Helen Hess prints

Collection

Identifier: D.548

Staff Only

Biographical / Historical note

Helen Caroline Hess (1911-1990) attended East High School in Rochester, New York. Her parents' names were Sophie and William Hess, both born in Germany. She had a younger brother, William, and an older brother, Edward. Hess graduated from the University of Rochester in 1933, with a bachelor's degree in mathematics. She was a member of Theta Tau Theta sorority, the sorority council, the Marsiens honor society, and Phi Beta Kappa. Hess's activities included serving as editor-in-chief of Croceus, news editor of Cloister Window, and associate editor of the Blue Book for incoming freshman; serving as class historian; and playing hockey. She was also a member of Brick Presbyterian Church. By 1940, Hess was working in the film testing division of the Eastman Kodak Company where her interest in photography grew.

Scope and Contents

The Helen Hess prints, 1935-1945, contains 13 black and white prints. It appears that Hess submitted these prints to be shown in exhibitions, namely the Kodak Camera Club. The subject matter of these photographs is mainly centered on outdoor photography with the exception of Hess's still life of flowers in a vase. Forests, lakes, snow, and numerous individuals are captured in the photos. Some of these prints appear to be a series of photographs taken at the same location, with a focus on the same lake in a forest. The dates vary from the mid-30s to the 40s with some photos noticeably clearer and younger in age than others. Hess used bromide processing to create these prints, as indicated in her handwriting on their backsides.

Creator

Hess, Helen Caroline, 1911-1990 (Person)

Dates

Creation: 1935-1945

Language of Materials

English

Extent

.44 cubic feet

Access

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

Use

Reproductions are made upon request but can be subject to restrictions. Permission to publish materials from the collection must currently be requested. Please note that some materials may be copyrighted or restricted. It is the researcher's obligation to determine and satisfy copyright or other case restrictions when publishing or otherwise distributing materials found in the collections. For more information contact rarebks@library.rochester.edu