Guide to the George W. Rafter Papers,
1872-1920

Collection Number: 4383

Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections
Cornell University Library

Contact Information:
Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections
2B Carl A. Kroch Library
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 14853
(607) 255-3530
Fax: (607) 255-9524
rareref@cornell.edu
http://rmc.library.cornell.edu
Compiled by:
E. Engst, N. Dean
Date completed:
1991
EAD encoding:
Martin Heggestad, January 2002
Date modified:
Jude Corina, January 2013

© 2002 Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections, Cornell University Library

DESCRIPTIVE SUMMARY

Title:
George W. Rafter Papers, 1872-1920
Collection Number:
4383
Creator:
George W. Rafter, 1851-1907.
Quantity:
2.2 cubic ft.
Forms of Material:
Correspondence, publications, photographs, genealogical materials.
Repository:
Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections, Cornell University Library
Abstract:
Correspondence, writings, and publications relating to civil engineering; some personal and family correspondence; photographs; and genealogical materials.
Language:
Collection material in English

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE

George W. Rafter studied at Cornell University and served as a civil engineer in Rochester, N.Y. and elsewhere. He designed sewage disposal plants in a number of communities in western New York; worked for the State of New York on the problem of river control, moveable bridges, and high masonry dams; made surveys and estimates for a ship canal from Lake Ontario through Oneida Lake down the Mohawk to the Hudson River; and after 1900 engaged in private consulting practice. He was sole or joint author of some 175 books and papers in addition to innumerable professional reports.
COLLECTION DESCRIPTION

Correspondence, writings, and publications relating to civil engineering; some personal and family correspondence; photographs; and genealogical materials. Also includes Report of the Board of Engineers on Deep Waterways between the Great Lakes and the Atlantic Tide Waters, Dec. 7, 1900, volume 2 and atlas (141 folded maps and profiles).
SUBJECTS

Names:
Rafter, Geo. W. (George W.), b. 1851.
United States. Board of Engineers on Deep Waterways.

Subjects:
Civil engineering.
Inland navigation--United States.
Canals--United States.
Civil engineers.
INFORMATION FOR USERS

Cite As:
George W. Rafter Papers, #4383. Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections, Cornell University Library.
CONTAINER LIST

Description
Container
Series I. Published work
House of Representatives: Report of the Board of Engineers on Deep Waterways Between the Great Lakes and the Atlantic Tide Waters, Atlas ( 1900 )
Box 1
Series II. Volumes by Rafter
Mechanics of Ventilation ( 1878 )
Box 1
Mechanics of Ventilation: Revised Second Edition ( 1896 )
Box 1
The Treatment of Septic Sewage ( 1904 )
Box 1
Sewage Disposal in the United States ( 1894 )
Box 1
Hydrology of the State of New York ( 1905 )
Box 1
Volume XIII: Special Report on Water Supply of Proposed Deep Water Ways Connecting the Great Lakes with Tide Water: Part II ( 1900 )
Box 1
Series III. Correspondence
"Special"--Letters, receipt: 7 items: 1872-1908
Box 1
A: 1877-1880 , 7 items
Box 1
B: 1877-1883 , 36 items
Box 1
C-D: 1878-1882 , 7 items
Box 1
F-G: 1878-1882 , 16 items
Box 1
Correspondence - Ethel Rafter, 1895-1901
 Box 3
Correspondence - George Rafter, 1890-1907
 Box 3
Series IV. Miscellaneous
Unititled--Price list of scientific books comprising the library of the late George W. Rafter for sale by J. R. Williams: 2nd edition, June 1, 1908
Box 1
Scrapbook of newspaper clippings and bound volumes of manuscripts and letters (vols. 3, 16-19, 21-23, 30)
Box 2
Publications by GWR; scrapbook of newspaper clippings
Box 3
Photographs
 Box 3
Misc. items
 Box 3