Alice Austen Correspondence Collection, 1888

PI

Version: 4 (current) | Updated: 12/9/2025, 9:54:20 PM | Created: 12/9/2025, 7:18:51 PM

Added description

Description

Alice Austen Correspondence Collection, 1888

Overview

The Alice Austen Correspondence Collection, 1888, is a digitized assemblage of personal letters, calling cards, and related ephemera that document the social, professional, and familial life of Elizabeth Alice Austen during a single year of her career. The collection is housed in the Alice Austen House museum on Staten Island and is part of the broader Alice Austen Papers (MS1). It is presented as a series of scanned images of handwritten letters and their typed transcriptions, accompanied by photographs of the originals and ancillary items such as negative sleeves.

Background

Alice Austen (1866‑1952) was a pioneering American photographer whose practice blended portraiture, landscape, and documentary work. In 1888 she was actively engaged in a burgeoning photography business, selling prints and exchanging images with friends and patrons. The collection reflects her role as a social connector among the upper‑middle‑class families of Staten Island and beyond, as well as her involvement in local clubs and cultural events.

Contents

The collection contains more than 70 handwritten letters written by a network of correspondents—including Eva M. Hartnell, Wilmot Townsend, Julia (Marsh) Lord, and many others—addressed to Austen. Themes recur throughout: invitations to tennis matches, skating parties, and church gatherings; requests for photographs of events such as the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition; discussions of music purchases (e.g., a Steinway piano); and personal matters such as family bereavements. The letters are accompanied by images of the original envelopes, calling cards, and negative sleeves, providing visual context to the written exchanges. Transcription files offer typed versions of the letters for easier reading.

Scope

The collection covers the calendar year 1888, spanning correspondence from a wide geographic range—including Staten Island, Louisville, New Brunswick, Atlantic City, and New York City—to a variety of recipients. It offers a snapshot of late‑Victorian social customs, the commercial aspects of early photography, and the personal networks that sustained Austen’s career. The materials are organized chronologically and thematically, allowing researchers to trace both the evolution of Austen’s professional practice and the social milieu of her era.

Raw Cheimarros Data

@alice_austen:person {full_name: "Elizabeth Alice Austen", birth: @date_1866, death: @date_1952, occupation: "photographer", location: @staten_island}

@alice_austen_house:organization {type: "museum", location: @staten_island}

@alice_austen_correspondence_collection:event {description: "Personal letters, calling cards, and other materials related to Alice Austen", span_start: @date_1888, span_end: @date_1898, creator: [@alice_austen], institution: @alice_austen_house, subjects: ["Correspondence","Social life","Photography","Family matters","Music","Tennis","Victorian-era social customs","Upper-middle-class life","Staten Island history"]}

@file_pinax -> documents -> @alice_austen_correspondence_collection

@file_1888_transcripts -> documents -> @alice_austen_correspondence_collection

@staten_island:place {state: @new_york, country: @united_states}

@rosebank:place {city: @staten_island}

@new_brighton:place {city: @atlantic_city, state: @new_jersey}

@lake_mahapac:place {state: @new_york}

@northfield_ma:place {state: @massachusetts}

@cushings_island:place {state: @maine}

@presqu_ile:place {state: @new_york}

@clifton:place {city: @staten_island}

@brooklyn:place {city: @new_york}

@new_brunswick_nj:place {city: @new_brunswick, state: @new_jersey}

@eva_hartnell:person {location: @louisville_ky}

@letter_eva_hartnell_1888_jan_18:document {date: @date_1888_01_18, author: @eva_hartnell, recipient: @alice_austen, content: "Personal correspondence expressing shame, plans to travel east, and request for photographs"}

@eva_hartnell -> wrote -> @letter_eva_hartnell_1888_jan_18

@letter_eva_hartnell_1888_jan_18 -> addressed to -> @alice_austen

@wilmot_townsend:person {}

@letter_wilmot_townsend_1888_jan_20:document {date: @date_1888_01_20, author: @wilmot_townsend, recipient: @alice_austen, content: "Sent a photograph and requested a copy; recounted family genealogy"}

@wilmot_townsend -> wrote -> @letter_wilmot_townsend_1888_jan_20

@letter_wilmot_townsend_1888_jan_20 -> addressed to -> @alice_austen

@julie_lord:person {}

@letter_julie_lord_1888_mar_1:document {date: @date_1888_03_01, author: @julie_lord, recipient: @alice_austen, content: "Notified delay in returning home; mentioned hotel in Atlantic City"}

@julie_lord -> wrote -> @letter_julie_lord_1888_mar_1

@letter_julie_lord_1888_mar_1 -> addressed to -> @alice_austen

@elizabeth_strong:person {}

@letter_elizabeth_strong_1888_mar_16:document {date: @date_1888_03_16, author: @elizabeth_strong, recipient: @alice_austen, content: "Birthday congratulations, storm reports, and discussion of photography competition"}

