Douglas Armsden Photograph Project
Douglas Armsden in his studio at 240 Whipple Road, Kittery, Maine, c. 1940s.
Between 2018 & 2021, the Athenaeum received the photograph collection of prolific photographer Douglas J. Armsden (1918-2009). Born in England and raised in upstate New York, Armsden and his family settled in Kittery Point, Maine. Armsden’s work captured the essence of the mid-20th century Seacoast region of New England and beyond. His work included wedding photography, family portraits, early documentation of historic houses, commercial and scenic images of Maine and New Hampshire, and editorial work for local newspapers and magazines such as New Hampshire Profile and Down East.
This collection also includes Armsden’s years of service in World War II documenting the Pacific Theater, and his daily life with his wife, Alice Decatur, and their three daughters as well as family and friends in their “little piece of heaven” along Fernald Cove in Kittery Point.
The photographic images in the collection include print photographs, color transparencies, 35 mm film, and both medium- and large-format negatives.
When cataloged, this single collection will double the Athenaeum’s entire photographic collection!
In 2018, the archival supplies for the collection were estimated to cost over $6,500. We received generous donations from members of the Athenaeum, the local community, and Seacoast businesses. In 2019, we were awarded a $1,500 grant from the Rosamond Thaxter Foundation, and on Sept. 8, 2020, the Athenaeum held a Bake Benefit at the Portsmouth Flatbread Company. For every pizza sold between 5 and 9 p.m., a portion of the proceeds went towards purchasing archival supplies. Combining all of these efforts, the Athenaeum raised the necessary funds needed to preserve the initial Armsden donation. Thank you!
While we met our goals for the 2018-2019 material, subsequent Armsden material was donated in late 2020 and 2021. We are in need for an additional $2,500 for archival supplies.
If you would like to contribute to preserving this collection, click on the “Armsden Donate” button to go to PayPal. Remember, you don’t have to be a PayPal member to use PayPal. You can donate as a guest.
If you would prefer to pay by check, please make it out to to the Portsmouth Athenaeum with “Armsden” in the memo line and mail it to “Portsmouth Athenaeum, P.O. Box 366, Portsmouth, NH 03802.”
Thank you for your support!
Preserve Local History
To contribute to purchasing archival supplies for this collection, click on the button below.
Does Armsden Sound Familiar?
You may have come across Armsden’s photographs already in our collection. During his lifetime, Armsden donated a collection of negatives (P15 Armsden Photograph Collection). These invaluable historic images depict mid-20th century Portsmouth and other Seacoast locales. While there are duplicates in both collections, the images in P15 are an example of what the new complete Armsden collection will offer.
The existing P15 collection will also be reprocessed. Click here to view the P15 collection.
ARMSDEN PROJECT IN THE NEWS
FEATURED IMAGES BY ARMSDEN
Here's to ruling the weekend! 👑🎉
On this #flashbackfriday, we are crossing the Memorial Bridge to reign over Badger's Island in Kittery, Maine, and then possibly all of New England. But you know what they say, one swimmeret in front of the other. #lobsterpuns🦞
And before we crusher claw our way to the top, we need your help. In fact, we are uncertain of this event, c. 1950-1960, and none of the participants are identified. #identifriday 🕵️🕵️♀️
Perhaps the contestants were competing in the Miss Portsmouth Pageant or the Miss Portsmouth Jubilee Beauty Contest; however, the lobster crown might signify a completely different contest sponsored by "Cap'n Crawford's Treasure Trap," the signage on the boat, which was also known as the Crawford Lobster Co. #lobsterqueen 🦞💃
These fantastic mid-20th century photos are two of over 20,000 unprocessed photographic images in a new collection taken by prolific commercial photographer Douglas Armsden (1918 - 2009) of Kittery Point, Maine.
For over the last year, the Athenaeum has been raising funds to archive this new collection. On Sept. 8, 2020, join us at @flatbreadportsmouth from 5 to 9 p.m. for a Bake Benefit. Dine in, take out or delivery--a portion of the proceeds for every pizza sold will benefit the Athenaeum and the Armsden collection. No word if they'll have a lobster pizza option.🤔🍕
Leading up to the fundraiser, we will continue to share more of these unprocessed and amazing Armsden images. (No guarantee, however, the bad puns will stop😉.) #funfriday #weekendvibes✌️
For more information about the Armsden collection or to donate now, check the link in our bio.
