The Preparations

Stokes, I. N. Phelps, et al.
Notes, Notebooks, and Correspondence.
(Boxes 5, 13, 14)
I.N. Phelps Stokes Papers, 1909–1944.
New York Public Library: Archives | Manuscripts | Rare Books

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Fig. 1. “Query No. 3 || The Bradford Map…” Letter from Henry Stevens to Stokes, 1910.

Stokes’ papers in the collection of the New York Public Library1 comprise sixteen linear feet and are divided into thirty-five tightly packed boxes. Primarily representing his research work for Iconography and his print collecting efforts, the materials range from small, pinned together slips of paper to more formalized correspondence, including messages from “booksellers, print dealers, librarians, fellow collectors, and scholars”2 like Henry Stevens and Victor Hugo Palsits (shown), among others. Upon closer inspection, it is clear that the work consumed Stokes: it seems that he wrote on any kind of available paper, constantly carried small notepads and converted address books, and spent his leisure time at the University Club writing to researchers in order to solve mysteries of authentication. It bears mention that the papers contain both sides of correspondences, and that notes—organized by date and significant event—were all preserved for eventual donation, a gesture that indicates Stokes considered the entirety of Iconography, from preliminary information gathering to final product, to hold research value.

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Fig. 2. “Dear Mr. Palsits: …” Stokes’ inquiry to his researcher, Victor Hugo Palsits, 1912.

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Fig. 3. Palsits’ response to Stokes, 1912.

 

 

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Fig. 4. In this converted address book, Stokes chronologically listed important (and esoteric) events and buildings against the timeline of New York City history. His own handy reference, he annotated it throughout, including the referrals to his personal files seen in the lower right hand corner.

 

 

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Fig. 5. Small reporter’s notebook (undated). In this pocket-sized memorandum book, Stokes logged his observations and experiences at the National Academy of Design, including the sentiment that the institution’s collection could benefit from better finding aids.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1Selected manuscript and archival materials are also in the collection of the New-York Historical Society. Materials related to his architectural pursuits are located at Columbia University.
2NYPL finding aid to the collection.

The Revisions→