@elizabeth_strong -> wrote -> @letter_elizabeth_strong_1888_mar_16

@letter_elizabeth_strong_1888_mar_16 -> addressed to -> @alice_austen

@tiny_macgregor:person {}

@letter_tiny_macgregor_1888_apr_18:document {date: @date_1888_04_18, author: @tiny_macgregor, recipient: @alice_austen, content: "Invitation to an evening gathering"}

@tiny_macgregor -> wrote -> @letter_tiny_macgregor_1888_apr_18

@letter_tiny_macgregor_1888_apr_18 -> addressed to -> @alice_austen

@maria_ward:person {}

@letter_maria_ward_1888_may_5:document {date: @date_1888_05_05, author: @maria_ward, recipient: @alice_austen, content: "Invitation to lunch on May 11"}

@maria_ward -> wrote -> @letter_maria_ward_1888_may_5

@letter_maria_ward_1888_may_5 -> addressed to -> @alice_austen

@emily_babbitt:person {}

@letter_emily_babbitt_1888_may_7:document {date: @date_1888_05_07, author: @emily_babbitt, recipient: @alice_austen, content: "Invitation to a Broom Duel for the Ladies Tennis Club"}

@emily_babbitt -> wrote -> @letter_emily_babbitt_1888_may_7

@letter_emily_babbitt_1888_may_7 -> addressed to -> @alice_austen

@edward_center:person {}

@letter_edward_center_1888_may_7:document {date: @date_1888_05_07, author: @edward_center, recipient: @alice_austen, content: "Apology for missing a tennis event due to yacht repairs"}

@edward_center -> wrote -> @letter_edward_center_1888_may_7

@letter_edward_center_1888_may_7 -> addressed to -> @alice_austen

@hetty_furniss:person {}

@letter_hetty_furniss_1888_may:document {date: @date_1888_05, author: @hetty_furniss, recipient: @alice_austen, content: "Explanation of ticket purchase and refund"}

@hetty_furniss -> wrote -> @letter_hetty_furniss_1888_may

@letter_hetty_furniss_1888_may -> addressed to -> @alice_austen

@mr_mrs_raoul:organization {type: "couple"}

@letter_raoul_1888_jun_20:document {date: @date_1888_06_20, author: @mr_mrs_raoul, recipient: @alice_austen, content: "Invitation to Progressive Euchre on June 20"}

@mr_mrs_raoul -> wrote -> @letter_raoul_1888_jun_20

@letter_raoul_1888_jun_20 -> addressed to -> @alice_austen

@gertrude_eccleston:person {}

@letter_gertrude_eccleston_1888_jul_20:document {date: @date_1888_07_20, author: @gertrude_eccleston, recipient: @alice_austen, content: "Describes weather, social life at Lake Mahopac, and request for photograph purchase"}

@gertrude_eccleston -> wrote -> @letter_gertrude_eccleston_1888_jul_20

@letter_gertrude_eccleston_1888_jul_20 -> addressed to -> @alice_austen

@julia_scofield:person {}

@letter_julia_scofield_1888_jul_21:document {date: @date_1888_07_21, author: @julia_scofield, recipient: @alice_austen, content: "Proposes a bathing party and picnic"}

@julia_scofield -> wrote -> @letter_julia_scofield_1888_jul_21

@letter_julia_scofield_1888_jul_21 -> addressed to -> @alice_austen

@louisa_richards:person {}

@letter_louisa_richards_1888_jul_19:document {date: @date_1888_07_19, author: @louisa_richards, recipient: @alice_austen, content: "Inquiry about tennis club election and tournament details"}

@louisa_richards -> wrote -> @letter_louisa_richards_1888_jul_19

@letter_louisa_richards_1888_jul_19 -> addressed to -> @alice_austen

@helena_janssen:person {}

@letter_helena_janssen_1888_dec_10:document {date: @date_1888_12_10, author: @helena_janssen, recipient: @alice_austen, content: "Request for purchase of a group photograph taken at the Club House"}

@helena_janssen -> wrote -> @letter_helena_janssen_1888_dec_10

@letter_helena_janssen_1888_dec_10 -> addressed to -> @alice_austen

@charles_barton:person {}

@letter_charles_barton_1888_dec_31:document {date: @date_1888_12_31, author: @charles_barton, recipient: @alice_austen, content: "Invitation to New Year party at Lake Mahopac; request to bring small bells and camera"}

