Mary Flagler Cary Photograph Collection


Archives, The LuEsther T. Mertz Library
The New York Botanical Garden
200th Street and Kazimiroff Boulevard
Bronx, New York 10458-5126
Phone: 718-817-8604
URL: http://library.nybg.org/

The New York Botanical Garden. All rights reserved. © 2005

This finding aid was produced in English.

Finding aid produced using NoteTab Pro


Collectors: Cary, Mary Flagler(1901-1967)
Title: Mary Cary Flagler Photographs
Dates: 1954-1963
Abstract: Black and white, color, and contact printed photographs of areas including the Cary estate, now known as the Cary Arboretum (Millbrook, N.Y.) and New York City; includes handwritten notes.
Quantity: 2.5 linear feet.
Call Phrase: Mary Flagler Cary (PP), [x226]

Biography of Mary Cary Flagler

Mary Flagler, beneficiary of part of the Standard Oil fortune, and her husband Melbert Cary sought respite from New York City at their Millbrook country home. What began as a single estate grew into over 778 hectares (1,924 aces) as the couple purchased 14 farms and properties surrounding the Cannoo Hills west of the village. They built a cottage, named the Tea House, atop one of the two hills and let nature take its course. The surrounding fields and pastures became a refuge for local wildlife. After Mr. Cary died in 1941, Mrs. Cary tended to the property, taking a special interest in the maple trees.

Following her death in 1967, Mary Flagler Cary left her Millbrook estate to a trust. The Mary Flagler Cary Charitable Trust was formed to ensure the maintenance and preservation of her property and to foster "...scientific, ...educational purposes," by a charitable organization "...engaged in the conservation, maintenance, and preservation of natural resources...". In 1971, The New York Botanical Garden was named the custodian of the property, and in 1993 the Cary Arboretum became the Institute for Ecosystem Studies and operates as an independent institution.


Scope and Content

This collection consists of photographs taken on the Cary Estate in Millbrook, New York and New York City. Most photographs are black and white Polaroids, while there is also a selection of color photographs. Numerous photos have been taken to document the growth of particular trees and shrubs on the property as can be seen in the date and time notations on the photos. Separate, handwritten notes are included but largely indecipherable.

The photographs taken in New York City appear to document the construction of an unidentified building from a vantage point across the street. Many photographs are undated, but appear to have been taken all around the same time from the early 1950s through the 1960s. There is also a small collection of unidentified family photographs.


Arrangement

The Collection is organized into two series:
Series 1: Photo Books 1-20. 1961-1963.
Series 2: Miscellaneous. ca. 1954-1967.


Restrictions

Access restrictions

This collection is open for research with permission from Mertz Library staff.

Copyright

Requests for permission to publish material from the collection should be submitted in writing to the LuEsther T. Mertz Library of the New York Botanical Garden.


Indexing Terms

The following terms have been used to index the description of this collection in the library's online public access catalog.
Persons
Cary, Mary Flagler.
Subjects
Landscape photography. New York (State) New York.
Millbrook (N.Y.)--Description--Views.
Organizations
New York Botanical Garden. Cary Arboretum.
Document Types
black-and-white photographs. aat.
color photographs. aat.


Administrative Information

Preferred Citation

Mary Flagler Cary Photgraphs (PP), [x226], Archives, The New York Botanical Garden.

Acquisition Information

This collection was accessioned 20 September 1980.

Processing Information

Processed March 2005 by Kathleene Konkle under a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) PA-50678-04.


Container List

 

Series 1. Photo Books.

Scope and Content:

This series is a collection of 3.5 x 4 inch polaroid photographs, previously housed in photo scrapbooks, containing multiple shots of specific plantings and areas of the Cary estate and surrounding areas. One exception being Book #18, which are photographs taken from an unknown rooftop in New York City partially documenting building construction. Many photographs are hand marked with time stamps, presumably documenting seasonal changes. All books were numbered but not all were titled.

