COLLECTION GUIDES

ca. 1860-1930

Guide to the Photograph Collection

Restrictions on Access

There are restrictions on the use of this collection. Glass plate negatives and lantern slides of any size are not available for research use. Copy photographs or scans may be available for alternative viewing. Consult the Reference Librarian for more information.


Collection Summary

Abstract

Photographs depicting the families of historian Allen French and his first wife Ellen Richmond Dorrance French of Boston and Concord, Mass. Related family names include Brooks, Howell, Stratton, and Wales, among others.

Biographical Sketch

Allen French (1870-1946) was born in Boston, Mass., the son of John James and Frances Maria (Stratton) French. After graduating from Boston English High School, French attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and University of Berlin before receiving his B.A. from Harvard University in 1894. French was a prolific author, best known for his works on the battles of Lexington and Concord and the American Revolution. French settled in Concord, Mass., where he married Ellen Richmond Dorrance (1871-1918) in 1898. Allen and Ellen French had three daughters: Maude (1900-1985), Frances (1902-1978), and Ellen (1908-2000). After Ellen's death, he married Aletta Lillibridge (1883-1962) of New York. Allen French was a member of many Concord organizations including the Concord Antiquarian Society and the "Social Circle," as well as of the Massachusetts Historical Society, Colonial Society, and American Antiquarian Society. He died in Concord, Mass. on 6 October 1946.

Sources

Forbes, Allan. "Allen French," Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society, Third Series, vol. 69 (Oct. 1947-May 1950), p. 416-419.

Collection Description

The Allen French family photographs depict members of the immediate and extended families of French and his wife Ellen Dorrance, as well as views of homes associated with the families in Concord and Petersham, Mass. and Providence, R.I. Surnames of extended family members include Stratton, Wales, Howell, and Spear. Most of the photographs are identified, presumably by Allen French. The collection includes cartes de visite, tintypes, and cabinet photographs. Identified Boston photographers include Allen & Rowell, John Adams Whipple, and Silsbee, Case & Co., among many others.

The collection also includes photographs of historical documents from the collections of the Earl of Dartmouth, taken by Allen French during a research trip to England.

Acquisition Information

Gift of the estate of Allen French, March 1947.

Restrictions on Access

There are restrictions on the use of this collection. Glass plate negatives and lantern slides of any size are not available for research use. Copy photographs or scans may be available for alternative viewing. Consult the Reference Librarian for more information.

Detailed Description of the Collection

I. Photograph albums

Photographs are arranged according to their order in the album.

A. Vol. 1: Stratton and French family carte de visite album, 1860s-1870s

Box 1Vol. 1p. 1#372.01

Stratton, Charles Edwin (1813-1872)

Taken by Black, Boston.

Caption: "Grandfather Stratton."

Box 1Vol. 1p. 2#372.02

Stratton, Charles Edwin (1813-1872)

Taken by Whipple, Boston.

Caption: "The same."

Box 1Vol. 1p. 3#372.03

Stratton, Solomon Piper (1848-1924)

Taken by Whipple, Boston.

Caption: "Uncle Sol."

Box 1Vol. 1p. 4#372.04

Wales, George Canning (1868-1940), ca. 1871

Taken by Whipple, Boston.

Caption: "G.C.W."

Box 1Vol. 1p. 5#372.05

Wales, Alice Stratton (1872-1971), ca. 1872

Taken by Whipple, Boston.

Caption: "A.S.W."

Box 1Vol. 1p. 6#372.06

Stratton, Charles Edwin, Jr. (1846-1932)

Taken by Metcalf & Welldon, Boston.

Caption: "Uncle Charlie."

Box 1Vol. 1p. 7#372.07

Unidentified infant

Photographer unknown.

Caption on photograph: "French."

Box 1Vol. 1p. 8#372.08

French, Charles Stratton (1873-1933), ca. 1874

Taken by Allen & Rowell, Boston.

Caption: "C.S.F."

Box 1Vol. 1p. 9#372.09

Unidentified infant

Taken by Allen & Rowell, Boston.
Box 1Vol. 1p. 10#372.10

French, Sarah Hollis Piper (1821-1897)

Taken by Case & Getchell, Boston.

Caption: "Grandmother Stratton."

Box 1Vol. 1p. 11#372.11

Unidentified infant

Photographer unknown.

Caption on photograph: "French." Same sitter as #372.07.

Box 1Vol. 1p. 12#372.12

Jones, Jane

Taken by H. G. Smith, Boston.

Caption: "Aunt Jane Jones."

Box 1Vol. 1p. 13#372.13

French, Allen (1870-1946), 1874

Taken by Allen & Rowell, Boston.

Caption: "At 3 years, 11 mos."

Box 1Vol. 1p. 14#372.14

Wales, Susan E. Stratton (1844-1901)

Taken by J. W. Black, Boston.

Caption: "Aunt Sue Wales."

Box 1Vol. 1p. 15#372.15

French, Frances Maria Stratton (1843-1911)

Taken by Bogardus & Bendann Brothers, New York.

Caption: "Mother."

