Archives Directory for the History of Collecting in America

Archives related to: Walker, T. B. (Thomas Barlow), 1840-1928

titleT. B. Walker and Family Papers.
repositoryMinnesota Historical society
descriptionPersonal papers and business records of a Minnesota lumber magnate and art collector, and of his descendants.

Includes records of the Red River Lumber Company, a family-owned corporation that operated in both Minnesota and California. There are records of a variety of Walker's companies, business partnerships, and his art collection and gallery, as well as papers and business records of his children and grandchildren.

T. B. Walker Papers
This section consists of business records and personal papers of Minneapolis lumber baron T. B. (Thomas Barlow) Walker. They document his career as a lumberman, his involvement in the Walker family's several lumbering and related corporations, the development of his regionally famous art collection and gallery, and his involvement in business, civic, religious, scientific, and philanthropic organizations and endeavors. Although he undertook extended business trips to New York City and to San Francisco, Walker made his permanent home in Minneapolis from 1862 until his death in 1928, from whence he directed his lumber operations in both northern Minnesota and California.

This unit has been divided into eight series: Business Correspondence (both letterpress books and foldered correspondence); Business Subject Files; Personal Correspondence; Personal Subject Files; T. B. Walker Estate; Art Collection and Gallery; Photographs; and Financial and Accounting Volumes.

In addition, a number of oversized items (maps, broadsides, architectural drawings) removed from or relating to these series have been flat-filed in separate folders. The present organizational structure is the cataloger's creation, most of the files having been received in nearly total disarray.

Location:
Minnesota Historical Society
Manuscript Collection Microfilm Call #: M534

Minnesota Historical Society
See Manuscripts Notebooks Call #: ALPHA
extent308.0 cu. ft. (276 boxes, 49 oversize folders, 33 unboxed volumes, and 1 map tube); and 8 microfilm reels
formatsBusiness Records Personal Papers Estate Papers Financial Records Inventories
accessContact repository for restrictions and policies.
record linkhttp://www.mnhs.org/library/findaids/00093.xml
record sourcehttp://mnhs.mnpals.net
finding aidFinding aid available in repository (filed under Walker, T. B.) and on the web http://www.mnhs.org/library/findaids/00093.xml
acquisition informationThe Walker Papers were donated to the Minnesota Historical Society over the course of some twenty-three years, primarily by Mrs. Louise W. McCannel of Minneapolis, the daughter of Archie D. Walker, Sr., and granddaughter of T. B. Walker. A small amount of correspondence was received in 1987 from the Walker Art Center through its librarian, Rosemary Furtak. A few folders of miscellaneous Walker-related papers already in the possession of the Society were incorporated into the larger collection as well.
updated03/16/2023 10:29:56
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titleT.B. Walker Foundation and related foundations records, 1925-1984.
repositoryMinnesota Historical society
descriptionProject files and administrative records of the T.B. Walker Foundation, the Archie D. and Bertha H. Walker Foundation, and the Guthrie Theater Foundation, all based in Minneapolis and related to the family of Minneapolis lumberman T. B. (Thomas Barlow) Walker (1840-1928).

Includes corporate record books, administrative subject files, financial and accounting information, news clippings, foundation officers' correspondence, notes and memoranda, and blueprint drawings.

Much of the collection consists of project files and grant proposals containing background information on cultural, educational, religious, health, social welfare, scientific, conservation, and other organizations and programs in Minnesota, California, and elsewhere.

There is information about the Walker Art Center and the Tyrone Guthrie Theatre (both in Minneapolis), the Tyrone Guthrie Theatre Foundation, the Minnesota Theatre Company Foundation, theatrical director Sir Tyrone Guthrie, programs for the treatment of alcoholism, and efforts to eliminate racism.

Location:
Minnesota Historical Society
See Manuscripts Notebooks Call #: ALPHA

extent44.25 cu. ft. (44 boxes and 4 oversize folders, unboxed).
formatsAdministrative Records Correspondence Financial Records Legal Papers Ephemera
accessAccess to records less than 25 years old requires written permission.
record linkhttp://www.mnhs.org/library/findaids/00100.xml
record sourcehttp://mnhs.mnpals.net
finding aidInventory available in repository; filed in ALPHA notebooks under the heading: T.B. Walker Foundation (Minneapolis, Minn.).
updated11/12/2014 11:29:54
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titleLouise Walker McCannel Papers, 1890-1990 (inclusive).
repositorySchlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute
descriptionCollection consists of McCannel’s personal correspondence with family and friends, family photographs, clippings, and audiotapes.

Cite as :
Louise Walker McCannel Papers. Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute, Harvard University.

Notes :
There is related material: T.B. Walker and Family Papers at the Minnesota Historical Society.

