Finding aid of the J.C. Knowles Photograph Collection, PHC.182
Abstract
Collection of glass plate negatives dating from c. 1900 through the late 1910s, attributed to Wharton & Tyree Studio and Tyree Studio of Raleigh, NC. Based on the age of the negatives, where they were found initially, and a notation on one of the plates, it is likely they were all created by Wharton's Gallery, 1886-1905, the Wharton & Tyree Studio, 1905-1912, and the Tyree Studio, 1912-1916 of Raleigh, North Carolina. The photographs in this collection are diverse and demonstrate the wide breadth of skill and artistry of the photographer(s). There are studio portraits of brides, women in cocktail gowns and formal wear, portraits of costumed women, distinguished men and families. Also includes portraits of families, groups, local Raleigh area college and school groups, sports teams, and individuals as well as photos of the built environment of Raleigh and several other places, some of them unknown. There are also some rare candid-type shots of people working and interiors of local businesses.
Descriptive Summary
- Title
- J.C. Knowles Photograph Collection
- Call Number
- PHC.182
- Creator
- Wharton and Tyree Studios (Raleigh, N.C.).
- Date
- 1900 - 1920
- Extent
- 10.00 boxes, 7.00 fibredex boxes, 1.00 flat boxes, 2.00 oversized boxes
- Language
- English
- Repository
- State Archives of North Carolina
Restrictions on Access & Use
Access Restrictions
Available for research.
Use Restrictions
Preferred Citation
[Identification of item] PhC.182, J.C. Knowles Photograph Collection, State Archives of North Carolina; Raleigh, NC.
Collection Overview
Collection of glass plate negatives dating from c. 1900 through the late 1910s, attributed to Wharton & Tyree Studio and Tyree Studio of Raleigh, NC. Based on the age of the negatives, where they were found initially, and a notation on one of the plates, it is likely they were all created by Wharton's Gallery, 1886-1905, the Wharton & Tyree Studio, 1905-1912, and the Tyree Studio, 1912-1916 of Raleigh, North Carolina. The photographs in this collection are diverse and demonstrate the wide breadth of skill and artistry of the photographer(s). There are studio portraits of brides, women in cocktail gowns and formal wear, portraits of costumed women, distinguished men and families. Also includes portraits of families, groups, local Raleigh area college and school groups, sports teams, and individuals as well as photos of the built environment of Raleigh and several other places, some of them unknown. There are also some rare candid-type shots of people working and interiors of local businesses.
Arrangement Note
Collection is arranged in eleven series based on subject matter. Collection is stored in seven fiberdex boxes, which contain 8"x10" negatives; two oversized fiberdex boxes, which house 11"x14" negatives; and one flat box. Collection has been scanned in its entirety and is available online via the State Archives of North Carolina flickr site.
Biographical/Historical note
Cyrus P. Wharton (1852-1929) operated one of the best-equipped and largest photography
studios in North Carolina beginning in 1886 with Wharton's Gallery on Fayetteville
Street in Raleigh. In 1905 he partnered with Manly W. Tyree (1877-1916) and operated
as the Wharton & Tyree Studio. Wharton appears to have retired in 1911, and Tyree
continued on alone as the Tyree Studio until his death in 1916.
