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Nathaniel Moone photograph collection

 Collection
Identifier: MS2115

Collection Scope and Content

The photographs were reproduced from 167 glass-plate negatives discovered by Mr. Moone in a townhouse on Fifth Street, NE, after the structure suffered a fire in 1977. The Gelman Library provided space for the first major exhibit of the photos in 1982. The identity of the photographer remains in question, but evidence indicates that they were likely taken by Frances Benjamin Johnston who was a well known photographer of Washington and its political figures during the period 1889-1910 and beyond. Many of the photos are of government officials during the McKinley and Roosevelt terms. An entire series consists of photos of the Lake Mohonk resort in Lake Mohonk, New York, which was a favorite retreat of President Theodore Roosevelt and other cultural elite during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The collection consists of 168 photos. It is divided into six series: Maryland; Lake Mohonk, NY; Virginia; Washington, D.C.; Unidentified; and Portraits.

The Special Collections Department at Gelman Library acquired the Nathaniel H. Moone Collection in 1995.

Dates

  • 1889-1910

Creator

Restrictions on Access

Some records may be restricted.

Restrictions on Use

Regarding Series 1 through 6, although Gelman Library owns the photographs and has the right to produce photos for scholarly purposes, Nathaniel Moone retains the right to restrict commercial reproduction of the photos. Any request to do so must be given written permission by Mr. Moone.

Although Mr. Rudolph Taylor owns the plates, it is Mr. Moone who acts as researcher and agent for them. It was in this capacity that Mr. Moone agreed to sell the photographs to the Gelman Library, to be maintained as a permanent collection not to be augmented or reproduced without, the written consent of Nathaniel H. Moone. They will be available to the public for research purposes according to the requirements of the Gelman Library.

Historical or Biographical Note

Nathaniel Moone discovered 167 glass-plate negatives in a townhouse on Fifth Street, NE, after the structure suffered a fire in 1977.

Extent

1 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

Photographs were reproduced from 167 glass-plate negatives discovered by Mr. Moone in a townhouse on Fifth Street, NE, after the structure suffered a fire in 1977. The Gelman Library provided space for the first major exhibit of the photos in 1982. The identity of the photographer remains in question, but evidence indicates that they were likely taken by Frances Benjamin Johnston who was a well known photographer of Washington and its political figures during the period 1889-1910 and beyond. Many of the photos are of government officials during the McKinley and Roosevelt terms.

Collection Organization

Organized into six series: Maryland; Lake Mohonk, NY; Virginia; Washington, D.C.; Unidentified; and Portraits.

Acquisition Information

The Special Collections Department at Gelman Library acquired the Nathaniel H. Moone Collection in 1995.

Title
Guide to the Nathaniel Moone photograph collection, 1889-1910
Status
Completed
Author
Special Collections Research Center, The George Washington University
Date
2006
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid written in English

Repository Details

Part of the Special Collections Research Center, The George Washington University Repository

Contact:
2130 H Street NW
Washington 20052 United States of America