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Beatrice H. Kirkbride and Earle R. Kirkbride Papers

Notifications

Held at: Haverford College Quaker & Special Collections [Contact Us]370 Lancaster Ave, Haverford, PA 19041

This is a finding aid. It is a description of archival material held at the Haverford College Quaker & Special Collections. Unless otherwise noted, the materials described below are physically available in their reading room, and not digitally available through the web.

Overview and metadata sections

Earle Rosslyn Kirkbride was born in 1891 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Edward and Ada St. Clair Kirkbride. He received his secondary education at the Earle school, then attended the Art Institute of Chicago from 1909 to 1915. After working as a painter in the Army during World War I, Earle established a career as an artist in Chicago, Milwaukee, and Philadelphia, specializing in commercial art and illustrations for magazines and books. He married Vernon Thomas and, after receiving a divorce in 1929, married Beatrice Hedley in 1930. He died in 1968.

Beatrice Hedley Kirkbride was born in 1907 in Paoli, Pennsylvania to Luella and Edward Hedley. She studied at Moore College of Art and Design from 1925 to 1928 then married Earle Kirkbride in 1930. After raising three children, Beatrice worked with the Philadelphia Historical Commission as a researcher from 1957 to 1975. She died in 2004.

Beatrice and Earle had three children together: Beatrice Rosslyn, Edward Earle, and Jonathan Mahlon. While in Philadelphia they purchased an eighteenth century home in the neighborhood of Southwark at 704 S. Front St. and worked to restore it. In the 1960's and 1970's, as the I-95 Expressway was expanded, the Kirkbrides fought to have construction diverted from the historic area.

The papers of Beatrice and Earle Kirkbride consist of correspondence, notes, photographs, and research and published material related to the Kirkbride family. Both born in Pennsylvania, the Kirkbrides held respective careers in architectural history and illustration.

The largest components of the collection include the material in Series III related to Beatrice's research on her home 704 S. Front St. and her work with the Philadelphia Historical Commission The family photographs in Series V and a set of published materials (Series VII) related to Earle's work as an artist constitute two other significant portions of the papers.

The small selection of material related to Earle in Series II is expanded upon in Series VI (Research Material). Here correspondence, photographs, and newspaper clippings are intermixed with photocopies and notes made by Earle's son and grandson as they researched his life in the 2000's and 2010's.

The two remaining series, Series I and Series IV, consist of correspondence and family papers (such as genealogical research) respectively. Series IV also includes a small set of papers related to the Kirkbride's fight against the I-95 Expressway expansion which include correspondence about their house's condemnation.

Series I: Correspondence (1946-2000) Series II: Earle Kirkbride Materials (1918-1968) Series III: Beatrice Kirkbride Materials (1913-2004) Series IV: Family Papers (1918-1987) Series V: Photographs (1896-1997) Series VI: Research Material (1891-2013) Series VII: Published Material (1892-1962)

Gift of Edward E., Carole H. and Robert E. Kirkbride and Melissa Grey, September 2022

Bibliography of books not accessioned, used for research, can be found here: https://haverford.box.com/s/amestsqa9ptupm4etn07ri9rvekcykcx

Processed by Lillian Sweeney, completed May 2023

Publisher
Haverford College Quaker & Special Collections
Finding Aid Author
Lillian Sweeney
Finding Aid Date
May, 2023
Access Restrictions

The collection is open for research use.

Use Restrictions

Standard Federal Copyright Law Applies (U.S. Title 17)

Collection Inventory

Scope and Contents

A small selection of correspondence. Aside from the first two folders which gather assorted letters sent to and from Beatrice and Earle Kirkbride, this series is arranged as per the original order of the papers, grouped around a specific person or time in someone's life. This includes a set of letters written to Edward Kirkbride, son of Beatrice and Earle, between 1956 and 1957 and a set of cards and letters sent to Beatrice by Earle's sister Kathleen in 1978.

Letters of Earle Kirkbride, 1946-1967.
Box 1
Scope and Contents

This folder consists of an assortment of letters sent to Earle Kirkbride. One or two letters relate to his work as an artist, one or two relate to insurance, and one or two concern his membership in clubs and organizations like the Cliff Dwellers.

Letters of Beatrice Kirkbride, undated.
Box 1
Scope and Contents

Includes letters from one-off correspondents such as a letter from a Charles Yoder of the Milwaukee Monthly Meeting and a set of letters concerning Beatrice's membership in the Athenaeum of Philadelphia.

Cards from Earle, 1955-1964.
Box 1
Scope and Contents

This folder includes cards and postcards written from Earle to Beatrice for a variety of occasions including her birthday, their anniversary, and Valentine's Day.

Letters to Edward Kirkbride, 1956-1957.
Box 1
Scope and Contents

Letters from Beatrice to her son Edward. Discusses everyday goings-on and alludes to some degree of financial distress on the part of Edward.

Correspondence while in Hospital, 1967-1968.
Box 1
Scope and Contents

This folder contains cards and correspondence between  Earle and his family and friends while Earle stayed in the hospital. Most of the cards express a wish to see Earle home soon.

Letters from Kathleen Sattley, 1976-1977.
Box 1
Scope and Contents

This folder includes cards and letters from Kathleen [last name], Earle's sister, to Beatrice. Many of the letters discuss Kathleen's well-being, family goings-on, and her enjoyment of the Olympics. A few photographs of a wedding and a visit between Kathleen and Beatrice are also included. At the end of the folder are a few letters to Beatrice from Kathleen's son Kirk which discuss arrangements for Kathleen's funeral and the division of her estate. There is also a letter from Mary Gale Anderson which conveys her condolences to Beatrice.

Scope and Contents

Contains a small selection of papers related to Earle Kirkbride, his time in the Army in World War I, and his work as an artist. Two folders pertain to his stay at Friends Hospital and the VA Hospital in Coatesville in 1967 and 1968 respectively.

Cards to Beatrice, 1995-2000; undated.
Box 1
Scope and Contents

A small selection of holiday cards addressed to Beatrice by friends.

Service in World War I, 1918.
Box 1
Scope and Contents

An "Army Song Book U.S." from 1918 with the name Miss Margaret Selak written on it and correspondence re: Earle's work as a painter in the U.S. Army in World War I

Application for Officer's Commission, Bulk 1940-1942, also 1918.
Box 1
Scope and Contents

This folder consists of paperwork and correspondence related to Earle's application for an officer's commission during World War II. The paperwork includes records of his service in World War I and a transcript of his academic qualifications. The correspondence is primarily letters of recommendation written on his behalf and there are two letters informing him that he is not currently needed in the service.

Payments for Artwork, 1928-1943.
Box 1
Scope and Contents

Includes receipts and correspondence concerning payment Earle Kirkbride received for his artwork. The Ladies' Home Journal and F. Wallis Armstrong Company Advertising are the two most common correspondents.

Contents of Wallets, 1951-1967.
Box 1
Scope and Contents

Contains the contents of two wallets used by Earle Kirkbride including membership cards to organizations like the Franklin Society and the Zoological Society of Philadelphia alongside his driver's license, a discharge charge from a VA hospital in Wisconsin from 1951 among other things.

Stay at Friends Hospital, 1967.
Box 1
Scope and Contents

This folder contains material related to Earle Kirkbride's stay at Friends Hospital from the end of the April to mid-June of 1967. Most of the documents relate to payment of bills and the Kirkbride's insurance. A prescription form indicates that at some point a doctor prescribed medicine for chest pain.

Stay at VA Hospital, 1968.
Box 1
Scope and Contents

Includes materials related to Earle's stay at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Coatesville, Pennsylvania. Much of it relates to visiting protocols (including slips for when Beatrice paid to stay overnight). At the end of the folder is a letter dated August 16, 1968 from Frank F. Merker, the Hospital Director, informing Beatrice that Earle died on August 15.

End of Life Materials Earle, 1968.
Box 1
Scope and Contents

This folder consists of an obituary for Earle Kirkbride and correspondence between Beatrice Kirkbride, the Oliver H. Bair Co., and the Veteran's Administratin regarding his funeral arrangements (and payment thereof).

Sketches, undated.
Box 1
Scope and Contents

Miscellaneous sketches and drawings attributed to Earle Kirkbride

Scope and Contents

Includes the papers of Beatrice Kirkbride, particularly in connection to her work at the Philadelphia Historical Commission and her research on the history of her home at 704 S. Front Street. Also contains her notes from a history of art class while attending Moore College and material related to her entry into Stapley Hall in Germantown.

Sketches, 1913-1920; undated.
Box 2
Scope and Contents

This folder contains a small set of sketches and paintings created by Beatrice as a child. Someone, presumably Beatrice, has marked most with a date or the age at which a drawing was made.

History of Art Lecture Notes (1/2), 1925.
Box 2
Scope and Contents

A set of lecture notes titled "History of Art Book 1 B. Hedley." The first page indicates that the notes, which consist of a scrapbook of typed description and captioned images, were taken while Beatrice attended the Phila. School of Design for Women. That school is now the Moore School for Art and Design. (These notes were previously bound in a volume.)

History of Art Lecture Notes (2/2), 1925.
Box 2
Scope and Contents

A set of lecture notes titled "History of Art Book II B. Hedley." This volume is a continuation of the previous volume which includes notes Beatrice compiled while attending Philadelphia School of Design for Women (now known as Moore School for Art and Design.) (These notes were previously bound as a volume.)

House Insurance, 1956-1976.
Box 2
Scope and Contents

This folder includes bills for water and property taxes for 704 S. Front St. (the Kirkbrides' home in Philadelphia). There are also materials related to insurance for the house including one letter establishing the policy in 1956 and another set of correspondence adjusting the policy in the wake of Earle's death in 1968. (The two insurance companies The Philadelphia Contributionship and Marsh and McLennan.)

Fireback Research and Sale, 1957-1980.
Box 2
Scope and Contents

Includes research material, correspondence, and a small number of photographs relating to the cast iron fire back the Kirkbrides found behind a fireplace in 704 S. Front St. (their home in Philadelphia). According to this material they discovered the fireback, referred to as "The Conqueror," in 1957 during renovation work and eventually Beatrice sold it to the New Jersey State Museum for 600 dollars in 1977.

704 S. Front St. and Nathaniel Irish Research (1/2), 1956-1983.
Box 2
Scope and Contents

This folder contains materials related to 704 S. Front St., a house in Philadelphia owned by the Kirkbrides from 1955-1976. A small portion of the papers relate directly to the Kirkbride's care and ownership of the house. One sheet of paper describes the repairs undertaken while they lived there and there is a photocopy of a document related to the sale of the house to the next owners. But most of the material in this folder relates to Beatrice's research re: the original builder of the house Nathaniel Irish.

705 S. Front St. and Nathaniel Irish Research (2/2), 1959-1983.
Box 2
Scope and Contents

This folder contains materials related to Beatrice Kirkbride's research on the original builder of her house at 704 S. Front St. Philadelphia. Approximately half of the folder consists of photocopies of primary source documents about the owner, Nathaniel Irish. The remaining material includes research notes, secondary source material, and a portrait of Irish from The Society of Cincinnati, of which he was a member.

Beatrice Employment Documentation, 1957-1976.
Box 2
Scope and Contents

Includes forms and correspondence connected to Beatrice Kirkbride's work at the Philadelphia Historical Commission as a researcher. Based on these documents, which include a summary of her work experience and a report of separation, Kirkbride began working part-time for the Commission in 1957, received a full-time position as "Historical Research Technician" in 1965, and retired in 1976. 

Philadelphia Research Materials, 1957-1993, undated.
Box 3
Scope and Contents

Includes pamphlets and packets related to Philadelphia historical architecture

Contracts with Philadelphia Historical Commission, 1958-1965.
Box 3
Scope and Contents

This folder contains the contracts between Beatrice Kirkbride and the City of Philadelphia for her work as a research consultant for the Philadelphia Historical Commission.

Philadelphia Historical Commission Writings, 1958-1976; undated.
Box 3
Scope and Contents

Research generated by the Philadelphia Historical Commission. Some, including two booklets titled "Philadelphia Historical Commission" 1961 and 1964, discuss the history of Southwark and detail the history of ownership for each building in the area. Others are attributed to Dr. Margaret Tinkcom who worked with Beatrice Kirkbride at the Commission.

About the Philadelphia Historical Commission, 1958-1991.
Box 3
Scope and Contents

This folder contains pamphlets, articles, and newspaper clippings describing the work of the Philadelphia Historical Commission. Most of the material is dated between 1958-1967, but there are also two clippings from the Philadelphia Inquirer concerning a Pennsylvania Supreme Court case which declared Philadelphia's preservation law unconstitutional.

Philadelphia Historical Commission Reports, 1959-1974.
Box 3
Scope and Contents

Includes a small number of meeting minutes and annual reports submitted by the Historical Commission to the Mayor of Philadelphia.

Commission Adjacent Work, 1961-1983.
Box 3
Scope and Contents

This folder includes correspondence and informational pamphlets that discuss events or research connected to the Philadelphia Historical Commission. The correspondence is addressed to Beatrice Kirkbride and thanks her for contributing her expertise to an event or television programme.

PHC Research Aids, 1963-1965; undated.
Box 3
Scope and Contents

This folder includes a letter with catalogue guidelines from the Society of Architectural Historians, "suggestions for preparing briefs of title according to the standard format used by the Philadelphia Historical Commission," and an "Inventory Worksheet" which was to be filled out for a given building. There is also a long list of Philadelphia street names and what original names were changed to over time.

"Creative Writing" Course, 1961.
Box 3
Scope and Contents

A certificate and notes for a class Beatrice Kirkbride took at the Junta Adult School. According to the certificate the course took 12 hours.

"Improve Your Speaking Voice", 1962.
Box 3
Scope and Contents

Notes written by, and certificate of completion addressed to, Beatrice Kirkbride for a course at Junta Adult School. The subject of the course was "Improve Your Speaking Voice." The certificate said the course was to take 16 hours.

Alumnae of Moore College of Art and Design, 1974-1995.
Box 3
Scope and Contents

This folder consists of correspondence and programs from alumni events for the Moore College of Art and Design, from which Beatrice graduated in 1928. She received the 1974 "Outstanding Alumni Award" and the 1995 "Distinguished Alumni Award" (the 1995 certificate is also in this folder).

Car and Clothing Payments, 1974-1994.
Box 3
Scope and Contents

This folder includes three sets of receipts. One involves Beatrice Kirkbride's purchase of a mink coat from Wanamaker's in 1974. (According to the receipt it cost a little over 2,000 dollars.) The second set of receipts/documents concerns a car accident Beatrice experienced in 1979. The materials include a copy of the police report and payment for repairs. The final set of receipts cover miscellaneous repairs to Beatrice's car in the years 1986 to 1994.

Datebooks, 1976-1988.
Box 4
Scope and Contents

Three small datebooks from 1976, 1987, and 1988 used by Beatrice to track meetings and events.

Residence at Stapley Hall, 1981-1998.
Box 4
Scope and Contents

This folder primarily consists of forms and documentation related to Beatrice Kirkbride's move to Stapley Hall (a "personal care boarding home for elderly people in Philadelphia under Quaker auspices.")

Eastern State Penitentiary, 1988-1992.
Box 4
Scope and Contents

This folder contains newspaper clippings regarding the fate of the Eastern State Penitentiary building. It also includes correspondence and notes regarding Beatrice Kirkbride's proposal to transform the Penitentiary into a "youth detention center."

End of Life Beatrice, 1986-2004.
Box 4
Scope and Contents

Contains obituaries, numerous drafts of Beatrice Kirkbride's will, and a few copies of documents related to Power of Attorney. There is also a printed email from Jon Kirkbride to other family members informing them that "mom is 'not responding'."

Scope and Contents

These papers contain notes and correspondence related to members of Beatrice and Earle Kirkbride's extended family. This includes genealogical research Beatrice did on her and Earle's families and a number of folders on their siblings and children. This is also the series which holds material related to Earle and Beatrice's fight against the I-95 expansion.

Kirkbride Genealogy (1/2), 1924-1969.
Box 4
Scope and Contents

This folder consists of notes, pamphlets, and photocopied primary source documents collected for research into the family history of the Kirkbrides. The correspondence in the folder is addressed to Earle Kirkbride.

Kirkbride Genealogy (2/2), 1978-1985.
Box 4
Scope and Contents

This folder includes the "1978 Supplement to the Kirkbride Family History." Leafed in amongst the pages of the supplement are letters between Kirkbride relatives and a series of invitations to the annual Kirkbride Family Reunion. The correspondence is addressed to Beatrice Kirkbride, with at least one letter being written by her which critiqued another person's interpretation of who the first Kirkbrides were to live in what is today the United States.There is also a generic letter to Edward Kirkbride (son of Beatrice and Earle) from another Kirkbride relative, Pennell Churchman Kirkbride, dated 1980, re: the 300th anniversary of the arrival of one of the Kirkbride ancestors, Joseph.

Hedley Family Genealogy, 1936-1954.
Box 4
Scope and Contents

Included in this folder are notes and essays re: the genealogy of the Hedley family. (Beatrice took Earle's last name upon marriage, before that she was Beatrice Hedley.) Three essays by Beatrice's brother DeBonsall cover part of the family's connection to Quaker meetings, the history of one specific ancestor Charles Hawley Bidwell, and the "Ancestry from Numerius Julius Caesar to Violet Garrigues Hedley."  There is an application on the part of Beatrice's mother Luella to have Beatrice become a member of "the Huguenot Society of Pennsylvania."  There is also a small book commemorating the marriage of Beatrice's parents Luella and Edward in 1906 and an obituary for Beatrice's sister Gladys, dated 1966.

Ada Kirkbride nee St. Clair, 1934-1977; undated.
Box 4
Scope and Contents

This folder consists of letters written by Beatrice for research into the St. Clair family (from whom her mother-in-law, Ada Kirkbride, descended). There is also a set of photographs of family members and a set of newspaper clippings from June of 1946 which detail how an iron set Ada on fire. According to the clippings Beatrice put the fire out when Ada ran outside, but a few days later Ada died in hospital.

Bea Rosslyn Franza, 1966-1986.
Box 4
Scope and Contents

This folder contains a set of photographs of Beatrice Rosslyn Franza (daughter of Beatrice Kirkbride), a letter and award for her 23 years as a staff member of Johns Hopkins University, and a copy of her last will and testament dated 1986. There are also a few photographs of her daughter (Elizabeth Anne Kraeger) and granddaughter (Sarah Kreager).

DeBonsall Hedley, 1919-1936 or 1978.
Box 5
Scope and Contents

This folder contains the autobiographical narrative "Memory and Facts concerning the Life of DeBonsall Hedley." (DeBonsall Hedley was Beatrice Kirkbride's brother.) Interspersed with Hedley's narrative are letters or documents relevant to the narrative. [This folder also contains the autopsy report on Hedley.]

Kathleen Kirkbride Sattley Bee, 1930-1952, undated.
Box 5
Scope and Contents

Photographs and an obituary of the family of Kathleen Kirkbride, sister of Earle Kirkbride. The photographs are of Kathleen and her son Kirk Sattley.

Cedar Park Cemetery, 1925-1968.
Box 5
Scope and Contents

This folder includes deeds and other materials related to burial plots in Cedar Park Cemetery (Chicago, IL) owned by the Kirkbrides. Some of the material was from when it was initially purchased by Earle's father Edward Kirkbride, and some relates to Beatrice's management of the plots after Earle's death.

Kenwood Methodist Yearbook, 1952-1953.
Box 5
Scope and Contents

A yearbook for the Kenwood Methodist Church (Milwaukee, Wisconsin) in the years of 1952-1953. The Kirkbrides (Earle, Beatrice, Rosslyn, Edward, and John) are mentioned in the directory and in various clubs and departments.

Milwaukee House Survey, 1951.
Box 5
Scope and Contents

A survey of the house owned by Earle and Beatrice Kirkbride in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Walter J. Connell was the surveyor. The address of the house was 2941 North Downer Ave.

Lobbying Against I-95 Expressway, Bulk 1958-1966, also 2012.
Box 5
Scope and Contents

This folder contains newspaper clippings and printed material about the fight against the expansion of the I-95 Expressway through the neighborhood of Southwark. The image attached to the Philadelphia Inquirer article was drawn by Earle Kirkbride.

704 S. Front St. Condemnation, 1967-1977.
Box 5
Scope and Contents

Includes correspondence from the Pennsylvania Department of Highways informing the Kirkbrides that 704 S. Front St. (their home) was being acquired by the Department of Highways for an expansion of Interstate 95. Correspondence with Samuel Rappaport, a lawyer that the Kirkbrides attempted to hire to dispute the acquisition in court, is also included.  A later letter from Beatrice in 1976 indicates that ultimately the house was not condemned, but the neighboring houses were purchased by the government and not kept up. She complains of a termite infestation which had begun with the earth-moving from the highway construction and kept recurring because the vacant houses next door are not being treated for termites.

Miscellaneous, 1966-1987.
Box 5
Scope and Contents

Includes a photograph of the "Dedication of Guild House" in 1966, a set of notes concerning biographical details about Beatrice and Earle Kirkbride, and a list of addresses and names (most of which are in Philadelphia).

Scope and Contents

The majority of photographs in this series are of Beatrice Kirkbride and her family. Notable is a baby book which is interleaved by numerous photographs from her childhood and adolescence. There is also a set of photographs from a trip Earle took to West Virginia and from around Philadelphia.

Beatrice and Luella, 1896-1946.
Box 5
Scope and Contents

Photographs of Beatrice and her family when she was young. Most are portraits of her mother Luella Hedley or her, though a few others portray other family members like her father Edward Herbert Hedley.

Family Photographs (1/2), 1900-1940; undated.
Box 5
Scope and Contents

Assorted photographs of people and places connected to Beatrice and Earle Kirkbride. This folder is the folder of older photographs, the subsequent folder contains those closer to the present.

Beatrice Baby Album, Bulk 1907-1925, also 1930 and 1966.
Box 6
Scope and Contents

An album titled "The Biography of Our Baby'' which includes entries for early childhood milestones and photographs of Beatrice Kirkbride. Interspersed with the album are numerous other photographs of Beatrice, her mother Luella, her sister and brother Gladys and DeBonsall. Most of the photographs are from when Beatrice was younger than 15 years old.

Family Photographs (2/2), 1944-1997.
Box 6
Scope and Contents

Assorted photographs of people and places connected to Beatrice and Earle Kirkbride. This folder, which contains the photographs closer to the present, features Beatrice and Earle's children, houses connected to the Kirkbrides, and Beatrice with her friends and family.

West Virginia and Philadelphia, 1958-1964.
Box 6
Scope and Contents

This folder contains photographs taken by Earle Kirkbride while on a trip to West Virginia to see where previous family members lived. There are a few letters and postcards he sent to Beatrice on the trip mixed in. Additionally, there are photographs of Philadelphia landscapes during this same period.

Scope and Contents

This series includes material originally donated in three ring-binders. Each binder, whose original title has been retained in this finding aid, contains a mix of papers generated by Earle and Beatrice themselves during their lives and papers generated from their children and grandchildren's research after they had both died. In particular, Edward Kirkbride, their son, and Robert Kirkbride, their grandson researched Earle's life work while seeking to manage his artistic legacy.

The first ten folders concern Earle's life and work, moving chronologically forward. The next two folders are primarily related to Edward's management of Earle's legacy.

The remaining two folders consist of research material related to Beatrice Kirkbride. The first folder was originally housed in a binder and contains a variety of papers related to Beatrice's end-of-life plans such as her living will. The second folder includes material from interviews of Beatrice conducted by Nina de Angeli Wallis for historical scholarship related to women's education in art and business in the 1990's.

Binder 1: ERK 1890-1928, Bulk 1891-1930; 2009-2013.
Box 6
Scope and Contents

Includes material from Earle's early life gathered during Edward and Robert Kirkbride's research. A portion of the material relates directly to the research process with notes about addresses, timeline of life, and where to find certain info in collections, copies of photographs of Earle's art, printed out webpages of information related to Vernon Kirkbride, who was married to Earle before Beatrice. Another portion of the folder is letters from Vernon Thomas Kirkbride who was married to Earle from year to year, most concern the immediate before and after of their divorce. There are also letters addressed to Earle from the lawyer he employed to the divorce. Other miscellaneous material includes a notice of membership in Palette and Chisel Club (Chicago), a letter from Sherman Kirkbride (dated September 23, 1925) relaying Kirkbride family history and there are other notes (on letterhead with Earle and Vernon's names on it) about family genealogy. A family tree, partially in pencil and filled in with later branches in pen, that indicated Earle married Beatrice. Also includes a copy (from 1977) of Earle's certificate of discharge from Army in December 1918, portraits of Earle, and program for his graduation from the Earle School in 1909.

Binder 2: ERK: 1930's, Bulk 1929-1940; 2012.
Box 6
Scope and Contents

See series scope and contents for more details about the arrangement of this folder (Full Name of binder was "Trip #2 Ed 07/07/10 Boxes 4, 15, 16, 17, and 18") This folder contains material related to Earle Kirkbride's life in the 1930's. Some material, such a set of letters from Florence Crannell Means, author of the serial "Shuttered Window," concern illustration work which Kirkbride did. Other material is more personal in nature, including a sketch of a house in Chicago (1542 W. 61st St.), initialed by EEK (Edward Kirkbride) and a short manuscript written by Earle and titled "S'no Queen." Two letter accompany the manuscript one to Carrol Slick from Kirkbride asking for his consideration of the manuscript for publication, a letter in reply from Irving Deakin returning the manuscript and saying [the company] had no interest and do not consider unsolicited material. There is also material connected to Beatrice and Earle's engagement including letters between Beatrice and Earle around Christmas 1929, expressing how much they miss the other person and copies of a wedding invitation, portrait of Beatrice, and copy of marriage certificate.

Binder 3: ERK 1940's, Bulk 1942-1950; 2010-2011.
Box 7
Scope and Contents

See series scope and contents for more details about arrangement of this folder. (Full title of binder was "Trip #3 Rob and Ed 08/11 and 12/10) This folder has two main elements. One is the set of notes and trip details for Robert and Edward Kirkbride trip to see Earle Kirkbride collection at the Smithsonian in the late 2000's. The remaining material are papers (photocopied and original) connection to Earle's life in the 1940's and early 1950's. This includes things of a professional nature like the materials advertising two exhibits Earle did in Milwaukee in 1950, a photocopy of "Klau-Van Pietersom-Dunlap Associates, Inc. Personnel Assignments as of April 7, 1948" where Earle is one of two artists listed, and a copy of instructions on drafting diagrams and instructions for Crystal Company, undated. This set of instructions are connected to Earle's work at Dodge Chicago Plant working in "Plant Engineering" from April 1943 to July of 1945. (See also "Work History" document in Binder 8.) There are also papers relating to his personal life such as correspondence with Marian Hallowell who appeared to have rented a house to Beatrice and Earle at some point in the 1930's or 1940's, and an obituary and set of news clippings about the death of Ada Kirkbride, Earle's mother, in 1946.

Binder 4: ERK 1950's, 1951-1963.
Box 7
Scope and Contents

See series scope and contents for more details about the arrangement of this folder. The material in this folder connected to Edward and Robert Kirkbride's research on Beatrice and Earle include notes and photocopies of Earle's art. The remaining papers, which were created during the 1950's relate to Earle's personal and professional life. There is correspondence from 1956 with Warner Carr, a colleague from Earle's time in Milwaukee catching up on every day goings on and lamenting the turn away for their preferred styles of art that the field has taken. There is a Jan. 1954 letter to Marion Hallowell checking in, responding to letter saying her house would be vacant again in case the Kirkbrides would want to live there again. Also include catalogs and pamphlets about Earle's membership in Philadelphia Sketch Club circa 1959-1960 and participation in the 1956, 1957, and 1958 annual exhibition of etchings and the  "96th Annual Exhibition of Small Oil Paintings" in 1959. Survey and sketch of house the Kirkbride presumably lived in Milwaukee, a Kenwood Methodist Church Yearbook 1953-54, an abridged transcript of radio program the Kirkbrides participated in "Young Moderns and Authors Talk Books" (January 26, 1952), and a photocopy of the first page of program for celebration of Gwynedd Month Meeting 250th anniversary and a page which lists the Kirkbride family.

Binder 5: Letters: Dad amd Mother to Ed, 1956-1957.
Box 7
Scope and Contents

(Full Title: "Letters: Dad and Mother to Ed, ERK: Ripon College 1950's) Letters written primarily by Earle Kirkbride to his son Edward about everyday goings on in the family. Beatrice also wrote some and there is one letter from Edward to his father. 

Binder 6, 1926-1956.
Box 7
Scope and Contents

This folder consists of sketches or copies of paintings by Earl Kirkbride and a collection of obituaries, at least some of which are noted as being collected by Earle.

Binder 7: Earle R. Kirkbride 2010, 1968-2011.
Box 7
Scope and Contents

This folder includes a varity of correspondence between Edward and Robert Kirkbride (Earle Kirkbride's son and grandson respectively) between themselves, Gabrielle Sellei and Kenneth E. Carraway, both lawyers, and Stephen Bruni ("former Director of the Delaware Art Museum") concerning management of Earle's art legacy. A draft plan titled "The Earle Rosslyn Kirkbride Project" is also included. There are also last will and testaments of Beatrice Kirkbride (a final copy, typed, and a draft version dated 1990 and 1994), [death certificates for both Beatrice and Earle], and a document concerning Earle's Power of Attorney and "When Death Comes."

Binder 8: Trip 1 Rob and Ed 06/25/10, Bulk 1925-1930; 2009-2010; n.d.
Box 7
Scope and Contents

See series scope and contents for more details about the arrangement of this folder (Full Title: "Trip #1 Rob and Ed 06/25/10 ERK: Boxes 1, 2 and 3, Miscellaneous) Includes materials for Robert and Edward Kirkbride's visit to Smithsonian Archives of American Art (emails, forms for entering the reading room, photographs of materials the Kirkbrides found in Earle's collection) Also includes a partial copy of "Work History" for Earle Kirkbride and photocopies of illustrations completed by Earle for serials or other fiction.

Binder 9: Eagle's Nest Oregon, IL, Bulk 1951-1953; 2010.
Box 8
Scope and Contents

(Full Title: Eagle's Nest Oregon, IL, 1 Artist CD LOM) This folder contains material related to a 2010 trip to Oregon, IL and to the Cedar Park Cemetery where Earle and Beatrice were buried. Other photocopied materials in this folder concern the "Lorado Taft Art Colony" also referred to as the "Eagle's Nest" which Earle took part of in some capacity. (Part of this is correspondence with Robert A. Bullington in 1953 when Earle attended a class Bullington taught to share his experience with the Colony. Also a photo-copied article titled "Educational Camping," undated.

Binder 10: ERK 1960's + Misc., 1958-2008.
Box 8
Scope and Contents

This folder consists of miscellaneous materials related to the Kirkbride family and the death of Earle. Related to the end of Earle's life is an obituary for Earle in the Evening Bulletin (August 17, 1968), a document title ""Data Needed When Death Comes,"" and a letter from Frederick S. Poff Contact Representiave of the Coatesville VA Hospital requesting a copy of the marriage certificate and divorce decree to finish records (Feb. 1968). In connection to other members of the family are photocopies of indentures for the sale of 704 S. Front St. from 1977 and 2007, material, primarily correspondence, concerning visits to the Smithsonian Archives of American Art (where Earle's papers are stored) and correspondence re: donation of sewing machine and fire bucket to the Franklin Institute. There is also a photograph of Edward, Beatrice, and Earle at Edward's graduation from University of Pennsylvania and miscellaneous clippings.

ERK: 2012 (Binder 11), 2008-2012.
Box 8
Scope and Contents

Materials related to Edward Kirkbride's project to "properly manage, preserve and sell an extensive collection of my father's (Earle Rosslyn Kirkbride) art work."  Includes correspondences with Stephen Brunei (art advisor/consultant on the project) and others that Edward reached out to for opinions or to solicit interest.

ERK-2013, 2014-15 (Binder 12), 1892-2013.
Box 8
Scope and Contents

Miscellaneous material related to Earle and Beatrice Kirkbride as collected and ordered by their son and grandson (see series scope and contents). There are records of birth, death, insurance for Earle Kirkbride, documents concerning the sale of 704 S. Front Street from Beatrice Kirkbrid to John Frazier Hunt and Myrtrice P. McCaskill in 1977, a pair of letters between Earle and his son Edward from March 1955, and a set of notes and other materials regarding the management of Earle's artistic legacy.

Bea Kirkbride, 1920-2004.
Box 8
Scope and Contents

One portion of this folder consists of material collected by Beatrice's son and grandson Edward and Robert and primarily relates to her death. There are birth certificates, death certificates, and forms about managing estate (correspondence with insurance, banking), living wills, letters about the donation of her body, and an obituary dated May 30, 2004. The other portion of the folder is miscellaneous material including two photographs of Beatrice as a young woman, an obituary in The Sun for March 15, 1999 for Beatrice K. Franza (daughter of Beatrice and Earle), and a set of letters from 1958 from Beatrice to curators discussing old bottles found in the basement of 704 S. Front St.

Interviews About Moore College of Art and Design, 1992-2000.
Box 8
Scope and Contents

This folder consists of interview notes and articles written by Nina de Angeli Wallis. She interviewed Beatrice Kirkbride about her education at Moore College of Art and Design as part of her broader historical research on women's education on art and business.

Scope and Contents

This series consists of books that Earle's illustrations appeared in. Most books are instructional in nature, made for school age children to learn to read or engage with the world. Where possible the illustrations have either been marked with paper slips and/or noted in the item description.

Farm Journal, 1935.
Box 8
Scope and Contents

The September Issue of the "Farm Journal" from 1935. Earle Kirkbride illustrated Norrell Gregory's "Sourwood Mountain," a fictional serial.

