Bank of the Southwest Collection of Frank J. Schlueter Photographs
Scope and Contents
This collection consists of photographs by the prolific Houston commercial photographer, Frank Schleuter. A wide variety of topics are included, such as images of skylines, construction, oil fields, industry, agriculture, rural life, Houston’s port and ship channel, social occasions, and Houston’s citizens. While Schleuter's career spanned a longer period, this collection primarily features photoraphs dating from 1907 to 1943. Formats range from glate plates on through more modern film, and the collection includes both prints and negatives. There are 1,350 photographs: 1075 standard size prints and negatives,and 275 panoramas.
Dates
- Creation: 1907-1945
Creator
- Schlueter, Frank J., 1874-1972 (Photographer, Person)
Access Restrictions
This collection is open for research. However, to preserve the original photographs, access will be provided by digital surrogates when possible. Access to panoramas or fragile photographs requires an appointment.
Conditions Governing Use
Permission to publish or reproduce materials from MSS 0100 Frank Schleuter Photographs / Bank of the Southwest Collection must be obtained from the Houston History Research Center or the appropriate copyright holder.
Biographical / Historical
For 57 years, until his retirement in 1964, at the age of 90, Frank Schleuter carefully recorded Houston’s growth and development. His work includes images of skylines, construction, oil fields, industry, agriculture, rural life, Houston’s port and ship channel, social occasions, and Houston’s citizens.
He was best known as an oil field photographer for he was frequently called to the fields when a gusher was imminent. His photographs recorded the event for potential investors and posterity’s sake. His career spanned the time from glass plates and wooden cameras to modern films and sophisticated cameras and portable lighting.
Extent
100 Linear Feet (32 boxes, 12 panorama trays) : 1,350 photographs: 1075 standard size prints and negatives, 275 panoramas
Language of Materials
English
Arrangement
Collection is arranged into three series: Photographs, Negatives, and Duplicate Postcards.
Custodial History
The photographs in this collection were purchased by the Bank of the Southwest in 1968. Many of them were presented in an exhibition entitled "History We Have Seen Together." The exhibit opened July 1, 1971, and was on display for two months in the lobby of the Bank of the Southwest, 910 Travis at McKinney. Following the exhibit, the photographs were donated to the Houston Public Library.
Acquisition Information
The bulk of this collection was donated to HPL by the Bank of the Southwest sometime after August 31, 1971. In addition, two more boxes were donated by a Mr. Herrington in 1978 and added to the collection.
Digitized Materials
Many of the images from this collection have been digitized and are available on the Houston Public Library Digital Archives at https://cdm17006.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/schlueter
- Title
- Frank Schleuter Photographs / Bank of the Southwest Collection
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Matt Richardson
- Date
- March 4, 2020
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the Houston History Research Center Repository
