James Lowry Cogar papers
Abstract
Descriptive Summary
- Title
- James Lowry Cogar papers
- Date
- 1758, 1785, circa 1859-1880, 1924-1987, undated (inclusive)
- Extent
- 28.5 Cubic Feet
- Subjects
- Antiques
- Colonial Williamsburg (Williamsburg, Va.)
- Education, Higher -- History.
- Historic buildings -- Conservation and restoration
- Historic buildings -- Conservation and restoration -- Kentucky
- Historic farms -- Kentucky.
- Travel.
- Shakers -- Kentucky -- Pleasant Hill.
- Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.
- Arrangement
- Collection is arranged by subject and format in seven series: Correspondence, Newspaper clippings, Renovation and restoration files, Audiovisual materials, Education and personal records, Business and financial records, and Travel files.
- Preferred Citation
- 2006ms001: [identification of item], James Lowry Cogar papers, 1758, 1785, circa 1859-1880, 1924-1987, University of Kentucky Special Collections Research Center.
- Repository
- University of Kentucky
Collection Overview
- Biography / History
- James Cogar, the son of William B. and Dora Davis Cogar, was born in Midway, Kentucky on February 2, 1906. He received an A.B. degree from the University of Kentucky in 1927 and an M.A. degree in history from Harvard University in 1929. From 1929-1930 he served as a History and Math teacher at the Brent School - an Episcopal preparatory institution in Baguio in the Philippine Islands. Upon his return, he attended Yale University where he studied architecture. He left his studies in 1931 after contracting tuberculosis. While recuperating in Colorado, he learned of the restoration of Colonial Williamsburg by John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Through one of his professors, he became associated with the work - an enterprise which by the 1940s eventually led to the restoration of sixty-six buildings, the rebuilding of eighty-four others on their foundations, the removal of four hundred fifty modern buildings, the relocation of two and a half miles of railroad track, and the diversion of a Federal highway. Cogar became the Curator at Colonial Williamsburg in 1931. His responsibilities included having charge of the furniture and furnishings in the exhibition buildings, consulting with architects, and the acquisition of objects to furnish the interiors of new restorations as they were completed. Cogar scoured North America and Europe for ordnance and weaponry, bottles and wine casks, furniture, kitchen utensils, cutlery, china and glasses, textiles, books, and artwork. His efforts helped equip the Governor's Palace, the George Wythe House, the Powder Magazine in Williamsburg's Market Square, the Williamsburg Inn, and many other edifices.
- Beginning in 1933 Cogar lectured on 18th Century American Social History at the College of William and Mary - a post he filled for more than thirty years. He also authored numerous articles on Williamsburg and the Colonial period which were published in both scholarly journals and popular magazines in the United States and Great Britain. In 1939 he acquired and restored the Williamsburg home of wealthy merchant William Nicholson, a friend of George Washington. Built in 1730, the house was left unchanged because subsequent owners were too poor to add cupolas, porches, or other modern frills. After serving as a naval intelligence agent during WWII, Cogar resigned as Curator in 1948 to found Cogar, Lewis, and Geiger, a Williamsburg firm that specialized in English and American antiques. He was also in great demand as a consultant. He served in that capacity with the National Park Service on the preservation and restoration of historic sites, as a consultant with the Octogan, the Institute of American Architects in Washington, D.C., and eventually with several other organizations primarily in Virginia and Kentucky. In addition, his Williamsburg connections led to his involvement with numerous historic restoration and interior design projects including the Grove, the ancestral home of Richard Call and residence of Florida governor LeRoy Collins; on several homes owned by Vice President Nelson A. Rockefeller; and on the home and office of A.C. Long, chairman of the board of Texaco.
- In 1961 Cogar returned to Fawn Leap, the family farm in Midway, Kentucky, to assist his mother who was in poor health. In 1962 he accepted the position of Executive Director of Shakertown at Pleasant Hill with the mission of restoring the former religious community to its nineteenth-century appearance. Pleasant Hill, which was an active Shaker community from 1805 to 1910, was a village of approximately thirty buildings in various states of disrepair. In 1968 he became the organization's first Executive Director - serving in that post until his resignation in 1974. In the 1960s he deeded Nicolson House to Colonial Williamsburg in trade for the historic home of Samuel Taylor near Pleasant Hill. Cogar restored the home, which was originally built in the early 1780s, and named it Bachelor's Barter. Following his retirement, Cogar continued to serve on the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees of Shakertown and was also retained by Pleasant Hill as a consultant. He died on January 13, 1987.
- Scope and Content
- The James Lowry Cogar papers (1758, 1785, circa 1859-1880, 1924-1987, undated; 28.5 cubic feet; 66 boxes) comprise the correspondence, publications, newspaper clippings, restoration files, education files, business and financial records, and personal papers gathered and produced by twentieth century historian and preservationist, James Lowry Cogar. The education files, 1928-1971, contain lecture and presentation notes, and grade books from Cogar's years as a student of history at Yale and as a teacher in the Philippines and the United States. The business and financial records investment statements for Cogar, Lewis, and Geiger Company; Cogar's invoices; and agreements for his farms and homes at Fawn Leap and Bachelor's Barter. The personal papers pertain to Cogar's attempts to enter the military during WWII and also contain calendars, memorabilia, and calling cards. Highlights in the collection include diaries, scrapbooks, and photographs generated during Cogar's year at Brent School in the Philippines, 1929-1930; correspondence from persons of note including John D. and Nelson Rockefeller; photographs of Winston Churchill's visit to Colonial Williamsburg in 1946; and his notebook on the restoration of the Nicolson House, Colonial Williamsburg. Finally the audio-visual materials including more than 3,000 photographic images that document James Cogar's travels, restoration projects, teaching activities, and family life.
Restrictions on Access and Use
- Conditions Governing Access
- Collection is open to researchers by appointment.
- Use Restrictions
- The physical rights to the materials in this collection are held by the University of Kentucky Special Collections Research Center.
