William Eaton Foster was born on June 2, 1851 in Brattleboro, Vermont to Joseph Coggin Foster and Abigail Eaton Foster. He was raised in Beverly, Massachusetts and attended Brown University (class of 1873) in Providence, Rhode Island. Foster skipped as many classes as possible in order to read books. After graduation, Foster worked as the librarian in the Hyde Park, Massachusetts Public Library and earned an M.A. from Brown in 1876. Foster furthered his knowledge by working as the cataloger of the Turner Free Library in Randolph, Massachusetts, a position which he held from 1876-1877. Foster continued his professional development by working at the Boston Public Library part-time for two years under the direction of Justin Winsor.
During the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia in 1876, Foster attended the "Convention of Librarians" held October 4-6 at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, along with distinguished library professionals Justin Winsor (Boston Public, Harvard), William Frederick Poole (Chicago Public, Newberry), Charles Ammi Cutter (Boston Athenaeum), Melvil Dewey, and Richard Rogers Bowker. The convention marked the birth of the American Library Association, an organization which Foster continued to support throughout his life.
In 1877, Foster returned to Providence to assist in the opening of the Providence Public Library. He selected, classified and catalogued the library’s initial 10,000 volume collection. On February 4, 1878, the first Providence Public Library opened on the second floor of the Butler Exchange building in downtown Providence with Foster serving as librarian. While working as the public librarian, Foster devised his own cataloging system unaware that Melvil Dewey was working on a similar system. Though an early adopter of Dewey’s classification system, Foster was unsatisfied and exchanged the 800s (language and Literature) with 300s (Social Sciences). In 1880, Foster directed the library’s move to larger quarters in street-level rooms below the Messers. Goff, Rice and Smith’s English and Classical School on Snow Street Foster then moved the collection to the present library building, on Washington Street, which was built specifically to house the library. The building opened on March 15, 1900 with Foster serving as librarian.
Foster was an innovator who believed firmly in library service. He aimed to meet the needs of the library patrons by providing them with specific services tailored to their specific needs. Foster introduced the segregation of activities to the library. The Providence Public Library was among the first to feature an information desk and a reference desk and reference room. Foster also introduced an art department, music Division, and foreign department all to serve the needs of the growing community. Foster also started the children’s department and developed social library services for grammar school children. Under Foster’s direction, the Providence Public Library grew to include departments for special collections, architecture, Civil War, printing; adult education as well as a standard library and business branch. The library also featured monthly Reference Texts on important topics. During his tenure as librarian, Foster also actively collected library materials with varying points of view and encouraged patrons to suggest books to be purchased. Foster also wrote numerous articles for the Providence Journal in order to promote the library and spread the news about library services. In addition to writing for the newspaper, Foster also gave numerous speeches and addresses to various groups around the city as well as published books such as The Civil Service Movement (1881), Libraries and Readers (1883), Stephen Hopkins: A Rhode Island Statesman (1884), Town Government in Rhode Island (1886), The Point of View in History (1906), How to Choose Editions (1912) and The First Fifty Years of the Providence Public Library (1928). The library grew to include not only the central library, but a library system including 12 branches and over 100 miscellaneous agencies. The library collection grew from just 10,000 volumes to 400,000 with nearly 90,000 registered patrons. Foster continued to improve library service by lecturing new library trainees at the New York State Library School.
Foster was forced to retire in February 1930 due to illness. His dedication to library service was rewarded with numerous honors including an Honorary Litt.D from Brown 1901 and an honorary membership to the Rhode Island School of Design in 1930. A book plate and a plaque for the library entrance were also dedicated to him. Also in 1930, Foster was given the title “Librarian Emeritus for life” by the library trustees. Foster humbly accepted the honors given to him and insisted that all attention focus in the library itself. To Foster “an inquiring mind and an appropriate book could be one of life’s happiest unions,” a quote which summarizes Foster’s unfailing dedication to his profession. Foster died on September 10, 1930 after a long illness. He was survived by his wife of 44 years, Julia Appleton Foster. Though William E. Foster and his wife Julia did not have children, Foster left behind an incomparable legacy which continues to influence library service into the 21st century.
There are no restrictions on access. This collection is open under the rules and regulations of the Providence Public Library Special Collections department.
Researchers are requested to cite the collection name and the Providence Public Library in all bibliographic references.
William Eaton Foster Papers, MSS005, Providence Public Library Special Collections.
