Archives Scrapbooks

Ctrl-C, Ctrl-V. Rinse, repeat.

Fogg Art Museum Scrapbook, 1933

ARCH.2003.27, Rendition: 798965

Mistral, us.mistral.pixtral-large-2502-v1:0

The image is a page from the "Harvard Alumni Bulletin," specifically page 67, dated October 20. The text on the page details the life and contributions of Elbridge Gerry, a notable figure in American history.

Key points from the text include:

  1. Early Life and Injury:

    • On July 17, 1776, Elbridge Gerry was injured in a fall from a horse on the Cambridge campus, resulting in a wound that never fully healed.
    • The bones of a house were found years later where he fell, near the foundations of a house removed in the 1830s.
  2. Property and Residence:

    • Gerry's father, Thomas Gerry, purchased the estate from Andrew Cabot in 1745.
    • Elbridge Gerry inherited the property, which included a house and 34 acres of land, extending to Fresh Pond.
    • He spent his later years at Elmwood, entertaining visitors and corresponding with the founders of Harvard College.
  3. Political Career:

    • Gerry was a signer of the Declaration of Independence and served as a delegate to the Constitutional Convention.
    • He opposed the ratification of the Constitution but later supported it.
    • He served as a presidential elector in 1797 and was appointed by John Adams as commissioner to France.
    • In 1810, he was elected Governor of Massachusetts and received an LL.D. from Harvard College in 1810.
    • He was a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and served as Vice President of the United States from 1813 until his death in 1814.
  4. Family and Legacy:

    • Gerry married Ann Thompson in 1786, and they had ten children, though only three sons and six daughters survived.
    • In 1818, Rev. Charles Lowell, pastor of the West Street Congregational Church, moved into Elmwood. Gerry's son, James Russell Lowell, was born there in 1819.
    • Lowell married Maria White in 1844 and had four children. His second child, Mabel, married Francis Dunlap Godwin in 1889 and lived at Elmwood until her death in 1935.

The text provides a detailed account of Gerry's life, his contributions to American politics, and his family's legacy at Elmwood.

Mistral, mistral.mistral-large-3-675b-instruct

The image displays a page from the "Harvard Alumni Bulletin," specifically page 67 of an issue labeled "Oct. 20." The main article on this page discusses the life and career of Elbridge Gerry, a notable Harvard alumnus.

Here's a detailed summary:

Elbridge Gerry

Background and Career:

  • In July 1775, Gerry's house was taken over as a hospital under a special order, ensuring it would not be damaged. He was likely ill and spent the year as a camp follower at Cambridge.
  • Those who died and were buried near what is now Mount Auburn and Channing Streets are believed to have laid the groundwork for the establishment of Mount Auburn Cemetery.
  • The cemetery was officially dedicated and sold by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to Andrew Cabot, Esq., of Salem, on May 16, 1787.
  • The estate was conveyed to Gerry, who was a signer of the Declaration of Independence, a governor of Massachusetts, and Vice President of the United States. During his residence, he owned the property now known as Elmwood.
  • The estate comprised 34 acres, including parts of both Brighton and Cambridge, stretching from Fresh Pond to the Charles River.

Political Contributions:

  • Gerry was a member of the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia and opposed its ratification in Massachusetts, feeling it lacked sufficient safeguards for individual liberties.
  • He was elected to the first U.S. Congress and served four years, initially rejecting re-election but later returning for another term.
  • Gerry was known for his hospitality and entertained many distinguished visitors, including Harvard College students.

Presidential Election:

  • In 1797, Gerry was a presidential elector and voted for his friend, John Adams.

Later Life and Family:

  • Gerry was appointed as a commissioner to France but did not negotiate successfully, returning to his family in Cambridge in 1798.
  • He was elected as governor of Massachusetts in 1810 and 1811, receiving an honorary LL.D. from Harvard College in 1810.
  • Gerry became Vice President of the United States in 1812 but died in office in 1814, leaving behind a widow, three sons, and six daughters.

