John H. Duncan and Thomas B. Green Collection

Collection

Identifier: MSS 0333

Staff Only

Scope and Content

The photographs in albums 1-4 were taken with a 3A film plate special premo camera owned by John Duncan. Albums 1-4 depict early auto-touring in New York, Florida, North Carolina, Cuba, and elsewhere. Duncan, his wife Dora, and Green travelled together and refer to themselves in the albums as "The Tourists." Images of the Duncans' estate in Sea Bright, New Jersey, and their many animals are prevalent.

Album 5 is a scrapbook containing images primarily from World War I. The scrapbook appears to have been made from an album originally created by Duncan and then later repurposed by Green. Most of the photographs from the original album were removed, but a few remain. The images from World War I are largely commercially produced souvenir photographs, but there are also snapshots of men and machines from Green's unit. Several documents related to Green's service are also pasted into the scrapbook. The album contains images from Duncan of a trip to Miami in 1899. Additionally, there are images of a parade taken in the 1930s and other images associated with either Duncan or Green.

Dates

Creation: 1899-1939
Creation: Majority of material found within 1903-1925

Creator

Duncan, John H. (John Hemingway), 1855-1929. (Person)
Green, Thomas B., 1888-1963. (Person)

Access

The collection is open for research.

Biographical/Historical Note

John H. Duncan (1855-1929) was a prominent New York architect. Thomas B. Green (1888-1963) was Duncan's chauffeur and mechanic. Green served in the 26th Aero Squadron, formerly the First Reserve Aero Squadron, during World War I.

Extent

5 volumes stored in 4 boxes, along with miscellaneous associated items

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

John H. Duncan (1855-1929) was a prominent New York architect and Thomas B. Green (1888-1963) was his chauffeur and mechanic. Items in this collection include photographs and associated items that highlight early automobile touring in the United States as well as military service during World War I.

Physical Location

University of Florida Smathers Library Building

Alternative formats

Digital reproductions of selected items from this collection are available online via the University of Florida Digital Collections (UFDC). See Album 2 and Album 3. Please read the Permissions for Use statement for information on copyright, fair use, and use of UFDC digital objects.