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Carl A.E. Tolpo papers

 Collection
Identifier: MSS 78

Scope and Contents

The Carl A. E. Tolpo papers, 1923-1956, mostly consists of correspondence with Augustana affiliates and family members about memorial portraits of Edward Fry Bartholomew, Claude William Foss, and Carl L. Esbjorn. In addition, the collection contains correspondence with Fritiof Fryxell, a friend of Tolpo, regarding several commissioned artworks and projects. Included in the collection are also Augustana College and Synod printed materials, photographs of Augustana College affiliates, and a portrait study of Edward Fry Bartholomew.

Dates

  • Creation: 1923-1956 and undated

Conditions Governing Access

There are no restrictions on the use of this collection.

Conditions Governing Use

Unpublished manuscripts are protected by copyright. Permission to publish, quote, or reproduce must be secured from Augustana College Special Collections and the copyright holder.

Biographical / Historical

Carl A.E. Tolpo, a painter and sculptor, was born on December 22, 1901, in Luddington, Michigan. He later attended Augustana College and the Art Institute of Chicago. He sculpted the bronze bust of Abraham Lincoln that now resides in the Lincoln Museum in Washington, D.C., as well as painted the official portraits of 14 Illinois governors and officials. On several occasions, Augustana College commissioned Tolpo for faculty portraits. As a former Augustana student, he maintained close relationships with Augustana affiliates and received frequent correspondence from the College. Tolpo lived in rural Stockton, Illinois with his spouse, Lily, and his art studio was located in Chicago, Illinois. He died in 1976.

Extent

.80 Cubic Feet (/ 1 box and 2 oversize folders)

Language of Materials

English

Swedish

Abstract

Painter and sculptor. Augustana College commissioned Carl A.E.Tolpo to paint memorial portraits of Augustana College faculty. The collection mostly includes correspondence between Tolpo and various College affiliates.

Arrangement

Original order of folder contents and some titles maintained.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Received from Peggy Harmstron, 2022.

Processing Information

Processed by Cait Duffy, October 2022. Revised by Micaela Terronez, 2023.

Title
Carl A.E. Tolpo Papers, 1923-1956.
Status
Completed
Date
October 2022
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Code for undetermined script

Repository Details

Part of the Augustana College Special Collections Repository

Contact:
639 38th Street
Thomas Tredway Library
Rock Island Illinois 61201 United States