Using this collection will help researchers understand the early history of the Providence Public Librarian and learn about the history of librarianship. The Foster papers contain William E. Foster’s personal papers during his tenure as librarian at the Providence Public Library. Included are the manuscripts for the many speeches and addresses given to various clubs and organizations on historical and literary matters, subjects Foster was especially interested in. There are also handwritten and typed manuscripts for books and articles written by Foster and some of his writings published in booklet form.
In addition, the collection contains personal and professional correspondence with Foster’s peers and professional associates with the bulk of letters being to Mr. Clarence Sherman, Associate Librarian at the Providence Public Library, while Foster was on vacation. Other correspondence concerns Foster’s publications and other literary works as well as Foster’s anniversaries, retirements, memorials and estate matters. Library historians may want to note that Foster was personally acquainted with the earliest members of the American Library Association and this collection includes personal letters written to Foster from R.R. Bowker.
Because Foster was librarian for over 50 years and dedicated to developing the library and librarianship, he received many acknowledgments and honors for his years of service. After Foster’s death, the library board corresponded with his wife about honoring Foster’s memory with several memorials, the plans for which are included here. The most unique item in the collection is a hand-drawn template for a book plate in Foster’s memory.
Foster enjoyed knowledge for knowledge’s sake and collected various miscellaneous materials that would benefit researchers, including his own newspaper articles and clippings about himself. Also included are items of note that Foster found interesting or useful.
The William Eaton Foster papers consists of four series:
Series I: Writings and Speeches. This series contains three subseries: speeches
and address, manuscripts and bound publications. Each subseries is arranged
chronologically.
Series II: Correspondence. Contains personal and professional correspondence
with Foster's peers and professional associates with the bulk of letters being
to Mr. Clarence Sherman, Associate Librarian at the Providence Public Library,
while Foster was on vacation. Other correspondence in subseries concerns
Foster's publications and other literary works as well as Foster's
anniversaries, retirements, memorials and estate. Each subseries is arranged
chronologically.
Series III: Commemorations, Memorials and Estate. Includes acknowledgments and
honors for Foster's years of service. After Foster's death, the library board
corresponded with his wife about honoring Foster's memory with several
memorials, the plans for which are included here. Each subseries is arranged
chronologically.
Series IV: Miscellaneous Items. Contains miscellaneous materials that don't fit
in any of the other series. This consists of newspaper clippings of Foster's
articles, clippings of items of note that Foster found interesting or useful, as
well as reference materials and advertising materials for a talk Foster gave at
the Rhode Island Historical Society.
The Foster Papers are part of the Library Archives and Foster’s published materials are part of the Providence Public Library Special Collections and Rhode Island Collections. Some published materials are available in the Ocean State Libraries circulating collections.
Contains handwritten and typed manuscripts of William Eaton Foster’s Speeches and Addresses. The speeches are arranged chronologically.
Manuscript address delivered before the Young People’s Association of St. Michael’s Parish, Bristol, RI, March 29, 1883; Revised and partially rewritten and delivered before the Lonsdale Library Association, Lonsdale, RI February 3, 1885; Condensed and partially added to, and delivered before the Young Ladies’ Improvement Society of the First Baptist Church, Providence, RI March 25, 1887.
Manuscript address read before the Greek Club.
Manuscript address read before the Rhode Island Historical Society.
The Greek Mind As Reflected in the Greek Drama. Manuscript address read before the Greek Club.
Manuscript address read before the Historical Group.
Manuscript address read before the Historical Group.
Manuscript address read before the Greek Club.
Some Lines Of Reading And Study Practicable For Readers In General Manuscript address read before the Women’s Educational and Industrial Union. Also read before Rogers High School Alumni Association, Newport, R.I.
Manuscript address read before the Rhode Island Historical Society.
Manuscript address, Old South Lecture Series.
Manuscript address spoken before Providence High School Debating Society March 18, 1891.
Manuscript address read before the Rhode Island Society of the Sons of the American Revolution.
Manuscript address read before the Greek Club.
Typed manuscript address with handwritten annotations read before the Review Club.
Manuscript address.
Types and handwritten copies manuscript address read before the R.I. Society of the Sons of the American Revolution,; printed at p. 137-142 of “Manual” 1899, R.I.S.A.R.
Manuscript address read before the Unitarian Club.
Typed manuscript address with handwritten corrections.
Manuscript address Brown and Sharpe Manufacturing Company.
Typed manuscript address presented to Barnard Club.
Manuscript address read before the Review Club.
Manuscript address read at Niagara Conference June 25, 1903 printed in Library Journal v.28, c.17-19.
