Photograph Collections

PROVIDENCE ACADEMY
VANCOUVER, WASHINGTON

Photograph Collection Inventory
1880s-1993

Administrative Information

Repository: Providence Archives, Seattle, Washington

Creator: Sisters of Providence, Sacred Heart Province

Record Group: Providence Academy, Vancouver, Washington

Record Group No.: 22

Date: c. 1880s-1993; bulk, 1910s-1960s

Abstract:
Records created, received and collected by the religious community of the Sisters of Providence, Sacred Heart Province, its personnel and staff relating to Providence Academy, Vancouver, Washington. The sisters founded the institution on December 8, 1856, and operated it until August 4, 1966.

Quantity: 1424 images.

Restrictions:
The Sisters of Providence Archives is a private repository; access to some records is at the discretion of the Archivist.

Preferred Citation:
[Item number of cited photograph and/or series title]. (22) Providence Academy, Providence Archives, Seattle, Washington.

Accession Information:
Records were transferred to the Archives from the Sisters of Providence Provincial Administration or from sisters at the school over a period of years. Donors include Sr. Marcien (1498); Sr. Alexis Melancon (5354); Mary Herman (1354); Sr. Helen Cecilia (2749); Sr. Mary Rieger (3017); Sr. Anna Foley (2817); Sr. Ignatia Marie Lindekugel (4398); Sr. Virginia Goodsell (4368); Sr. Agatha Herman (3149); Sr. Marguerite D'Amours (4283); Sr. Patricia Eley (6053), and Dorothy Corey of Salem, Oregon.

Accession numbers represented are 89:203; 91:120; 92:108; 93:66; 2001:83; 2002:93; 2008:34.

Processing Information:
Various dates between 2001-2005, by Peter Schmid, Visual Resources Archivist.

Prints marked “Pat Eley album” were removed from an album donated to the archives by Sister Patricia Eley on March 14, 1977.  The album was covered in maroon faux leather and measured 10 ¼” x 13 ½”, and contained 143 black-and-white mainly deckle-edged prints, 3 ½” x 5” and smaller, dating 1952-56.  The prints were mounted on black paper with black paper corners. While the prints were disbursed into appropriate series (mainly B1, D2 and D4), a xerox copy of the assembled album is documents the original arrangement of the album.

Some photographs are contained in an oversized floral album, 12 x 22 1/4 x 1".

Related Material:
See finding aid to the manuscript collection, which includes a history of the school.

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Series A: Facilities

A1  Building 1 (1856-72)

Dates: 1906; n.d.
Quantity: 8 images
Dimensions: 6 x 8.5 cm. to 21.5 x 27.5 cm.
Photographic processes: Gelatin silver prints; Illustration; Negatives

Exteriors of the small cabin that served as the first House of Providence in the west. The cabin was moved from its original site and placed behind the main building, next to the laundry/dorm building. The structure was torn down in 1930.

A2  Building 2 (1873-1966)

Dates: 1924; 1936; 1956; 1963; 1966-68; 1974; 1980; 1997; n.d.
Quantity: 83 images
Dimensions: 23.5 x 28 cm. to 5 x 8 cm.
Photographic processes: Gelatin silver prints; Illustrations; Negatives
   
This building was designed by Mother Joseph of the Sacred Heart, foundress and first Provincial Superior. The center portion was completed in 1873; the auditorium wing was added in the 1880s. See also Series K: Oversize.

A3  Gymnasium

Dates: 1963
Quantity: 5 images
Dimensions: 9 x 9 cm. 
Photographic process: Gelatin silver prints

According to Chronicles, the new gymnasium, formed out of the renovation of the former kindergarten building, opened on 10-7-1963. These images, exterior and interior, show installation of floor beams.

Images were dated incorrectly on verso as 1965.

A4  Plat Maps

Dates: [1919]
Quantity: 4 images
Dimensions: 10 x 13 cm. 
Photographic process: Transparencies

Copy photographs from volume of hand-drawn plats by Sr. Anatolie of Montreal, who was sent to the Northwest provinces in 1919 to map and do title research on the properties. The maps also show the addition of buildings over time, building materials, and physical geography such as rivers. Some of the maps are dated later, in the 1930s.

A5  Photographs by Loretta Greene

Date: 1999
Quantity: 49 images
Dimensions: 13 x 17 cm. 
Photographic process: Color prints; Negatives

Photographs by Providence archivist Loretta Greene. Interiors and exteriors of buildings and grounds, including architectural details, and former site of the farm. Also pictures of the all-school reunion at Pearson Airfield with Archives exhibit.

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Series B: Sisters

B1  Professed Sisters

Dates: 1900; 1936; 1948; 1952; 1954; 1956; 1963; n.d.
Quantity: 36 images
Dimensions: 6.5 x 6.5 cm. to 25.5 x 20.5 cm. 
Photographic processes: Silver printing-out paper prints; Gelatin silver prints; Color prints; Negatives

Sisters in various settings, including formal and informal groups and activities.