Contents of the Collection
1. Studio Portraits
Family portrait, parents with three children. No date; estimated 1905-1910 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
Portrait of unidentified WWI soldier in uniform. No date; estimated 1914-1920 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
Family portrait, parents with three children. No date; estimated 1905-1910 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
Group portrait of six unidentified formally dressed men. Negative badly deteriorated. No date; estimated 1905-1910 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
Portrait of unidentified middle-aged man. No date; estimated 1905-1910 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
Portrait of unidentified bride. No date; estimated 1905-1910 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
Portrait of unidentified older man. No date; estimated 1905-1910 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
Portrait of unidentified middle-aged man. No date; estimated 1905-1910 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
Portrait of unidentified middle-aged man. No date; estimated 1905-1910 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
Portrait in profile of unidentified young woman. No date; estimated 1905-1910 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
Portrait of unidentified young woman. No date; estimated 1905-1910 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
Full-length portrait of unidentified woman holding feather fan. No date; estimated 1905-1910 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
Full-length portrait of young woman holding bouquet of roses. No date; estimated 1905-1910 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
Marcellus Aurelius (M.A.) Parker (1846-1909), Wake County native, Civil War veteran,
and Raleigh cotton broker and business leader. He built the home at 304 Oakwood Avenue
on the corner of Person Street and Oakwood Avenue in Raleigh, NC. Photograph identified
by Charles Biggs, 27 December 2016. Charles Biggs is the great grandson of Aurelius
Bridal portrait of unidentified young woman. No date; estimated 1905-1910 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
Portrait in profile of unidentified woman in beaded dress. No date; estimated 1915-1920 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
Portrait of unidentified young woman holding bouquet of roses. No date; estimated 1905-1910 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
Portrait of unidentified young woman holding a feather fan. No date; estimated 1915-1920 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
Portrait in profile of unidentified young woman. No date; estimated 1910 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
Portrait of unidentified woman. No date; estimated 1910 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
Portrait of unidentified young woman. No date; estimated 1910 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
Portrait of unidentified woman with fur scarf. No date; estimated 1910 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
Portrait of unidentified young woman. No date; estimated 1910 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
Portrait of unidentified young woman. No date; estimated 1910 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
Portrait of unidentified young woman. No date; estimated 1910 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
Family portrait, parents with two children No date; estimated 1910 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
Portrait of unidentified older man at desk. No date; estimated 1910 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
Portrait of unidentified middle-aged man. No date; estimated 1910 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
Full-length portrait of unidentified woman in gown (in Oversize Box 1). No date; estimated 1910 (11"x14" glass plate negative).
Young woman posing on chaise lounge (in Oversize Box 1). No date; estimated 1910 (11"x14" glass plate negative).
Portrait of unidentified middle-aged man (in Oversize Box 1). No date; estimated 1910 (11"x14" glass plate negative).
Portrait of unidentified young woman gazing out window (in Oversize Box 1). No date; estimated 1910 (11"x14" glass plate negative).
Portrait of unidentified young woman (in Oversize Box 1). No date; estimated 1910 (11"x14" glass plate negative).
Portrait of unidentified unclothed 3-4 year old girl. (in Oversize Box 1). No date; estimated 1910 (11"x14" glass plate negative).
Full-length portrait of unidentified woman in gown (broken plate flat box). No date; estimated 1910 (11"x14" glass plate negative).
Portrait of unidentified young woman (broken plate flat box). No date; estimated 1910 (11"x14" glass plate negative).
Copy of older photograph depicting 9 family members. (in Oversize Bundle) No date; copy estimated 1910, original estimated 1880 (14"x17" glass plate negative).
Full-length portrait of unidentified young women in ornate gown. (in Oversize Bundle) No date; estimated 1900 (14"x17" glass plate negative).
Close portrait of unidentified young man. (in Oversize Bundle) No date; estimated 1910 (14"x17" glass plate negative).
Portrait of unidentified young woman with urn by a well; same as 41 and 42 (in Oversize Bundle) No date; estimated 1910 (14"x17" glass plate negative).
Portrait of unidentified young woman with urn by a well; same as 41 and 42 (in Oversize Bundle) No date; estimated 1910 (14"x17" glass plate negative).
Portrait of unidentified young woman with urn by a well; same as 41 and 42 (in Oversize Bundle) No date; estimated 1910 (14"x17" glass plate negative).
Woman with eyes half shut, portrait head shot (in Oversize Bundle) No date; estimated 1910 (14"x17" glass plate negative).