Family Lineage:

  • His son, Rev. Charles Lowell, was a pastor of the West Street Congregational Church in Boston.
  • Charles Lowell had several children, including a daughter who married and had children, and sons who continued the family line in Elmwood.
  • One notable descendant, James Russell Lowell, was a renowned poet.

The article ends by mentioning that the room originally used by Elbridge Gerry as a study was moved from the front to the rear of the house in 1876.

The page concludes with the publication details: "Alumni Bulletin - Oct. 20."

Mistral, mistral.ministral-3-14b-instruct

The image shows a page from the Harvard Alumni Bulletin, specifically page 99. The text describes the history of the Elmwood estate in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and its association with prominent figures such as Elbridge Gerry and the Lowell family.

Key points include:

  1. Elmwood Estate History:

    • In July 1775, the house was used as a hospital for the injured during the Revolutionary War.
    • The estate was later owned by Andrew Cabot, who conveyed it to Elbridge Gerry in 1787. Gerry was a signer of the Declaration of Independence, governor of Massachusetts, and vice-president of the United States.
    • Gerry sold part of the estate in 1797, retaining a significant portion for himself.
  2. Elbridge Gerry:

    • Gerry was a delegate to the Constitutional Convention and a member of the House of Representatives.
    • He declined re-election after four years in Congress and spent the following years on his farm at Elmwood.
    • Gerry supported John Adams for president in 1797 and was later appointed as a commissioner to France.
  3. Lowell Family:

    • In 1818, Rev. Charles Lowell, pastor of the West Street Congregational Church in Boston, purchased the "Mansion House" at Elmwood from Gerry’s widow.
    • Charles Lowell and his family had a significant presence in Cambridge, with their descendants living in the estate for several generations.
    • Charles Lowell's son, James Russell Lowell, was a prominent poet and diplomat, born at Elmwood in 1819.
  4. Maria Lowell:

    • Maria Lowell, sister of Charles Lowell, married James Dunlap and lived at Elmwood.
    • Their daughter, Mabel, married at Elmwood and lived there until her death in 1898.
  5. Elmwood as a Historic Site:

    • The house is described as being the "haunt of heroes and other shy birds and land-creatures" and is noted for its historical significance.

The text also notes that the original room at the rear of the house was once used as a study by Mr. Lowell, who later moved to the front room. The page is dated October 20, 1930, indicating the time when the article was published in the Harvard Alumni Bulletin.

Mistral, mistral.ministral-3-8b-instruct

The image is a page from the "Harvard Alumni Bulletin," specifically page 99, dated October 20. It contains a historical account of Elbridge Gerry and his association with Elmwood, Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Key points from the text include:

  1. Elbridge Gerry's House and Cambridge Camp:

    • In July 1775, Gerry's house was converted into a hospital for the Committee of Safety.
    • The sick and wounded remained in the house, which was used as a camp for Cambridge during the Revolutionary War.
    • Some years later, the foundations of the house were uncovered during digging and a monument was erected in the old Cambridge Cemetery.
  2. Estate Conveyance:

    • In 1787, Gerry conveyed the estate to Elbridge Cabot, a signer of the Declaration of Independence.
    • The estate included 96 acres, with 34 acres being the "homestead" stretching towards Fresh Pond.
    • Gerry sold the house and 96 acres to Cabot, who later sold the Oliver estate to Andrew Cabot, Esq., of Salem.
  3. Gerry's Later Life:

    • Gerry became a commissioner to France and returned in 1798, retiring to his family and farm in Cambridge.
    • Gerry was elected governor of Massachusetts in 1810 and re-elected in 1811. He received an honorary degree (LL.D.) from Harvard College.
    • Gerry served as vice-president of the United States in 1812 but died in Washington, D.C., in 1814.
  4. Charles Lowell's Connection:

    • In 1818, Rev. Charles Lowell purchased the "Mansion House" from Gerry’s widow.
    • Lowell was a pastor at the West Street Congregational Church in Boston.
    • James Russell Lowell, the youngest of four brothers and two sisters, was born in the Lowell home in Cambridge in 1819.
    • Lowell’s house was noted for its "haunt of herons and other shy birds and land-creatures."
  5. Charles Lowell's Family Life:

    • Lowell married Maria White, a Harvard classmate, in 1844.
    • Maria died in 1853, and he remarried Frances Dunlap in 1857.
    • Lowell had four children, three of whom died in early childhood. His daughter, Mabel, survived and married at Elmwood.
    • Lowell died in 1891, and his daughter lived there until her death in 1898.
  6. Mansion House Details:

    • Originally, the room was at the rear of the front door, but it was moved to the front room in 1876.

