Collections : [University of Michigan Bentley Historical Library]

The collection begins with several files of Miscellaneous Papers. Although limited in quantity, this is where the researcher must turn for printed documentation on George Swain, since the remainder of materials are wholly photographic. Included are clippings, correspondence, genealogical notes, student writings, diaries, and some photographs. Of special note are several files regarding Swain's association with the Near East Research Center, University of Michigan. These files hold a striking collection of photographs and commentary regarding his travels with Professor Kelsey. Since extensive descriptive writings accompany the photographs, and in order to maintain their contextual association with related manuscript material, they are included as part of this series, rather than in the Photographs: Prints series.

Nearly all of the expedition images are carefully captioned, some with lengthy, typewritten text. Further context is evident in the numerous letters Swain wrote to his family while on a year-long excursion in 1924 and in a file containing reports, essays and research documents. One report, "Travels of Two Dodge Motors," November 5, 1925, for example, features the vehicles that were donated to the university and driven over "everything from the best of highways to the most abject apologies for roads and even over open country with no roads at all." A series of essays entitled "Notes and Comments of a Wolverine Abroad" describes in vivid language and acute detail several photographic journeys throughout Rome, Italy and Greece. These materials richly illustrate the artistic sensibility, sensitivity, and intelligence Swain brought to his work.

The series Miscellaneous Papers is slight, yet important because it is the only source of information in the collection beyond the visual. Most significant and useful is the marketing catalog Sanford Rossen & Associates Architects / Planners. Approximately forty projects are highlighted in its high quality black and white pages; browsing the catalog is the most efficient way to become familiar with Rossen's work in the 1970s. The folder entitled "Legal and Financial Papers" consists mainly of a few documents related to the dissolution of the Rossen-Neumann partnership. The series contains a folder of publications, each focusing on a building for which the firm was awarded an honor or one in which the firm was featured. Titles include American Institute of Steel Construction, Building Progress, Masonry, Creative Ideas in Glass and Michigan Society of Architects. Researchers wishing to attach a date to a project will find the "Job List, 1957-1983" helpful.