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Mary Sophia and Harriet Sarah Walker papers

 Collection
Identifier: M184

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Scope and Content

The collection contains correspondence (1850-1904, n.d.), lists of Mary Sophia and Harriet Sarah Walkers' art collection, and a printed and annotated copy of the will of Mary Sophia Walker. Notable correspondents include Willam Northend, Henry Johnson, Bowdoin College president William De Witt Hyde, and the architectural firm of McKim, Mead & White. The correspondence documents the Walker sisters' gift to Bowdoin College and their interest in the design and construction of the Walker Art Building.

Dates

  • Creation: 1850-1904, undated

Creator

Biographical/Historical Note

Sisters Mary Sophia (d.1904) and Harriet Sarah (d.1898) Walker were the nieces of Theophilus Wheeler Walker who was cousin to Leonard Woods, Bowdoin College's fourth president, and benefactor of the art gallery in the Bowdoin Chapel (the Sophia Walker Gallery). Upon Theophilus Wheeler Walker's decease in 1890, his nieces became heirs of their uncle’s estate and they approached Bowdoin in the spring of 1891 about donating a building that would be devoted “exclusively for art purposes” and given in their uncle’s memory. The Walker sisters had no previous connection with the College aside from their knowledge of their uncle Theophilus’s own interest in the College’s art collections, but they were quick to honor his memory and his desire to see an art building established at Bowdoin, and they were actively engaged in the choice of architect, McKim, Mead, & White, and interested in the building design and progress; the Walker Art Building was dedicated in 1894.

Extent

0.25 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

The collection contains correspondence (1850-1904, n.d.), primarily relating to the Walker sisters' gift to Bowdoin College and their interest in the design and construction of the Walker Art Building; lists of Mary Sophia and Harriet Sarah Walkers' art collection; and a printed and annotated copy of the will of Mary Sophia Walker.

Related Names

Subjects

Finding Aid & Administrative Information

Title
Guide to the Mary Sophia and Harriet Sarah Walker Papers
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.