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Manuscript Group 380
MATTIE EDWARDS HEWITT PHOTOGRAPHS
[ca. 1925-1945]
1 cubic foot


Mattie Edwards Hewitt (d. 1956) was a freelance photographer of homes of the wealthy, primarily on the East Coast. She worked from a home office in New York City.

The collection consists of photographic prints and negatives by Hewitt, with some by her nephew, Richard Averill Smith, ca. 1925-1935, also a photographer, with whom she often collaborated. The subjects are interior and exterior views of homes and gardens of wealthy Pennsylvania residents, usually taken from flattering angles with the intent to please the owner. Some views accompanied articles in newspapers and magazines, such as the New York Times; the Evening Post; House Beautiful; House and Garden and Garden Magazine. Some homes include Gifford Pinchot's "Grey Towers;" Edward Stotesbury's "Whitemarsh Hall;" Pittsburgh Longvue Country Club; William Carnhill's "Hilltop," and many others. The reverse of each print sometimes contains identifying information as to the owner, architect and potential publication.

Gift of the Nassau County Library and Museum, East Medow, NY. The photographs were separated by the Museum and sent to various historical societies. An exhibit catalog on Hewitt's work is available: Portrait of an Era in Landscape Architecture: The Photographs of Mattie Edwards Hewitt, exhibit catalog, September 15 - November 30, 1983 at "Wave Hill," Bronx, NY.

PA State Archives Hours, Directions, & Fees Research Topics Online Catalog Land Records