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Collection of Updike Printing Ephemera

 Collection
Identifier: 004-04-01

Scope and Contents

This collection contains printed ephemera and manuscripts relating primarily to the printing trade. The materials described here constitute only a portion of the printing ephemera in the collection. The organization and description of the materials are ongoing, and researchers are advised to consult Special Collections staff.

Dates

  • 1732-2017

Conditions Governing Access

Materials are open to research.

Biographical / Historical

Ephemeral and job printing has occupied much of the traditional letterpress printer's time from the invention of the printing press to the present. Ephemeral printing was typically intended for an immediate purpose without the expectation that it would last. The collection includes a range of ephemeral formats, including broadsides, printed portraits, handbills, certificates, etc.

Extent

10.85 Linear Feet (One legal-sized record box, one letter-sized record box, one 17" x 20" oversized flat box, four oversized flat file folders.)

Language of Materials

English

Dutch; Flemish

French

Russian

Arrangement

Materials are arranged alphabetically by creator, subject, or most relevant feature.

Custodial History

Some materials were received as a gift from Daniel Berkeley Updike, including portraits and other material previously framed and displayed on the walls of the Merrymount Press. Additional materials acquired through donation and purchase.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Received through donations, purchase and transfer from the library General Collections. The oldest items in the collection were received through bequeathment from Daniel Berkeley Updike.

Accruals

Additional accruals are expected, both through new acquisitions and processing of existing unprocessed collection materials.

Title
Collection of Updike Printing Ephemera
Status
In Progress
Author
Jordan Goffin, Amanda Thackray, and Audrey Buhain
Date
April 2025
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Providence Public Library Repository

Contact:
150 Empire Street
Providence RI 02903 United States of America
401-455-8021