Box 1Vol. 1p. 16#372.16

French, John James (1834-1885)

Taken by Case & Getchell, Boston.

Caption: "Father."

Box 1Vol. 1p. 17#372.17

French, John James (1834-1885)

Taken by Bogardus, New York.

Caption: "Father."

Box 1Vol. 1p. 18#372.18

French, Hollis (1868-1940), ca. 1870

Photographer unknown.

Caption: "Hollis?"

Box 1Vol. 1p. 19#372.19

French, Allen (1870-1946), ca. 1870

Photographer unknown.

Caption: "And me?" Same sitter as #372.07 and 372.11.

Box 1Vol. 1p. 20#372.20

Spear, William

Photographer unknown.

Caption: "Uncle Wm Spear."

B. Vol. 2: French family carte de visite album, 1860s-1870s

Box 1Vol. 2p. 1#372.21

French, John James (1834-1885) and Frances Maria Stratton French (1843-1911)

Photographer unknown.

Caption: "Mr. & Mrs. John J. French."

Box 1Vol. 2p. 2#372.22

Patterson, David, (1800-1870)

Taken by Charles K. Bill, New York.

Caption: "David Patterson married Aunt Mary."

Box 1Vol. 2p. 3#372.23

French, Frances Maria Stratton (1843-1911)

Photographer unknown.

Caption: "Mother."

Box 1Vol. 2p. 4#372.24

French, John James (1834-1885)

Photographer unknown.
Box 1Vol. 2p. 5#372.25

French, John James (1834-1885)

Taken by Bogardus, New York.

Caption: "Father."

Box 1Vol. 2p. 6#372.26

French, Charles Edwin Jr. (1846-1932)

Taken by Marshall & Co., Boston.

Caption: "Uncle Charles E. French."

Box 1Vol. 2p. 7#372.27

Howell, William Perkins (1837-1909) & Cecilia Ray Huntting Howell (1842-1867)

Photographer unknown.

Caption: "Wm. Howell and 1st wife."

Box 1Vol. 2p. 8#372.28

Howell, William Perkins (1837-1909)

Photographer unknown.

Caption: "Wm. Howell."

Box 1Vol. 2p. 9#372.29

Howell, Lydia (1844-1897)

Photographer unknown.

Caption: "2nd wife."

Box 1Vol. 2p. 10#372.30

Howell, Mary Perkins (1840-1914)

Taken by R. A. Lewis, New York.

Caption: "Mary Howell."

Box 1Vol. 2p. 11#372.31

Howell, Matthew (1829-1907)

Taken by A. C. Nichols, Leavenworth, Kansas.

Caption: "Matthew Howell."

Box 1Vol. 2p. 12#372.32

Fisher, Horace (1837-1918)

Taken by Silsbee, Case & Co., Boston.

Caption: "Uncle Horace (Mr. Horace Fisher)."

Box 1Vol. 2p. 13#372.33

Fisher, Maria Adelaide Howell (1834-1910)

Photographer unknown.

Caption: "Cousin Addie (Mrs. Horace Fisher)."

Box 1Vol. 2p. 14#372.34

Patterson, Mary Spear (1806-1891)

Photographer unknown.

Caption: "Aunt Mary (Spear) Patterson."

Box 1Vol. 2p. 15#372.35

Patterson, David (1800-1870)

Photographer unknown.

Caption: "Mr. Patterson."

Box 1Vol. 2p. 16#372.36

Unidentified man

Photographer unknown.
Box 1Vol. 2p. 17#372.37

Unidentified woman

Taken by Wm. J. Tait, New York.
Box 1Vol. 2p. 18#372.38

Patterson, Charles Howell (1841-1914)

Taken by Charles K. Bill, New York.

Caption: "Charlie Patterson."

Box 1Vol. 2p. 19#372.39

Howell, George

Photographer unknown.

Caption: "George Howell."

Box 1Vol. 2p. 20#372.40

Unidentified man

Photographer unknown.
Box 1Vol. 2p. 21#372.41

Dodd, Hattie

Photographer unknown.

Caption: "Hattie Dodd."

Box 1Vol. 2p. 22#372.42

Dodd, John (1811-1890)

Taken by Seaver & Lothrop, Boston.

Caption: "John Dodd."

Box 1Vol. 2p. 23#372.43

Dodd, Mary (1843-1913)

Photographer unknown.

Caption: "His daughter Mary."

Box 1Vol. 2p. 24#372.44

Dodd, John (1779-1865)

Taken by Seaver & Lothrop, Boston.

Caption: "Old Mr. Dodd."

Box 1Vol. 2p. 25#372.45

French, Frederick W. (1842-1900)

Taken by Silsbee, Case & Co., Boston.

Caption: "Uncle Fred (Fdk W. French)."

Box 1Vol. 2p. 26#372.46

Birch, Mrs. William

Taken by Charles K. Bill, New York.

Caption: "Mrs. Wm. Birch New York."

Box 1Vol. 2p. 27#372.47

Unidentified woman

Taken by Case & Getchell, Boston.
Box 1Vol. 2p. 28#372.48

Mayo, Elizabeth White (1841-1909)

Taken by A. Ken, Paris.

