MS 221 - Robert Farrington Elwell Collection

Buffalo Bill Center of the West

McCracken Research Library
Buffalo Bill Center of the West
720 Sheridan Ave.
Cody, Wyoming 82414-
Telephone: (307) 587-4771 Library telephone: (307) 578-4059
Fax: (307) 527-6042
Email: hmrl@centerofthewest.org
URL: http://centerofthewest.org



?? 2006

Buffalo Bill Center of the West



Title: Robert Farrington Elwell Collection
Dates (Bulk) 1904-1939
Dates 188?/1939
Manuscript #: MS 221
Extent: 1 oversize box (5 c.f.)
Repository: McCracken Research Library, Buffalo Bill Center of the West

Biography

Robert Farrington Elwell, (1874-1962), although professionally trained as an engineer, became known as a western illustrator, painter, and sculptor. After meeting William F. Cody in the late 1880's, following a Wild West performance, he was invited to visit Cody???s ranches near Cody, Wyoming, to work on his art. This led to Elwell's becoming a frequent and welcome guest at Cody???s ranch and eventually working for Cody as an engineer, ranch manager, and as an artist for some of Cody???s Wild West publicity. Elwell managed successful careers working as both engineer and artist during his life.


Collection Description

This collection includes printed matter on William F. Cody and the town of Cody -- several copy b&w photographs, postcards, and news clippings. Clips of Elwell???s illustrations of the life of Buffalo Bill Cody; an autographed photograph to Elwell from Buffalo Bill; copy photos of Cody riding a horse, and of TE Ranch cattle and buffalo are featured. A copy of a letter from Mary Jester Allen (Cody's niece) requesting some of Elwell???s artwork for the new art collection of the Buffalo Bill Museum is also present.


Restrictions

All collection materials are used under staff supervision within the Reference and Research Rooms of the McCracken Research Library during stated public service hours. Research appointments are strongly encouraged, especially for primary documents.

Copy Restrictions

User is responsible for all copyright compliance.


Administrative Information

Preferred Citation

MS 221, Robert Farrington Elwell Collection, McCracken Research Library, Buffalo Bill Historical Center, Cody, Wyoming.

Acquisition Information

2001/06.


Related Material

See also MS 6--William F. Cody Collection.


Access Points

Allen, Mary Jester--Correspondence (copy).

Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show--Programs

Buffalo Bill, 1846-1917--Autographs.

Buffalo Bill, 1846-1917--Drawings of

Buffalo Bill, 1846-1917--Photographs.

Buffalo Bill, 1846-1917.

Cody, Wyo.--History

Ellwell, Robert Farrington, 1874-1962--Correspondence (copy).

Ellwell, Robert Farrington, 1874-1962.

Postcards.

TE Ranch--Photographs.


Contents List

Description Container

Robert Farrington Elwell Documents

 

 

Photographs and postcards.
 

Box 1 Folder 1

Letter to Elwell from Mary Jester Allen, 1 p., typed and signed. 1939/00/00

Box 1 Folder 2

Printed promotional materials for City of Cody and Wyoming.
 

Box 1 Folder 3

Buffalo Bill???s Wild West program, 1897

Box 1 Folder 4

Newspaper and magazine clippings on Buffalo Bill, 1904-1929

Box 1 Folder 6

Printed illustrations by Elwell of the life of Buffalo Bill Cody -- (Mounted on cardstock, 16??? x 11???).
 

Box 1 Folder 7

Photograph of William F., ???Buffalo Bill,??? Cody, autographed by Cody to Elwell, 1916 -- (8x10??? b&w print, matted).  

Box 1 Folder 7