Contents of the Collection
Correspondence, 1925-1983, undated
Scope and Contents
The Correspondence series (1925-1983, undated) contains letters sent to James L. Cogar throughout his adult life. The letters discuss his travels abroad and in the United States, history, home restoration and interior design projects, life in Williamsburg, Virginia and Kentucky, and family and friends pleasantries.
University of Kentucky yearbooks and contents, 1925
1929
1930
1931
1932
1934
1939-1940
1942
1943
1945
1946
1947
1948
1949
1950
1951
1952
1953
1955
1957
1958
1959
1960
1961
1962
1963
1964
1965
1966 January-May
1966 June 7-8
1966 June 9-12
1966 June 13-19
1966 June 20-29
1966 July-December
1967
1968
1969
1970
1971
1972
1973
1974
1975
1976 January-June
1976 July-December
1977 January-June
1977 July-December
1978
1979
1980
1981
1982
1983
Undated
Foster Parents Plan, Inc., Victorio Suarez, Manila, Philippines, 1961-1968
Mount Vernon Ladies Association, 1976-1978
R. William Oster Correspondence, 1965-1969
Education files and personal papers, 1928-1980, undated
Scope and Contents
The Education files and personal papers series contains materials related to Cogar's schooling and instructor lectures and notes, as well as, letters from persons in the military, World War II ration cards, estate records, and biographical information. Of note are class notes taken by Cogar while attending Harvard and his lectures and presentations given at the College of William and Mary and the University of Kentucky.
Education files, 1928-1980, undated
Harvard University calendar, contains a few entries and some addresses and accounts, 1928
James Cogar diary, 1928 January-December
Student cards, 1928-1929
Cogar class notes for History 55, taught by Arthur Schlesinger, Sr., Fall, 1929
German Grammar Outline, 1928
History 55 blue books (4), 1929
Cogar grade book, circa 1930
Class notes, fall, 1930
Cogar class notes for History 55, 2nd semester, Spring, 1930
Certificate of membership, Omicron Delta Kappa Society, Etta Circle at the College of William and Mary, 1942 April 29
University of Kentucky Alumni Association file, 1963-1977
University of Kentucky Commencement Program Master of Arts: Cogar, William Bennett, Lexington, 1975 May 10
Transylvania University certificate of appreciation for "outstanding contribution to Transylvania University's Bicentennial Celebration", 1980 June 18
Article: Mrs. W.T. Lafferty and James L. Cogar,Seven Kentucky Types of the American Home, two copies. Typed and mimeographed drafts, undated and outline of Life in Kentucky, prior to 1800 with blueprint illustrations attached., undated
Student papers on 18th century furniture, University of Kentucky Extension Course, 1928
Notes for Art 34b, History of the Graphic Arts, Professor Sizer, Yale University, 1931
Lecture/syllabus and vita for History 412, American Social History of the 18th Century College of William and Mary, 1933
Lecture notes for History 413, College of William and Mary, 1933
Lecture notes for 413-R, volumes 1-5, 1933
Lecture notes for 413-R, 1933 September-October
Lecture notes on 18th century architecture, 1930s
Lecture notes on 18th century settlers, 1930s
Lecture notes on 18th century history and culture, 1930s
Lecture notes, College of William and Mary, 1933-1934
Research and publications relevant to research for course content, 1927-1949
Two fashion plates from 1840s women's' magazine, undated
History 413R deferred examination, 1947 September
Student term paper and letter of appreciation, 1951-1952
Correspondence, College of William and Mary, appointments as a lecturer, 1950-1962
Grade sheet and evaluation for class taught, 1951
Class rolls, grade sheets, lecture questions, registrar information, student blue book exam, tests, etc. for History 413, 18th Century Social History, 1950-1959
Cogar grade book, undated
Exam questions, History 413-R, Social History of the Eighteenth Century, 1933-1939
Notes for lectures given to various groups, 1930s
Cogar lectures, talks, and presentations, 1930s-1950s
Bluegrass Preservation Short Course, sponsored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Foundation for the Preservation of Historic Lexington, James Cogar, presenter, 1957 July
Program for 13th Annual Alexandria Forum, James Cogar presenter on "High Styles in a Shaker Community," also includes notes on the Shakers and slavery., 1971 October 8
Duplicate set of History 413-R lecture notes, 1933
Glass slides to accompany lectures, undated
Certificate of promotion to high school, Midway Board of Education, 1920 May 1
Midway High School diploma, 1923 May 17
University of Kentucky Bachelor of Arts diploma, 1927 May 30
Harvard University Master of Art diploma, 1931 November 11
Personal papers, 1941-1983, undated
World War II correspondence, 1941-1942
World War II correspondence, 1943-1947
World War II training materials, circa 1943
World War II materials (Cogar birth record, application materials, information on Army Specialist Corps, etc.), 1941-1943
World War II, ration books and tire certificates, circa 1943
Insurance Records
Medical Records, 1950-1958
James Cogar's will, 1966
Diocese of Southen Virginia Confirmation Certificate, 1950
Allen W.T. Davis bio, 1976
Susan Kidd Slaughter invoice, 1974
Bit O'Honey Jockey Club registration, 1922
Deeds, agreements, and leases, 1947-1975
American Kennel Club and Veterinary records, 1934, 1981-1983
European addresses: one sheet, undated
Calling card for Cogar, Lewis, & Geiger, Inc., undated
Biographical information on Cogar, undated
Cogar interior plans, undated
Eight metal woodcuts including James Cogar's signature, Christmas motifs, and designs incorporating Colonial Williamsburg themes, undated
Address book index cards and stamps, undated
National Trust for Historic Preservation in the United States Citation, Quartz rock trophy, 1971
Edward T. Breathitt certificate appointing Cogar as member of Kentucky Heritage Commission, 1966 July 14
Louie B. Nunn certificate commissioning Cogar as Kentucky Colonel, 1967 December 22
