RIAMCO

Rhode Island Archival and Manuscript Collections Online

For Participating Institutions

John Nicholas Brown family photographs (Ms.2010.049)

Brown University Library

Box A
Brown University
Providence, RI 02912
Telephone: Manuscripts: 401-863-3723; University Archives: 401-863-2148


Scope & content

The collection contains family photographs, film, sound recordings, postcards and newspaper clippings from the life of John Nicholas Brown II. The bulk of the collection ranges from 1920-1980 and features events such as the marriage of John and Anne, the birth and childhood and adulthood of their three children, and the family's extensive traveling. Travel sites included Europe, the Middle East, Asia (most notably Japan) and the United States. The Browns also took several cruises on board one of their many yachts. Featured most prominently in this collection is Bolero, which John launched in 1949 and raced with success for six seasons. The extensive family photos chronicle events such as family birthday parties, holidays, anniversaries and vacations. The homes that the Browns owned in Newport (Harbour Court) and on Fishers Island in New York appear in many of the photographs. Other properties and projects includes are Emmanuel Church, Rex Ranch, Beaulieu house and Nightingale-Brown house.

Many of John Nicholas Brown's public service projects are honored in photographs and newspaper clippings. His service as Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Air is most prominent, and his and Anne's commitment to the Red Cross during World War II is also presented. There are some artifacts from John's childhood, such as photos and projects he may have done in Sunday school. Pictures of his father and uncles are also present. Milestones in John Brown's life are documented, such as his 70th birthday and anniversaries with his wife. Images of the Kinsolvings, Dressers, maternal and paternal relatives are also included. Film in various forms includes family footage, interviews with John Nicholas Brown, FOX News, and aquarium footage. There are also sound recordings of organ and choir recitals. Several postcard albums are present, some dating back to 1900. Miscellaneous items include a painting of a Victorian child, and unidentified people and places in photos and negatives.