Scope and arrangement
The papers of Harold Van Buren Magonigle span the years 1894-1939 and consist of correspondence, subject files, writings, architectural and art works, miscellaneous papers, printed matter, clippings and papers of Edith Marion Day Magonigle. The bulk of the collection dates from 1919 to 1930 and reflects Magonigle's professional career and organizational affiliations.
Correspondence is divided between the General Correspondence and Subject Files and Correspondence. The bulk of the correspondence is in general correspondence. There is some overlap between the two series.
The General Correspondence dates from 1894 to 1934 with many gaps. It is mainly relaped to Magonigle's work and includes correspondence with colleagues, publishers, editors and clients. There is a small amount of personal correspondence. Notable among the correspondents are: Thomas Hastings, Paul Phillipe Cret, W. H. Crocker, Leslie Devereux, Walter Ross Baumes Willcox and Harry F. Waltman.
The Subject Files and Correspondence (1901-1932) is for the most part devoted to organizations, committees and juries in which Magonigle participated. The largest file documents Magonigle's tenure as president of the New York Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (1926-1928). Among the papers are minutes of the Executive Committee meetings (1926-1928), minutes of regular monthly meetings (1926-1928) and committee files. Correspondents include Egerton Swartout, Grosvenor Atterbury, C. Grant La Farge and Cass Gilbert. Also included are files for the Alumni Association of the American Academy in Rome (1912-1916), made up on correspondence (1912-1916), minutes (19114-1915) and miscellaneous papers including membership lists and information related to fundraising, scholarships, exhibitions and prizes. Correspondents in the American Academy files include Ralph Adams Cram, C. Grant La Farge and Graham Phillips Stevens. There are also files for the Me Kinley National Memorial Association (1901-1907) and "The Nature, Practice & History of Art" (1922-1929), a book by Magonile.
Magonigle's Writings include typescripts and manuscripts of articles, essays, book reviews and plays. The entire typescript of The Nature, Practice and History of Art can be found in this series. Also included are lectures and addresses presented by Magonigle to professional organizations, various clubs and student groups.
Architectural and Art Works include original sketches, facsimiles of Magonigle's work, catalogs of exhibits in which his paintings were exhibited and correspondence, printed matter, miscellany and photographs pertaining to particular architectural projects. The sketchers are mostly unidentified. A few bear descriptions and dates including: "Washington, D. C., 1921", "Siena, September 11, 1921" and "London, 1921". Architectural projects include the World War Memorial in New Britain, Connecticut, the Arsenal Technical Schools in Indianapolis, the United States Embassy in Tokyo and the Congregational Church in Lincoln, Nebraska. These files do not contain any original architectural plans.
Miscellaneous papers include invitations, membership cards, memorabilia, certificates, programs and some biographical information. Oversize miscellany is stored in a separate folder.
Printed Matter is made up of articles, clippings, journals, reprints and reports. The clippings are for the most part about Magonigle, his architectural projects and exhibits of his work.
The papers of Edith Marion Day Magonigle include correspondence and a few miscellaneous items. The correspondence (1916-1939) includes both personal and business letters relating to the sale and exhibition of her paintings, her work on the frieze for the Kansas City Memorial and her involvement in the Liberty Loan Campaign and the National Association of Women Painters and Sculptors. Correspondents include Arthur Tappan North, Troy Kinney, Ivan Feodorvich and Walter Ross Baumes Willcox. There is one letter from Charles Dana Gibson (undated). Correspondence related to Edith Magonigle's work for the Art War Relief (1918-1919) is filed separately and makes up a significant portion of the correspondence.