Robert Bayard Bellamy surveying papers

Collection

Call Number: MS.LMEC.0007

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Robert Bayard Bellamy surveying papers consist primarily of surveys of properties in eastern Massachusetts circa 1860-1950, with the bulk of surveys done approximately 1890-1930. Surveys show property boundaries, structures, owners, planning, and infrastructure such as public transit and utilities. The Papers include topographical maps, engineering and architectural drawings, and other materials presumably used in the creation of the surveys, as well as miscellaneous documents of professional credentials.

The majority of surveys are by Robert Bayard Bellamy (1879-1962). Other heavily represented surveyors are his predecessor Frederic Endicott (1839-1918), his brother Arthur Muirson Bellamy (1881-1968), and his father-in-law John Norris McClintock (1846-1914). A small number of surveys are by other surveyors. Most surveys are manuscript in ink or pencil, with some printed or blueprint.

Dates

1827 - 1950
Majority of material found within 1890 - 1930

Creator

Bellamy, Robert Bayard, 1879-1962 (Person)

Language of Materials

Materials are in English.

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for research. Make a research appointment on readingroom.bpl.org

Conditions Governing Use

Items in this collection may be subject to copyright restrictions. In most cases, the Boston Public Library does not hold the copyright to the items in our collections. It is the sole responsibility of the user to make their own determination about what types of usage might be permissible under U.S. and international copyright law.

Robert Bayard Bellamy (1879-1962)

Robert Bayard Bellamy (1879-1962) was an American civil engineer and professional surveyor, with offices at 25 Eldon Street in Dorchester, Massachusetts. He succeeded the surveying business of Frederic Endicott of Canton, Massachusetts in 1922. He also held several positions with the Works Progress Administration during the Great Depression of the 1930s.

Bellamy was born October 23, 1879 in Dorchester, Mass. to Anna Muirson Johnson (1839-1922) and William Bellamy (1846-1940). He had two brothers, William Woolsy Bellamy (1877-1935) and Arthur Muirson Bellamy (1881-1968). He attended Boston Public Latin School and graduated from Trinity College in 1901 with a degree in mathematics.

Bellamy married Arabella Chandler McClintock (1878-1962), daughter of John Norris McClintock (1846-1914). They had one daughter, Josephine McClintock Bellamy (1914-2001). Bellamy died May 13, 1962 in Dorchester, Mass.

Extent

3 Cubic Feet (29 oversized folders)

Additional Description

Arrangement

Surveys are arranged alphabetically by town name.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift of Robert Bayard Severy, 1970s.

Related Materials

Related materials providing additional information on the surveyors, as well as other surveying documents, are at University Archives and Special Collections Department, Joseph P. Healey Library, University of Massachusetts Boston: Robert Bayard Severy collection (SC-0062)

Processing Information

The arrangement scheme for the collection was imposed by LMEC staff and volunteers during processing in the absence of an original order.

Items were donated rolled in cardboard boxes. From 2013-2016, items were conserved by Green Dragon Bindery in Shrewsbury, Mass. Treatment consisted of flattening and deacidification, as well as backing or mending tears on some maps.