Skip to main content

Henry Mellen Prentiss papers

 Collection
Identifier: M152

  • Staff Only
  • Please use the Collection Organization section below to place requests.

Scope and Content

The collection contains the manuscript and galleys of "The Great Polar Current," 1897 by Henry Mellen Prentiss, as well as his notes and clippings about Artic exploration. "The Great Polar Current" includes a chapter on Peary's exploration of the Artic. Also, correspondence from 1826-1905 of Henry Mellen Prentiss to various individuals and correspondence of his father. Included in this collection are some miscellaneous papers and notes of Henry M. Prentiss.

Dates

  • Creation: 1826-1905

Creator

Access Restrictions

No restrictions.

Biographical/Historical Note

Henry Mellen Prentiss was born July 20, 1840 in Bangor, Maine. He graduated Harvard University in 1864. On the completion of his studies he became the manafer of his father's extensive estate, directing operations on the vast tracts of timber land owned by his father in Maine and Pennsylvania. Prentiss became an important figure in the American interests and a recognized authority on everything relating to Arctic exploration. Henry Mellen wrote extensively on science, with an interest in Arctic exploration. His stories appeared in the Westminster Review, Nineteenth Century magazine, and the New York Herald. His book "The Great Polar Current" won critical acclaim. Prentiss was twice married. His first wife was Julia Dwinel by whom he had two children - Henry and Elsie. He was married for the second time in 1901 to Mrs. Marion Howard Smith. Shortly after his second marriage he moved from Bangor to Wiscasset and held a winter residence in New York City. It was there that passed away March 4, 1906.

Extent

0.75 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

The collection contains the manuscript and galleys of "The Great Polar Current," 1897 by Henry Mellen Prentiss, as well as his notes and clippings about Artic exploration.

Finding Aid & Administrative Information

Title
Guide to the Henry Mellen Prentiss Papers
Status
Unprocessed
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Repository Details

Part of the George J. Mitchell Department of Special Collections & Archives, Bowdoin College Library, Brunswick, Maine 04011 Repository

http://library.bowdoin.edu/arch/index.shtml
Contact:
3000 College Station
Brunswick Maine 04011 USA
(207) 725-3288

Acknowledgment of non-neutrality

The George J. Mitchell Department of Special Collections & Archives, like all archives and special collections libraries, is the creation of human beings who have collected, organized, and described things in ways that reflect personal, cultural, societal, and institutional biases. Although we strive to preserve and present collections in a manner that is respectful to the individuals and communities who create, use, and are represented in the collections, we acknowledge that our systems are neither neutral nor perfect. We encourage you to let us know if you encounter materials, descriptive language, or practices that are offensive or harmful, particularly those for which inadequate context or warning is offered. We are committed to modifying and updating our descriptive practices to use respectful and inclusive terminology and appreciate your help in this work. We look forward to supporting you in your research and learning together.