Arensberg, Walter and Louise Stevens, September-December 1949

The collections processed here include objects from more than one of the handbook categories. The one example, which comprises most of the material in this subseries, is the art collection of Walter and Louise Stevens Arensberg, who collected modern as well as pre-Columbian art. Their collection files consist mostly of correspondence documenting Kimball's untiring efforts to bring the art pieces to the museum. The papers also chronicle the development of a sincere friendship between the Arensbergs and Kimball and his wife Marie. Letters from all four are included, and almost a decade's worth of coast-to-coast writing and traveling are represented. Documentation of the collection's installation and promotion are also included. The construction of the galleries designed specifically for the Arensberg's collection is documented in the "Administrative issues" series, "Subjects" subseries, "Construction projects" sub-subseries. Other collections with significant documentation are that of Edmond Foulc and W.P. Wilstach. The latter was another collection gifted to the City rather than the museum.