Unpublished paper - Davis, Karen "Arthur Astor Carey", 1995-05
Scope and Contents
These records provide a bibliographic overview of Arthur A. Carey’s life and philanthropic endeavors from 1907-1917. The collection includes biographical information in the form of news clippings about Carey’s charitable work and an unpublished paper by Karen Davis (1995) about Carey’s life.
This collection also includes three pamphlets written by Carey about the benefits of scouting, and five years' worth of newsletters from the Free Reading Room, a
nondenominational religious organization Carey founded to improve the lives of Waltham citizens.
Dates
- 1995-05
Extent
From the Collection: 1 Cubic Feet (1 half manuscript box, 1 large flat box)
Language of Materials
From the Collection: English
Abstract
In this unpublished essay, Davis argues that Arthur Carey was simultaneously anti-modern and progressive in his beliefs. Davis describes Carey as "a man with an enormous social conscious." While Carey was a staunch supporter of the Colonial Revival style of architecture, which aimed to revive elements of American colonial architecture, he was also progressive and incredibly passionate about bettering the lives of the working class. Carey's commissions parallel "his transformation from an artist to a (social) reformer." Davis details Carey's evolving architectural commissions, his involvement in the Arts and Crafts movement (specifically his contributions to the Society of Arts and Crafts), his spiritual journey, and his charitable work in Waltham, Massachusetts (The Mt. Prospect School for Boys and the Free Reading Room/Fellowship House).
Repository Details
Part of the Waltham Room Archives, Waltham Public Library Repository