Barnett Hook papers and needlework
Scope and Content
This collection contains many embroidered pieces of cloth that are excellent examples of Barnett A. Hook's work with the needle and silk.
There are also a great many postcards that he collected, with various subjects ranging from humorous to romantic. Along with these are numerous photographs of Mr. Hook, members of his family, and his friends.
Also contained in the collection are many books which give some clues as to what Mr. Hook did in his leisure time such as reading poems, singing religious hymns, and going to and/or reading plays and shows. Also, there are many advertising broadsides and posters pertaining to Mr. Hook's occupation in needlework.
The remainder of this collection consists of letters, personal papers, newspapers, press notes, scrapbooks, and many miscellaneous items such as an Ohio Railroad map, Corticelli silk ordering catalog, pictorial bible, personal diaries, notebooks, etc.
1 - Official roster of the soldiers of the State of Ohio in the War of the Rebellion (1861 - 1866), Volume IV, 141st - 184th Regiments - Infantry.
2 - Press Notes, McArthur, Ohio on Barnett A. Hook -- Demonstrator of Art, Decorator and Entertainer (Can be found in folder No. 1 in Box No. 1; Folders No. 5, 11, 12, 13 in Box No. 2). no date
Dates
- Creation: 1858-1935
Language of Materials
The records are in English.
Conditions Governing Access
The collection is open under the rules and regulations of the Ohio University Libraries.
Conditions Governing Use
Ohio University retains all property rights to the collection.
Ohio University retains all copyrights unless retained by the donor, other correspondents, or other artists.
Biography of Barnett A. Hook
Barnett A. Hook was born April 17, 1845, in Vinton County, Ohio. At age 19, he joined the United States Volunteer Service (National Guard of Ohio) as a private, in Company C of the 148 Regiment Ohio infantry.1 Mr. Hook went on to become the editor of the Democrat - Enquirer, McArthur, Ohio. His next profession was horse training. He then discovered his most successful occupation of needlework and embroidery.
During his life as a horse trainer, a disease caused him to loose the strength in his hands and to end his career. Even though he gave up his previous profession, he inadvertently discovered his natural skills in needlework. He became an expert at many types of stitches and embroidered patterns such as: Roman Oriental, Bulgarian, French, Kesington, and many others (see boxes 3, 4, 5, and 6).
As his career flourished, it brought Mr. Hook fame as being one of America's top four needle workers. He had assumed other professions as well. These include: expert catering, decorating, nursing, hotel clerk, and some teaching of the needle working trade. He has been highly commended on these occupations as well.
Mr. Barnett A. Hook died on July 11, 1926 at the age of 81 years.
Extent
2.33 cubic feet
Abstract
Embroidered pieces of cloth, postcards, photographs, books, advertisements, posters, letters, personal papers, newspapers, press notes, scrapbooks, and miscellaneous items.
Statement of Arrangement
These records are organized into the following series:
- Series I: Photographs, Cards, Post Cards, Letters
- Series II: Books and Scrapbooks, 1858-1919
- Series III: Needlework
- Series IV: Newspapers
- Series V: Oversized Items
Other Finding Aid
A paper copy of the folder list is available.
Acquisition Information
The Ohio University Library received the Barnett A. Hook Collection from Mr. and Mrs. Leo Grates (via Emmet Conway) on September 21, 1972.
Existence and Location of Copies
Ohio University will entertain requests to photocopy reasonable amounts of material from the collection for the convenience of individual researchers.
Description Note
Original, legacy collection inventories may contain inaccuracies or be incomplete. Collection descriptions may change or be updated as they are verified. Please contact Mahn Center staff if you note any errors or discrepancies.
Subject
Genre / Form
Geographic
Topical
- Title
- Finding aid for the Barnett Hook papers and needlework
- Author
- Finding aid prepared by Gregory M. Stewart and Carolyn Cooper in June 1985
- Date
- 2020
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
- Language of description note
- Finding aid written in English
- Sponsor
- The finding aid was converted into EAD with funding support from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission.
Revision Statements
- 5 January 2024: Subjects and other notes added from ALICE MARC records and Mahn Center Microsoft Office finding aids by Ohio University Libraries Metadata Services Department Python scripts.
Repository Details
Part of the Mahn Center for Archives and Special Collections Repository