@charles_barton -> wrote -> @letter_charles_barton_1888_dec_31

@letter_charles_barton_1888_dec_31 -> addressed to -> @alice_austen

@bradish_carroll:person {}

@letter_bradish_carroll_1888_dec_3:document {date: @date_1888_12_03, author: @bradish_carroll, recipient: @alice_austen, content: "Thanks for tennis match photograph; plans to frame and display"}

@bradish_carroll -> wrote -> @letter_bradish_carroll_1888_dec_3

@letter_bradish_carroll_1888_dec_3 -> addressed to -> @alice_austen

@j_c_chamberlain:person {}

@letter_jc_chamberlain_1888_oct_28:document {date: @date_1888_10_28, author: @j_c_chamberlain, recipient: @alice_austen, content: "Offers to exchange stamp sets; mentions closing tennis season"}

@j_c_chamberlain -> wrote -> @letter_jc_chamberlain_1888_oct_28

@letter_jc_chamberlain_1888_oct_28 -> addressed to -> @alice_austen

@adelaide_badgley:person {}

@letter_adelaide_badgley_1888_oct_28:document {date: @date_1888_10_28, author: @adelaide_badgley, recipient: @alice_austen, content: "Asks about outcome of Clifton tennis tournament and club results"}

@adelaide_badgley -> wrote -> @letter_adelaide_badgley_1888_oct_28

@letter_adelaide_badgley_1888_oct_28 -> addressed to -> @alice_austen

@jl_dunning:person {}

@letter_jl_dunning_1888_oct_11:document {date: @date_1888_10_11, author: @jl_dunning, recipient: @alice_austen, content: "Praises Alice’s photographs; comments on contemporary interior design"}

@jl_dunning -> wrote -> @letter_jl_dunning_1888_oct_11

@letter_jl_dunning_1888_oct_11 -> addressed to -> @alice_austen

@alice_austen -> sold -> @photograph_worlds_columbian_exposition:document {subject: "World's Columbian Exposition", year: @date_1893, buyer: @isabella_king}

@isabella_king:person {occupation: "photograph buyer"}

@alice_austen -> participated in -> @ladies_club_meeting_1888_apr_11:event {date: @date_1888_04_11, role: "Director nominee"}

@ladies_club_meeting_1888_apr_11:event -> held at -> @new_brighton

@alice_austen -> attended -> @tennis_tournament_1888_jun:event {date: @date_1888_06, location: @rosebank, sport: "tennis"}

@alice_austen -> attended -> @progressive_euchre_1888_jun_20:event {date: @date_1888_06_20, location: @rosebank}

@alice_austen -> attended -> @new_year_party_1888_dec_31:event {date: @date_1888_12_31, location: @lake_mahapac}

@alice_austen -> corresponded with -> @elizabeth_strong {frequency: "multiple letters throughout 1888"}

@alice_austen -> corresponded with -> @eva_hartnell

@alice_austen -> corresponded with -> @wilmot_townsend

@alice_austen -> corresponded with -> @julie_lord

@alice_austen -> corresponded with -> @tiny_macgregor

@alice_austen -> corresponded with -> @maria_ward

@alice_austen -> corresponded with -> @emily_babbitt

@alice_austen -> corresponded with -> @edward_center

@alice_austen -> corresponded with -> @hetty_furniss

@alice_austen -> corresponded with -> @mr_mrs_raoul

@alice_austen -> corresponded with -> @gertrude_eccleston

@alice_austen -> corresponded with -> @julia_scofield

@alice_austen -> corresponded with -> @louisa_richards

@alice_austen -> corresponded with -> @helena_janssen

@alice_austen -> corresponded with -> @charles_barton

@alice_austen -> corresponded with -> @bradish_carroll

@alice_austen -> corresponded with -> @j_c_chamberlain

@alice_austen -> corresponded with -> @adelaide_badgley

@alice_austen -> corresponded with -> @jl_dunning

@alice_austen -> lived in -> @staten_island

@alice_austen -> member of -> @ladies_club:event {description: "Ladies’ Club on Staten Island"}

@alice_austen -> member of -> @tennis_club:event {description: "Ladies Outdoor Tennis Club"}

@alice_austen -> photographed -> @photograph:document {subject: "Various social events and portraits", year_range: [@date_1888, @date_1898]}

