Harold Mason photograph collection

Collection

Identifier: 031-03

Staff Only

Digital reproductions of items from this collection are accessible via the PPL digital repository.

Scope and Contents

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.

Dates

1910 - 1920

Creator

Mason, Harold, 1881-1944 (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Materials are open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

PPL does not claim copyright to this collection. Users of this item are responsible for determining copyright restrictions.

Biographical / Historical

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.

Extent

2 Linear Feet (5 boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Arrangement

The Harold Mason Photograph Collection is organized into 3 main series. Series 1 is Harold Mason’s Photographs of Rhode Island Colonial Doorways. Series 2 is comprised of Rhode Island Architecture photographs believed to be by Harold Mason. Series 3 comprises of two brochures advertising pricing for Mason’s photographs. The photographic series are organized numerically using the numbers printed on the photographs.

Custodial History

Materials were found in collection.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Materials were transferred into Special Collections as part of the Providence Public Library Nickerson Architectural Collection in 2013. Specific acquisition of the Harold Mason photographs is unknown.