2. Non-Studio Portraits
Shaw University group - probably faculty - on steps of Estes Hall in Raleigh. No date; estimated 1910 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
Group portrait depicting older men and women standing on front steps of residence. No date; estimated 1910 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
Approximately 50 African-Americans are seen working in a field on the outskirts of a city. No date; estimated 1920 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
Junior Order of Mechanics members are seen posing for picture while they paint an
unidentified Wake County school-house during their effort to re-paint every school
in the county. Summer 1916 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
Baseball team group picture seen on the steps of Bingham School, Mebane, NC. No date; estimated 1910 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
Unidentified football team posing by goal. No date; estimated 1920 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
Group of unidentified women working in a garden. No date; estimated 1910 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
Eight unidentified women and two unidentified men posing for group picture on residential porch. No date; estimated 1920 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
3. Buildings
Unidentified house--New Construction, unidentified location. No date; estimated 1910 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
Unidentified house--New construction, unidentified location. No date; estimated 1920 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
Edward H. Lee Residence, 109 North Boylan Avenue; Raleigh, NC. Lee's mother, Mary Ann Lee; sister, Lizzie H. Lee, and other family members pose on the front porch and in the yard of their home. No date, estimated c. 1912 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
Methodist Orphanage dormitory. Raleigh, NC No date; estimated 1910 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
Methodist Orphanage dormitory. Raleigh, NC No date; estimated 1910 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
Ashley Horne and Son Fertilizer Works, Clayton, NC. No date; estimated 1915 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
Historic Elmwood, 16 North Boylan Avenue; Raleigh, NC. No date; estimated 1890-1900 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
Junior Order of Mechanics members are seen posing for picture while they paint an unidentified Wake County school-house during their effort to re-paint every school in the county. Summer 1916 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
Lakeview passenger station at Lakeview, NC. Train is seen departing the station as people are seen walking toward camera. No date; estimated 1903-1905 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
North Carolina State Capitol building is seen with Worth Bagley monument in foreground. 1908; (8"x10" glass plate negative).
Briggs Hardware building located at 220 Fayetteville Street in Raleigh, NC. No date; estimated 1910 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
The Raymond Hotel located in Pasadena, California. No date; estimated 1890-1900 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
Bank on corner of Raiford and Anderson Streets in Selma, NC. No date; estimated 1920 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
Unidentified commercial building with mule and wagon in front. No date; estimated 1890-1900 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
Women's Club Building, Hillsborough Street; Raleigh, NC. No date; estimated 1900 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
4. North Carolina State University (NC A and M College)
Holladay Hall, North Carolina State University (NC A&M College) campus; Raleigh, NC. No date; estimated 1900 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
North Carolina State University (NC A&M College) football practice, Riddick Field, NC State campus, Raleigh, NC. No date; estimated 1915 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
North Carolina State University (NC A&M College) football practice, Riddick Field, NC State campus, Raleigh, NC. Leazar Hall seen in background. No date; estimated 1915 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
North Carolina State University (NC A&M College) basketball team; Raleigh, NC. 1915; (8"x10" glass plate negative).
5. Wake Forest College
Wake Forest College, Alumni Building, Wake Forest, NC. No date; estimated 1900 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
Three unidentified young men posing on steps of the Alumni Building, Wake Forest College, Wake Forest, NC. No date; estimated 1900 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
Group of young men posing on steps of the Alumni Building, Wake Forest College, Wake Forest, NC. No date; estimated 1900 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