@photograph -> owned by -> @isabella_king

@photograph -> owned by -> @bradish_carroll

@photograph -> owned by -> @j_c_chamberlain

@photograph -> owned by -> @jl_dunning

@photograph -> owned by -> @gertrude_eccleston

@photograph -> owned by -> @elizabeth_strong

@photograph -> owned by -> @eva_hartnell

@photograph -> owned by -> @wilmot_townsend

@photograph -> owned by -> @julie_lord

@photograph -> owned by -> @tiny_macgregor

@photograph -> owned by -> @maria_ward

@photograph -> owned by -> @emily_babbitt

@photograph -> owned by -> @edward_center

@photograph -> owned by -> @hetty_furniss

@photograph -> owned by -> @mr_mrs_raoul

@photograph -> owned by -> @gertrude_eccleston

@photograph -> owned by -> @julia_scofield

@photograph -> owned by -> @louisa_richards

@photograph -> owned by -> @helena_janssen

@photograph -> owned by -> @charles_barton

@photograph -> owned by -> @bradish_carroll

@photograph -> owned by -> @j_c_chamberlain

@photograph -> owned by -> @adelaide_badgley

@photograph -> owned by -> @jl_dunning

@alice_austen -> organized -> @photography_exchange_1888:event {description: "Exchange of photographs among friends and acquaintances", date: @date_1888}

@photography_exchange_1888:event -> participants -> [@eva_hartnell, @wilmot_townsend, @julie_lord, @elizabeth_strong, @tiny_macgregor, @maria_ward, @emily_babbitt, @edward_center, @hetty_furniss, @mr_mrs_raoul, @gertrude_eccleston, @julia_scofield, @louisa_richards, @helena_janssen, @charles_barton, @bradish_carroll, @j_c_chamberlain, @adelaide_badgley, @jl_dunning]

Metadata

Version History (4 versions)

  • ✓ v4 (current) · 12/9/2025, 9:54:20 PM
    "Added description"
  • v3 · 12/9/2025, 9:14:37 PM · View this version
    "Added knowledge graph extraction"
  • v2 · 12/9/2025, 7:58:36 PM · View this version
    "Added PINAX metadata"
  • v1 · 12/9/2025, 7:18:51 PM · View this version
    "Alphabetical chunk 1/4 (40 files)"

Additional Components (40)

Click to expand and load individual components

1888 transcripts.docx.ref.json
1888 transcripts.txt
1888_1-13-Jan 2002 copy.jpg.ref.json
1888_1-19-Jan 1001-hartwell copy.jpg.ref.json
1888_1-19-Jan 1002-hartwell copy.jpg.ref.json
1888_1-19-Jan 1003-hartwell copy.jpg.ref.json
1888_1-20-Jan 3001-wilmot copy.jpg.ref.json
1888_1-20-Jan 3002-wilmot copy.jpg.ref.json
1888_1-20-Jan 3003-wilmot copy.jpg.ref.json
1888_10-2-Oct 3003-babbitt copy.jpg.ref.json
1888_10-2-Oct 3004-babbitt copy.jpg.ref.json
1888_10-28-Oct 2001 copy.jpg.ref.json
1888_10-28-Oct 2002-chamberlain copy.jpg.ref.json
1888_10-28-Oct 4001 copy.jpg.ref.json
1888_10-28-Oct 4002 A Badgley.jpg.ref.json
1888_10-28-Oct 4003 A Badgley.jpg.ref.json
1888_10-3-Oct 3001 copy.jpg.ref.json
1888_10-Oct 1001-fishkill copy.jpg.ref.json
1888_10-Oct 1002-fishkill copy.jpg.ref.json
1888_11-16-Nov 1001 copy.jpg.ref.json
1888_11-25-Bessie Strong undated001 copy 2.jpg.ref.json
1888_11-25-Bessie Strong undated002 copy 2.jpg.ref.json
1888_11-25-Nov 1002-strong copy.jpg.ref.json
1888_11-25-Nov 1003-strong copy.jpg.ref.json
1888_11-25-Nov 1004-strong copy.jpg.ref.json
1888_12-002-Lord.jpg.ref.json
1888_12-10-Dec 3001 copy.jpg.ref.json
1888_12-10-Dec 3002-nellie-jansen copy.jpg.ref.json
1888_12-10-Dec 3003-nellie-jansen copy.jpg.ref.json
1888_12-12-Dec 6002 copy.jpg.ref.json
1888_12-18-Dec 2002 copy.jpg.ref.json
1888_12-18-Dec 2005 copy.jpg.ref.json
1888_12-23-Dec 5003 copy.jpg.ref.json
1888_12-3-Dec 4.1-brandish-carroll copy.jpg.ref.json
1888_12-3-Dec 4002 copy.jpg.ref.json
1888_12-31-Dec 7.1-charles-barton copy.jpg.ref.json
1888_12-31-Dec 7.2-charles-barton copy.jpg.ref.json
1888_12-8-Dec 5.1-wheelock copy.jpg.ref.json
1888_12-8-Dec 5.2-wheelock copy.jpg.ref.json
1888_2-8-Feb 2001 copy.jpg.ref.json

Parent

01KC2611Q524NV696HFESDJ3K9

No children (leaf entity)