John Haley Bellamy Papers
Scope and Contents
The collection includes letters written by Bellamy to his father, Charles Gerrish Bellamy (1811-1899); letters from other relatives and biographers; portrait photographs of Bellamy, as well as a photograph of or by Mrs. M. E. Tyler; legal documents such as patents in Bellamy’s name, proof of employment, and a deed; receipts; several poems; a manuscript of a biographical article on Bellamy; a Bellamy family register; news clippings; drawings and diagrams; and various envelopes. In the letters to his father, Bellamy discusses his carving work and notes that he was working on three ships in 1862. He also discusses politics and family life. The photographs of Bellamy depict him at different points in his life. None are dated, but they show him as a young man through his middle age.The other materials relate to various aspects of Bellamy’s professional, and personal day-today life.
Dates
- 1862-1873, undated
Creator
- Bellamy, John Haley, (1836-1914) (Person)
Conditions Governing Access
The collection is open for research. Access to sensitive materials may be restricted at the discretion of the American Folk Art Museum.
Conditions Governing Use
The John Haley Bellamy Papers are owned by the American Folk Art Museum. The collection is subject to all copyright laws, and is dedicated to public use for research, study, and scholarship.
Biographical Note
John Haley Bellamy (1836-1914) was a woodcarver, well-known for his carved eagles and decorative ship figures. Born in Kittery, Maine, Bellamy lived and worked mostly in Maine, but he did work in other parts of New England. Bellamy carved the USS Lancaster Eagle, the figurehead for the ship USS Lancaster. It is his only known surviving figurehead.
Extent
1.8 linear feet (1 document box; 1 oversized flat case (16.25" x 20.25" x 3.75"))
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
The John Haley Bellamy (1836-1914) Papers consists of records created by and related to wood carver John Haley Bellamy. The collection includes photographs of Bellamy, letters written from Bellamy to his father, letters written by another relative, poems written by bellamy, legal documents, manuscripts and letters relating to a biographical article on Bellamy, a Bellamy family register news clippings, drawings, diagrams, and various envelopes.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Philip Isaacson, 1982
Creator
- Bellamy, John Haley, (1836-1914) (Person)
- Title
- A Guide to the John Haley Bellamy Papers
- Status
- In Progress
- Author
- Mimi Lester
- Date
- September 2015
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- Undetermined
- Script of description
- Code for undetermined script
- Language of description note
- English
Revision Statements
- July 2021: Additional materials were interfiled with this collection. The Abstract and Scope & Content notes were updated to include new material. Notes revised by Sarah Barlow-Ochshorn.
Repository Details
Part of the American Folk Art Museum Archives Repository
47-29 32nd Place
Long Island City New York 11101 United States
(212) 595-9533
archives@folkartmuseum.org