Mistral, mistral.ministral-3-3b-instruct

The image shows a page from the Harvard Alumni Bulletin, specifically page 99. The page contains biographical information about two individuals, Elbridge Gerry and Charles Lowell.

Elbridge Gerry:

  • Gerry was a significant figure in American history, known for his role during the American Revolution and his later political career.
  • In July 1775, Gerry took over a house in Cambridge that served as a hospital during the Revolutionary War. Many of the wounded soldiers from the battles were buried nearby, and the site is now Mount Auburn Cemetery.
  • The Oliver estate was confiscated from Gerry and sold to Andrew Cabot.
  • Gerry was a delegate to the Continental Congress and later became a governor of Massachusetts and vice-president of the United States. He was also a presidential elector in 1796, voting for John Adams.
  • Gerry died in 1814 and was buried in the Cambridge cemetery.

Charles Lowell:

  • Charles Lowell, a pastor of the West Street Congregational Church in Boston, purchased the "Mansion House" from Elbridge Gerry's widow.
  • His childhood was marked by a happy time spent in the fields and woods of Elmwood.
  • Lowell was married twice; first to Maria White, who died in 1853, and then to Frances Dunlap in 1857.
  • He had four children, with three of them dying in childhood. His second child, Mabel, lived with him until his death in 1891.
  • Lowell’s daughter continued living in the house after his death, originally located on the left of the front door but later moved to the front room.

The text in the image gives insight into the lives and contributions of these notable Harvard alumni and their lasting impact on the community of Cambridge.

Mistral, mistral.magistral-small-2509

The document is a page from the Harvard Alumni Bulletin, numbered 99, and dated October 20. The text discusses the history of a house, referred to as "Elmwood," starting from its use as a hospital in 1775 during the Cambridge camp period of the American Revolution. The house was later owned by Andrew Cabot and then conveyed to Elbridge Gerry, a signatory of the Declaration of Independence and vice-president of the United States. Gerry used the house as his residence and the estate was divided among his heirs after his death in 1814. The text also mentions the Lowells, who purchased the house in 1818, detailing some of their family history and connections to the property. The house was eventually sold out of the Lowell family in 1898.

Azure OpenAI Service, gpt-4

The image displays a page from the "Harvard Alumni Bulletin," which appears to be a historical publication or newsletter, judging by the style of the typesetting and the paper texture. The page is numbered 99 at the top and has the handwritten annotation "Alumni Bulletin - Oct 20." at the bottom. The text on the page continues from an earlier page as it starts mid-sentence, and it is in small, dense paragraphs typical of academic or formal documents.

The content on the page seems to discuss historical matters related to Harvard University alumni and significant events and figures in U.S. history. The passage mentions some noteworthy individuals, such as Elbridge Gerry, referencing his involvement in historical events, including the Constitutional Convention, and mentioning his roles like being appointed as a presidential elector, though details about specific names are not clearly discernible from the provided view.

The overall condition of the document suggests it is well preserved, with no visible tears or significant damage, although the paper has yellowed, which could indicate age. There are two punch holes on the left edge indicating that it might have been part of a bound collection of papers or a filing system.

Azure OpenAI Service, gpt-4.1-mini-2025-04-14

The image shows a page from an old publication titled "HARVARD ALUMNI BULLETIN," specifically page number 99. The text on the page appears to be a historical account or biographical notes relating to events and people connected with Harvard and the surrounding area. It discusses various subjects, including the use of a house as a hospital in 1775, the estate of Andrew Cabot being transferred to Elbridge Gerry, and Gerry's political career including his opposition to the ratification of the Constitution and role as a commissioner to France. The text also covers the life of Rev. Charles Lowell, a pastor in Boston, his purchase of the "Mansion House," and details about his family, including his son, James Russell Lowell, noted as a poet.