6. Peace College
Several students with children in a pageant outdoors, Peace College; Raleigh, NC. No date; estimated 1910 (8"x10" glass plate negative)
Large group of students in costumes posing in front of Main Building, Peace College; Raleigh, NC. No date; estimated 1910 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
Large group of students in costumes posing in front of Main Building, Peace College; Raleigh, NC. No date; estimated 1910 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
Group of student actors in costume seen on stage in the Peace College Chapel, Peace College; Raleigh, NC. No date; estimated 1910 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
7. St. Mary's School
Saint Mary's School Chapel; Raleigh, NC. No date; estimated 1900 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
Saint Mary's School main building, Smedes Hall; Raleigh, NC. No date; estimated 1900 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
8. Meredith College
Group picture of Meredith College tennis club members, Governor's Mansion is seen in background; Raleigh, NC. Photograph appears in the 1916 "Oak Leaves" Meredith College yearbook, page 83. Individuals identified include, Elsie Riddick, Helen Byrd Aydlett, Mary Farrell, Louise Holding, Annie Laurie Baucom, French Haynes, Essie Daniels, May Carter, Annie Lowry, Vivian McNeil, Rosa Wishart, Carrie Lowry, Pearl Faulkner, Ethel English, Kate Copple, Elizabeth Chapin, Lillian Haislip, and Madeline Higgs. c. 1916 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
Freshman class group photo on the steps of Faircloth Hall, Meredith College; Raleigh, NC. Photograph appears in the 1919 "Oak Leaves" Meredith College yearbook. c. 1919 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
Meredith College Mars Hill Club. Photograph appears in the 1916 "Oak Leaves" Meredith College yearbook, page 102. Individuals identified include Eunice Bracket, Bert Brown, Alex Draughn, Clata Edwards, Ethel Anglish, Nell Fowler, Pearl Faulkner, Essie Martin, Nona Moore, and Mae Sprinkle. c. 1916 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
Kat Klub, aka Katydids, Meredith College; Raleigh, NC. Photograph appears in the 1916
"Oak Leaves" Meredith College yearbook, page 87. Individuals identified include Kate
Jessup, Kate Copple, Kate Murray, Kate Beckwith, Kathleen Moss, Kathleen Covington,
Kate Matthews, and mascot; Katherine, the Maid. c. 1916 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
Meredith College students are seen in costume all posing with props while sitting inside trunks. Poem associated with image has verses referring to each individual pictured. Photograph is titled "Senseless Souls: What fools these mortals be!" and appears in the 1916 "Oak Leaves" Meredith College yearbook, page 89. c. 1916 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
Meredith College students are seen posing for a group picture. Photograph appears in the 1916 "Oak Leaves" Meredith College yearbook, page 99. c. 1916 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
Group of Meredith College students in what appears to be a school store. Photograph appears in the 1916 "Oak Leaves" Meredith College yearbook. c. 1916 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
Meredith College students in the Ukulele Club are seen sitting on a bed together. Photograph appears in the 1919 "Oak Leaves" Meredith College yearbook. Individuals identified include Gladys Wall, Lennie Elmore, Clara Wall, and Mae Beasley. c. 1919 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
Meredith College students in the Senior Ruggles Club are seen posing for group picture. Photograph appears in the 1919 "Oak Leaves" Meredith College yearbook. group includes Isabelle Poteat, Ruth Hubbel, Elsie Riddick, Claire Peterson, Madeline Higgs, Annie Gibson, Kathleen Covington, Elsie Brantley, Inez Watkins, Lena Bullard, French Haynes, and Averie Martin. c. 1919 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
Meredith College students are seen performing a scene from Astro Operetta "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs." Photograph appears in the 1919 "Oak Leaves" Meredith College yearbook. c. 1919 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
Meredith College students are seen performing a scene from Phi Play "She Stoops To Conquer." Photograph appears in the 1919 "Oak Leaves" Meredith College yearbook. c. 1919 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
Group of Meredith College students posing for picture. Photograph appears in the 1916 "Oak Leaves" Meredith College yearbook. Women belonging to the "Roof Garden Club" are identified as, "Gan", "Bunny", "Peggy", Elsie, "M. B.", "Nita", "Pee Dee", and "Janie." c. 1916 (8"x10" glass plate negative) Previously identified as PhC_182_06_05 -- Group of students in dorm room with pennant, Peace College, Raleigh, NC.
