Photographic Archive Detailing the building of a Bindery at Alma College in Los Gatos, California

Author: [Jesuit Bookbinders] Brother McDermott
Title: Photographic Archive Detailing the building of a Bindery at Alma College in Los Gatos, California
Publication: Los Gatos, CA: Ca. 1947

Description: Roughly 50 separate 8x10" photographs, black and white, with several duplicates. Several copies of an article from the San Jose News, July 5, 1955. Photos generally very good with some rippling and light wear. Newspapers typically toned and worn.

Large photo archive from the files of prominent California bookbinder, Mel Kavin of Kater-Crafts documenting the construction of a bindery by Jesuits at the now-defunct Alma College.  Now the Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley, Alma College was established in 1934 in Los Gatos, CA to serve the needs of the Jesuit provinces of California and Oregon.  The grounds for the college were purchased by the Jesuits from Dr. Harry L. Tevis, and consisted of some 950 acres upon which Tevis had built a lavish estate.  

These photographs depict the conversion of the posh living quarters into a bindery by several brothers in the order.  The images also show, as described in the newspaper article, the homemade equipment designed by the head of the bindery, Brother McDermott, as well as himself and Brothers Meyer and Muscat working on books.  According to the article, the bindery turned out 3000 volumes per year, mostly in restoration to add to the library's own holdings.  


In 1969, the Jesuits relocated the seminary to a new campus in Berkeley and leased the property in Los Gatos for the next couple of decades before selling it.  This archive gives a wonderful look, from a unique perspective, into the early years of the thriving seminary as it was developed from the opulent Bay Area estate.  
.

Seller ID: 6580

Subject: Art & Photography, Books about Books, Religion and Spirituality



Peruse the Stacks, ABAA

 

Based in Gig Harbor, WA, we offer all manner of rare books, ephemera, and more.  Our specialties range from young adult literature to horror to the state histories of Wyoming, Texas, and Washington.

 

Terms

All orders ship within two business days. Standard mail is USPS Media Mail. Expedited and international shipping are also available. We offer combined shipping on multiple orders. 

All items are guaranteed to be as described or they may be returned within 30 days of receipt for a full refund.

This listing was created by Bibliopolis.