Materials are open to research without restriction. Permission to examine this collection will be granted to any qualified researcher upon completion of an application form. The original documents do not circulate and may only be used in the Reading Room of the Manuscripts Division.
Many of the materials in this collection are in the public domain. Copyright on other items was not transferred to the archives.
Elbert L. Carpenter Collection (PA 12 D), Minnesota Orchestra Archives, Performing Arts Archives, University of Minnesota Libraries, Minneapolis.
The collection was donated to the Orchestra and transferred to the archives in the 1980s.
The collection was processed and the finding aid written by Leslie Czechowski in June 2001.
The collection is organized into the following series:
Carpenter spent his youth in Clinton, Iowa and early in his life developed a love of music. He became a successful lumberman in Minneapolis and it "was to him that everyone looked when stringent times in the world of work, trade and finance brought stringent times to the world of music. He never failed to respond with both financial support and ingenious plans for getting the Symphony through the storm of every depression." [Minneapolis Labor Review, 22 March 1945, page 8]
A thorough discussion of the development of the Orchestra and Carpenter's role can be found in John K. Sherman's 1952 book,
Included in this collection are memorabilia relating to Carpenter’s time with the Orchestra and following. Items include books and pamphlets; photographs autographed to members of the family; and letters written to Elbert, his wife, Florence, their son Leonard, and his wife Geraldine.
Highlights of the collection are the three documents from 1903 that include the incorporation document of the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra, a solicitation letter to potential Orchestra guarantors, and a guaranty to Oberhoffer’s orchestra. Letters from M.S.O. conductors, Mitropoulos and Ormandy, demonstrate their great affection for Elbert and Florence.
This collection is indexed under the following headings in the catalog of the University of Minnesota Libraries. Researchers desiring materials about related topics, persons or places should search the catalog using these headings.
The following section contains a detailed list of the materials in the collection.
Inscribed: "To Mrs. E.L. Carpenter in sincere devotion, affectionately
Inscribed: "To dearest Florence Carpenter, the nearest person to a mother I have in this part of the world. With devoted love,"
2 photographs
3 photographs
Inscribed: "To my good Friends Mrs. and Mrs. Leonard G. Carpenter very affectionately,"
Inscribed: "To my beloved great friends Elbert and Florence Carpenter in endless devotion,"
Conducting at a rehearsal
Inscribed: "To Mr. & Mrs. E.L. Carpenter, friends I hope to have for a lifetime, with devotion and affection,"
Inscribed: "To my dear friends Jerry and Leonard in deep affection"
Inscribed: "To Mr. & Mrs. E.L. Carpenter with affectionate greetings"
Inscribed: "To Mr. & Mrs. Carpenter, thankfully and faithfully"
Inscribed: "To Mr. and Mrs. E.L. Carpenter with deep affection and gratitude"
Inscribed: "To Mr. & Mrs. E.L. Carpenter in remembrance of the most pleasant visit of Minneapolis
Inscribed: "To Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter with many thanks for the many wonderful days in Minneapolis"