Harvard Library bookplate collection, 1764-1960

This collection contains samples of bookplate labels that were pasted into books held in the libraries of Harvard University, dating from 1764 to 1960. The collection includes bookplates arranged chronologically and bookplates of the Harvard College Library and departmental libraries arranged alphabetically. The collection also contains correspondence related to bookplates, dating from 1918 to 1921, and a list of printed seals used in Harvard College Library. Some of the bookplates include handwritten inscriptions, while others are blank. There are six 18th century bookplates with inscriptions documenting gifts and bequests made following the 1764 fire that destroyed the bulk of Harvard's Library from Marblehead, Massachusetts, minister John Barnard (1681-1770; Harvard AB 1700); New Hampshire Governor Benning Wentworth (1696-1770; Harvard AB 1715); Portsmouth, New Hampshire, merchant Thomas Wibird (1706-1765; Harvard AB 1728); and merchant Thomas Lee (died 1787) of Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Letter from Samuel Willard, Harvard College, Cambridge, Massachusetts, to William Willard, Petersham, Massachusetts, February 28, 1802

Willard describes his trip back to Harvard from Petersham, reports that President Willard and family were doing well, although “he has had an ill turn since, but has recovered,” and concludes the letter by asking for more money.

Letter from Samuel Willard, Harvard College, Cambridge, Massachusetts, to William Willard, Petersham, Massachusetts, November 30, 1802

Willard discusses President Willard’s son Sheafe, who he has been tutoring, explains his education and argues for well-rounded studies. He also mentions that Doctor Aaron Dexter, a lecturer on chemistry, gave him a recipe for paint “which I enclose [separately] in this letter,” as well as a recipe for mortar. He explains that his vacation plans are to teach at a school in Groton for eighteen dollars a month, and asks for a loan from his parents to pay a bill.

Letter from Samuel Willard, Harvard College, Cambridge, Massachusetts, to Catherine Willard, Petersham, Massachusetts, June 22, 1803

Willard mentions his brother’s poor health, his plans to go to teach at Phillips Exeter, and describes various objects that he has sent to different family members, including a razor and books. In his post script, he asks to have a shirt mended.

University of Michigan Class of 1889

On verso: Taken Saturday A.M.; May 11, 1889; Property of Minnie H. Newby. Randall, Photographer ... Fine Art Goods (?) 30 E. Huron St. Ann Arbor, Mich. Additional documentation (re: names and provenance) available in folder

UM Law School class of 1866

On verso: Papa's graduating class - Ann Arbor - Michigan University

Four women, class of 1890

Detached notes: Louise Loving, Ann Arbor, UM 1890; Alice Damon, Concord, Massachusetts, UM, 1890; Franc [sic] Arnold, Allegan, UM 1890; Fanny Reed, Richland, UM, 1890. Taken January 1887

Boulder at northwestern corner of campus placed by Class of 1862

On verso of second copy of same print: Memorial of the Class of 1862. Placed on n.w. corner of campus in 1860. Removed in summer of 1969.

Boulder, class of 1862

Old law building in background

Boulder with plaque beside elm tree planted by the class of 1869. In front of Angell Hall to the left of the steps. Gift of the Class of 1869.

On verso: M-10

Plaque on floor of Admission's office honoring tree planted by class of 1869

On verso: M-14

Granite block marking the former place of the Haven Elm, planted by the class of 1867 in honor of President Erastus O. Haven.

On verso: Class [sic] to the rear wall of Angell Hall and between Angell and Haven Halls. M-12