Merle M. Chelf photograph collection
Abstract
This collection contains photographs of Merle M. Chelf with acquaintences, as well as miscellaneous maritime related photographs.
Dates
- 1923-1933
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
Merle Velma Martin Chelf was born in Baltimore. An artist and designer, she took evening classes at the Maryland Institute, College of Art, and had lessons with Margie Martinet. She worked in the 1920s and 1930s for the Merchants and Miners Transportation Company, located at 112 South Gay Street in Baltimore. In 1933, she was commissioned to do artwork for a cachet commemorating President James Monroe's 175th birthday. Merle Chelf lived at 3643 Roland Avenue with her husband, James Irving Chelf (died 1976), who worked as paymaster for the English American Tailoring Company for forty years, circa 1926-1966.
Extent
0.14 Linear Feet (1 full Hollinger box)
Language of Materials
English
Arrangement
The photographs are housed in one folder, with loose photographs at the front followed by album pages.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Merle M. Chelf, 1982.
Scope and Contents
The collection consists of one box with one folder containing 17 photoprints, which are undated or from 1923-1933. Most of the photographs are attached to black album sheets, although some have been removed from the sheets and are loose. Two photographs depict Merle M. Chelf and acquaintances; others show a memorial at sea for President Warren Harding, an unidentified ship burning, and other maritime subjects.
There is also one folder of printed ephemera, including items designed by Chelf, a menu from the Merchants Club in Baltimore, and items related to the Merchants and Miners Transportation Company.
- Title
- Guide to the Merle M. Chelf photograph collection
- Status
- Under Revision
- Author
- Katherine Cowan
- Date
- 1999-07
- 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
- 2020-01-23: Manually entered into ArchivesSpace by Mallory Herberger.
Repository Details
Part of the H. Furlong Baldwin Library Repository
H. Furlong Baldwin Library
Maryland Center for History and Culture
610 Park Avenue
Baltimore MD 21201 United States
4106853750
specialcollections@mdhistory.org