Location :
Schlesinger 2008-M24

History notes :
Philanthropist and civic activist Louise Walker McCannel was the granddaughter of Harriet G. and Thomas Barlow Walker, who was a Minnesota lumber magnate, art collector, and founder of the Walker Art Center. Her father, Archie Dean Walker, was a businessman and civic leader married to Bertha Willard Hudson Walker; they had six children: Hudson, Louise, Phillip H., Stephen A., Walter W., and Archie D. Walker, Jr. Louise Walker was married to Malcolm A. McCannel, a physician.
extent6 linear ft.
formatsCorrespondence Photographs Sound Recording Clippings
accessClosed until processed.
record linkhttp://lms01.harvard.edu/F/NQDYLVCIVFC2TE1KRJUX6B8YS9XYA5L9DH5RYY3IYVSH7KQSUR-57847?func=full-set-set&set_number=006732&set_entry=000002&format=999
record sourcehttp://hollis.harvard.edu/
acquisition informationGift of her daughter, Teri Motley, 2008.
updated11/12/2014 11:30:02
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titleThomas Barlow Walker Art Collection papers, 1879-1939
repositoryWalker Art Center
descriptionSee repository for further details.
extentSee repository for further details.
formats
accessContact repository for restrictions and policies.
updated11/12/2014 11:30:03
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titleGeorge A. Brackett papers, 1858-1920.
repositoryMinnesota Historical society
descriptionCorrespondence and letterpress books, accounting records (1871-1905), newspaper clippings, deeds and other property records, and related materials documenting the life of a Minneapolis businessman and civic leader whose business enterprises included railroad construction, meat packing, flour milling, and real estate investment.

The papers document Brackett’s work as a construction contractor on the Northern Pacific Railroad’s Duluth to Bismarck line, on Minnesota segments of the St. Paul, Minneapolis and Manitoba Railway, and on rail lines in Canada.

His work (1897-1900) building an Alaskan wagon road from Skagway to White Pass during the gold rush is also well documented. Other major topics include Minneapolis civic activities and his residential and downtown real estate developments in Minneapolis.

Other topics include the 1892 Republican National Convention in Minneapolis, the financial panic of 1893 as it affected Brackett and Minneapolis, and Brackett’s active financial interest in a Mexican railroad.

Related materials:
Photographs that were originally part of this collection are in the Minnesota Historical Society sound and visual collections.

Location:
Minnesota Historical Society Manuscript Collection
Oversized Call #: +150

Minnesota Historical Society
See Manuscripts Notebooks Call #: P1547
extent.5 cu. ft. (11 boxes, including 32 v., and 1 unboxed folder)
formatsCorrespondence Letterbook Financial Records Clippings Legal Papers
accessContact repository for restrictions and policies.
record sourcehttp://mnhs.mnpals.net
finding aidAn inventory providing additional information about this collection is available in the repository; filed as P1547.
updated11/12/2014 11:30:13
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titleKnute Nelson papers, 1861-1924 (bulk 1916-1923).
repositoryMinnesota Historical society
descriptionCorrespondence and miscellany documenting Nelson’s career as a soldier with the Fourth Wisconsin Cavalry (1861-1864), as a country lawyer and politician at Alexandria, Minnesota (1871-1892), as governor of Minnesota (1893-1895), and particularly as United States senator (1895-1923). The majority of the papers focus on political and legislative affairs, either in Minnesota or reflecting Minnesota interests.

During his Senate terms, Nelson was chairman of the Judiciary Committee and Committee on Public Lands, and was active on the Commerce and Indian Affairs committees. His more notable legislative measures included the Nelson Bankruptcy Act (1898) and the act creating the Department of Commerce and Labor (1902).

He was active in the establishment of the Interstate Commerce Commission, and he supported a low tariff, a federal income tax, prohibition, the Sherman Antitrust Act, and the League of Nations. Other topics during his Senate service include child welfare, women’s suffrage, water power, rural postal service, banking and currency, shipping and navigation, railroads, labor issues, grain and its marketing, natural resource conservation, foreign relations especially with Mexico and Scandinavia, pensions, and World War I.

As a Norwegian immigrant, Nelson had close relations with Scandinavians and the Scandinavian-language press in the United States, and these are documented throughout his papers. There is also considerable material on Minnesota politics and elections, especially the Republican Party, on public opinion and public pressure, and on the Nonpartisan League.

In his earlier years, many of Nelson’s legal activities related to land, including homestead entries, pre-emption rights, mortgage foreclosures, claim jumping, and conflicts between settlers and railroad companies. His papers as collection agent for farm equipment firms afford data on debtor-creditor relations between the East and the West.

Location:
Minnesota Historical Society
See Manuscripts Notebooks Call #: ALPHA
extent82.0 cu. ft. (82 boxes, including 23 volumes; 18 oversize items).
formatsCorrespondence Ephemera
accessContact repository for restrictions and policies.
record linkhttp://www.mnhs.org/library/findaids/00578.xml
record sourcehttp://mnhs.mnpals.net
finding aidFinding aid available in the repository (under Nelson, Knute) and on the Internet http://www.mnhs.org/library/findaids/00578.xml
acquisition informationSee Minnesota History Bulletin, 5:107n, 145, 223, 307, 348-352; Minnesota History, 6:205; 7:286, 288; 10:203; 14:437.
updated11/12/2014 11:30:13
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titleS. Arthur Harris and family papers, 1846-1945 (bulk 1870-1908).
repositoryMinnesota Historical society
descriptionPersonal and business papers of a Minneapolis banker and his family documenting their personal, business, religious, and civic lives.

