William H. Burgess, c. 1890

Item — Box: 31

Identifier: HPC - Box 31

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

From the Collection:

The Historical Photograph Collection is largely comprised of materials created by or for the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association. Some of the earliest photographs of the estate were created and sold to visitors by the Association as a means of income. Those efforts helped to establish an important collection of 19th century views. The collection spans the 1850s to 2000s and includes over 140 linear feet of analog material providing a visual history of the Mansion, outbuildings, tombs, grounds, events, visitors, collection objects, personnel, and changes throughout the estate.

Dates

c. 1890

Creator

Leet Bros. (Photographer, Person)

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for research during scheduled appointments. Researchers must complete the Washington Library’s Special Collections and Archives Registration Form before access is provided. The library reserves the right to restrict access to certain items for preservation purposes.

Extent

2 Photographic Prints

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Physical Description

Photographic print of William H. Burgess standing under the colonnade at Mount Vernon, c. 1890. Burgess was a bricklayer who worked on multiple projects for the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association from 1885-1893 including repairs to the tomb, Mansion foundation, and deer park wall. A note from Harrison H. Dodge written in pencil on the reverse reads: W. H. Burgess who (when apprentice bricklayer aged 18) helped build the New Tomb at Mt. Vernon, and was present (April 19, 1831) when all remains in the Old Tomb were transferred to the New. He then saw Washington's face when the leaden casket was opened by the family -- I wish to attest the adjoinging statement concerning Burgess for I heard it from his own lips many, many times when he was employed by me on repair work at Mt. Vernon from 1885-1893. Harrison H. Dodge, Supt. Mt. Vernon, March 31, 1897. An additional note: I attest the truth of the above statement, Jas. [James] Young, Asst. Supt., May 16, 1926. The photographer's stamp appears on the reverse.