Architectural archives, [ca. 1823-ca.1887]

Format:

Archive

Author/Creator:

Walter, Thomas Ustick, 1804-1887.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Architecture--Designs and plans.

Architecture.

Genre:

Architectural drawings -- American.

Physical Description:

items

38 volumes

26 volumes

21 volumes

3 cubic ft.

Arrangement:

Arranged by subseries.

Place of Publication:

[ca. 1823-ca.1887]

Summary:

This record is parent to 4 series: Series I. Walter, Thomas Ustick. Architectural drawings collection. (RLIN PAPV95-A18) Series II. (RLIN PAPV95-A) Architectural graphics & photographs. Series III. (RLIN PAPV95-A20) Walter, Thomas Ustick. Records. Series IV. Walter, Thomas Ustick. Personal papers, graphics & photographs.

Series I encompasses 88 subseries records for architectural drawings for Walter's identified architectural projects. The projects are primarily from the Philadelphia area, but also reflect his Venezuelian commissions, and his Washington, D.C. works, including the United States Capitol Dome & Extension. Also summarized in Series I are: --6 sets of unidentified drawings, generally collected together by building or drawing type, and --21 sets of architectural drawings by other architects for Walter projects or used by Walter as reference. These other architects includ John E. Carver, William B. Franklin, John Haviland, Joseph D. Koecker, John McArthur, Montgomery C. Meigs, Robert Mills, William Rodrigue, John Skirving, John Trautwine, and Robert H. Walter.

Series II includes prints, photographs and other graphic work of Walter buildings.

Series III encompasses the written records associated with Walter's professional practice. Notable among these are: A. Walter's diaries, Jan. 1, 1837-Jan. 4, 1887, inclusive. B. Walter's letterbooks, Feb. 12, 1844-Feb. 7, 1887, inclusive. C. Walter's account books, Feb. 1833-July 1886, inclusive. D. Manuscripts & documents relating to Walter's European trip E. Manuscripts & documents relating to Walter's Venezuelian trip, projects, and subsequent fee collection problems. F. Manuscripts & documents relating to Girard College. G. Manuscripts & documents relating to his Washington, D.C. work, including the Robert Mills controversy, the Montgomery C. Meigs controversy, and the U.S. Capital Dome & Extension. H. Manscuscripts relating to other Walter projects. I. Manuscripts & documents relating to Walter's American Institute of Architects activities.

Series IV encompasses manuscripts and graphics, including photos related to Walter's family life. It should be noted that the letterbooks listed in Series III include personal, as well as professional letters. Also included here are written works and graphics related to Walter's activities as a member of the Baptist Church, incorporating a Bible Lesson file of some 126 items, Nov. 1854 to Jan. 10, 1869, inclusive.

Notes:

See also Athenaeum Fine Art accession of Jan. 28, 1994, for 3 portraits: Thomas Ustick Walter by John Neagle (1835), Walter's first wife, Mary Ann Elizabeth Hancocks Walter by John Neagle (1835), and Walter's second wife, Amanda Gardiner Walter by Emanuel Leutze (1852).