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Singer and Bunker families papers
The bulk of the collection consists of genealogical records, letters pertaining to the genealogy of the Singer and Bunker families, and photos of their families and their extended family. The vast majority of items in the collection are copies. One item of interest is a printed copy of “An Act for...
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| Other Authors: | |
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| Collection: | Singer and Bunker Families Papers |
| Collection Number: | 3958 |
| Format: | Manuscript |
| Language: | English |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | Link to finding aid |
| Item Description: |
Processing Information: Three notebooks containing copies of alchemical texts and a group of related papers were removed from the collection for conservation. Once repairs have been made, these materials will be returned to the collection and this finding aid will be updated. For information on the status of these items, please contact the HSP archives department or see an HSP librarian. |
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| Physical Description: |
2.8 Linear feet ; 7 boxes, 7 volumes, 2 flat files |
| Access: |
The collection is open for research. |
| Summary: |
The bulk of the collection consists of genealogical records, letters pertaining to the genealogy of the Singer and Bunker families, and photos of their families and their extended family. The vast majority of items in the collection are copies.
One item of interest is a printed copy of “An Act for the Better Enabling Divers Inhabitants of the Province of Pennsylvania to Trade and Hold Lands Within Said Province” (1739 under King Charles). It allows Casper Singer to trade, and buy and sell property in Pennsylvania.
A mathematics workbook dated 1813 gives the researcher an interesting take on what and how math and business accounting, e.g finding the amount of an annuity at simple interest, was taught in the early 19th century.
There is little personal correspondence in the collection. However, there are a few letters from Edgar Singer to his wife that show a close and loving relationship.
The Singer family’s interest in the visual arts is indicated by the various prints in the collection and the fact that they were personal friends of the artist Harry Kidd. William Henry Singer (1868-1943) was an artist of some renown. He was the founder of the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts in Hagerstown. Born in Pittsburg, he died in Norway. There is an original framed watercolor portrait of Helen Bunder Singer by Harry Kidd titled “Portrait of a Lady,” C. 1930. There is a sketch by William Raymond Bunker (1869 -1835), possibly of his mother.
Of interest are several letters written by Walter T. Singer during World War I . They are written to his family when he was on active duty at the front.
Other families documented in the collection are the Poulder, Tresse, Shively, Wing, and Hinman families.
There are several volumes in the collection. Among them are published genealogies of the Bunker family (with branches identified from Massachusetts, Delaware, and Maryland), a student’s mathematics book dated 1813, and a recipe book by Sarah T. Rorer published in 1914. The collection is a compilation of original records, family papers, copies of records, and genealogical information on Casper Singer, his son Casper Jr., and their extended families. A sizable portion of the collection concerns the related Bunker family. There is little in the way of personal correspondence. There is, however, a large collection of family photographs. |