Caption: "Lizzie Mayo."

Box 1Vol. 2p. 29#372.49

Lockwood, John Ford Crestwell (b. 1833)

Taken by Maison Martinet, Paris.

Caption: "Mr. Lockwood, her first husband? Yes."

Box 1Vol. 2p. 30#372.50

Binney, George

Taken by Allen & Horton, Boston.

Caption: "George Binney."

Box 1Vol. 2p. 31#372.51

Unidentified man

Taken by S. Masury, Boston.
Box 1Vol. 2p. 32#372.52

Reed, Frank

Taken by Allen, Boston.

Caption: "Frank Reed."

Box 1Vol. 2p. 33#372.53

Crocker, Henry

Taken by E. L. Allen, Boston.

Caption: "Uncle Henry Crocker."

Box 1Vol. 2p. 34#372.54

French, John James (1834-1885), ca. 1860?

Taken by Silsbee, Case & Co., Boston.

Caption: "Two pictures of my father taken according to the giver, Dr. Mary T. Hobart, 'I think previous to his engagement to your mother in 1858 or 59 or the early sixties.' Letter of Feb. 9, 1916."

Box 1Vol. 2p. 35#372.55

French, John James(1834-1885), ca. 1860?

Taken by Case & Getchell, Boston.
Box 1Vol. 2p. 36#372.56

French, Hollis (1868-1940), 1869

Taken by Whipple, Boston.

Caption: "Hollis 11 mos."

Box 1Vol. 2p. 37#372.57

Mayo, Elizabeth White (1841-1909)

Taken by Allen & Horton, Boston.

Caption: "Mrs. Lockwood (Lizzie Mayo) afterwards Mrs De Horrack."

Box 1Vol. 2p. 38#372.58

French, Frederick W. (1842-1900)

Photographer unknown.Tintype.

Caption: "Uncle Fred."

Box 1Vol. 2p. 39#372.59

Unidentified man

Photographer unknown.
Box 1Vol. 2p. 40#372.60

Dodd, Theoda May (1851-1920)

Photographer unknown.

Caption: "Theoda Dodd."

Box 1Vol. 2p. 41#372.61

Priest, Carrie

Photographer unknown.

Caption: "Carrie Priest."

Box 1Vol. 2p. 42#372.62

Fisher, Maria Adelaide Howell (1851-1920)

Taken by Bogardus, New York.

Caption: "Cousin Addie (Mrs. Horace Fisher)."

Box 1Vol. 2p. 43#372.63

Unidentified man, woman, and child

Taken by Thiebault, Paris.
Box 1Vol. 2p. 44#372.64

Reed, Frank

Taken by Silsbee, Case & Co., Boston.

Caption: "Frank Reed."

Box 1Vol. 2p. 45#372.65

Howell, Matthew (1829-1907)

Taken by Bogardus, New York.

Caption: "Matthew Howell."

Box 1Vol. 2p. 46#372.66

Burnside, Ambrose Everett (1824-1881)

Taken by Charles D. Fredericks & Co., New York.

Caption: "General Burnside."

Box 1Vol. 2p. 47#372.67

Bright, John (1811-1889)

Photographer unknown.

Caption: "John Bright."

Box 1Vol. 2p. 48#372.68

Eugenie, Empress (1826-1920)

Photographer unknown.

Caption: "Empress Eugenie."

C. Vol. 3: Allen French tintype album, ca. 1883-1898

Album of gem tintypes. Front leaf inscribed "Allen French. 200 Commonwealth Ave. Boston." Most of the photographs are unidentified.

Box 1Vol. 3#372.69-372.123

II. Loose photographs

A. Portraits

Box 1#372.124

Bancroft, Alice Dorrance (1878-1923), 1879

Taken by Coleman & Remington, Providence, R.I.Carte de visite.
Box 1#372.125

Bancroft, Alice Dorrance (1878-1923), 1910

Photographer unknown.
Box 1#372.126

Bancroft, Alice Dorrance (1878-1923), ca. 1881

Taken by Coleman & Remington, Providence, R.I.Cabinet photograph.
Box 1#372.127

Bancroft, Alice Dorrance (1878-1923), 1885

Taken by B. Johannes, Meran, Sudtyrol.Cabinet photograph.
Box 1#372.128

Bancroft, Alice Dorrance (1878-1923), 1892

Taken by P. H. Rose, Providence, R.I.Cabinet photograph.
Box 1#372.129

Bancroft, Alice Dorrance (1878-1923), 1882

Taken by Coleman & Remington, Providence, R.I.Cabinet photograph.
Box 1#372.130

Bancroft, Alice Dorrance (1878-1923), [1885]

Taken by B. Johannes, Meran, Sudtyrol.Cabinet photograph.
Box 1#372.131

Bancroft, James (1879-1950), [ca. 1910?]