Typed manuscript outline of paper with handwritten notes read at the Niagara Conference of the ALA, June 25, 1903. Library Journal v. 28, C. 76-81 with handwritten notes.
Manuscript address with handwritten corrections read at staff meeting.
Where Ought the Emphasis to Be Placed in Library Purchases? Manuscript address read before Massachusetts Library Club, Pawtucket.
Manuscript address read before the Review Club, 1906.
Manuscript address read before the Review Club.
Manuscript address.
Manuscript address at Beneficent Congregational Church.
Manuscript address.
Manuscript address read before staff October 1, 1912.
Manuscript address. Answers to queries, clippings from Providence Journal Dec. 23-28, 1912, at Rhode Island Normal School.
Handwritten and typed copies manuscript addresses read before the Review Club.
Typed manuscript address with handwritten annotations and handwritten misc. Read at staff meeting.
Typed manuscript address read before the staff read before the Review Club.
Manuscript address read before the staff.
Manuscript address read before the staff October 16, 1915 titled “On Living in a Classic Neighborhood”; Title changed to “Personal Associations of the Library site and its neighborhood.”; Title change to Some Interesting Associations Connected With the Library Site and It’s Neighborhood
Manuscript address read before the Library Staff.
Types and handwritten copies manuscript address read before the staff.
Manuscript address read before the staff.
Typed manuscript address to Staff Association.
Typed manuscript address read before the staff association.
Manuscript address read before the staff.
Manuscript address read before the staff and before the Review Club.
Handwritten and typed copies manuscript address read before the Rhode Island Library Association.
Manuscript address read before the Review Club.
Typed manuscript address read at staff meeting.
Manuscript address read at the staff meeting.
Typed manuscript address and hand drawn maps read before the Review Club and before the library staff.
Manuscript address read at staff meeting.
Maximum Usefulness of Public Libraries notes on J.L. Wheeler’s article in the Atlantic Bookshelf Manuscript address read at staff meeting.
Manuscript address.
Manuscript address, Providence Public Library “Book Talks” .
Typed manuscript address with handwritten notes. Read at the Rhode Island Historical Society.
Typed and handwritten copies manuscript address. Read at staff meeting.
John Keats and His Later Fame, The Centennial of Keats’s “Poems” Poem. Typed manuscript address with handwritten appendices by Dr. H.L. Koopman. Read before the Review Club.
Contains manuscripts of published materials by William Eaton Foster. The manuscripts are arranged chronologically.
Printed in The Nation.
Printed in the Providence Journal.
Warner’s Some Rhode Island Men of Science in the Last Century (18th Century). Typed bound manuscript handwritten cover.
Typed manuscript, printed in The Nation.
Manuscript; printed in The Nation.
(Some Bibliographical Notes on Historical Composition). Support data Colonial Society 1904-1906; Colonial Society of Massachusetts Publications Vol. 10 Transactions 1904-1906; Boston – Published by the Society 1907 ; Paper on “The Truth in history” by Lindsay Swift, at p. 101-7 [read March 23, 1905].
Typed and handwritten copies manuscript. Printed in Newport Herald.
Notes on 1907 services at St. Stephen’s Church. Conversation with Everard Appleton.
Article for Dictionary of American Biography.
Misc. discarded sheets page 8 recopied.
Handwritten manuscript, hand drawn map. Typed list of appendices and appendices.
Notes on W.E.F.’s paper “Some Architectural Sidelights” by H.L Koopman.
Manuscript with a bibliographical list of works.
Contains bound booklets with articles written by Foster. The booklets are arranged chronologically.
The Literature of Civil Service Reform in the United States. Published by the Young Men’s Political Club; Providence. 1881.
What to Read on the Subject of Reading. New York: F. Leypoldt. 1883.
Economic Tracts No. 11: Political Economy and Political Science. 1884.
Compiled by W.G. Sumner, David A. Wells, W.E. Foster, R.L. Dugdale, and G.H. Putnam. New York: The Society For Political Education. 1884.
References to Political and Economic Topics to accompany a series of lectures delivered in Providence, R.I. 1884-1885.
Under the auspices of the First Congregational Parish Providence: Providence Press Company, Book Printers. 1885.
John's Hopkins University Studies in Historical and Political Science, Herbert B. Adams, Editor. Fourth Series II Town Government in Rhode Island by William E. Foster, A.M. Baltimore N. Murray, Publication Agent, Johns Hopkins University, 1886. With handwritten annotations. 1886 February, 1889.