Again, if you recognize the event or any of the participants, please let us know. Thank you.
#badgersisland #kitterymaine #beautyqueens #pageants #lobsters #lobstercrown #americana #unidentified #capncrawfords
#DouglasArmsden #collectpreserveshare📖
#localhistory #PortsmouthNH
#nh #maine #seacoast❤
Turning to the weekend like✌️🎉
Here's a view of Market Square and Congress Street showing the old rotary and two-way traffic, c. 1952. Photograph by Douglas Armsden (1918-2009) of Kittery Point, Maine. The Athenaeum is on the right. [Armsden Photograph Collection, P15.170]
Great Scott, who else wants to McFly into this scene on #flashbackFriday?! 🙋🏻🙋🏽♂️ With no DeLorean on hand, we zoomed in a bit using #pannify for the next best thing. Then again, anything is possible. Doc did say, "If you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything." Original image is at the end. #backtothefuture #weekendgoals🍿
👉 And finally, SAVE THE DATE for Tuesday September 8, 2020, for a fundraiser benefiting the new Douglas Armsden photograph collection of about 20,000 images. @flatbreadportsmouth selected the Athenaeum for its Benefit Bake. A portion of the proceeds for each pizza sold between 5 and 9 pm on Sept. 8 will generously support the Athenaeum special collections allowing the purchase of additional archival supplies for Armsden and other projects. The more pizza you buy, the more you'll help out the Athenaeum. It's a win-win! More to follow. We are excited!🍕🍕🍕
#collectpreserveshare📖
#localhistory #supporthistory #andeatpizza #MarketSquare
#CongressStreet #DouglasArmsden
#PortsmouthFlatbread #fundraiser #bakebenefit #nh #maine #seacoast♥️
Traditionally, #BlackFriday is known for big crowds and long lines in search for holiday deals.
For #flashbackFriday we are going back nearly 60 years for the grand opening of a King's self-service department store in the Lafayette Plaza on Route 1 in Portsmouth, NH. The store opened on Wednesday, November 1, 1961, and reported that thousands had attended the opening. Judging by the photographs, we believe it!😲
With ample free parking onsite, there was also free bus service on the half hour from Market Square from Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Ads in the Portsmouth Herald ran an opening sale where you could buy a Melmac 45 pc. dinner set from Westinghouse for $11, a Newport bath scale by Detecto for $2.51, and a Revere whistling tea kettle for $2.48.🍽️⚖️☕🎁
The photographs were taken by commercial photographer Douglas Armsden of Kittery Point, Maine. [Armsden Photograph Collection, P15.464.]
In the parking lot image, you can see Bowl-O-Rama in the distance (though cropped in this version). Today, the Lafayette Plaza is home to several businesses including Margaritas, Planet Fitness, Ethan Allen, and Harbor Freight Tools.
Whether online or in-store, we wish you all success and safety in your holiday purchases.
#kings👑 #lafayetteplaza #route1 #DouglasArmsden
#collectpreserveshare📖
#localhistory #portsmouthathenæum #nh #maine #seacoast❤️
Three scoops to the weekend! #TGIF🍦🍦🍦
Here's a real treat: this unidentified photograph from the new Douglas Armsden collection, undated. We love it!😍
Check out the 7-Up sign with a list of prices. For 5¢, you could ask for a rootbeer, and if you wanted to break the 🐖 bank, 25¢ would get you a frappe or a float. And we love the boxes of Cracker Jack on the shelf behind the clerk.👔🍨
Do you recognize the man or the confectionery shop?🕵️🕵️♀️ Let us know.
👉 Don't forget on Tuesday, Sept. 8, the Athenaeum fundraiser at @flatbreadportsmouth.🍕 From 5 to 9 p.m. for each pizza purchased (dine in, take out, delivery) a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Athenaeum. The funds raised will go toward purchasing archival supplies for the Douglas J. Armsden (1918-2009) collection. A prolific commercial photographer, Armsden and his family lived in Kittery Point, Maine, and the new collection of about 20,000 images will nearly double the current photograph collection.📷🤯
Leading up to the 🍕 event, we will be sharing more of these unprocessed Armsden images, so stay tuned! We are excited! For more on the Armsden Project, click the link in the bio.