Photographer unknown.
Box 1#372.132

Brooks, Helen French (1880-1953), ca. 1900

Photographer unknown.
Box 1#372.133

Brooks, Helen French (1880-1953) and Rafferty (dog), ca. 1895

Photographer unknown.
Box 1#372.134

Brooks, Helen French (1880-1953), ca. 1900

Taken by Bartlett F. Kenney, Boston.
Box 1#372.135

Brooks, John Edward, Jr. (1910-1965), 1911

Photographer unknown.

Inscribed on verso "John Edward Brooks Jr. 1 1/2 years 1911."

Box 1#372.136

Brooks, John, Charles & Francis, ca. 1915

Photographer unknown.
Box 1#372.137

Brooks family, 1922

Photographer unknown.

Inscribed on verso: "Thanksgiving 1922 at the Edward Brooks' Milton."

Box 1#372.138

Brooks family, ca. 1930

Photographer unknown.

Inscribed on verso: "Thanksgiving at the Brookes Milton in the 30s?"

Box 1#372.139

Dorr, Sullivan (1778-1858)

Taken by Manchester Bros., Providence, R.I.Carte de visite photograph of a portrait.

Inscribed on verso: "Sullivan Dorr father of Tom Dorr. Original in Washington Insurance office Market Square Providence R.I."

Box 1#372.140

Dorrance, Alice Richmond (1845-1909), 1863

Photographer unknown.Carte de visite.

Inscribed on verso: "Alice Richmond 18 years old. Born June 4th 1845. For E.R.P."

Box 1#372.141

Dorrance, Alice Richmond (1845-1909), 6 Apr. 1864

Taken by H. P. Osborne, Bethlehem, Pa.Carte de visite.
Box 1#372.142

Dorrance, Alice Richmond (1845-1909), 1866

Taken by Manchester Bro & Angell, Providence, R.I.Carte de visite. Three-cent revenue stamp on verso.
Box 1#372.143

Dorrance, Alice Richmond (1845-1909), ca. 1864

Photographer unknown.Tintype.
Box 1#372.144

Dorrance, Alice Richmond (1845-1909) and unidentified woman, July 1863

Taken by F. Hacker, Providence, R.I.Carte de visite.
Box 1#372.145

Dorrance, Alice Richmond (1845-1909)

Taken by B. Johannes, Meran, Sudtyrol.Cabinet photograph.
Box 1#372.146

Dorrance, Alice Richmond (1845-1909), 21 Jan. 1884

Taken by Coleman & Co., Providence, R.I.Cabinet photograph.
Box 1#372.147

Dorrance, Alice Richmond (1845-1909), 1893

Photographer unknown.
Box 1#372.148-372.149

Dorrance, Alice Richmond (1845-1909), 1906?

Photographer unknown.Carte de visite.
Box 1#372.150

Dorrance, Alice Richmond (1845-1909), Ellen R. French and "Little Ellen," July 1908

Photographer unknown.
Box 1#372.151

Dorrance, Alice Richmond (1845-1909), ca. 1896?

Photographer unknown.Mounted photograph, signed below image, but signature is illegible.
Box 1#372.152

Dorrance, Alice Richmond (1845-1909), 1893

Taken by Rose Studio, Providence, R.I.
Box 1#372.153

Dorrance, Amy (1873-1879), 1873

Taken by Manchester's, Providence, R.I.Carte de visite.
Box 1#372.154

Dorrance, Amy (1873-1879), ca. 1875

Taken by Manchester Bros., Providence, R.I.Carte de visite.
Box 1#372.155

Dorrance, Amy (1873-1879), May 1877

Taken by A. C. Brownell, Providence, R.I.Cabinet photograph.
Box 1#372.156

Dorrance, Amy (1873-1879), with doll, May 1877

Taken by A. C. Brownell, Providence, R.I.Cabinet photograph.
Box 1#372.157

Dorrance, Maude Dunnell (1872-1900), 1872

Taken by Coleman & Remington, Providence, R.I.Carte de visite.
Box 1#372.158

Dorrance, Maude Dunnell (1872-1900), 1872

Photographer unknown.Carte de visite.
Box 1#372.159

Dorrance, Maude Dunnell (1872-1900), 1875

Taken by Manchester Bros., Providence, R.I.Cabinet photograph.
Box 1#372.160

Dorrance, Samuel Martin (1882-1957), ca. 1885

Taken by B. Johannes, Meran, Sudtyrol.Cabinet photograph.
Box 1#372.161

Dorrance, Samuel Martin (1882-1957), ca. 1886

Taken by B. Johannes, Meran, Sudtyrol.Cabinet photograph.
Box 1#372.162

Dorrance, Samuel Martin (1882-1957), ca. 1900

Taken by the Shepard Company, Providence, R.I.
Box 1#372.163a/b

Dorrance, Samuel Martin (1882-1957), June 1908

Taken by Sands & Brady, Providence, R.I.
Box 1#372.164

Dorrance, Samuel Martin (1882-1957), Dec. 1910

Photographer unknown.
Box 1#372.165

Dorrance, Samuel Martin (1882-1957), on horseback, Petersham, 1906

Photographer unknown.
Box 1#372.166

Dorrance, Samuel Martin (1882-1957), with three unidentified men, Plattsburg, 1916

Photographer unknown.Postcard.

