Series E: Reference Collection: David (Dave) Williams Photographic Material, undated

In his "student research report to Professor Kermacy" (1964), Field Director Garner notes that: Two additional private photographic collections of significance are also known to the Survey, and have provided valuable assistance. The Dave Williams Collection is a series of photographs of some well known and many vernacular structures recorded just after the turn of the century. This collection forms a valuable research tool, with its emphasis on native building methods and materials, as evidenced by the subject matter of the photographs.

The Williams Collection provides an example subject for discussion of the handling of such private collections when they come into the hands of the Survey. In this instance, the collection had never been printed as a whole body and consisted principally of processed negatives. There was no order to the collection, and these negatives were uncatalogued and unidentified. Some had been printed in the positive format, and Williams' original identification was found on these. Several knowledgeable individuals [Professors Blake Alexander and Eugene George] had examined the collection subsequent to that time and had grouped the negatives by geographical areas. Access to this collection was secured by the Survey, [via Eugene George,] and it was decided to accept the responsibility of printing the collection and of identifying the structures.

Garner continues writing, saying that, three sets [of Williams prints] were indicated; one for the Museum, one for The University, and one set for the Field Director. This last set was to be carried in the field and an attempt made to identify the photographs. All photographs were printed to the same size, and binders with clear plastic sleeves were secured to hold them.

Records do not clearly indicate if this plan was successfully completed, as there is no clear original order or detailed identification for the prints.

Archivists note: The David Reichard Williams collection contains original negatives taken by Williams and corresponding prints. The 35 mm copy negatives in TAS Box 41 are copied from the black and white prints in the Williams collection. The index cards in TAS Box 42 contain thumbnail contact sheet prints from the copywork negatives in TAS Box 41.