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Subject File Photograph collection

 Collection
Identifier: 018.SFP

Scope and Contents

The Subject File Photograph Collection comprises photographic items documenting student groups (i.e., fraternities, sororities, clubs), the Aurora (campus newspaper), campus buildings and structures, departments, and events. The campus building and structure photographs focus on university buildings including residence and classroom halls, a stadium, and the student center. Campus structures include the natural science gardens and fountain. Most of the building photographs taken during the last 40 years and some of the campus structures photographs are from the 1910s and 1920s. The remaining categories such as the student groups, the Aurora, departments and events, focus on campus life of both students and faculty, with most images depicting people. The bulk of these photographs were taken during the 1950s-1960s, with known representation also from the early 1920s and the 1980s-1990s.

The photographs in the collection do a good job of representing campus life in terms of both infrastructure and people during the timeframes the photographs were taken. However, not all eras are equally represented, and not all subjects in the Subject File Collection contained photographs to be removed and placed within this collection. Thus, there are both chronological and subject gaps within the collection.

Dates

  • 1860 - 2016
  • Majority of material found within 1914 - 2003

Conditions Governing Access

Researchers are asked to request materials 24 hours prior to visiting the the University Archives.

Extent

3.2 Linear Feet (3 archive boxes, 1 oversize file)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

This collection includes photographic materials organized to reflect the subjects found in the Subject Vertical Files. Photographic formats include black-and-white prints, color prints, Polaroid prints, color slides, black and white negatives, color negatives, stereoscopes, postcard prints, and floor plans. Prints likely date from 1870-2012 with the bulk of materials dating between 1915 and 2009.

Custodial History

Most of the photographic materials were originally generated by academic departments, student organizations, and other internal departments within Eastern Michigan University and its representatives (e.g., staff photographers). However, some of the materials were created and donated by people associated with the University (e.g., students, former professors).

Accruals note

University Archives continues to add materials to the collection. To reflect additions, edits to the finding aid will occur at the end of each calendar year.

  • Removed all duplicate photographic materials from the collection.
Title
Inventory of the Subject File Photographs collection
Status
Completed
Author
Wayne State Graduate Student Alexandra Orchard
Date
April 2012
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script
Language of description note
Finding aid written in English.
Edition statement
First edition.

Repository Details

Part of the Eastern Michigan University Archives Repository

Contact:
Bruce T. Halle Library, Room 310
955 West Circle Drive
Ypsilanti Michigan 48197
734-487-2673