Finding Aids
Finding aids serve as guides to collection contents and include descriptions beyond what is offered in the library catalog. Rare Book Room finding aids are generally of 2 types: inventories and/or container lists for archival collections; and bibliographies for book collections. Archival collections contain records, papers, and other materials created by a person, family, organization or institution. A portion of our archival collections have finding aids.
Items in the Rare Book Room collection can be found by searching the library's online catalog.
Archives, Manuscripts, and Visual Materials Collections
Charles Leslie Allen Playbook Collection, circa 1826-1900, undated
Collection Number: RBR PN 2220 .A45
Abstract: Contains nineteenth century prompt books and plays belonging to actor Charles Leslie Allen. These playbooks were performance copies, with most signed and annotated by Allen.
H. Phelps Clawson Papers, circa 1911-1973, undated
Collection Number: RBR Mss. C54 1911
Abstract: Photographs, souvenirs, correspondence, diaries, and published writings of H. Phelps Clawson, archaeologist, poet, world traveler, and later Curator of Anthropology at Buffalo Museum of Science and Director of the Shaker Museum in Old Chatham, New York.
Fischer Family Collection, circa 1900-1979, undated
Collection Number: Buffalo Collection CS71.F5328 F57 1900-1979
Abstract: Personal scrapbooks, clippings, and family photographs compiled by Arthur Fischer, Nelson Fischer, and Thelma Hildebrand Fischer of Buffalo, NY.
Michael Gelen Print Collection, circa 1998-2007, undated
Collection Number: RBR Illus. G32
Abstract: Poster prints relating to buildings, places, theatre, and businesses in Buffalo, New York.
Grosvenor Family Genealogy: Papers of Sardis L. Crissey Family, circa 1837-1945, undated
Collection Number: RBR CS 71 .C757 G46
Abstract: Records collected and created by the Crissey branch (Sardis, Hannah, and Mabel Crissey) of the Grosvenor family. Contains manuscripts of genealogies and charts of the Grosvenor family and its branches, with a small amount focusing on the Crissey branch. photographs, newspaper clippings, correspondence, and historical accounts of the Grosvenor family.
Chauncey Hamlin Papers, 1955
Collection Number: RBR Mss. H37 1955
Abstract: 12 letters written by Chauncey Hamlin to family and friends during his 1955 trip to Europe.
J.J. Lankes Papers, 1907-1988 (bulk 1922-1934, 1942)
Collection Number: RBR Illus. L2 1907
Abstract: A collection consisting primarily of letters sent to J.J. Lankes, renowned woodcut artist. The letters detail business and personal events, and correspondents include Charles Burchfield, Helen Keller, William J. Schwanekamp, and Robert Frost.
Josephus N. Larned, 1836-1913 papers, 1808-1959 (bulk 1861-1909)
Collection Number: RBR Mss. L38
Abstract: Primarily a collection of personal letters to and from Josephus N. Larned, 1836-1913, between 1861 and 1909 along with brief genealogical data, photograph and newspaper clippings.
Little Journeys: Sheet Collection, circa 1900-1903
Collection Number: RBR Roycroft 1900 .H8 L5 S4
Abstract: Consists of unbound, unfolded sheets for Little Journeys to the Homes of English Authors, Eminent Orators, and Eminent Artists.
Autograph Collection of Eleanor and May Martin, circa 1871-1929, undated
Collection Number: RBR Mss. M22 1871-1929
Abstract: Contains letters addressed to Eleanor Martin and autograph books and loose autograph cards belonging to May Martin.
History and Bibliography of the Roycroft Printing Shop: Papers of Paul McKenna, circa 1899, 1927-1983, undated
Collection Number: RBR Roycroft 1899 .M3 H5
Abstract: Contains research materials of author Paul McKenna used in the creation of his book, A History and Bibliography of the Roycroft Printing Shop. Includes photographs, audio materials, correspondence, printed publications, and photocopies of journal articles.
Trumbull Rogers Collection
Collection Number: RBR Mss. T88 1956-2012
Abstract: Trumbull Rogers (1939-2012) was an American author and copyeditor. His writings include nonfiction work on copyediting, dyslexia, and history. Rogers was a prominent member of the Editorial Freelancers Association and frequently contributed to the association through essays and courses.