Folder Title Date
1.1 Book 1-Millbrook Photos- Summer/Fall 1961-1963
1.2 Book 1-Millbrook Photos Summer/Fall 1961-1963
1.3 Book 1-Millbrook Photos Fall 1961; Summer/Fall 1962-1963
1.4 Book 1-Millbrook Photos Summer/Fall 1961
1.5 Book 2-Millbrook Photos; Trees near entrance, shifted (#1) 1961/1962
1.6 Book 2-Millbrook Photos; Trees near entrance, shifted (#2) 1961/1962
1.7 Book 3-Millbrook Photos-C/H VII Rundfahrt (2); Cannoo Hills and Pellet Roads (#1) 1961/1962
1.8 Book 2-Millbrook Photos; Trees near entrance, shifted (#2) 1961/1962
1.9 Book 2-Millbrook Photos; Trees near entrance, shifted (#3) 1961/1962
1.10 Book 4-Millbrook Photos-Untitled (#1) 1961-1963
1.11 Book 4-Millbrook Photos-Untitled (#2) 1961-1963
1.12 Book 4-Millbrook Photos-Untitled (#3) 1961-1963
1.13 Book 5-Millbrook Photos- untitled 1962-1963
1.14 Book 5-Millbrook Photos-untitled 1962-1963
1.15 Book 5-Millbrook Photos-untitled 1962-1963
1.16 Book 6-Cannoo Hills-Shifting of Maples 1961-1963
1.17 Book 6-Cannoo Hills-Shifting of Maples 1961-1963
1.18 Book 6-Cannoo Hills-Shifting of Maples DATE
1.19 Book 7-untitled 1961-1962
1.20 Book 7-untitled 1961-1962
1.21 Book 7-untitled 1961-1962
1.22 Book 8-From Cottonwood Motel; Fowler Road 1961-1963
1.23 Book 8-From Cottonwood Motel; Fowler Road 1961-1963
1.24 Book 8-From Cottonwood Motel; Fowler Road 1961-1963
1.25 Book 9-untitled 1961-1963
1.26 Book 8-From Cottonwood Motel; Fowler Road 1961-1963
1.27 Book 8-From Cottonwood Motel; Fowler Road 1961-1963
1.28 Book 10-C/H IV, Route #44, Route #82a, Sharon Turnpike 1961-1963
1.29 Book 10-C/H IV, Route #44, Route #82a, Sharon Turnpike 1961-1963
1.30 Book 10-C/H IV, Route #44, Route #82a, Sharon Turnpike 1961-1963
1.31 Book 11-Cannoo Hills (C/H-I) Sharon Turnpike 1961
1.32 Book 11-Cannoo Hills (C/H-I) Sharon Turnpike 1961
1.33 Book 11-Cannoo Hills (C/H-I) Sharon Turnpike 1961
2.34 Book 12-C/H V Rundfahrt 1 Fowler Road 1961-1964
2.35 Book 12-C/H V Rundfahrt 1 Fowler Road 1961-1964
2.36 Book 12-C/H V Rundfahrt 1 Fowler Road 1961-1964
2.37 Book 13-untitled 1961-1963
2.38 Book 13-untitled 1961-1963
2.39 Book 13-untitled 1961-1963
2.40 Book 14-untitled 1956, 1961-1963
2.41 Book 14-untitled 1956, 1961-1963
2.42 Book 15-untitled 1956, 1957, 1960, 1961, 1963
2.43 Book 15-untitled 1956, 1957, 1960, 1961, 1963
2.44 Book 16-untitled 1961-1963
2.45 Book 16-untitled 1961-1963
2.46 Book 16-untitled 1961-1963
2.47 Book 17-untitled 1962-1962
2.48 Book 17-untitled 1962-1963
2.49 Book 18-NYC Rooftop Photos 1954-1956/1962-1963
2.50 Book 18-NYC Rooftop Photos 1954-1956/1962-1963
2.51 Book 18-NYC Rooftop Photos 1954-1956/1962-1963
2.52 Book 19-untitled 1961-1963
2.53 Book 20-untitled 1956-1957

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Series 2. Miscellaneous.

Scope and Content:

Consists of mostly black and white 3.5 by 4 inch polaroids, although throughout, color photos are interspersed. Largely miscellaneous images of Cary property, trees, and shrubs. Also includes miscellaneous family photos and NYC rooftop photos. Possibly duplicates of Series 1 photographs.