#nostalgiaonacone #icecream #bigboycones and #bygoneera #pineappleicecream #1940s #1950s #rememberwhen #nostalgia #unidentified #DouglasArmsden #kitterypoint #fundraiser #collectpreserveshare📖 #localhistory #PortsmouthNH #nh #maine #seacoast❤
Welcome to the weekend! We'll have what she's having!💃🕺
This feel-good image of an unidentified party reveler was captured during the 1951-reception of the Lorenz-Taylor wedding by prolific commercial photographer Douglas Armsden (1918-2009). #thisvibe🥰 #goals
Robert Lorenz (1930-2013) of Kittery, Maine, and Bernice "Bunny" Taylor (1932-2010) of Milford, NH, were married on Sept. 25, 1951 at St. Raphael's Catholic Church in Kittery. The wedding reception was then held at Robert's parents' house on nearby Laurel Avenue. You can see the happy couple in the next photo.☺️👰💒
Robert, a graduate of Traip Academy, was stationed in the US Air Force. Eventually, he and his wife, Bunny, and their five children would travel the world while he served his country. Settling in Florida, Robert and Bunny were married for nearly 60 years.♥️💍♥️
This is one of 25,000 images in the new Armsden collection, and we are sharing a range of these unprocessed images leading up to the fundraiser @flatbreadportsmouth on Sept. 8, 2020. It's getting closer ⁉️ #soexcited
From 5 to 9 p.m., a portion of the proceeds for each pizza sold will go towards purchasing archival supplies for these fantastic images. Plus, the delicious pizza could also make you dance!🍕😋
For more information on the Douglas Armsden photograph collection, link in bio.
#DouglasArmsden #lorenztaylorwedding #kitterymaine #laurelavenue #weddings #receptions #justdance #fridayfeels #fundraiser #collectpreserveshare📖 #localhistory #PortsmouthNH #nh #maine #seacoast♥️
Happy #nationallibraryweek!
This #throwbackthursday pic shows the Reading Room during the 1950s taken by commercial photographer Douglas J. Armsden (1918-2009) of Kittery Point, Maine. Did you know this room was used as a reading room even before the Athenaeum acquired the space in 1823? Original owner the New Hampshire Fire & Marine Insurance Company used this as their Reading Room starting in 1808, offering their subscribers the usage of newspapers and other periodicals.
[Armsden Photograph Collection, P15.019]
Membership libraries were first created in the 18th century for the mutual edification of their members and to elevate the educational resources available in the community. The name “Athenæum” was used by a number of societies established during the 19th century to describe institutions with broader aims than just a library. The term is derived from Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom, and the classical temple of the arts and sciences named to honor her.
While there were once hundreds of membership libraries across America, there are now fewer than twenty left, and we're one of them, right here in your Seacoast community!
The Portsmouth Athenaeum Research Library is open to the public and ready to help navigate your journey through local history. Search our online catalog or make an appointment for in-person research by phone 603-431-2538 or email info@portsmouthathenaeum.org.
Find more info on our website. Link in bio.
