Scope and Content Note
The Benjamin Garber Papers includes correspondence, Graham company papers, programs, photographs, oral histories, and newspaper clippings largely pertaining to Martha Graham and the relationship she had with Garber. The oral histories of Benjamin Garber conducted by Martha Merz, Garber’s executor of his estate and childhood friend, explore the relationship Garber and Graham shared through anecdotes. Items in the collection, such as photographs and correspondence, connect to Garber’s reminiscences. The photographs pertaining to Graham's eleven and a half month convalescence at Garber and Kennedy's home, Cross River, are of particular interest. Garber’s personal papers showcase his background and creative pursuits outside of his relationship with Graham. Photographs of family and friends, drawings, and biographies give a glimpse into how Garber’s fine arts background molded him into the well-respected interior designer he became.
The Personal Papers series explores the life of Benjamin Garber through two subseries: Biographical Papers and Art and Interior Design. The biographical papers are organized by item, which include drawings, photographs, legal papers, and biographical notes. The Art and Interior Design subseries, which showcases Garber’s visual arts interests, are also organized by item. Interior and exterior photographs show the homes Garber and Kennedy decorated together. Additionally, Garber collected materials on Patrick Henry Bruce and Morgan Russell that can be found here as well.
The Correspondence series contains letters to Garber about Graham from a variety of people, including Craig Barton, Graham's manager and personal representative for many years; Ron Protas, Graham's eventual heir; Bethsabee de Rothschild, Graham's longtime friend and financial supporter; and Agnes de Mille, dancer, choreographer, and author of Martha: The Life and Work of Martha Graham. The series contains important letters from Martha Graham to Garber, written from 1967-1978. In these letters, Graham often speaks candidly about dancers in her company, her choreographies, her facelifts, and her deep affection for Garber. Correspondence between Garber and Martha Merz, executor of his estate, dating from 1994-2001, expand on both the Garber-Graham relationship and financial affairs regarding his art collection and estates. Correspondence is arranged alphabetically by last name of sender.
The Photographs series contains a variety of photographs that cheifly document Martha Graham and her dance company. The series is organized into three subseries: Choreographic Works, Martha Graham: Professional, and Martha Graham: Personal. The Choreographic Works include a modest number of production photographs and publicity shots of the company. The Professional subseries contains portraits of Graham by famous photographers, such as Cecil Beaton and Martha Swope, as well as photographs of Graham with professional associates. Many of Swope's photographs of Graham were taken in Garber's New York City apartment. The Personal subseries contains photographs of Graham with friends and colleagues, usually in informal settings. Most of those dating from 1970-1972 were taken at Cross River, the Westchester County home of Benjamin Garber and William C. Kennedy. Some of these photographs show the time Graham spent in convalescing. Within this subseries, the photographs are arranged chronologically.
The Martha Graham Company Papers is a small series containing miscellaneous materials from Garber's period as a member of the dance company board: publicity items, tour itineraries, and a revised 1974 company budget. These papers relate to the Martha Graham Center for Contemporary Dance and the Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance. The papers are arranged chronologically.
The Programs series chiefly contains programs and publicity materials for the Martha Graham Dance Company from 1937 to 2004. These document tour dates and locations, as well as the company's performance repertoire and names of members who toured with Graham. The programs are arranged chronologically.
The Clippings and Articles series, arranged chronologically, contains newspaper clippings, periodical reviews, and articles about Martha Graham and Mthe artha Graham Dance Company dating from 1947 to the 2000s. Reference copies for fragile clippings are in designated folders.