Three substantive series of correspondence consist of personal letters (1840s-1923) between Harris, his wife Anna, their children, and other family members concerning daily family events, illnesses, relationships, and travels in the United States, Europe, and the Orient; business letters (1860s-1945)

between Harris, his son Walter, and various business associates and friends, especially in the Northwestern National Bank and the National Bank of Commerce; and Presbyterian Church letters (1879-1908)documenting Harris’ work in Westminster Presbyterian Church, the Presbyterian Alliance, and the YMCA.

The papers also include Harris’ diaries (1860-1901), a few financial and legal papers relating to family and business interests, and an 11-volume set of accounting workbooks from Harris’ days as a student (1866-1867) at Burnham’s American Business College (Springfield, MA).

Location:
Minnesota Historical Society
See Manuscripts Notebooks Call #: P1314
extent8.25 cu. ft. (15 boxes).
formatsPersonal Papers Business Papers Diaries Financial Records Legal Papers
accessContact repository for restrictions and policies.
record sourcehttp://mnhs.mnpals.net
finding aidAn inventory that provides additional information about this collection is available in the repository; filed as P1314.
updated11/12/2014 11:30:13
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titleM. Knoedler & Co. records, approximately 1848-1971
repositoryThe Getty Research Institute
descriptionThe records of M. Knoedler & Co. document the business of the prominent American art dealer from the mid-19th century to 1971, when the Knoedler Gallery was acquired by Armand Hammer. The archive traces the development of the once provincial American art market into one of the world's leading art centers and the formation of the private art collections that would ultimately establish many of the nation's leading art museums, such as the Frick Collection and the National Gallery of Art.

It brings to the foreground the business side of dealing as artworks shuttled back and forth among Knoedler, fellow dealers, and collectors, documenting developments in art connoisseurship, shifting tastes, the changing role of art in American society, and the essential role of private collectors in the formation of public American art collections.

The records provide insight into broader economic, social and cultural histories and the nation's evolving sense of place in the world. The Knoedler Gallery became one of the main suppliers of old master and post-Impressionist paintings in the United States. Financial records of the firm provide crucial provenance information on the large number of artworks in American museums that were sold by the gallery. The archive includes stock books, sales books and commission books; correspondence with collectors, artists, art dealers and other associates; photographs of the artworks sold by the gallery; records from the firm's offices in London, Paris and other cities; exhibition files; framing and restoration records, and records of the firm's Print Department.

Selected portions of the archive have been digitized and made available online. Connect to selected digitized portions of the archive.

Arranged in 14 series:
Series I. Stock books;
Series II. Sales books;
Series III. Commission books;
Series IV. Inventory cards;
Series V. Receiving and shipping records;
Series VI. Correspondence;
Series VII. Photographs;
Series VIII. Exhibition files;
Series IX. American Department records;
Series X. Framing and restoration records;
Series XI. Print Department records;
Series XII. Other financial records;
Series XIII. Library cards, scrapbooks, and research materials;
Series XIV. Knoedler family papers


Biographical/Historical Note:
M. Knoedler & Co. was a successor to the New York branch of Goupil & Co., an extremely dynamic print-publishing house founded in Paris in 1827. Goupil's branches in London, Berlin, Brussels, and The Hague, as well as New York, expanded the firm's market in the sale of reproductive prints.

The firm's office in New York was established in 1848. In 1857, Michael Knoedler, an employee of Goupil and a manager for the firm, bought out the interests in the firm's New York branch, conducted the business under his own name, and diversified its activities to include the sale of paintings. Roland Knoedler, Michael's son, took over the firm in 1878 and with Charles Carstairs opened galleries in Paris and London.

In 1928, the management of the firm passed to Roland's nephew Charles Henschel, Carman Messmore, Charles Carstairs and Carstairs' son Carroll. In 1956 Henschel died, and E. Coe Kerr and Roland Balaÿ, Michael Knoedler's grandson, took over. In 1971 the firm was sold to businessman and collector Armand Hammer. The gallery closed in November 2011.

extent3042.6 linear feet (5550 boxes, 17 flat file folders).
formatsAuction Catalogs Business Records Correspondence Financial Records Ephemera
accessOpen for use by qualified researchers, with the following exceptions. Boxes 77, 262-264, 1308-1512, 1969-1974, 3592-3723 are restricted due to fragility. Box 4468 is restricted until 2075.
record linkhttp://hdl.handle.net/10020/cifa2012m54
record sourcehttp://primo.getty.edu/GRI:GETTY_ALMA21129976460001551
contact informationContact gallery's archivist
finding aidAt the Getty Research Institute and over their website.
acquisition informationAcquired in 2012.
updated05/29/2018 14:44:15
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