#readingroom #marketsquare #DouglasArmsden #collectpreserveshare📖 #localhistory #PortsmouthNH #nh #maine #seacoast❤
Welcoming the season 🍂 ahead in style.💅💃🎩
This appears to be four generations of one family in historical fashions in the gardens of @moffattladd on Market Street, c. 1940s. The girl in the top hat is a whole vibe.🥰
This photographic print comes from the new Douglas Armsden photograph collection. Armsden (1918-2009) was a prolific commercial photographer from Kittery Point, Maine. Judging from a few other shots, we believe this was taken in the Moffatt-Ladd gardens. There is no identifying information on the back. As we work to process the 25,000+/- Armsden negatives, we will match up the prints (such as this one). This one just happened to catch our eye.👀 The original envelopes for the negatives often have more information...but not always. In time, we should find the answer unless you recognize the people.🕵️🕵️♀️
The Armsden collection was donated by Douglas Armsden's three daughters in the loving memory of their father.♥️
And tonight, please consider dining at @flatbreadportsmouth for our Armsden & Archives bake benefit (second photo). From 5 to 9 p.m., for every pizza sold, a portion of the proceeds will go towards the purchase of archival supplies for the Armsden collection. Dine in, carry out, or delivery--just bring your appetite for history! And no need to dress up, but we hear a top hat always completes an outfit.🍕🎩💫
#douglasarmsden #kitterypoint #moffattladd #fourgenerations #women♀️ #mothers #daughters #grandmothers #greatgrandmothers #marketstreet #fundraiser #flatbreadportsmouth #community #thankyou🙏 #collectpreserveshare📖 #localhistory #PortsmouthNH #nh #maine #seacoast♥️
Spring is officially here, and soon the Seacoast will be awash with the scent of apple blossoms and fresh lilacs! 👃🌸❤️ #thinkspring
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This beautiful view of Philips Island off Kittery Point, Maine, was taken by prolific commercial photographer Douglas Armsden (1918-2009). He and his family lived on Philips Island and described this area as a "little piece of heaven."
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We certainly agree! We could just lay down on that grass and relax. 🥰 #daydreaming #whoiswithus
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This color transparency is one of over 20,000+ images in the Armsden photograph collection, which we are still processing. This 2018-acquistion nearly doubles the Athenaeum's entire photograph collection. #thatsalotofphotos #itsaprocess
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From time to time, we share these not-yet processed Armsden images to excite your curiosity of local history and to inspire you to help contribute to processing this incredible collection.#linkinbio
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During these uncertain and difficult times, we hope you and your family are safe.
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#happyspring #kitterypoint #philipsisland #kitterymaine #pepperrellcove #fernaldcove #douglasarmsden #transparency #portsmouthathenaeum #collectpreserveshare📖 #localhistory #marketsquare #portsmouthnh #nh #maine #thewaylifeshouldbe #seacoast❤️
We are phoning it in for #throwbackthursday to Market Square in April 1956.☎️
A banner hangs across Market Square as part of a massive marketing campaign by New England Telephone and Telegraph Company alerting Seacoast residents to a major phone system change to DIAL calling. No more "hold, please while we connect you" operator assistance for most local calls. Just "Dial 2 letters, 5 digits" with your rotary phone. Simple. Until you misdial on that rotary phone and have to start all over.😑 Everyone's phone number changed overnight on April 15, 1956.
Proprietor Sherry Wood writes about the big switch for the April "At the Athenaeum" @seacoastonline. We can connect you to Sherry's fabulous article on another line. 👉Link in bio.📞
2. An unidentified telephone repairman stands with Frank and Grace Reda of Holly Lane on Pleasant Street. [The couple was recently identified thanks to Sherry's article 🥰.]
3. One of several Portsmouth storefront windows announcing the change in 1956. For Portsmouth, you would dial GE (for Geneva) and then the number. In Kittery, you would dial first ID (for Idlewood) and Rye Beach was WO (for Woodlawn)...Rye Beach might have been the trickiest to dial. New England Telephone had a disclaimer warning customers to be careful not to mistake the letter "O" with number 0. But who else can relate and still d0es that from time t0 time?🙋♀️🙋♂️
4. & 5. Article and ad from New England Telephone in Portsmouth Herald announcing the change on April 14, 1956. Courtesy of newspaperarchive.com.
5. & 6. Ads from New England Telephone touting the convenience of multiple household lines (the stair graphic is a relatable 💎). Courtesy of newspaperarchive.com.
The three photographs are from the P15 Armsden Photograph Collection and were taken by commercial photographer Doug Armsden (1918-2009) of Kittery Point, Maine. [P15.536]
If you would like to donate to our current Armsden Photograph Project with materials given between 2018-2020, there is a link in bio.
#newenglandtelephoneandtelegraph #dial #rotary #2letters5digits #DouglasArmsden #portsmouthherald #collectpreserveshare📖
#localhistory #PortsmouthNH #nh #maine #seacoast❤