Vassar College Archives
"Origins" Collections
"Origins" Collections
Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868.
- Title: Papers, 1769-1890.
Physical Details: 15 linear ft.
Notes: Vassar, who emigrated to Dutchess County in 1796, was a prominent businessman in Poughkeepsie. He used his fortune from his brewery and other business interests to set up a college for women. He married Catherine Valentine in 1813.
Summary: Papers primarily concern Vassar's business interests and the education of women and include ledgers from the Vassar Brewery, land interests in Michigan, and other business and estate records, 1797-1890; correspondence concerning business matters and the establishment and early years of Vassar College, 1816-1868; diaries for 1862 to 1868; specifications, maps, and architectural drawings by Andrew Jackson Downing of Vassar's residence "Springside," and photographs and articles about the house; indentures and deeds concerning Vassar lands that became part of Vassar College, 1769-1861; his autobiography, 1866, and other articles about Matthew Vassar; and miscellaneous items such as autograph albums, passport, patent, travel expense records, and a resolution from the Vassar College Board of Trustees at the time of his death.
Finding aids: Finding aid available.
Subjects:
Downing, A. J. (Andrew Jackson), 1815-1852.
Vassar, Catherine Valentine.
Vassar Brewery (Poughkeepsie, N.Y.)
Vassar College--Buildings.
Springside (Poughkeepsie, N.Y.)
Dwellings--New York (State)--Poughkeepsie.
Decedents' estates--New York (State)--Poughkeepsie.
Real property--Michigan.
Real property--New York (State)--Poughkeepsie.
Women--Education.
Women's colleges--New York (State)--Poughkeepsie.
Poughkeepsie (N.Y.)--Commerce.
Businessmen.
Philanthropists.
Genre Or Form:
Autographs.
Autobiographies.
Photoprints.
Architectural drawings.
Maps.
Diaries.