Helle Collection of Plath Family Photographs, 1910-1963

1 box (.5 linear ft.)

Collection number: MS 273

Abstract:

This collection of Plath family photographs includes photographs of Otto Plath and his siblings, of Aurelia Schober Plath, Warren and Sylvia Plath and various other Schober relatives.

Terms of Access and Use:

Restrictions on access:

The photographs are open to research according to the regulations of the Mortimer Rare Book Room.

Restrictions on use:

The Helle Collection of Plath Family Photographs is the physical property of the Mortimer Rare Book Room, Smith College. Literary rights, including copyright, belong to the authors and photographers of the works or their legal representatives.

Mortimer Rare Book Room
Smith College
Northampton, MA

Historical Note

Otto Emil Plath (1885-1940) was a German instructor and biology professor at Boston University, 1922-1940. Born in Grabow, Germany, on April 13, 1885, to Theodore and Ernestine Kottke Platt, he was the eldest of six children. Otto Plath was educated at Northwestern College, Wisconsin (A.B., 1910), University of Washington (M.A., 1912), Harvard University (M.S., 1925; Sc.D., 1928). In 1932 he married Aurelia Frances Schober (1906-1994) who later became an associate professor in the College of Practical Arts and Letters at Boston University, 1942-1971.

They lived at 24 Prince Street, Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts, until 1936 when the family moved to 92 Johnson Avenue, Winthrop, Massachusetts, to be near Aurelia's parents-Frank Schober (1880-1965) and Aurelia Greenwood Schober (1887-1956)-and Aurelia's siblings Dorothy Schober Benotti (1911-1981) and Frank Richard Schober (1919- ). Otto Plath died on November 5, 1940 from complications of diabetes.

Otto and Aurelia Schober Plath had two children: Sylvia Plath (1932-1963) and Warren Joseph Plath (1935- ). In 1942, Aurelia Plath moved to 26 Elmwood Road, Wellesley, Massachusetts, with her daughter, son, and her parents.

Sylvia Plath graduated from Smith College (B.A., 1955) and Newnham College, Cambridge (M.A., 1957). Warren Plath graduated from Harvard College (A.B. 1957) and Harvard University (Ph.D., 1964). He was a Fulbright student at the University of Bonn, 1957-1958.

On June 16, 1956, 1956, Sylvia Plath married English poet Ted Hughes (1930-1998). Plath and Hughes honeymooned in Benidorm, Spain, visiting Paris en route where they met Warren Plath. Sylvia Plath and Ted Hughes had two children: Frieda Rebecca Hughes (1960- ) and Nicholas Farrar Hughes (1962- ). Frieda Hughes was born on April 1, 1960 at home at 3 Chalcot Square in London near Primrose Hill. Nicholas Hughes was born on January 17, 1962 at home at Court Green in North Tawton, Devonshire, England. Before her death on February 11, 1963, Plath published The Colossus & Other Poems and her novel The Bell Jar. Her Collected Poems, published posthumously in 1981, won the Pulitzer Prize.

Scope and Contents of the Collection

The Helle Collection of Plath Family Photographs was assembled by June Johnson Helle with additions from her mother, Martha Plath Johnson, and her aunt, Frieda Plath Heinrichs, who were sisters of Otto Emil Plath. Some of the photographs were originally sent by Aurelia Plath to her sister-in-laws Frieda Plath Heinrichs and Martha Plath Johnson. June Johnson Helle served as executor for the personal belongings of her mother and aunt Frieda Plath Heinrichs. The photographs are annotated by Otto Plath, Aurelia Schober Plath, Sylvia Plath, and June Johnson Helle.

The collection is arranged as follows:

Series I. Photographs of Otto Plath and Siblings (1910-1930s) contains 8 items. These photographs of Otto Plath and his brother Hugo Plath and sister Frieda Plath are arranged in chronological order.

Series II. Photographs of Sylvia Plath and others (1933-1963) contains 51 items. These photographs of Sylvia Plath, Aurelia Schober Plath, Otto Plath, Warren Plath and their Schober relatives are arranged in chronological order.

Series III. Other photographs contains one postcard of Berck-Plage.

This collection is organized into three series:

Series I. Photographs of Otto Plath and Siblings, 1910-1930s
Series II. Photographs of Sylvia Plath and others, 1933-1963
Series III. Other photographs, n.d.

Information on Use

Terms of Access and Use

Restrictions on access:

The photographs are open to research according to the regulations of the Mortimer Rare Book Room.

Restrictions on use:

Preferred Citation

Please use the following format when citing materials from this collection:

Helle Collection of Plath Family Photographs, Mortimer Rare Book Room, Smith College, Northampton, Massachusetts.

History of the Collection

The Plath Family Photographs were donated by Anita Helle, daughter of June Johnson Helle, to the Mortimer Rare Book Room in 2006.

