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Steele Family Papers

 Collection
Identifier: D.454

Biographical / Historical note

John M. Steele, Esquire (1851-1936), was a former Rochester Commissioner of Jurors and 12th Ward Alderman. The Steele family lived in Rochester, New York, and included John M. Steele, Esquire, a former Rochester Commissioner of Jurors and 12th Ward Alderman, his wife Mary L. Steele, (1853-1943), who participated in the local theater community, their son Fletcher Steele (1885-1971), and their daughter Esther Steele (1887-1964). Fletcher Steele grew up to become a pioneer in the field of landscape architecture. Esther served with the Red Cross during World War I.

Scope and Contents

The Steele Family papers are comprised of three series: I. Correspondence, II. Writings, and III. Printed Materials, Photographs and Family Ephemera. The Correspondence series consists mostly of correspondence written from Fletcher to his sister, Esther, during the 1950s, when Fletcher lived in New York City. There is also a large body of correspondence written from Fletcher to his mother during the 1930s. The Writings series includes numerous pieces of writing that Esther wrote as a young woman and an early garden sketch by Fletcher. In the Printed Materials, Photographs and Family Ephemera series, there are programs from the "Tuesday Musical" series that Mary Steele participated in, as well as family photographs, calling cards and newspaper clippings.

Creator

Dates

  • Creation: 1909-1956

Language of Materials

English

Extent

6 box(es) (6 boxes and 2 volumes)

Access

The Steele Family Papers is open for research use. Researchers are advised to contact the Rare Books Special Collections & Preservation Department prior to visiting. Upon arrival, researchers will also be asked to fill out a registration form and provide photo identification.

Use

In consultation with a curator, reproductions may be made upon request. Permission to publish materials from the collection must be requested from a curator. Researchers are responsible for determining any copyright questions.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

The Steele Family Papers were given as a gift in 1977.

Preferred Citation

[Item title, item date], Steele Family Papers, D.454, Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester

Arrangement

The collection has been organized into three series:



Series I. Correspondence

Series II. Writings

Series III. Printed materials, photographs and family ephemera

Title
Steele family papers
Status
Completed
Author
Finding aid prepared by Rare Books and Special Collections staff
Date
undated
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Library Details

Part of the Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation Library

Contact:
Rochester NY 14627-0055 USA