James P. Barry papers

Collection

Identifier: GLMS-0132

Staff Only

Collection Overview

Abstract

Photographs and manuscripts created by Great Lakes author James Barry over a nearly 50-year span from the 1960s to the 2010s. Highlights include color slides of Lake Erie and Georgian Bay, drafts of books chapters, and a 1764 French map of the Great Lakes region.

Dates

Creation: 1764-2010
Creation: Majority of material found within 1967-2003

Extent

20.67 Cubic Feet (49 letter manuscript boxes, 3 half-legal manuscript boxes, 3 flat boxes, 2 card storage boxes, 1 slide box, and 1 flat file drawer)

Creator

Barry, James P. (1918-2011) (Person)

Scope and Contents

This collection documents the the Great Lakes research, writing, and photography of author James P. Barry. The majority of the collection consists of thousands of original negatives and slides taken by Barry during his time travelling the Great Lakes. The majority feature scenes and locations on Lake Erie and on Lake Huron, especially Georgian Bay, with his family owning a cottage in the area. Most of the photographs are of these areas, but Lakes Michigan, Superior, and Ontario are also pictured.

Barry's book and article manuscripts make up another significant portion of the collection. While they do not cover all of his writings, most are represented in some way. Included are materials such as chapter drafts and editor's notes, plus contracts and other documents related to publication of them. A small number of manuscripts from other authors are present, as well.

The balance of the collection is consists of correspondence and artwork. The correspondence contains communications between Barry and other authors and researchers, and queries for information from archives, libraries, and museums. There are eleven pieces of artwork, including two 1764 maps by the French hydrographer Jacques Bellin, two Loudon Wilson paintings, and several other prints and original works.

Biographical Sketch

Author and photographer James P. Barry was born on October 23, 1918, in Columbus, Ohio. He published his first article, in Yachting magazine, while an undergraduate student at The Ohio State University. After graduating cum laude in 1940, Barry eventually joined the U.S. Army, serving in the European Theater during the D-Day landings, Battle of the Bulge, and the occupation of Germany. He served for a total of 25 years, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in the 1960s. Barry served as an administrator at Capital University from 1967-1971, and later served for a time as director of the Ohioana Library.

Barry was taken by life on the Great Lakes at an early age, having had his first ride aboard a freighter at eight years old. His father taught him how to sail, and he spent much time on the Canadian side of the Lakes, especially around Georgian Bay. He went on to become interested in photography and authored 23 books, many of them on Great Lakes topics. The books were mostly illustrated with his on photographs. Barry was a member of the Marine Historical Society of Detroit, Great Lakes Historical Society, Ohio Historical Society, Royal Canadian Yacht Club, Cricton Club, and Columbus Museum of Art. Barry died on July 14, 2011, in Columbus, Ohio.

Conditions Governing Access

No known access restrictions.

Conditions Governing Use

Researchers using this collection assume full responsibility for conforming to the laws of libel, privacy, and copyright, and are responsible for securing permissions necessary for publication or reproduction.