Watercolor chapbooks by Fritz Kredel
Letters from Victorio M. Suarez, Filipino student sponsored by Cogar, 1970-1975
Business cards and stationary, undated
Diary, 1936
Day books, circa 1940
Day books, 1953, 1957
Day books, 1958-1959
Day books, 1960-1961
Calendars, 1969-1970
Calendars, 1972-1973
The Virginiar Calendar, 1974
The Kentucky Calendar, Burr Press, 1950
Cogar Sketchbook, including watercolor of Nicolson House, undated
Drawing block including water color sketch, undated
Pen and ink drawing of Nicolson House, undated
Cogar pen and ink holiday designs for greeting cards, undated
Jim's House and Garden, includes plan of Cogar's orchard planted, 1942 December 29
Drawings and renderings, undated
The Edge: The James Lowry Cogar Travelling Fellowship typescript by Keith D. Plymale, undated
W. G. Davis, Bankbook, Midway, Kentucky, 1872-1874
W.G. Davis diary, 1875
T.P. Davis diary, 1876
T.P. Davis diary, Taylor, Texas, 1877
T.P. Davis diary, Midway, Kentucky, 1881
Photocopy of marriage bond for T.P. Davis and Rosa Goun, 1894 April 18
Poetry, undated
James Cogar fiction writings, 1953, undated
Biography of Mary (Mayme) Davenport Cogar, 1979
Cogar famiy history note fragment, 1966
James Cogar bio sketch, circa 1947
Calling cards, undated
Address book, circa 1930
Guest book, 1964-1965
Guest book, 1939-1979
Membership cards, undated
Receipts, car registration, and licenses, 1928-1957
Trip account book, 1930's
Trip account book, 1942
Account book for boarders at Nicolson House during World War II, 1942-1943
Late 19th century record book containing inventory of unidentified library, circa 1890
International Code of Signala (ISC) flash cards, circa 1940's
Book plate, undated
Puzzles and games, undated
Stamps and half penny, 1938
Cogar, Lewis, and Geiger, Inc. return address labels, undated
Stationary: cards, paper, and envelopes, undated
Christmas cards, undated
Scratch book, undated
Resume, circa 1971
Travel files, 1929-1970s, undated
Scope and Contents
The Travel files series comprises Cogar's travel diaries and journals, maps, ephemera like passenger tickets, and some correspondence. Cogar was well-traveled and visited countries in Asia, Africa, and Europe, as well as, the American Southwest.
Correspondence from James Cogar to Mrs. William B. Cogar, re: Brent School, Baguio Philippines and his travels, 1930-1931
Philippines, Journal of northern trip, 1930 March 29-September 2
Cogar travel diary documenting trip from Philippines to Europe, 1930 June 26-August 9
Memorabilia (menus, passenger lists, receipts for baggage, etc.) from Philippines trip, undated
Faculty list, Brent School, 1929-1930
Four issues of The Toddler, a magazine published by the students at Brent School, 1933-1934
Booklet: Harvey Exposure Meters (instructions for use with cameras), undated
Note from W.E. Risque, M.D., Midway, Kentucky that Cogar has received typhoid and smallpox vaccinations, 1929 July 27
Map of the Philippines, 1929
Messageries guidebooks for Beirut, Alexandria, Djibouti, Saigon, Naples, Port Said, Constantinople, Colombo, Singapore, Japan, Shanghai, and Hong Kong, 1930
Map of Saigon, Cook's Map of Central Europe, and Salzburg guide, 1928
Correspondence to Cogar from friends traveling abroad, 1932-1933
Journal of trip to Europe, 1936
Memorabilia, European trip (menus, maps, baggage tags, etc.), 1936
Bavarian tourist guide, and Berlin theater guide, undated
Pamphlet: State Historical Markers of Virginia, 1937
Journal of trip to Mexico, including expenses and furniture sketches, 1938
Mexican ticket, pamphlet, and postcards, 1938-1939
Journal of trip to Great Britain, 1947
Journal of trip to England (transcription), 1947
Passenger list for the Queen Mary and menu, 1947 October
Radiogram, 1947
Journal/Notebook: Cogar, Lewis and Geiger expenses, Great Britain trip; Journals of trips, 1948-1960
Passenger list, S.S. Washington, 1948 July 9
Car receipt, England trip, 1949
Passenger list for the R.M.S. Media, 1950 July 22
Correspondence re: acquisitions, trip, 1950
Mikes, George. How to be an Alien, London: Wingate, 1950
Passenger list (Oct. 23, 1953), stationery, and program of events (August 14, 1953) for M.V. Britannic, 1953
Journal of trip to England, combined with notes on The Grove/Collins Family restoration project, 1958 April
Passenger list, M.V. "Britannic", 1958 May 30
Journal of trip to England and the continent, 1961 July
Cunard ticket, car receipt, 1967
Miscellaneous receipts, vaccination, and driver's permits, etc., 1950s-1970s
Cogar passports, undated
Traveler's menu-passport for Europe with common foods listed in each language, undated
Scrapbook re: James Cogar's trips to and from the Philippines and his tenure as a master teaching History and Mathematics and as Director of Dramatics at the Brent School, Baguio, Philippines, 1929-1930. Includes menus, ticket receipts, programs, letters, photographs, lists of students, a grade book, and programs for the Brent Follies and commencement from Brent School, Calling cards, receipts, used postage stamps, telegrams, clippings, etc., 1929-1930
Diary of trip from the Philippines to Greece via the ship President, Cleveland. Ports of call or cities visited on this leg of his trip included Saigon, Hong Kong, Singapore, Columbo, Djibouti, Cairo, Jerusalem, Beirut, Damascus, Constantinople, and Athens. 48 p., 1930 June 26-August 9
Journal of James L. Cogar, Trip to England, 1947 June-October
Renovation and restoration files, 1940-1983, undated
Scope and Contents
The Restoration and renovation files comprises project records, interior specifications, and architectural drawings and blueprints related to houses Cogar helped re-built and/or decorated according to historical records. The renovation projects include Cogar's home in Willamsburg, Virginia, the Nicolson House. Of significance are interior plans for former Vice President and Governor Nelson Rockefeller and his wife and Bachelor's Barter in Central Kentucky.
