Laban Deardorff collection of visual materials, [ca. 1890-1933, bulk 1893-1903]

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  • Collection ID 1984.0480
  • Creator Names Deardorff, Laban, photographer. pht
  • Title Laban Deardorff collection of visual materials [graphic].
  • Dates [ca. 1890-1933, bulk 1893-1903]
  • Physical description
    • 7 boxes of negatives : glass.
    • 2 boxes of photographic prints : b&w.
    • 3 boxes of non-graphic material.
  • Access and usage restrictions To consult the glass negatives in this collection in the Research Center it is necessary to make an advance appointment (email: Research@chicagohistory.org ).
  • Collection summary Collection of materials formerly owned by Laban Deardorff, founder of the L. F. Deardorff and Sons camera company. Includes primarily glass plate negatives (ca. 1890s-1900) taken by Laban Deardorff, mostly documenting the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition, but also showing the Samuel Trude residence, the Iroquois Theater Fire, a man performing bicycle stunts, and assorted views of Chicago. Most of these glass negatives were stored in boxes marked "Cramer's Lightning Gelatin Plates" and "Cramer's Isochromatic Plates." Three boxes of photographic magazines, 1894-1895, and one box of photographs (including 36 snapshots of the Century of Progress) complete the collection.
  • Terms Governing Use and Reproduction Credit photographer.
  • Finding Aids Note Container list available (1984-480).
  • Acquisition information Gift in 1984 of Merle S. Deardorff, the son of Laban Deardorff (1984.0480). Mr. Deardorff also donated to the Berwyn Historical Society several glass plate negatives showing Berwyn, including the house where he lived as a child.
  • Names
    • Deardorff, Laban
    • Iroquois Theater (Chicago, Ill.) Fire, 1903.
    • World's Columbian Exposition (1893 : Chicago, Ill.)
    • Century of Progress International Exposition (1933-1934 : Chicago, Ill.)
  • Subjects
    • Photography Equipment and supplies
    • Photography Periodicals.
    • Bicycles & tricycles. lctgm
    • Photographers. lctgm
  • Geographic coverage Chicago (Ill.)
  • Genre
    • Dry plate negatives. gmgpc
    • Photographic prints. gmgpc
    • Gelatin silver prints. gmgpc
    • Glass negatives. gmgpc
    • Periodicals. aat
  • Finding aid URL Finding aid available online http://chsmedia.org/media/fa/fa/1984/480.htm