Image captioned: "Rhode Island Clergy, Plattsburg, 1916."

Box 2#372.167

Dorrance, Samuel Richmond (1843-1920), 1865

Taken by Ferrando, Rome.Carte de visite.

Verso inscribed: "Samuel R. Dorrance"; "Anna Richmond's Rome, March 7th /65."

Box 2#372.168

Dorrance, Samuel Richmond (1843-1920), 1884

Taken by Coleman & Remington, Providence, R.I.Cabinet photograph.
Box 2#372.169

Dorrance, Samuel Richmond (1843-1920), Mar. 1885

Taken by Coleman & Co., Providence.Cabinet photograph.
Box 2#372.170

Dorrance, Samuel Richmond (1843-1920), 1868

Taken by Coleman & Remington, Providence.Cabinet photograph.

Inscribed on verso: "Aunty Nellie from Uncle Sam Dec. 25th 1868. Born Oct. 22nd, 1843." "For E.R.P."

Box 2#372.171

Dorrance, Samuel Richmond (1843-1920), 1885

Taken by Coleman & Co., Providence.Cabinet photograph.
Box 2#372.172

Dorrance, Samuel Richmond (1843-1920), [1885]

Taken by Coleman & Co., Providence.Cabinet photograph.
Box 2#372.173

Dorrance, Samuel Richmond (1843-1920), ca. 1910?

Photographer unknown.
Box 2#372.174

Dorrance, Samuel Richmond (1843-1920), 1906

Photographer unknown.
Box 2#372.175

Dorrance, Samuel Richmond (1843-1920), ca. 1910?

Photographer unknown.
Box 2#372.176-372.177

Dorrance, Samuel Richmond, Jr. (1877-1879), ca. 1878

Taken by Coleman & Remington, Providence, R.I.Cartes de visite.
Box 2#372.178

Dorrance, Sara Weed (1884-1972), ca. 1914

Photographer unknown.

Inscribed on verso: "Sarah [sic] (Sally Weed) Dorrance about 1914."

Box 2#372.179

Dorrance family, 1904

Photographer unknown.

Seven members of the Dorrance family, seated on a porch with their dog.

Box 2#372.180

French, Allen (1870-1946), 1871

Taken by Whipple, Boston.Carte de visite.

Inscribed on verso: "Allen French 6 months."

Box 2#372.181

French, Allen (1870-1946), ca. 1873

Photographer unknown.Carte de visite.

Inscribed on verso: "AF aged about 3 years."

Box 2#372.182a/b

French, Allen (1870-1946), Oct. 1874

Taken by Allen & Rowell, Boston.Carte de visite.

Inscribed on verso: "Allen French 3 yrs & 11 ms."

Box 2#372.183-372.184

French, Allen (1870-1946), 1885

Taken by C. M. Litchfield, Boston.Cabinet photographs.
Box 2#372.185

French, Allen (1870-1946), 1888

Taken by J. Notman, Boston.Cabinet photograph.

Inscribed on verso: "March 1888 17 yrs 4 ms."

Box 2#372.186

French, Allen (1870-1946), ca. 1889

Taken by Notman Photo Co., Boston.Cabinet photograph.
Box 2#372.187

French, Allen (1870-1946), ca. 1890?

Taken by J. Notman, Boston.Cabinet photograph.
Box 2#372.188

French, Allen (1870-1946), 1896?

Taken by Notman Photo Co., Boston.Cabinet photograph.
Box 2#372.189-372.192

French, Allen (1870-1946)

Photographers unknown.Mounted photographs.
Box 2#372.193

French, Allen (1870-1946), ca. 1930?

Taken by Pierpont Studios, New Rochelle, N.Y.
Box 2#372.194-372.195

French, Allen (1870-1946), 1933

Taken by Axel Bahnsen, Yellow Springs, Ohio.
Box 2#372.196-372.203

French, Allen (1870-1946), ca. 1919-1933

Photographers unknown.Snapshots.
Box 2#372.204

French, Allen (1870-1946), Hollis (1868-1940), and Charles (1873-1933), ca. 1873

Taken by Whipple, Boston.Carte de visite.

Inscribed on verso: "Hol, Allen Charlie."

Box 2#372.205

French, Allen (1870-1946) and Hollis (1868-1940), ca. 1870

Photographer unknown.Mounted photograph.
Box 2#372.206

French, Allen (1870-1946), Hollis (1868-1940), and Philip (1876-1943) ca. 1876

Photographer unknown.Carte de visite.
Box 2#372.207

French, Allen (1870-1946) and Philip (1876-1943), 1878

Taken by Allen & Rowell, Boston.Carte de visite.

Inscribed on verso: "Allen French 7 yrs 8 ms, Philip French 21 ms."

Box 2#372.208

French, Allen (1870-1946), Hollis (1868-1940), and Charles (1873-1933), ca. 1875

Taken by Allen & Rowell, Boston.Cabinet photograph.