References to the Constitution of the United States. New York: The Society for Political Education. 1890.
Public Support for Public Libraries by William E. Foster. Printed from a paper read before the American Librarian Association at San Francisco, CA, 1891. 1891 October 15.
Address before the Rhode Island Society of the Sons of the American Revolution at the Annual Dinner February 17, 1891. New York: The Republic Press. 1892.
How to Develop Interest in the Library by William E. Foster. Published in University of the State of New York [Extracts from the Proceedings of 34th Convocation] University Convocation Library Session. 1896.
Questions and Answers . Submitted to the Library Committee, 1896. 1896 April 2.
University Convocation New York, 1896 with handwritten cover page. 1896 June 25.
Developing a Taste for Good Literature by William E. Foster. Reprinted from The Library Journal, 1897. 1897 May.
Use of a Public Library by Artisans. Reprinted from the Library Journal, 1898. 1898 May.
The School and the Library. Reprinted from Educational Review, 1900. 1900 March.
Standard Library Alphabetical Catalogue of the Editions in the Standard Library of the Providence Public Library, 1901. 1901 May.
How To Choose Editions. Reprinted from New York Libraries, April 1910. W.E. Foster, Providence, R.I. Public Library with introduction by Martha T. Wheeler, New York State Library. 1910 April.
Sam Walter Foss. Printed in Brown Alumni Monthly April 1911, v. 11 p. 229-230 with handwritten cover page. 1911 April.
Library handbook, No. 8. How to Choose Editions by William E. Foster, Providence Public Library American Library Association Publishing Board: Chicago. 1912.
Five Men of ’76 by William Foster. Reprinted from Bulletin of the American Library Association. 1926 October.
Charles Alma Cutter: A Memorial Sketch. Undated.
U.S. Constitution Information Desk booklet. Undated.
Providence Public Library General Rules and Information. William Binney, an appreciation. Undated.
Contains letters written To Mr. Clarence E. Sherman, Assistant Librarian, Providence Public Library between July 6, 1924-August 9, 1924 while Foster was on vacation. The letters are arranged chronologically.
Contains letters and telegrams for Foster from notable figures and librarians as well as letters to and from Foster’s widow about planned memorials. The letters are arranged chronologically.
George Carken Winship, Library of Congress. 1913 January 17.
To Mr. George P. Winship, John Carter Brown Library from Beverly Updike, Merrymount Press. 1913 January 17.
Sarah E. Doyle. 1913 February 3.
Walter G. Everett, President, Brown University to H.L. Koopman RSVP regrets to dinner honoring Foster. 1913 February 4.
Telegram from J.L. Harrison to Koopman for Foster. 1913 February 4.
H.L. Koopman. 1913 February 7-March 13.
Herbert Putnam, Library of Congress. 1913 February 10.
William Hyde Appleton. 1913 February 11.
Alden Bloomer, 2 p. 1913 February 17.
Mary E.S. Root. 1913 February 17.
C. Langdon with 2 p. typed. Poem dated Feb. 4th. 1913 Febrary 17.
John Cotton Dana, Librarian of the Free Public Library of Newark, NJ. 1913 March 12.
W.H. Appleton. 1913 February 24.
J. Clare Huddon. 1913 March 7.
Edward Fuller. Undated.
John Cotton Dana, Librarian of the Free Public Library of Newark, NJ. 2 typed notes. 1913 March 12-May 1.
William F. Abbot. 1913 May 17.
Edmund Fuller. Undated.
Ernest E. Lemcke. Undated.
Walter G. Everett to Harry L. Koopman. Undated.
Herbert Putman, Library of Congress. 1913 February 10-March 13.
Letter to George Winship from Roger C. Adamson[?] RSVP regrets. Undated.
Augustus W. Lord. 1927 May 30.
Margaret Weeton Richards. 1927 May 31.
Abby Eddy. 1927 May 31.
Sarah Ann Fiske, Bertha Hill, Lyman, Huntington Elizabeth Marjorie, Alma Smith, Thomas Stockard. 1927 May 31.
Francis G. Allinson. 1927 June 1.
Arthur M. Ancoett, All Saints Memorial Church. 1927 June 1.
Isabelle N. Binney. 1927 June 1.
Mabel Emerson Colwell. 1927 June 1.
T. Harrison Cummings, Librarian Public Library Fall River, MA. 1927 June 1.
Alice Collins Cheeson. 1927 June 1.
Grace Leonard, Providence Athenaeum.1927 June 1.
Dorothy R. Keacle. 1927 June 1.
