W. W. Griest Collection of Lincolniana
Summary
A great admirer of Abraham Lincoln, W.W. Griest's aim was to assemble one copy of every known likeness of the 16th President. Most of the images of Lincoln are reproductions of original 19th-century photographs, lithographs, engravings and mezzotints culled from contemporary (early-2Oth century) publications as well as images distributed in the early 1900s as commemoratives such as calendars, stamps, prints, etc. The collection also contains a few original 19th-century pieces such as Currier and Ives-type lithographs and carte-de-visites. In addition, Griest collected published Civil-War era political speeches and 1910-1930 historical literature about Abraham Lincoln.
Dates
- c.1857-1929,
- Majority of material found within 1890-1929
Creator
- Griest, William Walton, 1858-1929. (Person)
- Brady, Mathew B. (Photographer, Person)
- Currier & Ives (Publisher, Organization)
Restrictions on Access
Access unrestricted.
Terms Governing Use and Reproduction
Photocopying and publication may be restricted by copyright. except by permission of copyright holder..
Biographical / Historical
W.W. Griest (1858-1929) William Walton Griest was born in Christiana, PA, in 1858 and graduated from Millersville State Normal School in 1876. After graduation he taught school for three years, then became a reporter and editor for the Lancaster Inquirer. In the 1880s, he became interested in political affairs and went on to serve in numerous public roles, includin: Chief Clerk for the County Commissioners, Lancaster School Board Director, and Secretary of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In 1908, Griest was elected to the United States House of Representatives, where he introduced progressive ideas for improvements in education, transportation, farm aid, conservation, and mail service for his constituents. Perhaps Griest's most notable accomplishment was the introduction of a bill in 1911 calling for the construction of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC (which was completed in 1913). Griest continued to serve as a Republican Congressman until his death in 1929.
Extent
3.5 Linear feet (8 boxes)
.25 Linear feet (1 flat drawer)
Language of Materials
English
Arrangement
Collection: Arranged into three major series: 1) Photographs/Prints/Reproductions; 2) Miscellaneous articles/publications; 3) Speeches and addresses. A fourth series, containing oversize and framed materials from the three major series, is also included in the collection.
Arrangement
Individual items: Numbered by a unique classification system based on genre/form/source of image. (May follow previous collector's (such as Frederick Meserve) numbering scheme.).
Ownership and Custodial History
The collection was donated to Franklin and Marshall College by Rebecca W. Griest, daughter of W.W. Griest in 1943.
Processing Information
Processing completed 1992.
- Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865.
- Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865. -- : Pictorial works.
- Pictorial works. Subject Source: Fast
- Description rules
- Appm
- Language of description
- Undetermined
- Script of description
- Code for undetermined script
Repository Details
Part of the Franklin and Marshall College Special Collections Repository