Inscribed on verso: "Hollis, Allen & Charles S. French."

Box 2#372.209

French, Allen (1870-1946) and Aletta Lillibridge French (1883-1962), 1930

Taken by James H. Tolman, Malden, Mass.

Allen and Aletta French dressed in historic costume.

Box 2#372.210-372.211

French, Allen (1870-1946) and Ellen R. Dorrance French (1871-1918), ca. 1899

Photographer unknown.
Box 2#372.212

French, Allen (1870-1946) and Ellen R. Dorrance French (1871-1918)

Photographer unknown.Snapshot.

Inscribed on verso: "Sticknife in Austria AF & ERD."

Box 2#372.213

French, Allen (1870-1946), Hollis French, R. B. Worthington, James Weed Cartwright Jr., Edgar Burrage and Walter L. [Burrage?], 1888

Photographer unknown.Tintype.

A group of men, one holding a knife and another an oar. Inscribed in pencil: "Taken at Ipswich Friday, Aug. 31, 1888."

Box 2#372.214

French, Allen (1870-1946) and Samuel M. Dorrance (1882-1957), Aug. 1894

Taken by E. J. H. Sercombe, Durham, England.Cabinet photograph.

French and Dorrance posed with bicycles. Inscribed on verso: "Allen French & young Sam Dorrance bicycle trip thru England."

Box 2#372.215-372.220

French, Allen (1870-1946) and family members, ca. 1912-ca. 1925

Photographers unknown.

Group photographs of Allen French with various family members, including members of the Dorrance family and his daughters.

Box 2#372.221

French, Charles Stratton (1873-1933), 1874

Taken by Allen & Rowell, Boston.Carte de visite.

Inscribed on verso: "Charles Stratton French 20 ms. Property of Alice Wales."

Box 2#372.222

French, Charles Stratton (1873-1933), Dec. 1899

Taken by Notman Photographic Co., Boston.
Box 2#372.223-372.229

French, Ellen (1908-2000), 1908-1919

Photographers unknown.

Photographs of Ellen French as a child, including photographs with her mother and a nurse.

Box 2#372.230-372.234

French, Ellen Richmond Dorrance (1871-1918), 1871-1872

Taken by Manchester Bros., Providence R.I.Cartes de visite.

#372.232 is hand colored. #372.234 is unmounted.

Box 2#372.235a/b

French, Ellen Richmond Dorrance (1871-1918), 1873

Photographer unknown.Tintype, with later reproduction of the same.
Box 2#372.236

French, Ellen Richmond Dorrance (1871-1918), 1875

Taken by Coleman & Remington, Providence, R.I.Cabinet photograph.
Box 2#372.237

French, Ellen Richmond Dorrance (1871-1918), 1879

Taken by Coleman & Remington, Providence, R.I.Cabinet photograph.

Inscribed on verso: "Ellen R. Dorrance June 1879 8 years old."

Box 2#372.238a/b

French, Ellen Richmond Dorrance (1871-1918), 1890

Taken by P. H. Rose, Providence, R.I.Cabinet photograph, with small mounted copy of the same.
Box 2#372.239

French, Ellen Richmond Dorrance (1871-1918), 1892

Taken by P. H. Rose, Providence, R.I.Cabinet photograph.

Inscribed on verso: "Ellen R. Dorrance Under Cliff. Sep. 14th 1892." "Coming out dress."

Box 2#372.240

French, Ellen Richmond Dorrance (1871-1918), 1885

B. Johannes, Meran, Sudtyrol.Mounted photograph.
Box 2#372.241-372.250

French, Ellen Richmond Dorrance (1871-1918), 1899-1911

Photographers unknown.

Miscellaneous photographs, including a reproduction of a portrait of Ellen French by Charles Hovey Pepper.

Box 2#372.251a/b

French, Ellen Richmond Dorrance (1871-1918) and Alice S. Wales

Taken by C. M. Wood, Lake Placid, N.Y.Tintype, with later reproduction of the same.
Box 2#372.252

French, Ellen Richmond Dorrance (1871-1918) and Alice S. Wales, May 1894

Taken by Pirie Mac Donald, Albany, N.Y.
Box 2#372.253

French, Ellen Richmond Dorrance (1871-1918), Alice S. Wales, and Ellen (Munroe) Wales

Photographer unknown.Tintype.
Box 2#372.254-372.255

French, Ellen Richmond Dorrance (1871-1918), Maude French, and Frances French, 1902, 1907

Photographers unknown.
Box 2#372.256

French, Frances Maria Stratton (1843-1911), ca 1885?

Taken by C. M. Litchfield, Boston.Cabinet photograph.
Box 2#372.257a/b

French, Frances Maria Stratton (1843-1911), 1899

Taken by Bartlett F. Kenney, Boston.
Box 2#372.258

French, Frances Maria Stratton (1843-1911), [between 1900 and 1911]

Photographer unknown.
Box 2#372.259

French, Frances Maria Stratton (1843-1911), Charles S. French, and Helen French, ca. 1900?