Dr. G. Alder Blumer. 1927 June 2.
Sarah M. Gough. 1927 June 2.
Clarence Sherman. 1927 June 13.
James I. Wyer, Director New York State Library. 1927 June 29.
Frank P. Hill, Brooklyn Public Library. 1927 July 13.
George H. Tripp, Librarian, New Bedford Free Library. 1927 July 13.
Kendall K. Smith. 1926 February 8
H.L. Koopman to Foster re: Kendall Smith’s Elegiac Couplet. February 20, 1926
American Library Association requesting photo. 1926 March 12.
Henry Gardner, 2 p. 1930 February 8.
Ruth Crawford Coombz, 2 p. 1930 February 8.
Mary C. Essex. 1930 February 8.
Gertrude E. Brown, President, Staff Association. 1930 February 8.
Bertha H. Lyman. 1930 February 10.
H.L. Koopman. 1930 February 10.
I.O. Winslow, Superintendent Emeritus, Department of Public Schools, Providence. 1930 February 12.
Arthur R. Blessing, Librarian, Naval War College. 1930 February 12.
Harry Parsons Cross. 1930 February 13.
Lydia C. Beckwith. 1930 February 13.
H. Freeman, City Library Association Springfield, MA. 1930 February 14.
R.R. Bowker. 1930 February 14.
Frank P. Hill. Chief Librarian Brooklyn Public Library. 1930 February 15.
Walter G. Everett. 1930 February 16.
Ruth, niece. 1930 February 17.
W.W. Keen, Typed. 1930 February 17.
Carl Milam, secretary ALA, Typed. 1930 February 17.
Irving B. Richman. 1930 February 18.
Francis G. Allinson. 1930 February 18.
William V. Weller? 1930 February 18.
William G. Law. 1930 February 28.
Walter S. Biscoe. 1930 March 10.
Hlare Hudsow. 1930 March 13.
George H. Tripp, Librarian, Free Public Library New Bedford, MA. 1930 March 14.
Sarah M. Gough. 1930 March 15.
James I. Wyer, Director New York State Library. 1930 March 24.
L. Stanley Jast, Chief Librarian, Manchester Public Libraries, England. 1930 March 28.
E.E. Lowe, Director City of Leicester Museum, Art Gallery and Public Libraries, England. 1930 March 31.
H.A. Fussell. 1930 March 31.
3 p. Mary Eileen Ohern. 1930 April 1.
Zach Chafee, Jr. 2 p. typed. 1930 April 2.
William V. Kellen. 1930 April 6.
W.M.C. Carlton, Williams College Library. 1930 April 8.
S.C Mitchell, University of Richmond. 1930 April 12.
J.F. Jameson Library of Congress. 1930 April 14.
Charles Nowell, Coventry England. 1930 April 19.
J.F. Jameson Library of Congress. 1930 May 9.
J.B. Richmond. n.d
Letter from Carl H. Milam, honorary Vice-President of the American Library Association 50th Anniversary Conference. 1925 December 21.
Election as Fellow of American Library Institute for a term of ten years from January 1, 1927. 1926 December 1.
Rhode Island School of Design Honorary Membership letter. 1930 April 10.
from Julia Foster to Board of Trustees. 1930 September 15.
from Julia Foster to Board of Trustees. 1930 December 4.
from Julia Foster to Mr. Sherman. 1931 April 7.
Cover letter: To Eleanor Pyne from Stuart Sherman re: Foster correspondence. 1964 May 27.
Letter to Mr. Sherman from Julia Foster. 1936 March 6.
Typed letter to Mr. Everard Appleton, nephew of Mrs. William Foster, extending sympathies on her death. 1938 December 19.
Typed letter to Mr. Everard Appleton, nephew of Mrs. William Foster from librarian. Appreciation of Mrs. Foster and hope of building William E. Foster Wing. 1939 February 6.
Typed letter to Providence Public Library from Mr. Clarence E. Sherman.
Release to be signed in consideration of Mr. Appleton as the Executor of the Will of Julia A. Foster books bequeathed to the library. 1939 June 20.
Letter to Mr. Appleton from librarian. 1940 May 24.
Contains letters acknowledging Foster's publications and letters regarding works in progress. The correspondence is arranged chronologically.
H.L. Koopman. 1926 June 8, 1926, 1926 June 21.
Frank B. Gay, The Watskinson Library, Hartford, CT. 1926 June 10.
Frank H. Chase, Boston Public Library. 1926 June 14, 1926, 1926 June 21.