The page is mounted on a larger sheet of paper, which has three holes punched along the left side, indicating it might have been part of a binder or collection. Handwritten at the bottom right of the larger sheet is the note "Alumni Bulletin. Oct. 20." There is also the number "67" written at the top right of the larger sheet. The page has a yellowed appearance typical of older documents.

Amazon, us.amazon.nova-2-lite-v1:0

The image shows a page from the Harvard Alumni Bulletin, specifically page 99, which appears to be part of a historical or commemorative publication. The page is printed on aged, slightly yellowed paper, suggesting it may be from an older edition or archive. The text is formatted in a classic serif font, typical of formal publications from earlier periods.

Key Observations:

  1. Title and Header:

    • At the top of the page, the header reads "HARVARD ALUMNI BULLETIN," indicating that this is a publication aimed at Harvard University alumni.
    • The page number "99" is displayed at the top right corner.
  2. Content:

    • The text is a narrative or historical account, likely detailing the lives and contributions of notable individuals associated with Harvard or its alumni.
    • The content discusses several figures, including:
      • Andrew Cabot: A historical figure who was involved in the early governance of Massachusetts, served as a governor, and was a signer of the Declaration of Independence.
      • Ebridge Gerry: Another prominent historical figure, mentioned in relation to his role in the Constitutional Convention and his later life at Elmwood.
      • Rev. Charles Lowell: A pastor of the West Congregational Church in Boston, noted for his family and connection to Elmwood.
      • Maria White Lowell: A Harvard alumna who married Rev. Charles Lowell and is described in the context of her life and family.
  3. Historical Context:

    • The text references events and figures from the 18th and 19th centuries, including the American Revolution, the Declaration of Independence, and early American governance.
    • Specific dates and locations are mentioned, such as July 1775, May 16, 1787, and 1844, providing a chronological framework for the narrative.
  4. Visual Elements:

    • The page has a clean, structured layout with justified text, typical of formal publications.
    • There are no illustrations, graphs, or photographs on this page; it is purely textual.
    • The bottom of the page includes a handwritten note: "Alumni Bulletin. Oct. 20," which may indicate when the page was reviewed or annotated.
  5. Condition:

    • The paper shows signs of aging, with slight discoloration and a slightly worn appearance, suggesting it may be part of an archival collection or a historical document.

Summary:

The image depicts a page from the Harvard Alumni Bulletin that provides historical accounts of notable individuals connected to Harvard University and early American history. The content is textual, focusing on biographical details and historical events, and is presented in a formal, structured format typical of alumni publications from earlier eras. The page number and header indicate its place within a larger publication, and the handwritten note at the bottom suggests it may have been part of a review or archival process.

Amazon, amazon.nova-lite-v1:0

The image appears to be a page from a historical document or book. The text is written in a cursive font and describes the life and accomplishments of a person named Gerry. Here is a summary of the key information in the image:

  1. In July 1775, Gerry was appointed as a commissioner to France by the Committee of Safety. He was taken over as a hospital under a special order, but no injured person was taken to it. The sick and wounded remained in Cambridge, and those who died were buried at a camp.

  2. Upon his return from France in 1798, Gerry retired from public life and focused on the care of his family, farm, and estate in Cambridge.

  3. In 1810, Gerry was elected governor of Massachusetts and re-elected in 1811. He received a degree of LLD. from Harvard College in 1810 and was a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

  4. In 1812, Gerry was elected vice-president of the United States, but he died before the second year of his service.

  5. Gerry owned a large estate in Elmwood, which he sold in 1818.

  6. Gerry married twice and had several children, some of whom died young.

  7. Gerry was known for his hospitality and entertained many distinguished visitors, including students of Harvard College.

The text provides a brief overview of Gerry's life, focusing on his political career, personal life, and legacy. The image appears to be a page from a historical document or book that provides more detailed information about Gerry's life and accomplishments.