B2  Novices & Postulants

Dates: 1909; 1914-15; 1918-21; n.d.
Quantity: 15 images
Dimensions: 5 x 7.5 cm. to 10 x 12.5 cm. 
Photographic process: Gelatin silver prints

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Series C: Departments

C1  Chapel

Dates: 1947; 1966; 1984; 1989; n.d.
Quantity: 37 images
Dimensions: 5.5 x 8 cm. to 28 x 21.5 cm. 
Photographic processes: Albumen prints; Gelatin silver prints; Color prints; Photomechanical prints; Negatives

Includes interiors of the chapel, and people at prayer.

C2  Kitchen

Date: n.d.
Quantity: 1 image
Dimensions: 20.5 x 25.5 cm.
Photographic process: Gelatin silver print

C3  Choir

Date: 1955
Quantity: 1 image
Dimensions: 17 x 29 cm
Photographic process: Gelatin silver print

Combined Providence Academy and St. Joseph Academy (Yakima) choir.

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Series D: Students

D1 Formal Groups

Dates: 1895; 1898; 1902; 1921; 1932; 1940; 1947; 1949-50; n.d.
Quantity: 157 images
Dimensions: 6.5 x 6.5 cm. to 17.5 x 22 cm.
Photographic processes: Gelatin silver prints; Negatives

D2 Informal Groups & Activities

Dates: 1918-19; 1921-22; 1926; 1947-48; 1950-55; n.d.
Quantity: 51 images
Dimensions: 6.5 x 9 cm. to 20.5 x 25.5 cm.
Photographic processes: Silver printing-out paper prints; Gelatin silver prints; Negatives

D3 Graduate Portraits

Dates: 1895–1960s; bulk, 1910s–1940s
Quantity: 639 images
Dimensions: 7.5 x 5 cm. to 25 x 20 cm.
Photographic processes: Collodion printing-out paper prints; Silver printing-out paper prints; Gelatin silver prints; Negatives
Arrangement: Chronological.

Includes both groups and individual graduates.

• 1895-97
• 1899
• 1902
• 1904-06
• 1908-14
• 1916-20
• 1923-26
• 1929
• 1941-43
• 1945-50
• 1952-60
• 1962
• 1964-66
• n.d.

D4 Miscellaneous

Dates: 1951; 1956; n.d.

Individual graduates.

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Series E: Subjects

E1  Alumni & Reunions

Dates: 1966; 1976; 1981; 1984-85; 1997; 1989
Quantity: 39 images
Dimensions: 9 x 11 cm. to 20.5 x 28 cm.
Photographic processes: Gelatin silver prints; Color prints

Reunions of 1966 (the last alumni tea upon closing of the school); 1976; 1981; 1985-85; 1997.

E2  Visit of the Archbishop

Dates: 1948
Quantity: 6 images
Dimensions: 6.5 x 9 cm.
Photographic process: Gelatin silver prints

Crowd of PAV students with signs, welcoming the Archbishop at the train station.

E3  Our Lady of Fatima

Dates: 1949
Quantity: 17 images
Dimensions: 6.5 x 9 cm. to 10.5 x 13 cm.
Photographic processes: Gelatin sliver prints; Negatives

Procession and devotions in honor of Our Lady of Fatima at the time of the national pilgrimage.

E4  Fiftieth Anniversary Celebration

Date: 1906
Quantity: 1 image
Dimensions: 17 x 24 cm.
Photographic process: Black-and-white print

Model of the ship Illinois with the five foundresses on board. The Illinois sailed the eastern portion of the journey to the northwest in 1856.

Banner reads, "To Our Mother Foundresses; Fifty Years Linked By Dutys [sic] Golden Chains."

E5  Centennial Celebration

Dates: 1956
Quantity: 64 images
Dimensions: 9 x 9 cm. to 20.5 x 25.5 cm.
Photographic process: Gelatin sliver prints

High Mass, banquet and reception, the foundresses graves, and Land of Loo-et performance (a play written especially for the celebration).

Includes people looking over artifacts from PAV. Many of these are part of the Providence Archives artifact collections.

E6  Bell

Dates: 1966, 1975-76
Quantity: 5 images
Dimensions: 9 x 9 cm. to 13 x 18 cm.
Photographic process: Color prints

Photographs of the school bell being transported to Providence Heights when the school closed in 1966, and it’s return to the school in 1976.

E7  Robert Hidden

Date: 1984
Quantity: 1 image
Dimensions: 9 x 9 cm.
Photographic process: Color print

Robert Hidden of Hidden Brick Works, which supplied the brick for the Academy.