Renovation projects, 1959-1974, undated
Nicolson House, 1940-1973, undated
Cogar renderings, undated
Nicolson House Journal, 1940
Notes on Nicolson House, furniture list, 1973, undated
The Robert Nicolson House on York Street (formerly Woodpecker Street) in the City of Williamsburg and County of York, Virginia by Francis Waring Robinson, descendant of Robert Nicolson, 1942 June
Proposals and receipts for work on house, 1940, 1944, 1949
Articles on Nicolson House, 1969, 1973
Williamsburg, 1930-1970, undated
Cogar notes on the role of a curator, undated
Antique furniture, 1931, undated
Furnishing plan for Orrell House, undated
Typed copy of Anthony Hay inventory, January 21, 1771, undated
Cogar restoration bibliography, 1933 March 1
Bibliography of Garvan Collection, 1930 September 30
Inspection of restored buildings note cards, 1934 February
Report (firearms, ordinance) Gevernor's Palace, Williamsburg, VA, 1934 May-June
Notes on Sir Christopher Wren, 1935
Trip to Great Britain notes, receipts, and addresses, 1936
Miscellaneous drawings including ordinance, 1936
A Report on the visit of the British High Command to Colonial Williamsburg by Gerald Horton Barh and letters, 1943
Colonial Williamsburg publications, circa 1930-1970
Correspondence, 1931
Correspondence, 1934
Correspondence, 1935
Correspondence, 1936
Correspondence, 1939
Correspondence, 1940
Correspondence, 1941
Correspondence, 1945
Correspondence, 1948
The Grove, Tallahassee, Florida, 1956-1962, undated
Brochure, circa 1962
Drawings, undated
Letters and receipts, 1956-1958
Letters and receipts, 1959
Letters and receipts, 1960
Letters and receipts, undated
Publications, drawings, inventory of contents of home, and accompanying correspondence, undated
Governor's Mansion, Tallahassee, Florida, furnishings' plan, undated
Texaco Projects, New York, N.Y., 1959-1974, undated
Correspondence, 1960-1961
Receipts, liquidation inventory list, and accounts, 1963-1965
Plans (Some need re-housed), undated
Accounting records and correspondence, 1959-1960
Correspondence, receipts and bills, 1960-1962, 1974
Decorating specifications: textile samples (upholstery, curtains, etc.), woodwork and paint samples, undated
Governor and Mrs. LeRoy Collins, Tallahassee, Florida: Governor's Mansion, undated
Governor and Mrs. LeRoy Collins, Tallahassee, Florida: The Grove, undated
Governor and Mrs. LeRoy Collins, Tallahassee, Florida: The Capitol, undated
Equitable Life Insurance company, undated
Mr. and Mrs. A.C. Long, undated
Mr. and Mrs. R.S. Bares, undated
Governor and Mrs. Nelson Rockefeller, undated
The Texas Company, undated
Mrs. James H. Parsons, undated
Others: Odell, Kelly, Lane, Reynolds, and Williams, undated
Restoration files, 1940-1983, undated
Correspondence, 1961-1969
Correspondence, 1971-1981
Preliminary Plans - Restoration of the Carpenter Shop at Shakertown, 1965
Receipts, 1964-1967
Pleasant Hill publications - brochures, postcards, 1983, undated
Agecroft Association, 1967-1974
American Institute of Architects, 1956
Bachelor's Barter, 1965-1967
Fawn Leap, 1964
Department of Health, Education, and Welfare (HEW), 1953-1955
Department of Interior, 1948-1962
Kellum-Noble House, Houston, Texas (needs re-housed), 1957-1958
Kentucky projects, 1960-1981
Manigault, Mary, Charleston, South Carolina, 1961-1962
Rockefeller, Nelson, 1953-1954
Rockefeller, Nelson, 1964-1966
St. Joseph's Church, Bardstown, 1980
St. Philip's Episcopal Church, Harrodsburg, Kentucky, 1975
Stratford Hall, 1940-1962
Virginia Historical Society, 1959
College of William and Mary, 1977-1978
Miscellaneous restoration related correspondence/projects (needs re-housing), 1956-1976
Restoration subject cards, undated
Blueprints and drawings, 1946-1975, undated
Unidentified architectural drawings on tracing paper (6), undated
Williamsburg by George Fletcher Bennet, Drafting Room Reference Series poster, 1961
Photostatic, Thomas Shippard to Dr. William Shippard, Westover, December 30, 1783 (Provides description and rough drawing of Westover home of William Byrd), undated
Pencil drawing of plat of Fawn Leap, Midway, undated
Blueprint of Adam Thoroughgood House, Princess Anne County, Virginia, 1956 June 25
Blueprint (copy) of Farmington floor plan, home of John S. Speed, 1946 June 27
Blueprint (copies) plans for St. Philip's Episcopal Church, Harrodsburg, Kentucky, 1975 June
Blueprint drawings and tracings re: Bachelor's Barter, 1964
Drawing copy of layout of Chaumere Des Prairies, residence of David Meade, Jessamine County, Kentucky, undated
Business and financial records, 1927-1983, undated
Scope and Contents
The Business and financial records include inventories, invoices, bank, and tax documents for various business ventures and the personal estate of James L. Cogar. Some invoices and account papers regard antique for historic interior design projects Cogar worked on. Also included are farm records for the Cogar family farm, Fawn Leap in Midway, Kentucky and other central Kentucky farm investments and partnerships.
