Walter Cowles photograph collection

Collection

Identifier: GLMS-0066

Staff Only

Collection Overview

Abstract

This collection is composed of 355 black and white photos and 318 black and white negatives of Great Lakes vessels. The bulk of the photos in the collection were taken from 1947 to 1950, Between Cowles’ return from the Navy and promotion to Chief Hull Draftsman at American Ship Building Company.

Dates

Creation: 1930-1994
Creation: Majority of material found within 1936-1958

Extent

.5 Cubic Feet (1 card box and 1 half letter manuscript box)

Creator

Cowles, Walter C. (Photographer, Person)

Scope and Contents

The collection is composed of 355 black and white photos and 318 black and white negatives of Great Lakes vessels. The bulk of the photos in the collection were taken from 1947 to 1950, between Cowles’ return from the Navy and promotion to Chief Hull Draftsman at American Ship Building Company.

An item-level inventory of the photographs and negatives is linked to this finding aid in the External Documents section.

Biographical Sketch

Growing up in Chicago, Illinois, Walter Cowles became interested in photographing Great Lakes vessels early in life. After serving in the Navy during World War II, Cowles worked for the American Shipbuilding Company in Cleveland, Ohio for several years. In this position, Cowles received many unique opportunities to photograph Great Lakes vessels.

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.