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Overview of the Fletcher Steele Manuscript Collection

The Fletcher Steele Manuscript Collection, given to the College of Environmental Science and Forestry in 1974 by the Upstate NY Chapter of the ASLA is located in the F. Franklin Moon Library on the SUNY campus in Syracuse.

During the past 35-years additional materials by Fletcher Steele Landscape Architect’s firm have been found, identified and donated to F. Franklin Moon Library. Conservation efforts to help preserve this information have come from the Office of Library Development at the New York State Library, Graham Foundation, the Hubbard Trust. Since its' original donation - the Manuscript has doubled in size. Selected segments have been electronically converted, two biographical publications and a gallery show sponsored by the Garden clubs of America have been produced.

To learn more about Flecther Steele and to view images from the Fletcher Steele Manuscript Collection please visit http://www.esf.edu/la/research/Steele/default.htm

More portions of the Fletcher Steele Manuscript Collection have been digitized and reside in the SUNY Digitial Repository- Dspace http://dspace.sunyconnect.suny.edu There is a link to digitized collections/materials for various SUNY institutions - this is the link for the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry http://dspace.sunyconnect.suny.edu/handle/1951/45059 From this link there are links to two digitized collections from the SUNY ESF Archives Collection:

1. Fletcher Steele Manuscript Collection

The Fletcher Steele Manuscript Collection contains a large portion of Steele's professional records, including original drawings, blueprints, client order books, as well as his personal lantern slides, negatives, books and other papers. The entire manuscript collection has been arranged by Steele's own job numbers.
Creating over 700 gardens from 1915 to 1971, Fletcher Steele is widely regarded as the key figure in the transition from Beaux Arts formalism to modern landscape design.

2. James W. Geis Collection

The James W. Geis Collection relates to the subject of Environmental Assessment – FY 1979 Winter Navigation Demonstration on the St. Lawrence River. This collection contains scientific Technical Reports and Summary resulting from a joint undertaking between the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS-DEC) and the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY-ESF), along with additional donated materials from individuals/organizations also involved with the subject. ESF retains ownership of all materials deposited with this mixed scientific and cultural heritage collection from sources including, but not limited to: Save the River documents related to that organization’s founding received after the infamous Abbie Hoffman’s passing; John Hickey’s (US F&WS) research documentation, data (some yet to be analyzed), maps & photos; and a Cornell University masters thesis by Richard Spencer.

This environmental assessment prevented the US Army Corps of Engineers proposed Winter Navigation Demonstration Project from taking place and thus protected the St. Lawrence River and environs from much possible damage. To this day, the shipping season remains closed through the winter months (although the navigation season has lengthened). Opening up shipping year round and related river issues (expanding the seaway) are very politically charged questions that come up now and again. This important and unique collection will remain relevant indefinitely and perhaps more so in the future as invasive species and climate change also make a mark on the river.

Contents of the Fletcher Steele Manuscript Collection

The original donation of 25 linear ft. has double and includes:

The Fletcher Steele Manuscript Collection, given to the College of Environmental Science and Forestry in 1974 by the Upstate NY Chapter of the ASLA is located in the F. Franklin Moon Library on the SUNY campus in Syracuse. The original donation of 25 linear ft. has doubled and includes:
749 architectural drawings, blue prints and photographs
12,000 negatives dating from 1913 – 1970 (works in progress and his travels)
Client Order Books containing name, suppliers and venders, plant lists, services*
8X10” Photostat prints (sketches, renderings, site plans) for 85 of his clients
X00 Lantern slides pertaining to Steele’s lectures from 1919 – 1950.
Scrapbooks
Postcards

Collection Access

Archival records are available for use according to guidelines set by individual donors, academic departments, and the library staff. The archives and special collections are located on the lower level of Moon Library and are open to SUNY ESF faculty, administrators and students, as well as the greater research community. Archival records are available for use according to guidelines set by individual donors, faculties and library staff. A policy statement, objectives, deposit procedures and memorandum for use are available for review. Gifts and donations of relevant items created as part of SUNY ESF’s mission of instruction, research and public service are appropriate for archival acquisition. To learn more about the archives and special collections mission click here. To learn more about SUNY ESF's history click here.

Hours, Location & Staff information

Monday - Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (There are no Friday or weekend hours. Please make an appointment prior to visiting)

Flora Nyland, MLS - College Archivist
F. Franklin Moon Library - Room 18 (in the lower level of Moon Library)
SUNY College Environmental Science and Forestry
1 Forestry Drive - Syracuse, NY 13210
Phone: 315-470-6719 Fax: 315-470-4766 e-mail: archives@esf.edu