Utica Church and Synagogue Collection

Collection Owner:
Cover Image:
Utica Church and Synagogue Collection
Photograph of First Free Methodist Church - Image Source

Collection Facts

Extent:
32
Dates of Original:
1900 - 1910

Historical Context

The city of Utica is located between the Mohawk River and Adirondack Mountains in Oneida County, New York. It was originally established by the Mohawk tribe of the Iroquois or Haudenosaunee. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Utica was known for its textile manufacturing. It was also major hub of transportation because of its proximity to railways and the Erie Canal. Utica is home to many religions and religious denominations. Several of Utica’s churches are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Allen J. Manning owned a photography studio and supply shop on Columbia Street in Utica. He traveled the region taking photos of many places and events, which was rare at the time due to photography equipment being so expensive and cumbersome. Some of his work was published as photographic postcards. In addition to the work found in this collection, he has photographic prints in the Library of Congress collections.

Scope of Collection

The collection includes early 20th century photographs of churches and synagogues in Utica, New York. The photographs show exterior views of the buildings. Most of the churches are of Christian denominations.