Guide To The Walker R. Smith Rural Maryland Photoprints.pdf

# Walker R. Smith Rural Maryland Photoprints (NMAH.AC.0446)

## Overview
The Archives Center at the National Museum of American History holds a collection of 122 silver gelatin photoprints by Walker R. Smith, depicting rural life in Maryland from the 1930s to the 1990s. The collection offers a unique visual record of a small village and its inhabitants over several decades.

## Administrative Details
- Acquisition: Donated by Walker R. Smith on March 11, 1992.
- Custodial History: All photographs have been in Mr. Smith's continuous custody, with many printed by him and others by commercial photofinishers.
- Location of Originals: Negatives are held by Walker R. Smith.
- Processing: Processed by Mary June Owen, volunteer, in 1995.
- Access: Open for research.
- Reproduction Rights: Reproduction restricted; donor retains rights. Some prints bear copyright notices.

## Biography and History
Walker R. Smith has been documenting the rural Maryland village of Doubs (and Adamstown) for over five decades, creating a personal and semi-professional body of work. The collection showcases his interest in various aspects of rural life, including trains, farming activities, local stores, and people at work and play.

## Scope and Arrangement
The collection is organized into eight series based on subject matter and size:

1. People, Portraits: Includes individual portraits of villagers, such as Calvin Whalen and Mrs. Oscar Rhodes.
2. People, Groups: Depicts gatherings and social interactions within the community.
3. People, Occupations: Shows individuals at work, including farmers and store clerks.
4. Railroad: Focuses on trains and railroad-related subjects in the area.
5. Rural Industry: Documents various rural industries and activities.
6. Transportation: Features photographs of vehicles and modes of transportation in the village.
7. Landscapes: Captures scenic views and landscapes of the rural Maryland setting.
8. Disasters: Includes images related to disasters or significant events that occurred during the period.
9. Miscellaneous: Aims to cover any remaining subjects not categorized above.

## Key Terms and Subjects
- Agriculture, groceries, railroads, stores (historical), and various types of people and activities in rural Maryland.
- Places: Adamstown, Doubs, and rural Maryland.