Guide to the George E. Pettengill Bookplate Collection, Undated
Unprocessed.
The George J. Mitchell Department of Special Collections & Archives, like all archives and special collections libraries, is the creation of human beings who have collected, organized, and described things in ways that reflect personal, cultural, societal, and institutional biases. Although we strive to preserve and present collections in a manner that is respectful to the individuals and communities who create, use, and are represented in the collections, we acknowledge that our systems are neither neutral nor perfect. We encourage you to let us know if you encounter materials, descriptive language, or practices that are offensive or harmful, particularly those for which inadequate context or warning is offered. We are committed to modifying and updating our descriptive practices to use respectful and inclusive terminology and appreciate your help in this work. We look forward to supporting you in your research and learning together.
George E. Pettengill (Bowdoin College Class of 1933) donated his collection of bookplates (ca. 500 items) to Bowdoin College in 2003. Pettengill was the grandson of Bowdoin College Librarian George T. Little, who was himself a bookplate collector.
Pettengill's collection includes many Bowdoin College Library bookplates and a variety of other institutional, personal and armorial plates, including those associated with Carlyle Baer, Elmer Adler, John Calvin Stevens, George Bancroft, and Richard Morris Hunt. Designers include Rockwell Kent, D.B. Upkike, Fred Anthoensen, and J. Winfred Spenceley, among others.