To Mr. Cutter from Assistant Librarian, typed note. 1926 July 3.
To Sherman from W.P. Cutter of Arthur D. Little Inc. 1926 July 9.
To Foster from Walter Lincoln. 1927 April 23.
Howard M. Chapin, Librarian, RIHS. 1927 May 17.
W. R. Callender. 1927 May 17.
Postcard from GAB?. 1927 May 17.
Dr. G. Alder Blumer. 1927 May 17.
William P. Cutter, Cambridge, MA. 1927 May 18.
Frank H. Chase, reference librarian Boston Public Library. 1927 May 18.
Clarence S. Brigham, Librarian, American Antiquarian Society. 1927 May 18.
Clarence H. Manchester, Principal Providence Technical High School. 1927 May 18.
Harrison J. Conant, Vermont State Library. 1927 May 18.
Herbert O. Bingham, RI State Library. 1927 May 19.
Leonard H. Campbell, Principal Commercial High School, Providence. 1927 May 19.
H.L. Koopman, Librarian, Brown University. 1927 May 19.
Grace F. Leonard, Providence Athenaeum. 2 letters. 1927 May 19.
George H. Evans, Librarian Public Library, Summerville, MA. 1927 May 19.
W.H.P. Faunce, President Brown includes poem. 1927 May 19.
F.K.W. Drury, American Library Association. 1927 May 28.
Walter G. Everett. 1927 May 19.
Carl H. Milam Secretary ALA. 1927 May 19.
John Howard Appleton. 1927 May 20.
Postcard from W.W. Ken? 1927 May 20.
William V. Kellen. 1927 May 20.
J.L. Farnum, Library of Congress. 1927 May 20.
Charles L. Nichols. 1927 May 21.
Postcard C.K. Bolter? Boston Athenaeum. 1927 May 21.
Charles F.D. Belden Director, Boston Public Library. 1927 May 21.
Grace B. Chace? 1927 May 21.
Copy letter from Arnold B. Chace. 1927 May 21.
Anna C. Koeper? Acting Chief Division of Accessions Library of Congress. 1927 May 21.
William G. Law. 1927 May 21.
Name illegible. 1927 May 22.
Lawrence C. Wroth, John Carter Brown Library. 1927 May 23.
Richard B. Watrous, Providence Chamber of Congress. 1927 May 23.
G.E. Woodben. 1927 May 24.
T.F. Green. 1927 May 24.
Charles F.D. Belden, director Boston Public Library. 1927 May 24.
Virginia Metcalf. 1927 May 24.
William C. Poland. Two pages, typed. 1927 May 24.
President and fellows of Harvard College. 1927 May 25.
Francis G. Allinson. 1927 May 25.
William G. Peck. 1927 May 25.
Franklin O’Poole, Librarian, The Association of the Bar, NYC. 1927 May 25.
Elliot Snow. 1927 May 25.
Mary Eileen Ahern, editor Libraries. Typed. 1927 May 26.
William Warner Bishop, Librarian University of Michigan. Typed note. 1927 May 26.
Katherine P. Louis? 1927 May 26.
Wargund Stillwell, Annmary Brown Memorial, Brown University. 1927 May 26.
Charles Nowell, City of Coventry (England) Public Libraries. 1927 May 27.
F.K.W. Drury ALA. 1927 May 28.
S.A. Pitt, City Librarian, Glasgow Scotland. Typed. 1927 May 30.
Walter G. Everett. Two pages. 1927 May 30.
James E. Dunne, Providence mayor. Typed. 1927 May 31.
Robert S. Fletcher, Librarian Converse Memorial Library, Amherst College. 1927 May 31.
William C. Lane, Librarian Harvard College Library. 1927 June 1.
George F. Tucker, Counsellor at Law. 1927 June 1.
G. Vine, Librarian The John Rylands Library, Manchester. 1927 June 3.
Gregory D. Walcott, Department of Philosophy Gamline University, St. Paul, MN. Typed. 1927 June 6.
Alice I. Hagrteme? 1927 June 6.
I.B. Lichman. 1927 June 7.
Card Thorvald Solberg. 1927 June 13.
George Aes, Montreal Canada. Typed. 1927 June 14.
J. Franklin Jameseon, Director Cargengie Institute. Typed. 1927 June 16.
Sarah F. Cutter. 1927 June 17.
E. Pratt Hyde. Two pages. 1927 June 19.
H. Alexander Fussell. 1927 June 23.
R.R. Bowker. Two typed pages. 1927 July 1.
