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Mueller photograph collection

 Collection
Identifier: PP 0042

Abstract

This collection contains photographs made or collected by Frederick W. Mueller, including family and unidentified portraits of men, women and children. Many panoramic photographs also depict Baltimore, Maryland and the vicinity.

Dates

  • 1898-1925

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for research use.

Conditions Governing Use

The reproduction of materials in this collection may be subject to copyright restrictions. It is the responsibility of the researcher to determine and satisfy copyright clearances or other case restrictions when publishing or otherwise distributing materials found in the collections. For more information visit the MCHC’s Rights and Permissions page.

Biographical / Historical

Frederick W. Mueller (d. 1963) was a builder, inventor, and photographer who lived on Ashland Avenue in Baltimore. He developed early panorama and cyclorama cameras, including one which was patented that could take "dome" pictures of the sky and horizon. The Navy Department of the United States Government tested a camera developed by Mueller for use in World War I and for a later polar expedition, but did not use it. In addition to photography, Mueller also did contract building work, alterations and fire wood work.

Extent

2.04 Linear Feet (3 boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Arrangement

The smaller format photographs in Box 1 are arranged in 2 folders according to PP catalog numbers. The glass negatives are arranged according to negative catalog numbers, the scheme for which incorporates the size of the negative.

Panoramic photographs and negatives in Boxes 2 and 3 have not been given PP catalog numbers; arrangement within the boxes is variable.

Note: Collection was formerly known as B13; some items may labelled with this number.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift of Mrs. Isabella Coons, 1971.

Related Materials

MS 1951, Mueller collection, 1916-1971.

Scope and Contents

The collection consists of 3 boxes of photographs which are undated or originated circa 1903-1925.

Box 1 contains 2 folders with 31 photographs including 2 negatives. Folder 1 contains 8 modern photoprints made in the 1980s at the Maryland Historical Society from vintage glass negatives which are undated. The subjects are not identified, but include men, women, children with toys, a church and a road. Folder 2 contains 21 photoprints which are Mueller family portraits, some by Fred Mueller, and 2 negatives which are unidentified portraits.

Boxes 2 and 3 are flat boxes containing rolled panoramic photographs and negatives, undated or circa 1903-1925. The images are approximately 8 to 12 inches high and up to 8 feet long. Many of the panoramic prints and negatives are labelled with the text "Section of Photography, Smithsonian Institution" and a catalog number, so these may duplicate holdings at that institution.

Box 2 is a smaller box with 9 items (5 prints, 1 poster, and 3 negatives). Box 3 is a larger box with 22 items (16 prints and 6 negatives). The panoramic photographs depict Baltimore and vicinity: downtown and the harbor, Fort McHenry, Hanover Street Bridge under construction, Western Maryland Railroad yards, Port Covington, the Back River sewage disposal plant, and ruins of the 1904 Baltimore Fire. Some of the images are related to individuals or organizations: restaurateur Walter Hasslinger's home on the Magothy River, the Bohemian Club at Bohemian Manor in Cecil County, and the Oriole Lodge at the Recreation Pier.

Title
Guide to the Mueller photograph collection
Status
Under Revision
Author
Katherine Cowan
Date
1999-09
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script
Language of description note
English

Revision Statements

  • 2020-01-17: Manually entered into ArchivesSpace by Mallory Herberger.

Repository Details

Part of the H. Furlong Baldwin Library Repository

Contact:
H. Furlong Baldwin Library
Maryland Center for History and Culture
610 Park Avenue
Baltimore MD 21201 United States
4106853750