Cogar, Lewis, and Geiger business records, 1948-1962
Duplicate book of purchases in Great Britain, 1948-1949
Inventory, expenses trip to Great Britain, circa 1950
Duplicate book of antique purchases, trip to Great Britain, 1950
Receipts, 1954
Bank book with Peninsula Bank & Trust Company, Williamsburg, Virginia, 1955-1962
List of Furniture and Expenses, Great Britain trip, 1960
Business records, 1960-1972
Account with Texaco, 1960-1964
Account with J. Frank Jones and Company, Interior Designers, 1966-1972
Account with Nelson Rockefeller, 1965-1967
Miscellaneous records, undated
James Cogar's last will and testament, 1966
Financial, legal, property, insurance, social security, and tax records, undated
Financial records, 1927-1983, undated
Checkbook and cancelled checks, 1927-1930
Checkbook, The Manhatten Bank, West Branch, London, 1960-1967
Bankbook, Peninsula Bank and Trust Company, Williamsburg, 1940-1949
Bank slips, 1961-1962
Checkbook, 1962-1967
Cancelled checks, 1963-1965
Bank slips, 1964
Bank slips, 1965
Bank slips, 1966
Bank slips, 1967
Bank slips, 1968
Bank slips, 1969
Bank slips, 1970
Bank slips, 1971
Bank slips, 1972
Bank slips, 1976
Bank slips, 1983
Cancelled checks and account statements with Mercer County National Bank, 1964
Cancelled checks and account statements with United Bank and Trust Company, Midway, Kentucky, 1965-1966
Cancelled checks and account statements with United Bank and Trust Company, Midway, Kentucky, 1967
Cancelled checks and account statements with Mercer County National Bank, 1967-1968
Investments, 1973-1981
Cancelled checks and account statements with United Bank and Trust Company, Midway, Kentucky for Cogar, Cox, and Oster, 1964-1972
Cancelled checks and account statements with United Bank and Trust Company, Midway, Kentucky for Fawn Leap Farm, 1968
Cancelled checks and account statements with Mercer County National Bank, 1969
Insurance policies, 1971-1979
Cancelled checks and account statements with Citizens Bank and Trust Company, Burgin, Kentucky for estate of Joseph Cogar, 1968-1972
Financial records for Cogar, Oster, and Reipe, 1971
Financial records for Cogar, Oster, and Reipe, 1972
Cancelled checks and account statements with Mercer County National Bank, 1970
Cancelled checks and account statements with Mercer County National Bank, 1971
Charity files, 1954-1982
Church support, 1954-1967
Medical Bills, 1954-1971
Miscellaneous expenses and receipts, 1954-1972
Tax records, 1961-1973, 1983
1961
1962
1963
1964
1965
1966
1967
Records and legal documents pertaining to the estate of Joseph Cogar, 1967
1968
1969
1970
1971
1972
1973
1974
1975
1977
1983
Publications, 1758, 1785, circa 1859, circa 1880, 1924-1987, undated
Scope and Contents
The publications series comprises a library of books, magazine and newsletter articles, pamphlets and newspaper clippings collected by James L. Cogar about history near Williamsburg, Virginia and Kentucky. Of note, included are two small books: an Almanack and a New England Primer from the Eighteenth century. Some articles are authored by Cogar about historic home renovation.
Articles, magazines, pamphlets, and books, 1758, 1785, circa 1859, circa 1880, 1924-1987, undated
Almanacs: Ames, Nathaniel and Nathaniel Low (fragments), 1758, 1785
The American Museum, Calverton Manor, Bath guide, undated
Masterpieces of English Painting: William Hogarth, John Constable, J.M.W. Turner exhibit catalog, 1946-1947
Brasses by Ball and Ball, Whitford, Pennsylvania catalog, 1957
Bartter, G.C. A Memoir of Four Years, Frances Crosby Bartter, August 23, 1879-June 13, 1946, 1946
Bingham, Nina and Conger, Cornelia, Survey on Charges for Time and Advice, 1949
Bowie, Beverley M. "Williamsburg: Its College and its Cinderella City," National Geographic Magazine, 1954 October
Bridenbaugh, Carl "Baths and Watering Places of Colonial America," William and Mary Quarterly, 1946 April
Brown, Barbara Trigg. "A Small House Restored," Good Housekeeping, 1934 December
Bruton Parish Church. Dedication of the Vernon M. Geddy Memorial Organ, 1955 February 13
Brydon, G. Maclaren New Light Upon the History of the Church in Colonial Virginia, Richmond, Virginia, 1941 June
Cogar, James L. "Folk Art in Williamsburg," The Southern Literary Messenger, 1941 April
Cogar, James L. "Williamsburg," House & Garden, 1948 July
Cogar, James L. "The Williamsburg Restoration," The Eleusis of Chi Omega, 1937 February
College of William and Mary. The Alumni Gazette, 1939 October
College of William and Mary. The Inauguration of John Stewart Bryan as Nineteenth President, 1934 October 21
College of William and Mary. Vital Facts of College of William and Mary, pamphlet, 1955
College of William and Mary. A Week's Observation and Study of Colonial Society in Virginia program brochure, 1937 June 20-27
Collins, Leroy, Governor. Can a Southerner be elected President? Southern Governors' Conference, Sea Island, Georgia, 1957 September 23
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Colonial Williamsburg Today, 1981 Spring
Colonial Williamsburg, Inc. The Capitol: In which the General Assembly of the Colony and Commonwealth of Virginia met from 1704 to 1779, 1934 May
Colonial Williamsburg, Inc. Flowers in Williamsburg Gardens pamphlet, undated
Colonial Williamsburg, Inc. A Handbook for the Exhibition Buildings of Colonial Williamsburg, Inc., 1937, 1941
Colonial Williamsburg, Inc. The George Wythe House pamphlet, 1940
Colonial Williamsburg, Inc. Lady Travis House, 1756-1931, 1931
Colonial Williamsburg, Inc. Map of the City of Williamsburg Virginia, 1933
Colonial Williamsburg, Inc. The Official Guidebook and Map of Colonial Williamsburg, 1951
Colonial Williamsburg, Inc. The Restoration News, 1940 November
Colonial Woodworking Shop, Popular Science Monthly, 1945 September
"Curator's Department Puts Restoration On the Slide," The Restoration News, 1941 September