R.R. Bowker. Typed. 1927 July 23.
Albert Bushnell Hart, Professor of Government Emeritus in Harvard University. Typed. 1929 April 19.
Irving B. Richman, Attorney at Law, Irving B. Richman, Attorney at Law, Samuel S. Green. 1904 March 29.
Department of Historical Rsch Carnegie Institution of Washington. 1904 May 27.
Edward Brown, The Yale Review. 1906 April 17; 1906 April 25; 1906 April 27.
The Nation. 1906 May 19.
The Davis Press. 1906 June 18, 1906 August 26.
The Public Library District of Columbia. 1906 October 18.
C.W. Andrews, president ALA. 1906 December 19, 1907 February 8, 1907 April 5.
William McDonald, professor of History Brown University. 1907 April 11.
Allen D. Severence, Associate Professor of Church History Western Reserve University. 1907 April 24.
H. L. Koopman notes on W.E.F.’s paper. 1908 April 27.
Correspondence on Stephen Hopkins for Dictionary of American Biography. 1910 March 8.
Contains various incoming and outgoing correspondence between Foster and other librarians and notable people. Also includes correspondence regarding items of interest to Foster and thank you letters. The correspondence is arranged chronologically within each folder.
Edward F. Stevens, Director and Librarian Pratt Institute Free Library. n.d.
Francis G. Allinson. 1897 April 9.
Edmund Fuller. 1899.
Wendell P. Jamison. 1900 October 26.
Thomas L. DeVine. 1904 November 2.
Irving B. Richman, Attorney at Law. 1906 July 2.
Benjamin Wheeler, President University of California. 1911 May 26.
Robert K. Shaw, Worcester Free Library. 1913 September 22.
William Faunce. 1914 June 27.
R.R. Bowker. 1915 August 21.
William Faunce. 1915 November 6.
Herbert Autman, Library of Congress. 1916 May 13.
Benjamin Wheeler. 1919 March 10.
William Beer, Librarian Howard Memorial Library, New Orleans. 1922 May 30.
Ernest Spoffard, Recording Secretary, the Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania to Mr. Chapin re: Tousard papers. 1922 June 19.
E.L. Pearson The New York Public Library. 1922 May 12.
Miss Gardner. 1925 November 8.
Wilson G. Wing, President, Providence Institution For Savings. 1928 January 24.
William Davisville. February 13.
From Foster to Mr. Tuttle. 1914 April 9.
Mr. John M. Faswell. 1914 April 22.
Mr. Julius H. Tuttle, Massachusetts Historical Society. Includes transcript of p.1 and preface of “Sir Richard Rum” Undated.
Letter from Charles Wordsworth. 1927 October 24.
Transcript to Mr. Hudson. 1927 October 24.
To Prof Gardner. Draft of thank you letter. 1930 February 5.
To Board of Trustees. Draft of thank you letter. Feb 7, 1930.
G, Alder Blumer, M.D,. RISD Draft of thank you letter. April 10, 1930.
Mr. Green. Draft of thank you letter. Aug 19, 1930.
Dr. Lord Draft of thank you letter. Undated.
Dr. Allinson. Draft of thank you letter. Undated.
Postcard to unknown. Undated.
Mrs. Charles A. Cutter. Undated.
Postcard from Foster with limerick. Undated.
Unknown. 1878 April 29.
Mr. Bixby, Miss Bonner at Providence Athenaeum. 1898 November 17.
Bishop Burgess. 1906 November 4.
Miss Bonner at Providence Athenaeum. 1911 June 3.
Miss Bonner at Providence Athenaeum. 1914 November 26.
Miss Bonner at Providence Athenaeum. 1918 November 11.
Containing information regarding planned commemorations and memorials for Foster. Items are arranged chronologically.
Seating plan for dinner. 1913.
Order of speakers. 1913.
H.L. Koopman’s translation of Horace’s Prayer to Apollo. 1913.
Letter regarding Dante. 1913.
Containing planned retirement gifts for Foster.
Retirement gifts from staff. Handwritten cover page to William R. Foster – With all good wishes of your Staff and their genuine if belated Christmas Greetings. 1930 March 29
Handwritten list of annotations.
Handwritten list of illustrations.
The Merrymount Press of Boston.
An Account of the Work of Daniel Berkley Updike by George Parker Winship, Assistant Librarian of Harvard College Library, Honorary Member of the Bibliographical Society London.
With a list of one hundred and fifty Merrymont Press Books.
Printed for Hurbert Reichner 1929.
