Summary Information

Title: James Blair Murdoch Photographs
Inclusive Dates: 1920-1965

Creator:

• Murdoch, James Blair

Call Number: UWM Manuscript Collection 131

Quantity:

• 7.4 cubic ft. (14 boxes)
• 146 nitrate negatives
• 2,709 digital files (137 GB)

Repository:

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Libraries, Archives Department

Archival Location:

UW-Milwaukee Libraries, Archives / Milwaukee Area Research Ctr. (Map)

Abstract:

Collection consists of approximately 2,600 images (both negatives and prints), most of them taken by Milwaukee, Wisconsin commercial photographer James Blair Murdoch. Some images, particularly the Standard Oil Company images, were identified as "their negs" and may not have been taken by Murdoch.

Many of the images in the collection are related to area businesses, such as advertising and insurance agencies, department stores, manufacturing industries, and service stations. Particularly numerous are photographs pertaining to Boston Store, Holland Furnace Company, Standard Oil Company, Wadhams Oil Company, and the Wisconsin Telephone Company. Images in the collection document business presentations, offices and employees, building exteriors, store interiors and sale-day crowds, fashion modeling and style shows, parties, gas stations, manufacturing and the production process, including many of women at work.

The collection also contains images relating to Marquette University, Milwaukee-Downer College, Mount Mary College, and Spencerian Business College, as well as photographs from several local grade schools. Photographs document school activities, sports, student groups, and graduation.

Photographs relating to the Milwaukee Athletic Club, Boy Scouts, and some family-related images, including weddings, residences, and pets, are also found in the collection.

Language: English

URL to cite for this finding aid: http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.uw-mil-uwmmss0131