Photographs of Hamilton College campus and student rooms by John E. Becker, class of 1903

Content Description

Photographs from the home of John E. (Jeb) Becker '61, originally belonging to (and probably taken by) his grandfather, John E. Becker '03: 22 cabinet photographs (albumen? 3 5/8" by 4 3/4", pasted onto card 5 1/2" x 6 1/2") depict views of campus, including Kirkland Gym, Chapel, North College (Dorm), Science Hall (Root), Alpha Delta Phi Hall, Library (now Morris), YMCA building (Couper), three of a student and a spotted dog (maybe a dalmatian) inside a dorm room, Becker and another student looking out an ivy-covered window (labelled on back: "John E. Becker on left - JSG - 4-4-96), room with stove and cushion-strewn couch, two of Psi U house and College Hill (one includes dog, and is labelled on back "Psi Upsilon [in Greek letters] House and College Hill - JSG 4-4-96"), four more interiors, with furniture (bookshelves, desk, dressers), mandolin, photos on walls (one is labelled on back "Charles D. Becker [John's father] photo is on top of bookcase. Circular sign or picture advertises 'Goodrich Tires' JSG - 4-4-96"). Most buildings identified on front of card, a few have identifications on back, besides the three with JSG labels; two stamped "JohnBecker" on back. (The "96" in the JSG labels must be 1996; Becker entered with his class as a freshman in 1899, so the photos are unlikely to have been taken in 1896.). Interiors include many items posted on walls, including Gibson Girl photos, a mandolin, cane, West End Brewing Co., Utica, metal advertisement used as firescreen, cushions or pillows embroidered with "Hamilton" and image of football player, a wagon with people in it, and other folk art, 19th-century woven coverlets on the beds, Psi Upsilon emblems.

Acquisition Type

Gift

Provenance

Donated by Elizabeth Becker, class of 1994, daughter of John E. Becker, class of 1961, granddaughter of John C. Becker, class of 1935, great-granddaughter of John E. Becker, class of 1903

Restrictions Apply

No