E8  Gardens & Grounds

Dates: n.d.
Quantity: 2 images
Dimensions: 9 x 6.5 cm..
Photographic process: Gelatin silver prints

E9  Christmas Crèche

Dates: 1953; 1963; 1965-66; n.d.
Quantity: 9 images
Dimensions: 9 x 9 cm. to 13 x 18 cm.
Photographic processes: Gelatin silver prints; Color prints

Includes photographs of the “living crèche,” which included live asses.

E10  Storm

Date: 1962
Quantity: 42 images
Dimensions: 8.5 x 10.5 cm. to 11.5 x 9 cm.
Photographic processes: Gelatin silver prints; Instant camera photographs

Detailed photographs of extensive storm damage.

E11 Shrines

Dates: 1966; n.d.
Quantity: 4 images
Dimensions: 9 x 9 cm.
Photographic process: Gelatin silver prints

Outdoor shrine to the blessed Virgin Mary.

E12 Barn

Date: n.d.
Quantity: 2 images
Dimensions: 7 x 11.5 cm.
Photographic process: Gelatin silver prints

The barn for the sisters’ farm. This barn was moved from its original location across the river to avoid flooding.

E13 St. James Cemetery

Dates: 1963; 1965; n.d.
Quantity: 12 images
Dimensions: 9 x 9 cm. to 15.5 x 10.5 cm.
Photographic processes: Gelatin silver prints; Color prints

Views of the cemetery and sisters decorating the graves. Also the Clarke County Historical Society’s tribute to Mother Joseph for her contributions to the northwest.

E14 St. James Church

Dates: n.d.
Quantity: 3 images
Dimensions: 9 x 9 cm. to 20.5 x 25.5 cm.
Photographic process: Gelatin silver prints

The parish church.

E15 Wall Estate

Date: 1966; n.d.
Quantity: 3 images
Dimensions: 13 x 18 to 25.5 x 20.5 cm.
Photographic processes: Gelatin silver prints; Color print

Dr. David Wall had made the journey over the Pacific in 1856, coincident with the sisters’ journey. He was a long-time benefactor to the sisters, and Mother Joseph designed his building on Main St.

Portraits, and a photograph of furniture left to the Academy.

E16 Vancouver & Olympia

Date: 1851; 1854; 1858; 1908; 1976; n.d.;
Quantity: 56 images
Dimensions: 8 x 12 to 22.5 x 30.5 cm.
Photographic processes: Gelatin silver prints; Photomechanical prints; Illustrations

Miscellaneous group of images, including a Souvenir of Vancouver Washington, landmarks, PAV, and the fort. See also Series K: Oversize.

E17 Art & Artifacts

Dates: 1918; 1937; 1966; 1982; 1989; 1991; n.d.
Quantity: 37 images
Dimensions: 6.5 x 9 to 20.5 x 25.5
Photographic processes: Gelatin silver prints; Color prints; Photomechanical prints

Includes paintings, artifacts and a wood BVM statue.

E18 Theatrical Productions

Date: c. 1950s
Quantity: 5 images
Dimensions: 8 x 8 to 13 x 18 cm.
Photographic process: Gelatin silver prints

Includes a production of April Showers.

E19 Foundresses

Date: [1850s]
Quantity: 1 image
Dimensions: 13 x 18 cm.
Photographic process: Gelatin silver print

The five foundresses of the western mission. The sisters never actually sat for a group portrait; this is a composite of images.

E20 St. James Mission

Date: [1866]
Quantity: 1 image
Dimensions: 10 x 12.5 cm
Photograph process: Transparency

Copy photograph, blueprint plan of the mission.

E21 Twenty-fifth Anniversary of the Western Mission

Date: [1881]
Quantity: 1 image
Dimensions: 10 x 12.5 cm
Photograph process: Transparency

Copy photograph of oversize broadside.

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Series F: [vacated]

Series G: [vacated]

Series H: [vacated]

Series I: People

Dates: c. 1900s–1910s
Quantity: 14 images
Dimensions: 8 x 12 to 22.5 x 30.5
Photographic processes: Black-and-white prints; Negatives

A highly miscellaneous series which includes portraits of women, possibly teachers and graduates, and also children, including infants.

Series J: Postcards

Dates: c. 1910s–1991; bulk, 1910s–1920s
Quantity: 20 postcards
Dimensions: 9 x 14 cm.
Photographic processes: Gelatin silver prints; photomechanical prints

J1 Building 1 (1856-73)

J2 Building 2 (1873-1966)

J3 Chapel

J4 St. James Church

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Series K: Oversize

Dates: 1880s-960s
Quantity: 6 images
Dimensions: 25.5 x 30.5 cm. to 28 x 35.5 cm.
Photographic process: Albumen print, Gelatin silver print; Color prints; Illustration; Negatives

K1 Building 2 (1873-1966)

K2 Vancouver & Olympia

K3 Alumni & Reunions

Series L: Slides

Dates: 1964
Quantity: 2 images
Photographic process: 35mm slides

L1 Sisters

L2 Classes

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