquisition information:
Gift of Cynthia Howk, 2023.
Arrangement:

This collection consists of one scrapbook.

Physical description:
The scrapbook itself is in fair condition, with a sound binding and pages displaying a minimum of wear and foxing. The contents vary from good to poor condition; there are numerous loose objects and/or tipped in contents.
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:

Iris Bassett Scrapbook. 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