Davis, Robert H. Four Chapters from Williamsburg Virginia reprinted pamphlet, undated
Eubank, H. Ragland. The Authentic Guide Book of the Historic Northern Neck of Virginia, Colonial Beach, Virginia, 1934
Fister, John Coleman. "The Rockefeller Boys," The Saturday Evening Post, 1938 July 16
Fowler, Harold L. Queen Mary II Address on the 300th Anniversary of the Queen Mary II's birth, 1962
Funkhouser, William D. Arts and Sciences Lexington, autographed, 1947
Funkhouser, William D. Autobiography of an Old Man Lexington, 1941
Funkhouser, William D. The Days that are Gone Commercial Printing Co., signed, 1945
Funkhouser, William D. Dead Men Tell Tales Lexington, signed, 1944
Funkhouser, William D. Kentucky Backgrounds pamphlet, signed, 1944
Funkhouser, William D. Kentucky Snakes pamphlet, 1945
Funkhouser, William D. Portraits of Kentuckians Lexington, 1943
Funkhouser, William D. Primitive Magic pamphlet, signed, 1946
Funkhouser, William D. Who's Who in Kentucky pamphlet, 1945
Year Book of the Garden Club of Norfolk, 1944-1945, 1945
Historic Garden Week in Virginia, April 22-29, 1950 The Garden Club of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia, pamphlet, 1950
Historic Garden Week in Williamsburg, April 22-27, 1950. Includes schedule tour of Nicholson House, 1950
Goodwin, Rutherford. The Williamsburg Paper Mill of Williams Parks, The Printer., 1937
Goodwin, W.A.R. "The Restoration of Colonial Williamsburg" The National Geographic., 1937 April
Graves, Joe. A Bibliographical Confession: The Gravesend Press. Pickering Press. Woodcuts by Fritz Kredel., 1959
Graves, Joe. The Mint Julep The Gravesend Press, Lexington, 1949
The Grove, Tallahassee, Florida, pamphlet, undated
"Gunston Hall: George Mason, Father of the 150-Year-Old Bill of Rights, Lived in One of Virginia's Great Houses" Life Magazine, pages 118-121, 1941 December 15
Hatch, Charles E., Jr. and Pitkin, Thomas M., Yorktown: Climax of the Revolution National Park Service Source Book Series, Number One, undated
Historic Carter's Grove in James City County, Virginia near Williamsburg, Virginia pamphlet, undated
Howard and Schaffer Decorative Fabrics Catalog, 1948 Spring
"Howards of Virginia," Picture Play, pages 38-39, 1940 July
Humelsine, Carlisle H. The Spirit of William and Mary Old and New. pamphlet, 1962
"Hyde Park: F.D.R.'s old home on Hudson is opened to the public" Life Magazine, pages 89-92, 1946 April 15
Inauguration of LeRoy Collins as Governor of the State of Florida and of the Executive Cabinet program, 1957 January 8
Kerr, Charles. Back to Kentucky I would go, poem signed by author, undated
Kentucky Heritage Commission, Heritage News, 1980 May-June
Lafferty, Maude Ward. Souvenir Program: Pageant of Kentucky's Historic Past, Kentucky Pioneer Memorial Association, Harrodsburg, Kentucky, signed by author, 1924 June 16
Longnor Hall Country Club Nr. Shrewsbury, Longner, Shropshire, England, pamphlet re: estate of the Corbett Family, undated
Report on the First Antiques and Decoration Forum held at Williamsburg, Virginia under the joint sponsorship of The Magazine Antiques and Colonial Williamsburg, Inc. January 24 through February 4, Part II., 1949 April
Memorial Service for Mrs. John D. Rockefeller Jr. [Abigail Greene Aldrich Rockefeller], program, New York, 1948 May 23
Memorial Service for Nelson Aldrich Rockefeller, 1908-1979, program, New York, 1979 February 2
McKinney, Sonja Foley. "Bachelor's Barter: Curator takes home his work," The Kentucky Advocate, 1980 June 15
Mohawk Carpet Mills The Care of your Rugs and Carpets pamphlet, undated
Mount Vernon Ladies, Association of the Union, Annual Report, 1948
Pruett, Rebecca K. The Browns of Liberty Hall, Kentucky, 1966 August 24
Raymond McClain at Shakertown, McGehee, Larry, poem, 1978 May
Richmond [Virginia] Memorial Hospital brochure (contains list of visits to hospital), late 1950's
St. John's College, Colonial Day, official program, Annapolis, Maryland, 1929 May 15
St. John's College, St. John's College, Annapolis, Maryland, 1696-1929, pamphlet prospectus, 1929
St. Philip's Episcopal Church, Harrodsburg, Kentucky, pamphlet, circa 1970's
A Map and Guide to the Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill Kentucky brochure, circa 1970's
Pleasant Hill Kentucky's Historic Shaker Village brochure, circa 1970's
Table Topics newsletter (15 issues), 1944 November-1946 October
Talley, Rhea, "Williamsburg Virginia: Kentuckian working on the restoration of Virginia's old capitol is going to Europe in a new hunt for more items and furnishings," The Courier-Journal Magazine (James L. Cogar feature), 1947 May 25
"Today in Williamsburg," House & Garden, 1941 March
University of Virginia Press, A Life Portrait of Thomas Jefferson, Charlottesville, Virginia, 1955
United States Department of State, Americana Fund for Furnishings and Architectural Improvements to the Diplomatic Reception Rooms brochure, 1978-1979
United States Department of State, Diplomatic Reception Rooms, Washington, D.C. Furnishings Available for Donation catalog, 1978 Fall
Virginia Gazette Press, Bruton Parish Church: A Brief History, Williamsburg, Virginia, undated
Virginia Museum of Art, The Program of Mr. James Cogar for the Gala Opening Dinner of Sport and the Horse, 1960 April 2
Wallace, Earl D. A Tribute to Jim Cogar, The Restoration of Pleasant Hill: Authenticity in the Purest Sense, 1987
Williamsburg Branch A.A.U.W. [American Association of University Women] Yearbook, 1934-1935, 1935
An Address by Raymond B. Fosdick at a Community Service in memory of John D. Rockefeller, Jr., 1960 June 9
Williamsburg, Virginia, Program of Community Events and Book of Carols, Christmas Season, 1941
Williamsburg Issue, House and Garden, 1937 November
Williamsburg Restoration, Inc. Williamsburg, Virginia: The Restored Colonial City brochure, 1935
Wilmore Woman's Club Program, 1966-1967
