Eliza G. Radeke records

Scope & content

This collection contains correspondence to and from Eliza Radeke, notes, speeches, a diary (1886-1887) and RISD records, circa 1880-1928. The records were collected by the Archives staff from a variety of sources, 1997-1999, and organized alphabetically by subject for ease of use. Subject files include Commencement speeches (bulk 1914-1928), correspondence regarding the hiring of Eleazer B. Homer as the first RISD Director, and a diary recording the difficulties surrounding the tenure of Gardner C. Anthony, Head of the Mechanical Department, 1886-1887.

The Museum records document the acquisition of the Museum's cast collection, the construction of the Japanese Gallery designed by Charles Platt (1903-1906), and Radeke's correspondence with artists and dealers including John LaFarge, Charles W. Stetson, Frank P. Sauerwein, and Sogo Matsumoto. Acquisitions documented by correspondence and receipts include peasant pottery, the Pendleton Collection, Japanese prints, American antiques, and Classical pieces.

The Wanskuck files contain primarily RISD corporate records including deeds, committee reports, and bequest records, 1860-1930, bulk 1890-1924. The records include deeds and correspondence for RISD properties, Radeke's Providence home, and land purchased by Dr. Radeke in Texas, bequest records, Endowment Committee reports (1902 and 1910), and financial records. The file descriptions' numbers in [brackets] refer to the lot numbers on the Providence Assessor's 1915 plat map #12. See Treasurer's records, 5.0, for associated documents.