Gerald E. Leeds's School of Aerial Photography lecture notes, 1918

Collection

Identifier: 2005-022

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

Gerald Leeds kept this notebook to record all his class notes at a time when there were no textbooks on the subject of photography. This notebook was kept as an important resource for future classes and any future students to the School of Aerial Photography in Miami, FL.

There are 96 pages total bound in this 9"x 6.25" green 3-ring binder. 63 pages are handwritten and 33 pages are typed to copy the handwritten information. These pages contain class notes on various aspects of photography including measures, chemicals, camera use, film development, etc. In the back of the binder there are 4 folded carbon typescript loose leaf papers. The first two are additional notes from class and titled "Map Plotting" and "Common Defects of Negatives". The 3rd typescript titled "Order 1" is a privacy contract for the school, prohibiting imparting information to anyone without specific authority. The 4th carbon is an extract taken from an article by J.I. Crabtree "The Camera: High Temperature Development of Roll Film". Another added insert is a letter and envelope addressed to Gerry from Windy, who is a former co-worker and friend. This personal letter was written to try to "catch-up" on old times and discuss possible employment opportunities. The last loose pages inserted into the back of the binder are 17 strips of paper with additional handwritten notes in pencil.

Dates

Creation: 1918

Creator

Crabtree, J. L. (Person)
Leeds, Gerald E., 1892-1973 (Person)

Language

These materials are in English.

Access

This material is open for research use by any registered reader.

Use and Copyright

This material is owned by the University of Tulsa, McFarlin Library, Department of Special Collections. Unpublished manuscripts are under copyright. Therefore, permission to publish, quote, or reproduce must be secured from both the repository and the copyright holder.

Notebook is susceptible to further damage of torn pages. It should be handled with care.

Biographical / Historical

Gerald E. Leeds was born on April 8, 1892 in New York. He enlisted in the USNRFC, United States Navy Reserve Flying Corps during World War I and was among the first class of students enrolled in the School of Aerial Photography stationed in Miami, FL. Sometime during the war he also worked in a photo lab in Pensacola, FL. By the end of the war, he reached the rank of Ensign, which is the lowest rank for a naval officer. His wife Dorothy L. Leeds (maiden name Davis), was born in 1899. He has one son Gerald E. Leeds Jr. who was born in 1919 and enlisted in the US Army, reaching the rank of Corporal (CPL). Gerald E. Leeds' last known address before he died is listed in the American Library-Internet Archives as 68 Main St. in Waterville, Main. According to naval records he served in Miami, Pensacola, and Rockaway Beach. His son died in on March 7th, 1986 at the age of 67. His wife died at the age of 60 in 1959. Gerald E. Leeds died at the age of 81 on March 4th, 1973. He and his wife are buried in the Seventh Day Adentist Cemetery in Washington, New Hampshire. His son is buried in the Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, CA.

He kept this notebook to record all his class notes at a time when there were no textbooks on the subject of photography. This notebook was kept as an important resource for future classes and any future students to the School of Aerial Photography in Miami, FL.

Extent

0.5 Linear Feet (1 box)

Additional Description

Physical Location

Collection shelved on 3rd floor.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Purchase

Physical Description

Handlers of this notebook should be cautious of tearing pages. The 3 ring binder has already caused some tearing with the front pages. To prevent further damage gloves or tools may be necessary to turn the pages.

Along the spine there is red spotting, which could be evidence of mold damage or leakage from the rust damage in the metal fasteners. The metal fasteners inside the notebook have some rust and can no longer be opened without being broken.