Paul A. Hughes Collection of Caribbean Stereographs
Scope and Content
The Paul A. Hughes Collection is comprised of stereograph images showcasing scenes and views of the Greater and Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean Sea. Also featured prominently are stereographs images from the Spanish American War. The stereograph cards were taken between 1898 and 1907 by the following publishing companies: Underwood & Underwood, American Stereoscopic Company, Keystone View Company, Strohmeyer and Wyman, H. C. White Company, Universal Photo Art Company, and M. H. Zahner. The Greater Antilles are represented by Cuba (Series 1), Puerto Rico (Series 2), and Jamaica (Series 4). Cuba is featured prominently, followed by Puerto Rico, and Jamaica. The stereographs from Jamaica include images taken after the 1907 earthquake in Kingston. The Lesser Antilles (Series 3) are represented with views of Martinique, Guadeloupe, Nevis, Barbados, St. Kitts, and St. Vincent. The collection documents the aftermath of several catastrophes, such as the eruption of Mount Pelée in Martinique and an earthquake caused by the Soufriere Volcano in Guadeloupe.
Dates
- Creation: 1895 - 1940
Creator
- Hughes, Paul A. (Collector, Person)
Access
This collection is open for research.
Biographical/Historical Note
Stereographs, two almost identical photographs paired to create a three-dimensional experience, were first made in the 1850s. People viewed stereographs as a form of entertainment until the 1920s. Stereographs also had an educational purpose: they provided images of significant events, and of diverse places and people.
The collection includes stereographs from two of the most important stereographic firms in the United States: Underwood & Underwood and Keystone View Company. Brothers Elmer and Bert Underwood founded Underwood & Underwood in 1880 in Ottawa, Kansas. Starting with door to door sales and eventually branching out into freelance photography work, the brothers' company grew large enough to relocate to New York City in 1891. At the turn of the century the firm was selling 300,000 stereographs a year. After stereograph production was discontinued in the 1920s, Underwood & Underwood sold its stereographic stock to the Keystone View Company.
Extent
3 Linear feet (3 Boxes)
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
The collection consists of stereograph images showcasing scenes and views of the Greater and Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean Sea. Also featured prominently are stereographs images from the Spanish American War.
Arrangement
This collection is arranged into five series: "Series 1: Cuba," "Series 2: Puerto Rico," "Series 3: Lesser Antilles", "Series 4: Jamaica", "Series 5: Spanish American War". The stereographs have been numbered and arranged chronologically as well, for easier access.
Physical Location
University of Florida Smathers Library Building
Alternate Form of Finding Aid
This guide is available in Spanish.
Acquisition Information
The collection was donated by Paul A. Hughes in 2014, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2025.
Alternative Format Available
Digital reproductions of items in the Paul A. Hughes Collection of Caribbean Stereographs are available online via the University of Florida Digital Collections (UFDC). Please read the Permissions for Use statement for information on copyright, fair use, and use of UFDC digital objects.
Subject
- Underwood & Underwood. (Organization)
- Keystone View Company. (Organization)
Genre / Form
Geographic
- Cuba -- Havana.
- Cuba -- Santiago de Cuba -- Castillo del Morro.
- Jamaica.
- Martinique -- Mount Pelée.
- Puerto Rico.
Topical
- Title
- A Guide to the Paul A. Hughes Collection of Caribbean Stereographs
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Finding aid created by Ana D. Rodriguez and Richard Phillips. Updated November 2017 by Katiana Bagué. Updated January 2018 by Margarita Vargas-Betancourt. Finding aid updated January 2026 by Martha Kapelewski.
- Date
- October 2015 (Updated January 2026.)
- Description rules
- Finding Aid Prepared Using Dacs
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
- Language of description note
- Description is written in English.
Repository Details
Part of the Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida Repository
George A. Smathers Libraries
PO Box 117005
Gainesville Florida 32611-7005 United States of America
352-273-2755
special@uflib.ufl.edu