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Mary Sophia and Harriet Sarah Walker Papers,
1850-1904, n.d.
0.25
linear feet.
Catalog Number:
M184
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Agency History / Biographical Note:
Sisters Mary Sophia (d.1904) and Harriet Sarah (d.1898) Walker were the
nieces of Theophilus Wheeler Walker, cousin to Leonard Woods, Bowdoin's
fourth president. Little is known about them, apart from their Boston
roots. In 1890, they inherited a substantial fortune from their uncle, a
successful merchant and entrepreneur. Determined to build him a memorial,
they worked with William Northend, Bowdoin Overseer and member of the
Class of 1848, and Henry Johnson, curator of the art
collections and member of the Class of 1874, to give Bowdoin the Walker Art Building to
house the Museum of Art. From 1891 to 1894,
the sisters remained involved in the choice of architects and design,
keeping abreast of the progress until the completion of the Walker Art
Building.
Scope and Content:
The collection contains correspondence (1850-1904, n.d.), lists of Mary
Sophia and Harriet Sarah Walkers' art collection, and a printed and
annotated copy of the will of Mary Sophia Walker. Notable correspondents
include Willam Northend, Henry Johnson, Bowdoin President William De Witt
Hyde, and the architectural firm of McKim, Mead & White that documents the
Walkers' interest in the design and construction of the Walker Art
Building at Bowdoin College.
Finding Aid/Index:
Itemized list of correspondence available.
Cite as:
Mary Sophia and Harriet Sarah Walker Papers, George J. Mitchell Department
of Special Collections & Archives, Bowdoin College Library, Brunswick,
Maine.
Access Restrictions:
None.
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