Does there exist in any specific archive a COMPLETE set of Pullman builder's photos?

I ask because in the one estate I'm shoveling through we've uncovered a large set of "blueprint"-process photo reproductions bound in sets of 100, intended to be in effect a chronological catalog of photos taken in (apparently) 1909--about 900 or so of them.

We could keep them, but they may do better being used to fill any missing gap in definitive holdings somewhere.

And there may be more to come, too.

This place, perhaps: http://www.irm.org/pullmanlibrary/index.html


Pullman Library
Overview

Related Information
- Pullman Library Overview
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The Illinois Railway Museum's Pullman Library was formed in 1992 with the acquisition of Pullman Companies materials from Pullman Technology, a division of Bombardier of Canada. The Pullman Library supplies copies of materials in the collection under license from Bombardier who holds title. The Pullman Library is not open to the public except by appointment.

Pullman Library Contact Information

By Email:
pullmanlibrary@irm.org

By Letter:
Illinois Railway Museum
Pullman Library
Post Office Box 427
Union, IL 60180

By Phone:
Wednesdays 10:00am to 4:00pm at 815-923-2020

Glen Brewer
RailroadGloryDays
http://RailroadGloryDays.com

Ted Anderson is the curator of the Pullman Library at IRM. He posts here on occasion, and I'm sure this will draw out his attention. He may end up PM'ing you Mr. Mitchell.

Quick answer is no one archive to the best of my knowledge. I am only aware of significant numbers of Pullman builder's photo negatives and photographic prints being held at two repositories. These are the Smithsonian collection and the smaller one at California State RR Museum.

At one time, several decades ago I recall seeing an advertisement for Pullman builder's negatives collection that appeared in Trains Magazine. I have no knowledge as to the source of the photos and the eventual owner.

The major (and larger) one is at the Smithsonian. This is a good sampling -- but incomplete. Years ago, at a Railway & Locomotive Historical Society annual convention (actually during the pre-banquet social hour) I was able to ask John White (of the Smithsonian) and Arthur Dubin jointly about the scope and selection process. I recall that several points were made:

1.Like so many repositories there was a limitation on the available space and other resources -- so not every negative could be taken. A selection process was made.
2. One view of every order was to be taken.
3. Interior views of passenger cars if they showed something unique.
4. More views if the change was different or unique.

The blue print process images can be copied (probably today scanned) and turned into usable prints. This kind of print were sources of some of the photos in the original large-format Santa Fe head-end car book by Ellington and Shine .

I would suggest that you contact:
1. Smithsonian National Museum of American History (not sure what sub-section as the separate railroad/transportation group seems to be combined with other sections)
2. California State Railroad Museum