Folder Title Date
2.54 Table of Contents (?) (Folders 54-56) 1954-1963
2.55 Cottonwood 1962-1963
2.56 House Construction undated
2.57 Labor Day-Family Photos 1963
2.58 NYC Rooftop Photos 1954-1956/1961/1963
2.59 Televison Screenshots-"Freedon 7" liftoff/Distinguished Service Medal Presentation 5/5/1961, 5/8/1961
2.60 Miscellaneous undated
2.61 Miscellaneous 1961-1963
2.62 Miscellaneous 1961-1963
2.63 Miscellaneous 1961-1963
2.64 Miscellaneous 1961/1963
2.65 Miscellaneous 12/12/1962, 10/25/1963
2.66 Miscellaneous August 1963
2.67 Miscellaneous Fall 1963
3.1 Miscellaneous Fall 1967
3.2 Miscellaneous Fall 1963
3.3 Miscellaneous Fall 1963
3.4 Miscellaneous Fall 1963
3.5 Miscellaneous Fall 1963
3.6 Miscellaneous Fall 1963
3.7 Miscellaneous Fall 1963
3.8 Miscellaneous Fall 1963
3.9 Miscellaneous Fall 1963
3.10 Miscellaneous Fall 1963
3.11 Miscellaneous Fall 1963
3.12 Miscellaneous Fall 1963
3.13 Miscellaneous Fall 1963
3.14 Miscellaneous Fall 1963
3.15 Miscellaneous Fall 1963
3.16 Miscellaneous Fall 1963
3.17 Miscellaneous Fall 1963
3.18 Miscellaneous Fall 1963
3.19 Miscellaneous Fall 1963
3.20 Miscellaneous Fall 1963
3.21 Miscellaneous Fall 1963
3.22 Miscellaneous Fall 1963
3.23 Miscellaneous Fall 1963
3.24 Miscellaneous Fall 1963
3.25 Miscellaneous Fall 1963
3.26 Miscellaneous Fall 1963
3.27 Miscellaneous Fall 1963
3.28 Miscellaneous Fall 1963
3.29 Miscellaneous Fall 1963
3.30 Miscellaneous Fall 1963
3.31 Miscellaneous Fall 1963
3.32 Miscellaneous Fall 1963
3.33 Miscellaneous Fall 1963
3.34 Miscellaneous Fall 1963
3.35 Miscellaneous Fall 1963
3.36 Miscellaneous Fall 1963
3.37 Miscellaneous Fall 1963
4.1 Color-Miscellaneous undated
4.2 Color-Miscellaneous undated
4.3 Color-Miscellaneous undated
4.4 Color-Miscellaneous undated
4.5 Miscellaneous 1960s
4.6 Miscellaneous 1960s
4.7 Miscellaneous 1960s
4.8 Miscellaneous Fall 1963
4.9 Miscellaneous 1960s
4.10 Miscellaneous 1960s
4.11 Miscellaneous 1960s
4.12 Miscellaneous 1960s
4.13 Miscellaneous 1960s
4.14 Miscellaneous 1960s
4.15 Miscellaneous 1960s
4.16 Miscellaneous 1960s
4.17 Miscellaneous 1960s
4.18 Miscellaneous 1960s
4.19 Miscellaneous 1960s
4.20 Miscellaneous 1960s
4.21 Miscellaneous 1960s
4.22 Miscellaneous 1960s
4.23 Miscellaneous 1960s
4.24 Miscellaneous 1960s
4.25 Miscellaneous 1960s
4.26 Miscellaneous 1960s
4.27 Miscellaneous 1960s
4.28 Miscellaneous 1960s
4.29 Miscellaneous 1960s
4.30 Miscellaneous 1960s
5.1 Miscellaneous 1960s
5.2 Miscellaneous 1960s
5.3 Miscellaneous 1960s
5.4 Miscellaneous 1960s
5.5 Miscellaneous 1960s
5.6 Miscellaneous 1960s
5.7 Miscellaneous 1960s
5.8 Miscellaneous 1960s
5.9 Miscellaneous 1960s
5.10 Miscellaneous 1960s
5.11 Miscellaneous 1960s
5.12 Miscellaneous 1960s
5.13 Miscellaneous 1960s
5.14 Miscellaneous 1960s
5.15 Miscellaneous 1960s
5.16 Miscellaneous 1960s
5.17 Miscellaneous 1960s
5.18 Miscellaneous 1960s
5.19 Miscellaneous 1960s
5.20 Miscellaneous 1960s
5.21 Miscellaneous 1960s
5.22 Miscellaneous 1960s
5.23 Miscellaneous 1960s
5.24 Miscellaneous 1960s
5.25 Miscellaneous 1960s
5.26 Miscellaneous 1960s
5.27 Miscellaneous 1960s
5.28 Miscellaneous 1960s
5.29 Miscellaneous 1960s
5.30 Miscellaneous 1960s
5.31 Miscellaneous 1960s
5.32 Miscellaneous 1960s
5.33 Miscellaneous 1960s
5.34 Miscellaneous 1960s
5.35 Miscellaneous 1960s
5.36 Miscellaneous 1960s
5.37 Miscellaneous 1960s
5.38 Miscellaneous 1960s
5.39 Miscellaneous 1960s
5.40 Miscellaneous 1960s
6.1 Miscellaneous 1960s
6.2 Miscellaneous 1960s
6.3 Miscellaneous 1960s
6.4 Miscellaneous 1960s
6.5 Miscellaneous 1960s
6.6 Miscellaneous 1960s
6.7 Miscellaneous 1960s
6.8 Miscellaneous 1960s
6.9 Miscellaneous 1960s
6.10 Miscellaneous 1960s
6.11 Miscellaneous 1960s
6.12 Miscellaneous 1960s
6.13 Miscellaneous 1960s
6.14 Miscellaneous 1960s
6.15 Miscellaneous 1960s
6.16 Miscellaneous 1960s
6.17 Miscellaneous 1960s
6.18 Miscellaneous 1960s
6.19 Miscellaneous 1960s
6.20 Miscellaneous 1960s
6.21 Miscellaneous 1960s
6.22 Miscellaneous 1960s
6.23 Miscellaneous 1960s
6.24 Miscellaneous 1960s
6.25 Miscellaneous 1960s
6.26 Miscellaneous 1960s
6.27 Miscellaneous 1960s
6.28 Miscellaneous 1960s
6.29 Miscellaneous 1960s
6.30 Miscellaneous 1960s
6.31 Miscellaneous 1960s
6.32 Miscellaneous 1960s
6.33 Miscellaneous 1960s
6.34 Miscellaneous 1960s

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