Taken by Notman Photo, Boston.
Box 2#372.260-372.261

French, Frances Maria Stratton (1843-1911) and John French (1906-1989), 1910 or 1911

Photographer unknown.
Box 2#372.262

French, Frances Stratton 1902-1978, ca. 1920?

Photographer unknown.
Box 2#372.263

French, Frederick William (1842-1900), ca. 1860

Taken by Case & Getchell, Boston.Carte de visite.
Box 2#372.264a/b

French, Frederick William (1842-1900), 1867

Taken by Le Monde Illustre Photographie, Paris.
Box 2#372.265

French, Frederick William (1842-1900), 1880s

Taken by Turner, Boston.Cabinet photograph.
Box 2#372.266

French, Frederick William (1842-1900)

Photographer unknown.
Box 2#372.267

French, Frederick William (1842-1900), 1890s

Taken by Falk, N.Y.
Box 3#372.268

French, Hollis (1868-1940), 1869

Taken by Whipple, Boston.Carte de visite.

Inscribed on verso: "Nov. 29 1869 17 mos."

Box 3#372.269

French, Hollis (1868-1940), ca. 1873

Taken by Whipple, Boston.Carte de visite.
Box 3#372.270

French, Hollis (1868-1940), ca. 1888

Taken by C. M. Litchfield, Boston.Cabinet photograph.
Box 3#372.271

French, Isabel (1884-1971), David (b. 1909), John (b. 1906), and Nathaniel (b. 1913), ca. 1917

Photographer unknown.
Box 3#372.272-372.274

French, John Allen (1800-1859)

Photographers unknown.
Box 3#372.275-372.277

French, John James (1834-1885), 1860s

Photographer unknown.Cartes de visite.
Box 3#372.278-372.279

French, John James (1834-1885), ca. 1866

Taken by Silsbee, Case & Co., Boston.Cartes de visite.
Box 3#372.280

French, John James (1834-1885), ca. 1880

Taken by Sarony, N.Y.Cabinet photograph.
Box 3#372.281

French, Lucy Perkins Spear (1805-1881), 1870s

Taken by Ritz & Hastings, Boston.Cabinet photograph.
Box 3#372.282

French, Maude Dorrance (1900-1985), ca. 1920

Photographer unknown.
Box 3#372.283-372.285

French, Maude Dorrance (1900-1985) and Frances French (1902-1978), ca. 1906-1908

Photographers unknown.
Box 3#372.286-372.301

French, Maude Dorrance (1900-1985), Frances (1902-1978), and Ellen (1908-2000), 1908-ca. 1920

Photographers unknown.
Box 3#372.302

French, Philip (1876-1943), 1899

Taken by E. A. Holton, Boston.
Box 3#372.303

French, Philip (1876-1943) and Helen (1880-1953), 1880

Taken by Partridge, Boston.Cabinet photograph.
Box 3#372.304

French, Rue Elizabeth (b. 1909), 1911 or 1912

Photographer unknown.

Inscribed on verso: "Rue Elizabeth French 2 1/4 years."

Box 3#372.305

French family: Frances French with her children Allen, Philip, Charles, Hollis, and Helen, ca. 1890

Photographer unknown.
Box 3#372.306

French family: Frances French with Hollis, Ellen, Allen, and Helen, ca. 1910

Photographer unknown.
Box 3#372.307

French family: Philip French, Allen French, Florence Meeks, Alice Wales, Alice Dorrance, Ellen Dorrance, and Maude Dorrance, 1890s

Taken by Brownell & Fry, Lake Placid, N.Y.
Box 3#372.308

Richmond, Amey Martin (1784-1852)

Photographer unknown.Photograph of a silhouette.

Inscribed at lower edge: "Mrs. S. N. Richmond, 1812."

Box 3#372.309

Richmond, Anna Eddy (1810-1881), ca. 1865

Taken by L. Powers, Florence.Carte de visite.

Inscribed on verso: "Alice's mother"; "Hotel de New York Mrs. Richmond."

Box 3#372.310

Stratton, Charles (1846-1932), ca. 1865

Taken by Winter, Cambridge.Carte de visite.

Inscribed on verso: "C. E. Stratton."

Box 3#372.311

Stratton, Charles (1846-1932) and Solomon Stratton (1848-1924), ca. 1852

Taken by Whipple, Boston.Carte de visite copy of a daguerreotype.

Inscribed on verso: "Uncle Charlie Uncle Sol."

Box 3#372.312

Stratton, Charles (1846-1932), Stanley French, and Susan Brooks (1920-), ca. 1923

Photographer unknown.
Box 3#372.313

Stratton, Charles (1846-1932) and Solomon Stratton (1848-1924), ca. 1923

Photographer unknown.
Box 3#372.314

Stratton, Sarah Hollis Piper (1821-1897), ca. 1885

Taken by C. M. Litchfield, Boston.Cabinet photograph.

Inscribed on verso: "Sarah H. Stratton"; "Grandmother of AF."

Box 3#372.315

Taggard, Henry (1861-1935), 1880s

Taken by Conly, Boston.Cabinet photograph.
Box 3#372.316

Wales, Alice Stratton (1872-1971), 1893

Taken by Pirie Mac Donald, Albany, N.Y.Carte de visite.

