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Sherman C. Bishop papers

 Collection
Identifier: D.339

Biographical / Historical note

Sherman C. Bishop was born in Sloatsburg, NY on November 18, 1887. Educated at Cornell University, Bishop joined the faculty of the University of Rochester in 1928. Specializing in salamanders, spiders, and lizards, Bishop was one of the foremost authorities on salamanders in the United States. Among his accomplishments, Bishop classified most of the 150 salamanders in the United States, discovering 15 types in the Rochester area. Author of many articles and books, including Handbook of the Salamander of North America (1943), Bishop made field trips exploring the southern swamps and western deserts of the continental United States, as well as to northern Mexico, Alaska, and Canada. After years of sickness -- through which he continued his scientific work -- Sherman C. Bishop died on May 28, 1951, at the age of 63. Correspondence in this collection between his wife Alice and the Chrisp family continues through the next year, 1952.

Hugh P. Chrisp was born in Rochester, NY on March 9, 1882. An architect until after World War I when the building trades collapsed, Chrisp worked for a time as a calculator salesman, before becoming a free lance artist from his home near Albany, NY. In 1933, Chrisp became involved in the State of New York Conservation Department Watershed Survey, completing nearly fifty detailed illustrative figures for the survey reports. He became involved with the watershed survey through his work with Sherman Bishop, for whom Chrisp also continued to create specimen illustrations throughout the early 1940s. After World War II, Chrisp returned to practicing architecture in Schenectady, NY. He died on December 20, 1971.

Scope and Contents

Predominant in this collection is the correspondence (1932-1952) between vertebrate zoologist Sherman C. Bishop and wildlife artist Hugh P. Chrisp. In their letters the men discuss the details of their work -- specimen collecting and illustration particulars -- as well as their personal lives. Frequent topics include: family, fellow artists, scientists, and authors; the University of Rochester biology department; the effect of World War II on the men's professional and personal lives; Bishop's declining health; and Rochester society - including the lakeside community in Naples, NY, where the Bishops had a cottage and Chrisp was visitor. The collection also contains letters from members of the Bishop family and others to both Sherman Bishop and Hugh Chrisp, as well as newspaper articles, printed ephemera, and photographs related to the life and careers of both men.

Creator

Dates

  • Creation: 1887-1971

Language of Materials

English

Extent

1 box(es)

Access

The Sherman C. Bishop 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.

Preferred Citation

[Item title, item date], Sherman C. Bishop Papers, D.339, Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester

Genre / Form

Occupation

Topical

Title
Sherman C. Bishop papers
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