9. Local Girls' College Groups
Group of Peace College Students on the Green Tennis Team posing for group picture. Photograph appears in the 1919 Peace College yearbook, "The Lotus." c. 1919 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
Group of Peace College Students identified as "Edge Combe Ites" are seen posing for group picture outdoors. Photograph appears in the 1919 Peace College yearbook, "The Lotus." Individuals identified include, Lenoir Mercer, Eleanor Hales, Mary Chamberlain Howard, Mavis Lindsey, Claribel Fountain, Sarah Fletcher Bryan, Myrtle Turnage, Annie Elizabeth Johnson and Ruth Cherry. c. 1919 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
Group of Peace College Students are seen posing together for group picture. Photograph appears in the 1919 Peace College yearbook, "The Lotus." Back row, 3rd from left is Anabel Sloan, 5th from left is Susie Martin Monroe. Isabel Faison is far left, front row. c. 1919 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
Group of Peace College students are seen posing for picture on a bed. Photograph is titled, "Les Enfants" and appears in the 1919 Peace College yearbook, "The Lotus." Individuals identified include, Elizabeth Gibson, Elizabeth Nicholson, Anabel Sloan, Mary Weston Tucker, Rachel Witherington. c. 1919 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
10. Cary Farm Life School Groups, Cary, NC
Group picture of female students on the front steps of the Cary Farm Life School; Cary, NC. No date; estimated 1915 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
Group picture of male and female students on the front steps of the Cary Farm Life School; Cary, NC No date; estimated 1915 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
Group picture of male and female students on the front steps of the Cary Farm Life School; Cary, NC No date; estimated 1915 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
Group picture of male students on the front steps of the Cary Farm Life School; Cary, NC. No date; estimated 1915 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
Male students with banner, Calhoun Literary Society, the Cary Farm Life School; Cary, NC. No date; estimated 1915 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
11. Miscellaneous
Ticket dispenser for Bayside Railroad. No date; estimated 1915 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
Silver trophy cup with inscription reading, "Presented by the Wake County Woman's Association for the Betterment of Public Schools--For best record in attendance." No date; estimated 1915 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
Unidentified interior with electrical equipment. No date; estimated 1915 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
Unidentified stage with actors in costume. No date; estimated 1915 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
Unidentified grave site decorated with flowers shortly after burial. No date; estimated 1915 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
depicts the bathroom of Maccabee Club located in the Briggs Hardware building, 220 Fayetteville Street; Raleigh, NC. No date; estimated 1910 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
Lighted sign with each bulb labeled with a person's name. No date; estimated 1925 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
Reading room of the Maccabee Club located in the Briggs Hardware building, 220 Fayetteville Street; Raleigh, NC. No date; estimated 1910 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
Display of musical instruments. No date; estimated 1915 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
Unidentified school dining room. No date; estimated 1920 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
Interior of Olivia Raney Library; Raleigh, NC. No date; estimated 1910 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
Bust of M. W. Ransom in State Capitol rotunda: Raleigh, NC. No date; estimated 1915 (8"x10" glass plate negative).
Side view of Mission San Luis Rey de Francia in Oceanside, California. No date; estimated 1890 (8"x10" glass plate negative). (In oversize Box 1)
Mission Santa Barbara in Santa Barbara, California. No date; estimated 1890 (8"x10" glass plate negative). (In oversize Box 1)
Mission Santa Barbara in Santa Barbara, California. No date; estimated 1890 (8"x10" glass plate negative). (In oversize Box 1)
Bell tower of Mission San Gabriel in San Gabriel California. No date; estimated 1890 (8"x10" glass plate negative). (In oversize Box 1)
Mission San Juan Capistrano in San Juan Capistrano, California. Part of the Mission called "The Great Stone Church" built between 1796-1806. Destroyed in an earthquake 8 December 1812. No date; estimated 1890 (8"x10" glass plate negative). (In oversize Box 1)
Composite portrait of a group of Raleigh based men. No date; estimated 1910 (8"x10" glass plate negative). (Oversize Box 2)
Composite portrait of the North Carolina Supreme Court. No date; estimated 1900 (8"x10" glass plate negative) (Oversize Box 2)
Copy of an engraving of a John White painting (Oversize Box 2). No date; estimated 1900 (8"x10" glass plate negative) (Oversize Box 2)
J. L. O'Quinn Florist store showroom at 124 West Martin Street in Raleigh. No date; estimated 1916 (8"x10" glass plate negative) (Oversize Box 2) (broken plate flat box)
North Carolina State Senate c. 1915 (8"x10" glass plate negative) (broken plate flat box)
Acquisitions Information
Donated in about 1967 by J. C. Knowles, a local Raleigh area antiques dealer and estate sale manager. Mr. Knowles obtained the negatives from a Mr. Leavister sometime before 1967. While purchasing a lamp from Leavister, who was in the business of salvaging furnishings and architectural details from demolished homes in downtown Raleigh, Knowles saw several boxes of old glass negatives and asked Leavister what he was going to do with them. He answered that he had gotten them on one of his demolition sites and said Knowles could have them if he wanted them. Knowles said he wanted them and took them with him when he bought the lamp. After he had the negatives for a while, he decided to give them to the Museum of History. The collection was eventually transferred to the State Archives.