Woman's Club of the Eastern Shore of Virginia, Twelfth Annual Program, 1932-1933
The Woman's Club of King and Queen County, Virginia Yearbook, 1937-1938
Mollie Pennick Songs. Inscribed by Mrs. A.B. Rumley [Lucy Trumbo Rumley], Midway, Kentucky, circa 1880's
Kittinger Catalog No. 100, 1967
Life Magazine, 1939 January 23
Cogar, James L. "Williamsburg: An Account of Life in the Colonies Around 1750," House and Garden, 1948 July
Cogar, James L. "Colonial Williamsburg," The Field: The Country Newspaper, 1947 December 6
Gibson, Nancy, "Home Grounds for Florida's New Governor," The Miami Herald, 1966 November 6
"Sheeler Finds Beauty in the Commonplace,"Life Magazine, includes photo Williamsburg cook, Aunt Mary, 1938 August 8
Pepis, Betty, "Pointers from the Past," New York Times Magazine, 1950 February 9
Pratt, Richard. "Nicholson House," Ladies Home Journal, 1955 February
Richmond News Leader, "Garden Week in Virginia", 1936 April 27-May 2
Schroeder, Moyra, "Rebuilt Kitchen Adds Welcome Warmth to Locust Grove," Louisville Times, 1966 April 2
Talley, Rhea, "Williamsburg Virginia: Kentuckian working on the restoration of Virginia's old capitol is going to Europe in a new hunt for more items and furnishings," The Courier-Journal Magazine (James L. Cogar feature), 1947 May 25
"Antiques for the Homemaker and the Collector" The Christian Science Monitor, 1928 May 5
Woods, Topographical Map of America, undated
Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce, Map of Williamsburg, Virginia, 1949
Map of Colonial Williamsburg, designed and executed by General Drafting Co., Inc., 1950
Lexington Chamber of Commerce, Inc., Horse Farm and Points of Interest, Tour Map, circa 1940's
Bradford, Daniel, Kentucky Gazette and General Advertiser, April 18, 1804 photostatic copy, undated
The Independent Chronicle and Universal Advertiser, Boston, Massachusetts, January 1, 1784 (facsimile), undated
Gwinn, Herbert and George, Shakertown at Pleasant Hill, Kentucky topographical map, 1962 March
The New England Primer inscribed by Caleb Sargent, Haverhill,1859 and Eben S. Sergent, Haverhill, 1862, circa 1859
The Squire's Memoirs by J. Winston Coleman, Jr., inscribed by the author to James Cogar, 1976 August 11
Newspaper clippings, 1930-1983
1930-1939
1940
1941-1949
1950-1959
1960
1961-1969
1970-1979
1980-1983
Ashton, Betty Parker. "25 Structures to Be Restored At Shakertown," Richmond Times-Dispatch, newspaper article quoting James Cogar., 1965 February 3
"Cogar to Tell of Restoration," The News Leader, Richmond, 1965 April 13
Audiovisual materials, circa 1860's-1987
Scope and Contents
The Audiovisual series is primarily a collection of film, negatives, and photographs from many of Cogar's travels around the world. A large part of the travel photographs includes images of his life as a teacher at the Brent School in Baguio City, Philippines, a school primarily serving the educational needs of the families of American missionaries and military personnel in the country. The series also includes images of the Cogar's home, the Nicholson House, in Williamsburg, Virginia, as well as some family portraits. Of note are pictures of Cogar with Winston Churchill and Dwight Eisenhower at Camp Peary, near Williamsburg.
Film, 1930-1945, undated
35mm film in cans marked: Costume, Williamsburg Eastern Shore, Va-Md, Shop 137 York Street, Aboard SS. Southport 1948, SS Markhor Cambridge, Cambridge Paris, England, Eire Northern Ireland, London New York, Scotland, and Nicolson House., 1948, undated
Northern trip Philippines 16mm films, circa 1930
South Islands Philippines 16mm films, circa 1930
Trip to Manilla Philippines 16mm films, circa 1930
Baguio to Africa Philippines 16mm films, circa 1930
Africa to Europe Philippines 16mm films, circa 1930
Video James Lowry Cogar: A Living Tribute, undated
Prints and negatives, circa 1860 -1982
Trip to the Southwest: Views in and about New Orleans, Views from train en route to El Paso, Juarez, El Paso, Alburquerque, Views of Grand Canyon, Ostrich Farm, Busch Gardens, On beach, etc., Mt. Lowe, etc., Movies at Aviation Field, Catalina Island, Mission, San Gabriel, Mission, San Juan, Capistrano, Hotel Charlotte and vicinity, Tijuana and Riverside, San Diego, Burnheimer Japan Gardens, Mic, Dorothy, and University City, Apartment, Merced River and Valley, Yosemite Valley, San Francisco and vicinity, circa 1930-1950
Snapshot of Brent School, Philippines, 1929-1930
Snapshot prints of furniture and interiors, 1930
Cogar trip from the Philippines, 1930
Architecture, interiors, furnishings, Gratz Park, Central Kentucky, etc., undated
Homes and other edifices, 1930
Cogar family and friends, circa 1930-1950
Images including timbering scenes near Hood Canal, Washington, undated
From family photo album and Southwestern trip, 1921, undated
Restoration of Nicolson House, Williamsburg, Virginia, 1930
Nicolson House, undated
Nicolson House front door and porch including Cogar and unidentified persons, 1930
Nicolson House restoration and Cogar family, Williamsburg, Virginia, 1930-1940
Cogar and friends, Williamsburg, Virginia, circa 1960-1963
Cogar and friends, 1960-1970
Great Britain trip with Jim Thomas, circa 1970
Bachelor's Barter, circa 1970
Bachelor's Barter, circa 1974
In and around Bachelor's Barter, circa 1970
In and around Central Kentucky, circa 1970
James Cogar and Pat Nixon at awards ceremony, 1971 May
Winter scenes at Shakertown at Pleasant Hill, 1972 October
Interior of Bachelor's Barter, 1960
Cogar and two women on stern of boat, circa 1980
Antiques offered for sale, circa 1930
Kentucky antebellum homes (negatives), 1955 March
Family, 1890-1920
Sun dial stone above Samuel Taylor's door, circa 1930
The Grove, Tallahassee, Florida, ancestral home of the Call Family and current home of the Collins family, 1957
Copy of portrait of Eudora H. Davis (Nov. 22, 1834-May 8, 1876) hanging in the home of Page Parker [also pictured] in Natchez, Mississippi, 1983
Evelyn Byrd portrait painting, 1945
Nicolson House, Williamsburg, Virginia, circa 1940-1950
James Cogar, circa 1930-1980
Cogar and friends camping/swimming, circa 1940
Brent School, Philippines, circa 1960
Year in Philippines, 1929-1930
Trip to England, 1947
James Cogar portrait by Foster Studio, Richmond, Virginia, 1945
Family portraits (6 images), 1910-1950
Cogar with Mary Lou Whitney, circa 1980
Greeting cards with photograph and other images from family and friends, 1960-1980
Tinted print of unidentified cloistered area, circa 1900-1910
Silhouettes and autographs, circa 1920, 1979
Item index and postcards of The Grove, Tallahassee, Florida, 1960
Nicolson House photograph and Bettye Lee Mastin letter, Lexington Herald Leader story, 1959 February
Newspaper cut of James Cogar, undated
Nicolson House, Williamsburg, Virginia photo copy, circa 1940-1950
Lindsley House interior, Colonial WIlliamsburg, circa 1920
Furniture and other antiques and Portfolio Antique Galleries prints, circa 1920-1930
Series of illustrations including prints depicting furniture, circa 1930
Proofs of Nicolson House restoration, Williamsburg, Virginia, 1930
Thomas Thorne prints depicting series of buildings and scenes on the campus of William and Mary, circa 1930
Harold Collins and print of My Old Kentucky Home (Bardstown), circa 1940
Miscellaneous book illustrations, undated
Ashington Family by Edward Savage, 1786, print by Mount Vernon Ladies Association, 1938
Trip to England, 1947
Stotsenburg Packdal Ridge, Philippines negatives, 1929-1930
Southern Island, Philippines negatives, 1929-1930
Hot Springs, Philippines negatives, 1929-1930
Bauang, Philippines, 1929-1930
Philippines, circa 1930
Sri Lanka and Singapore, circa 1930
Hong Kong, circa 1930
Jerusalem and Red Sea, circa 1930
Istanbul and Athens, Greece, circa 1930
Cairo, circa 1930
Djibouti, circa 1930
Austria, circa 1930
Japan, 1929
Group aboard ship, circa 1930
Unidentified port and water landscapes, circa 1930
Cool Water Farm, Norfolk, Connecticut and Yale University campus, circa 1930
Armchair with castors, undated
Scrapbook of travel through Asia, East Africa, Europe and the United States, circa 1930
Japanese postcards, circa 1930
Salzburg, Austria postcards, circa 1930
Slides, undated
Unidentified interiors, circa 1930
Antiques offered for sale, circa 1930
Cogar family and friends, circa 1930-1950
Construction site, circa 1940
Kentucky antebellum homes, 1955 March
Bachelor's Barter, circa 1970
Family, 1890-1920
Cogar and friends camping/swimming, circa 1940
James Cogar portrait by Bachrach, 1924
James Cogar portrait by F.R. Virinson, Williamsburg, Virginia, circa 1940
Group photograph of military officials, 1943 May 15-16
Rear Admiral Monroe Kelly inscribed portrait, undated
Nicolson House, Williamsburg, Virginia by Ted Winifield (2 images), undated
Winner's Circle photo of Chalk Eye, horse owned by W.B. Cogar, Churchill Downs, 1936 May 15
Barbara Childs Lawrence portrait by Berham Park, London, undated
Margaret Stubbs from Louisiana, roommate of Dora D. Davis at Beaumont, Harrodsburg, Kentucky, circa 1900
Joseph Cogar portrait, circa 1960
Mayme Cogar and nun, circa 1970
Group photos of Cogar and others, circa 1930-1950
Winston Churchill, Dwight Eisenhower, Cogar, Clementine, and Mamie at Camp Peary, near Williamsburg, Virginia, circa 1950
Cogar at meeting shown shaking hands with Kenneth Chorley, late 1950's
Bachelors Barter, circa 1960
The Grove, Tallahassee, late 1950
Nicolson House, Williamsburg, Virginia, circa 1940-1950
Governor's Palace and other scenes at Colonial Williamsburg, circa 1930
Ambrotypes of family (2), circa 1860
Colonial Williamsburg accessions, circa 1940
Colonial Williamsburg interiors and exteriors, circa 1930-1950
James Cogar, circa 1930-1980
James and Joseph Cogar, circa 1920
Scenes from play, circa 1920
Photo negatives
UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center is open Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm. Appointments are encouraged but not required. Schedule an appointment here.
Researchers must have an SCRC Researcher Account to request materials. View account set-up and use instructions here.
Questions? Contact SCRC via our Contact Form.
Table of Contents
- Abstract
- Descriptive Summary
- Collection Overview
- Preferred Citation
- Restrictions on Access and Use
- Contents of the Collection
- Correspondence, 1925-1983, undated
- Education files and personal papers, 1928-1980, undated
- Travel files, 1929-1970s, undated
- Renovation and restoration files, 1940-1983, undated
- Business and financial records, 1927-1983, undated
- Publications, 1758, 1785, circa 1859, circa 1880, 1924-1987, undated
- Audiovisual materials, circa 1860's-1987
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UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center is open Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm. Appointments are encouraged but not required. Schedule an appointment here.
Researchers must have an SCRC Researcher Account to request materials. View account set-up and use instructions here.
Questions? Contact SCRC via our Contact Form.
Requests
No items have been requested.
You may come across language in UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center collections and online resources that you find harmful or offensive. SCRC collects materials from different cultures and time periods to preserve and make available the historical record. These materials document the time period when they were created and the view of their creator. As a result, some may demonstrate racist and offensive views that do not reflect the values of UK Libraries.
If you find description with problematic language that you think SCRC should review, please contact us at SCRC@uky.edu.