Guide to the Harold Mason Photograph Collection, 1910-1920
Providence Public Library Special Collections, Rhode Island Collection
150 Empire Street
Providence, RI 02903
Tel: 401-455-8021
Fax: 401-455-8065
email: ricoll@provlib.org
Published in 2016
Collection Overview
| Title: | Harold Mason Photograph Collection |
| Date range: | 1910-1920 |
| Creator: | Mason, Harold (1881-1944) |
| Extent: | 5 boxes (2 linear feet) |
| Abstract: | The Harold Mason Photograph Collection contains photographs and photographic postcards of domestic architecture and architectural elements of structures, specifically doorways, throughout Rhode Island. |
| Language of materials: | English |
| Repository: | Providence Public Library Special Collections, Rhode Island Collection |
| Collection number: | VM003 |
Scope & content
The Harold Mason Photograph Collection contains photographs and photographic postcards of domestic architecture and architectural elements of structures, specifically doorways, throughout Rhode Island. The bulk of the images are of building exteriors although some interior shots are included. Photographs are both mounted and on photographic postcards.Included in the collection is what is presumed to be the complete set of Providence doorways sold by Harold Mason. The remainder of the images are presumed to have been acquired as individual prints. While the actual date of these photographs is unknown, it is likely that they were produced from 1910-1920. Photographic postcards were developed after 1907 and several accounts show that organizations purchased his photograph sets 1916-1918.
Access Points
Subject Topics Subject Topics Document TypesArrangement
The Harold Mason Photograph Collection is organized into 3 main series. The photographic series are organized numerically using the numbers printed on the photographs.
- Series 1: Harold Mason’s Photographs of Rhode Island Colonial Doorways
- Series 2: Rhode Island Architecture photographs believed to be by Harold Mason
- Series 3: Brochures advertising pricing for Mason’s photographs
Biographical note
Harold Mason was born in Providence, RI on March 22, 1881. He lived at 253 Waterman Street with his family for the duration of his life. Little is known about Mason’s personal life, interests in photography and architecture or his professional career. It does not appear that he worked as a professional photographer. However, he did sell prints of his photographs as is noted in his sales brochures. He died on March 3, 1944 of a heart attack.Access & Use
| Access to the collection: | There are no restrictions on access. This collection is open under the rules and regulations of the Providence Public Library Special Collections department. |
| Use of the materials: | Researchers are requested to cite the collection name and the Providence Public Library in all bibliographic references. |
| Preferred citation: | [item number], [itemtitle], Harold Mason Photograph Collection, VM003, Rhode Island Collection, Providence Public Library. |
| Contact information: | Providence Public Library Special Collections, Rhode Island Collection 150 Empire Street Providence, RI 02903 Tel: 401-455-8021 Fax: 401-455-8065 email: ricoll@provlib.org |
Administrative Information
| ABOUT THE COLLECTION | |
| Acquisition: | Materials were acquired as part of the Providence Public Library Nickerson Architectural Collection. Specific acquisition of the Harold Mason photographs is unknown. |
| ABOUT THE FINDING AID | |
| Author: | Finding aid prepared by Jessica Lemieux, 2013. |
| Encoding: | Finding aid encoded by Stacie M. Parillo, 2016 September 15. |
| Descriptive rules: | Finding aid based on Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS) |
Additional Information
| Related material: | VM 002 Collection of Rhode Island architecture from the National Park Service, Historic American Buildings Survey records. Rhode Island Collection. Providence Public Library. |
Inventory
View or download the inventory for the Harold Mason Photograph Collection here.