Gregor Krichbaum, President Providence Speaking Club. Resolution to make a collection as part of a fund to be tended by the Trustees of the Providence Public Library for purchase of memorial tablet for William E. Foster. 1930 November 19.
List William E. Foster Wing Special Gift Possibilities. Two typed pages.
List of possible donors. Four typed pages.
Donors and memorials. Two typed pages
Four typed pages. Eulogy by Clarence E. Sherman.
Typed note from Julia Foster to Mr. Sherman about article in Journal from Fifty-Fifth Annual Report: Lest We Forget re: dedication of Memorial Tablet.
In Memoriam William E. Foster Drawing For a Book Plate. A Small Tribute from Walter O. Holt. Foster Book Plate (Oversize).
Contains miscellaneous materials that don’t fit in any of the other series. This consists of newspaper clippings of Foster’s articles, clippings of items of note that Foster found interesting or useful, as well as reference materials and advertising materials for a talk Foster gave at the Rhode Island Historical Society.
The Homing by Caroline Hazard New York, The Harbor Press 1929. With note from Miss Hazard
Containing Foster’s Providence Journal articles, clippings about literature, clippings relating to Foster’s anniversaries, commemorations, retirement and memorials. Items are arranged chronologically.
Photocopies of Foster’s articles on libraries and librarianship
Getting Acquainted with the Providence Public Library. 1913 April 10, 1913 April 14, 1913 April 17, 1913 April 21, 1913 April 24, 1913 April 28.
Forming the Library Habit At the Providence Public Library. 1913 May 19, 1913 May 22, 1913 May 26, 1913 June 4.
Library Resources (letter to the editor). 1913 May 2.
Growth and Use of the Public Library. 1913 June 29.
Library Statistics and Growth of Use. 1913 August 5.
Use of Public Library Books. 1913 August 18.
Envelope with newspaper clippings about Barsetshire.
Paper on Library site folder of notes and newspaper clippings.
Misc. notes.
Clippings Quotation, and Near-Quotation read before the staff May 30, 1924; read before the Review Club January 10, 1925 Some Literary Memories of Newport in Newport Herald, June 18, 1915. 1915 June 18.
Description Clippings on Foster’s anniversaries Commemorations, Memorials.
Newspaper clipping congratulations to Foster. 1913 February 5.
Newspaper clippings February 5, 1913 Providence Journal; Evening Tribune; Evening Bulletin. 1913 February 5.
Newspaper article: Foster Retires as Library Head. 1930 February 9.
Notice in The Library Journal. 1913 March.
Newspaper clippings on University Club Dinner(3). 1913 March.
Newspaper clipping on Foster. 1913 March.
Newspaper photos of Foster and Sherman. A Great Librarian retires. 1930
1.25 newspaper column Evening Bulletin Memorial of Dead Librarian Adopted. 1931 January 15.
Includes items Foster chose to use as reference materials. Items are arranged chronologically.
Handwritten notes from Foster, newspaper clippings, correspondence.
Letter to Providence Journal correcting house number in which Lincoln stayed in 1860. On reverse handwritten reply Clipping of newspaper item in question.
Appraisal notes
Manuscript William Morris
Information Desk materials
Letter to Mr. Sweetland re article on Sprague Estate in Providence Journal. With handwritten reply.
Copy of letter declining purchase of “The Book of Knowledge”.
Notes and correspondence relating to N.Y. Assoc. for Improving the Condition Of the Poor.
Library fiction The Clue of Shelf 45 1919 written by Mr. Foster (newspaper) given to Ref. Dept. 1933 December 16.
Handwritten notes and newspaper clipping on “Norris Amendment” line of succession if President-elect dies before taking office.
Letter to Mr. Lyman re: lot of land Greene St. School built on May 25, 1916.
Letter to Miss Lyman re: circular letter to high school teachers. Typewritten letter.
Fragments newspaper clippings.
Note and newspaper clippings on Pres.
Note and letter from T.F. Green regarding book his sister had printed as a memorial to their aunt and father.
Note and newspaper clipping on world records in swimming the English Channel.
Note and newspaper clipping re: National Anthem.
Note and newspaper clippings in Mayflower passengers and descendents.
Note and newspaper clipping on song “John Brown’s Body”.
Contains miscellaneous materials gathered by Foster.
Card of portrait of Ambrose Burnside.
Clippings, advertising postcard for RI Boundary Disputes read before RIHS February 10, 1891.
Handwritten list of books in Foster’s personal library.
Biographical notes.
Keats prices various lists.