Inscribed on verso: "'Jack' to 'Jonesy' November 1893"; "Alice Wales."

Box 3#372.317

Wales, Alice Stratton (1872-1971), ca. 1900

Photographer unknown.
Box 3#372.318

Wales, George Canning (1868-1940), 1870s

Taken by Clark & Litchfield, Boston.Cabinet photograph.

Inscribed on verso: "Geo. C. Wales the etcher & architect."

Box 3#372.319

Wales, Nathaniel (1843-1924), 1861

Taken by Silsbee, Case & Co., Boston.Carte de visite.

Inscribed on verso: "Fannie M. Stratton 1861"; "The above owned this picture of Natl. Wales."

Box 3#372.320

Wales, Susan E. Stratton (1844-1901), 1880s

Taken by C. M. Litchfield, Boston.Cabinet photograph.

Inscribed on verso: "Mrs. Nathaniel Wales 'Aunt Sue'"; "Alice's mother"; "George's mother."

Box 3#372.321-372.322

Wales, Susan E. Stratton (1844-1901), 1890s

Taken by Pirie Mac Donald, New York.
Box 3#372.323-372.329

Unidentified family portraits, 1860s-1900s

Unidentified cartes de visite, cabinet photographs, tintypes, and other photographs.

B. Views

Views of homes associated with the French, Dorrance, and Stratton families. Arranged by location.

Box 3#372.330

Boston, Mass., Home of Charles Stratton, 1489 Washington St., ca. 1880

Photographer unknown.
Box 3#372.331-372.375

Concord, Mass., Home of Allen French, 1903-ca. 1921

Photographers unknown.

Chiefly snapshots of Allen French's home in Concord during construction, including photographs of tradesmen at work.

Box 3#372.376-372.391

Petersham, Mass., Dorrance family home, ca. 1906-1909

Photographers unknown.
Box 3#372.392

Sudbury, Mass., Pelham Pond

Photographer unknown.
Box 3#372.393

Providence, R.I., Dorrance family home, 2 Prospect St., 1901

Photographer unknown.

C. "Dartmouth Documents," 1775-1776

Photographs of documents from the collections of William Legge, Lord Dartmouth (1731-1801). Taken by Allen French in 1930 for research purposes. The original documents range from July 1775-January 1776. Arranged according to the numbering system assigned by the Staffordshire County Record Office.

Box 4#372.394-372.443

D. Oversize and glass photographs

OS Box 1#372.444

Brooks, John Edward (1877-1923) and Helen French (1880-1953), wedding photograph, 1907

Photographer unknown.
OS Box 1#372.445

French, Allen, ca. 1933

Photomechanical produced for the National Cyclopedia of American Biography.
OS Box 1#372.446

2 Prospect St. Providence, the Dorrance House

Taken by the General Photo Co., Providence.
#1.173#372.447

French, Frederick William, ca. 1850-1855

Photographer unknown.Sixth-plate daguerreotype in leather half-case.This photograph is stored separately in the MHS Daguerreotype Collection (Photo. Coll. 1).
To request this item, follow this link to the MHS catalog and click on the red "Place Request" button.
#1.174#372.448

French, John Allen, ca. 1840-1850

Photographer unknown.Sixth-plate daguerreotype under glass.This photograph is stored separately in the MHS Daguerreotype Collection (Photo. Coll. 1).
To request this item, follow this link to the MHS catalog and click on the red "Place Request" button.
#1.201a-b#372.449

Unidentified man and woman, ca. 1854-1857

Taken by Luther Holman Hale.Two hand-colored, sixth-plate daguerreotypes in one thermoplastic (Union) case.This photograph is stored separately in the MHS Daguerreotype Collection (Photo. Coll. 1).
To request this item, follow this link to the MHS catalog and click on the red "Place Request" button.

E. Restricted access photographs

These photographs are restricted. See the Restrictions on Access for more information.

Medium glass plate negatives#6.24M#372.450

Spear, Samuel Thayer (1769-1821)

Glass plate negative of a miniature portrait of Samuel Spear. Removed from envelope reading "Hollis French ... Copy portrait of his great grandfather Samuel Spear."

Preferred Citation

Allen French family photographs, Massachusetts Historical Society.

Access Terms

This collection is indexed under the following headings in ABIGAIL, the online catalog of the Massachusetts Historical Society. Researchers desiring materials about related persons, organizations, or subjects should search the catalog using these headings.

Persons:

Brooks family--Photographs.
Dorrance family--Photographs.
French, Allen, 1870-1946--Family--Photographs.
French family--Photographs.
Howell family--Photographs.
Stratton family--Photographs.
Wales family--Photographs.
Whipple, John Adams, 1822-1891, photographer.

Organizations:

Allen & Rowell (Boston, Mass.), photographers.
Silsbee, Case & Co. (Boston, Mass.), photographers.

Subjects:

Cabinet photographs.
Card photograph albums.
Cartes de visite.
Tintypes.