Brockport Village Glass Plate Negatives

SUNY College at Brockport

Hamlin Steam Roller contest, possibly - Image Source

Collection Facts

Extent:

151

Dates of Original:

c. 1900 - 1915

Historical Context

This collection of photographs primarily depicts western Monroe County during the early 1900s, with some material relating to Orleans and northern Genesee Counties as well. The majority of the photographs derive from local collections of glass plate negatives taken by local photographer George Guelf for the Brockport Republic. In addition to serving as a photographer and printer for the Brockport Republic, Guelf was a keen amateur naturalist, taxidermist, yachtsman, and firefighter.Taken as a whole, this collection illustrates the lives and landscape of the region surrounding Brockport at the turn of the twentieth century.

Scope of Collection

The bulk of photographs in this collection depict the region's architecture and built landscape--including some photographs relating to the Erie Canal and Barge Canal, Brockport Normal School, and construction of trolley lines. Other photographs document people participating in local events, especially relating to fairs and school functions. Most of the glass-plate negatives date to the early 20th century.