Thomas B. Lockwood - The Man and His Library

University at Buffalo Libraries - Digital Collections

Lockwood Memorial Library Main Reading Room interior (closeup of students) - Image Source

Collection Facts

Extent:

144

Dates of Original:

1930 - 1940; 1875 - 1915

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Historical Context

This collection highlights the life and contributions of one of Buffalo's most distinguished citizens in the first half of the 20th century. Thomas B. Lockwood was an attorney and businessman as well as philanthropist and bibliophile. He and his wife, Marion Birge Lockwood, donated the funds to construct the University at Buffalo's original Lockwood Memorial Library. When the building was dedicated in 1935, Lockwood presented his remarkable collection of rare materials to the University.

Scope of Collection

The collection includes photographs and documents relating to Thomas Lockwood, as well as the University at Buffalo Library named after him. There are many images depicting the construction of the Library and documents promoting events held at the Library. The are images of Lockwood’s rare book collection. The materials relating to Lockwood’s life include: portraits of him and his friends and family; ephemera from his studies, travels, and wedding; and memorial tributes to him. Most of the collection relating to the original Lockwood Library dates to the 1930s. There are a few photographs of the new Lockwood Library which date to the 1970s. Many of the materials about Thomas Lockwood date the late 19th and early 20th centuries.