Shakers Newspapers Collection
Collection Number: **RBR Shakers S54 1786
Abstract: Collection of mostly Northeastern newspapers, 1786 – 1876, with articles and/or advertisements about the Shakers, their beliefs, lifestyle, controversies and products. Brief notes in the spreadsheet explain the nature of the content.
Political Cartoons: Papers of Bruce Shanks, 1970-1995, undated
Collection Number: RBR Illus. S464 1970-1995
Abstract: Political cartoon artwork created/collected by cartoonist Bruce Shanks. Also includes drawings gifted to Shanks and his wife Louise by cartoonists Bill Crawford, Dan Dowling, Bruce Russell, and Pulitzer Prize winner Charles Werner.
August H. Shearer Collection, circa 1903-1941
Collection Number: RBR WNYO 1903.S54
Abstract: Bulk of the collection contains personal papers of Dr. Shearer, which include handwritten and typed drafts of his work as an academic historian, creative writer, and library professional. Materials also include pictures, pamphlets, newspaper clippings, and maps.
Ernest E. Simmons Papers, circa 1894-1966, undated
Collection Number: RBR Roycroft 1894 .S56
Abstract: The papers of Ernest E. Simmons, employee of the Roycroft organization. Collection consists mainly of correspondence, advertisements, newspaper clippings and photographs.
Anthony J. Sisti Papers, circa 1925-1982 [bulk 1933-1970], undated
Collection Number: RBR WNYO 1925 .A58
Abstract: Clippings, correspondence, gallery catalogs and photographs of Anthony J. “Tony” Sisti (1901-1983), artist and professional boxer from Buffalo, NY.
Dr. Robert J. Smith Golfing Collection, circa 1898 – 1970 (bulk 1930s – 1960s)
A.K.A. Smith Golfing Collection
Collection Number: RBR GV963 .S65 1888
Abstract: Collection of mostly Western New York golf course maps, blueprints, score cards, yearbooks, clippings, club records, notes, statistics, correspondence and various ephemera compiled by a local golf enthusiast.
Harry Persons Taber Papers, circa 1875-1947, undated
Collection Number: RBR Roycroft 1881 .T33
Abstract: Materials from Harry Persons Taber, a founding member of the Roycroft Shop and editor of the Philistine journal. Includes correspondence, writings, biographical records, and Roycroft publications.
Troop I, Post 665 Collection, circa 1917-2019 [bulk 1919-1980]
Collection Number: Buffalo Collection UA364 74th .N39I 1917-2019
Abstract: This collection primarily reflects Troop I during their WWI activities and follows the Troop members as they re-entered civilian life following the war’s conclusion. The collection focuses on Troop I, Post 665 from their creation to the dissolution of Troop I, Post 665 following the Covid-19 pandemic. Materials within this collection include newspapers, organization events, membership activities, scrapbooks, and WWI memorabilia.
Mark Twain: Papers of Charles Underhill, circa 1886-1950 [bulk 1886-1935]
Collection Number : RBR PS 1331 .A4 1886
Abstract: Manuscript material, correspondence, journals, and books relating to the life and works of Mark Twain, as collected by Charles M. and Irving S. Underhill.
World University Games Buffalo ’93 Collection, May 1989-July 1993 [bulk July 1993]
Collection Number: Buffalo Collection GV722.5.U5 B83 1989-1993
Abstract: Collection of articles and publications about the World University Games event held in Buffalo, N.Y. July 8-18, 1993. Includes guidebooks, maps, fliers, video, memoranda and periodical articles from across the United States and parts of the World, with the bulk of the articles from the Buffalo News.
Bibliographies
Check List of Evans Titles in the Rare Book Room of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library
Call Number: Z1215 .B9 1969
Descriptive Catalogue of the Gluck Collection of Manuscripts and Autographs in the Buffalo Public Library
Call Number: Z 6621 .B929
Pollard and Redgrave: a Checklist of Titles in the Rare Book Room of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library
Call Number: Z2002 .B9 1968
Shaker Literature in the Rare Book Room of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library
Call Number: BX9771 .B8 1967
Wing Titles: a Checklist of Titles in the Rare Book Room
Call Number: Z2002 .B95 1968