Joseph Ernest Mock papers

Collection

Identifier: D.163

Staff Only

Biographical / Historical note

Joseph Ernest Mock was born in Alsace. He attended St. Joseph's College in Matzenheim until the age of 16 when he came to America. Upon arriving, Mock worked for various professional photographers while saving enough to open his own photographic studio. Mock specialized in portrait work, and was known worldwide for his photographic abilities. His studio was located in the Sibley block of downtown Rochester. He won numerous awards for his work, and he also served as the president of the Professional Photographers Society of New York for the years 1915, 1921, and 1922. He was also known locally as the organist and choir director of Holy Family Roman Catholic Church. J.E. Mock married and had three daughters. He died on September 6, 1944 at the age of 76; he was survived by two of his daughters, Colette Mock Leinen and Alma Mock Smith, and their children. Florence Armbruster, his sister-in-law, succeeded him in his studio work.

Scope and Contents

The collection consists of professional correspondence, printed ephemera relating to the Mock photography studio, newspaper clippings, diplomas and awards, music and photographs. The photographs are primarily portraits of his family, taken by Mock; work by other photographers is noted. There is also a set of 38 panels mounted with examples of all photographic processes used by Mock from 1888 to 1941. The bound volume is a mass presumably composed by J.E. Mock. Some additional portraits of Rochesterians by J.E. Mock may be found in the 1917 "American Red Cross" photograph album, CX 42.

Creator

Mock, J. E. (Joseph Ernest), 1867-1944 (Person)

Dates

Creation: 1888-1968

Language of Materials

English

Extent

4 box(es) (38 panels, 7 framed items, and 1 volume)

Access

The Joseph Ernest Mock 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

Gift of Alma Mock Smith, June 1977.

Preferred Citation

[Item title, item date], Joseph Ernest Mock Papers, D.163, Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester