John Patrick Callaghan Collection

Access and use

Location of collection:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Special Collections, University Libraries (0434)
Newman Library
Virginia Tech
P.O. Box 90001
560 Drillfield Drive
Blacksburg, VA 24062-9001
Contact for questions and access:
Phone: (540) 231-6308
Fax: (540) 231-3694
Restrictions:

The collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

The copyright status of this collection is unknown. Copyright restrictions may apply. Contact Special Collections and University Archives for assistance in determining the use of these materials.

Reproduction or digitization of materials for personal or research use can be requested using our reproduction/digitization form: http://bit.ly/scuareproduction. Reproduction or digitization of materials for publication or exhibit use can be requested using our publication/exhibition form: http://bit.ly/scuapublication. Please contact Special Collections and University Archives (specref@vt.edu or 540-231-6308) if you need assistance with forms or to submit a completed form.

Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], John Patrick Callaghan Collection, Ms2009-065, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
1.3 Cubic Feet 2 boxes
Creator:
Callaghan, John Patrick, Homer, Winslow, 1836-1910, and Nast, Thomas, 1840-1902
Abstract:
The collection contains two volumes of Harper's Weekly publications from 1863 and 1864, including several Winslow Homer woodcuts and Thomas Nast cartoons, collected by John Patrick Callaghan.
Language:
The materials in the collection are in English.
Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], John Patrick Callaghan Collection, Ms2009-065, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

The collection contains two volumes of Harper's Weekly publications from 1863 and 1864, including several Winslow Homer woodcuts and Thomas Nast cartoons, collected by John Patrick Callaghan. The 1863 volume covers the weeks of January 3rd through December 26th. This box also contains a folder with several news-clippings found inside the volumes. The 1864 volume covers the weeks of January 2nd through August 20th. Both volumes are missing some pages.

Biographical / historical:

In 1850, Harper & Brothers began publishing Harper's Monthly, an illustrated magazine, inspired by the success of similar periodicals in the United States and England. By 1857, the magazine had become Harper's Weekly, featuring national and international news, political commentary, literary contributions, and cartoons and woodcuts by artists like Thomas Nast and Winslow Homer. Its popularity and wide-spread circulation made Harper's Weekly particularly influential throughout the American Civil War. The publication was careful to take a moderate stance during the war, in an effort not to isolate its Southern readers.

Following the Civil War, the publication continued its interest in politics and social issues. Leading politicians contributed articles and Harper's Weekly continued to help win presidential campaigns. In May of 1916, it merged with The Independent, which in turn merged with several other periodicals. In 1974, Harper's Weekly re-emerged as a separate publication.

Acquisition information:
The John Patrick Callaghan Collection was donated to Special Collections in April 2009.
Processing information:

The processing, arrangement, and description of the John Patrick Callaghan Collection commenced and was completed in April 2009.

Arrangement:

The collection is arranged chronologically.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard