Finding Aids
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Amherst College Toy Collection (to come)
Harvis Toy Collection
Summary
Identifier: 114.6115
Finding Aid Author: Julia Norakovic
Finding Aid Date: 18 September 2015
Description Rules: Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Dates: 1560 – 1998
Extents: 430 Linear Feet
Subjects
Active Toys
Block Toys
Board Games
Dolls
Figurines
Electric/Motorized Toys
Stuffed Animals
Vehicles
Abstract
This collection contains toys, original and photocopied instruction sheets and booklets, photocopied patents, photocopied catalogs and advertisements, and original photographs of toys and individuals interacting with toys. The majority of the materials were compiled by Joan R. Harvis. The bulk of the materials are dated between 1840 and 1990.
Conditions Governing Use
This collection is open for research use by staff of Amherst College and by users of its library and archives. Though the donors have not transferred intellectual property rights (including, but not limited to any copyright, trademark, and associated rights therein) to Amherst College, they have given permission for Amherst College to make copies in all media for museum, educational, and research purposes.
Custodial History
The Joan R. Harvis Toy Collection was donated to Amherst College in July 2014 as a gift from the Harvis Family, and this forms the bulk of the Amherst College Toy Collection. The papers were accessioned by Amherst College under Object ID 114.6115. The papers were received from David Q. Harvis in an accession of 15 boxes.
Preferred citation for publication
Amherst College Toy Collection, Amherst College Library and Archives.
Processed by
Julia Norakovic, June 2015
Historical Note
The Harvis family have been toy makers and collectors in the Amherst, Massachusetts area since the 1820’s. In 1998, the Harvis Company was sold and ownership of the Company’s collection of historic toys and documents reverted to Joan R. Harvis and the Harvis Family.
Collection Scope and Content Note
The Harvis Toy Collection contains examples of toys though history and both original and photocopied instruction sheets and booklets, photocopied patents, photocopied catalogs, photocopied advertisements and articles, and original photographs children at play and other historical information.
The Harvis Toy Collection is arranged into three series, one of which has been further divided into subseries. The collection is housed 25 archival document boxes, 285 archival artifact boxes and 102 archival custom housing containers.
System of Arrangement
Series I: Historic toy collections
Subseries A: Active Toys
Subseries B: Block Toys
Subseries C: Board Games
Subseries D: Dolls
Subseries E: Figurines
Subseries F: Electric/Motorized Toys
Subseries G: Stuffed Animals
Subseries H: Vehicles
Series II: Papers
Subseries A: Instruction sheets
Subseries B: Catalogs
Subseries C: Patents
Subseries D: Designs
Subseries E: Correspondence
Subseries F: Advertisements
Subseries G: Miscellaneous
Series III: Photographs
Subseries A: Photographs of toys
Subseries B: Photographs of children with toys