The Rotarian, 1938.
Box 8
Scope and Contents

The December Issue of the magazine "The Rotarian." Earle Kirkbride illustrated a column written by Morris Markey and titled "Listen While You Tour."

The Laidlaw Readers: Book Seven, 1924-1928.
Volume 1
Scope and Contents

"The Laidlaw Readers Book Seven" by J. O. Engleman and Lawrence McTurnan, published by Laidlaw Brothers. The illustrations in the book are attributed to Vernon Kirkbride and Earle Kirkbride. (Vernon was married to Earle before Beatrice.) Vernon's signature is on the illustrations on pages 2, 298, 377, Earle's is on pages 12 and 236.

Guide Books to Reading Eighth Grade, 1925-1928.
Volume 2
Scope and Contents

"Guide Books to Reading" by J. O. Engleman and Lawrence McTurnan and published by Laidlaw Brothers. The illustrations on pages 2, 12, and 200 are attributed to Vernon T. and Earle Kirkbride with the illustration on page 2 signed specifically by Earle. (Vernon was married to Earle prior to Beatrice.)

Growth in Reading 1, 1938.
Volume 3
Scope and Contents

Full title "Growth in Reading: A Basic Course in Reading for the Seventh, Eight, and Ninth Years, Book One." Edited by Robert C. Pooley, Fred G. Walcott, and William S. Gray. It is unknown which illustrations Earle drew for the volume.

Growth in Reading 2, 1939.
Volume 4
Scope and Contents

Full title "Growth in Reading: Book Two." Edited by Robert C. Pooley, Fred G. Walcott, and William S. Gray. Illustrations done by Earle Kirkbride are marked with paper (on page 183, 229, 263, 291, 307, 333, 341, 373, 377, 383, 393, 443, 449).

Pioneering in Ten Communities, 1940.
Volume 5
Scope and Contents

"Pioneering in Ten Communities" by Paul R. Hanna, I. James Quillen, and Gladys L. Potter, published by Scott, Foresman and Company. Illustrations contributed at Earle Kirkbride are marked with paper on pages 94, 106, 109, 112, 113, 138, 139, 146,

This Useful World, 1941.
Volume 6
Scope and Contents

"This Useful World" by Paul B. Sears, I. James Quillen, and Paul R. Hanna, published by Scott, Foresman and Company. Earle Kirkbride contributed the illustrations on pages 4, 5, 12, 13, 66, 67, 89, 118, 119, 178, 179, 234, 235, 296, 297, 305, 354, 355.

The Story of Our Country (c.1), 1941.
Volume 7
Scope and Contents

"The Story of Our Country" by Eugene C. Barker, Marie Alsager, and Walter P. Webb, published by Row, Peterson and Company. Earle Kirkbride is one of four artists acknowledged and his illustrations are sometimes initialed with an EK. Paper slips mark the illustrations he did on pages 65-67, 71, 80, 82, 86-87, 90, 95, 96, 100, 102-3, 107, 110-11, 112-3, 114, 120-21, 123, 126-127, 130-1, 132, 320-1, 324-25, 344, 349, 351.

Look and Learn, 1943.
Volume 8
Scope and Contents

"Look and Learn" Teachers Edition, published by Scott, Foresman and Company. It is unknown what illustration Earle Kirkbride contributed.

Our World and How We Use It, 1953.
Volume 9
Scope and Contents

"Our World and How We Use It" by Paul R. Hanna, I. James Quillen, Paul B. Sears, and Edna Fay Campbell, published by Scott, Foresman and Company. Illustrations contributed by Earle Kirkbride appear on pages 4, 16 ,56, 76, 104, 144, 176, 204, 208, 236, according to the Acknowledgements.

Making the Goods We Need, 1953.
Volume 10
Scope and Contents

"Making the Goods We Need" by Paul R. Hanna, I. James Quillen, and Paul B. Sears, published by Scott Foresman, and Company. According to the acknowledgements, Earle Kirkbride contributed the illustrations on pages 4,5, 9, 13, 22, 23, 29, 31, 42, 43, 52, 55, 57, 58, 62, 63, 92, 93, 110, 111, 124, 125, 156, 157, 182, and 183.

Marketing the Things We Use, 1953.
Volume 11
Scope and Contents

"Marketing the Things We Use," by Paul R. Hanna and Edward A. Krug, published by Scott, Foresman and Company. According to the acknowledgements, Earle Kirkbride contributed the illustrations on page 4, 5, 36, 37, 66, 67, 88, 89, 124, 125, 178, 179, 206, 207, 224, 225, 238, 239, 266, and 267.

The Story of Our Country (c.2), 1958.
Volume 12
Scope and Contents

"The Story of Our Country" by Eugene C. Barker, Marie Alsager, and Walter P. Webb, published by Row, Peterson and Company. Earle Kirkbride is one of four artists acknowledged and his illustrations are sometimes initialed with an EK.

Print, Suggest