Processing Information

Processed by Karen Kukil, 2006

Additional Information

Contact Information

Mortimer Rare Book Room

William Allan Neilson Library
Smith College
Northampton, MA 01063

Phone: (413) 585-2906
Fax: (413) 585-4486

Email: mrbr@smith.edu
URL: http://www.smith.edu/libraries/libs/rarebook

Language

English

Contents List

SERIES I. Photographs of Otto Plath and Siblings

Studio photograph of Otto Plath Caption on verso by June Johnson Helle: Otto Plath. Subject: Full view of Otto Plath (1885-1940) wearing a band uniform and holding an oboe. © Estate of Otto Plath	[ca. 1910]	Black and white photograph. 7 x 13.7 cm.	1

Postcard photograph of Otto Plath with his classmates at Northwestern College Caption on verso by June Johnson Helle: Otto Plath (Indicated) with U/College group. Subject: Otto Plath (1885-1940), third from left in the front row. Some men hold steins and various musical instruments. © Estate of Otto Plath	[ca.1910]	Black and white photograph. 13.8 x 8.7 cm.	2

Studio photograph of Otto Plath in cap and gown Caption on verso by ?Otto Plath: Otto Plath graduates Nwestern 1910. Subject: Full view of Otto Plath (1885-1940) wearing a cap and gown. © Estate of Otto Plath	1910	Black and white photograph. 7 x 14 cm.	3

Studio photograph of Otto Plath in cap and gown Subject: Head and shoulders view of Otto Plath (1885-1940) wearing a cap and gown. © Estate of Otto Plath	[1910]	Black and white photograph. 9.8 x 15 cm.	4

Studio photograph of Otto Plath Blind stamped on folder: J T Long / Seattle Subject: Head and shoulders view of Otto Plath (1885-1940) wearing a suit and tie. © Estate of Otto Plath	[ca.1911]	Black and white photograph. 6.5 x 12 cm. in a folder 8 x 14.5 cm.	5

Studio photograph of Frieda and Hugo Plath Blind stamped on recto: Stafford / 69th & Halsted / Chicago Caption on verso by June Johnson Helle: Frieda and Hugo Plath / sister and brother / 1917. Subjects: Full view of Frieda Plath Heinrichs and Hugo Plath, wearing a uniform, seated on a table. © Estate of Frieda Plath Heinrichs	1917	Black and white photograph. 12.5 x 20 cm.	6

Anonymous. Otto Plath with a colleague, [1920s] Caption on verso by June Johnson Helle: Otto Plath with a colleague. Stamped on verso: Films Developed Free S. N. Wood Photo Finisher 46 Cornhill, Boston Subject: Full view of Otto Plath (1885-1940) with an unidentified colleague. Both men are wearing suits and standing in a back yard near a house. © Unknown		Black and white photograph. 8.3 x 11 cm.	7

Studio photograph of Otto Plath Caption on verso by June Johnson Helle: O.E. Plath / A few years before his death. He was already ill . . . Stamped on folder: Sargent Studio / 154 Boylston Street / Boston Subject: Head and shoulders view of Otto Plath (1885-1940) wearing a checked coat and tie. © Estate of Otto Plath	[1930s]	Black and white photograph. 10 x 14.5 cm. in a folder 16 x 23.5 cm.	8

SERIES II. Photographs of Sylvia Plath and her family

Anonymous. Baby Sylvia Plath sitting on her mother's lap Caption on recto by Aurelia Plath: 5 months Caption on verso by Aurelia Plath: April 1933 / Sylvia - 5 months Caption on verso by June Johnson Helle: Aurelia and Sylvia Plath Subject: Sylvia Plath (1932-1963) and her mother, Aurelia Schober Plath (1906-1994). Three quarter view of Aurelia sitting on a chair outside near a chain fence holding Sylvia on her lap. Aurelia is wearing a dark coat with fur trim and hat. © Estate of Aurelia Schober Plath	April 1933	Black and white photograph. 7.2 x 9.8 cm.	9

Anonymous. Baby Sylvia Plath laughing Caption on recto by Aurelia Plath: Sylvia / is always / merry! / 7 months Caption on verso by June Johnson Helle: Sylvia Plath Subject: Three quarter view of Sylvia Plath (1932-1963) wearing a bonnet and laughing. © Estate of Aurelia Schober Plath	[May 1933]	Black and white photograph. 7 x 9.3 cm.	10

Anonymous. Baby Sylvia Plath Caption on recto by Aurelia Plath: 7 / months / old Caption on verso by June Johnson Helle: Sylvia Plath Subject: Three quarter view of baby Sylvia Plath (1932-1963), gazing up at the unidentified person who holds her on his/her lap. © Estate of Aurelia Schober Plath	[May 1933]	Black and white photograph. 47 x 9.3 cm.	11

Anonymous. Baby Sylvia Plath with her grandmother and mother Caption on verso by Aurelia Plath: July 1933 / my mother, Sylvia and I. Caption on verso by June Johnson Helle: Aurelia, her mother (Mrs.Schober), and Sylvia. Stamped on verso: A 6. Note: Possibly taken by Otto Plath at the Arnold Arboretum Subject: Aurelia Greenwood Schober (1887-1956) (left), Aurelia Schober Plath (1906-1994) (right), and Sylvia Plath (1932-1963). Baby Sylvia sits on a blanket in front of her grandmother and mother kneeling behind her on the grass. © Estate of Otto Plath	July 1933	Black and white photograph. 6.5 x 9 cm.	12

Anonymous. Plath Family (Aurelia, Sylvia, and Otto Plath) Caption on recto by Aurelia Plath: The Plath Family - July 1933 Caption on verso by June Johnson Helle: Aurelia - Sylvia - Otto. Stamped on verso: A 19 Note: Possibly taken by Aurelia Greenwood Schober at the Arnold Arboretum. Subject: Sylvia Plath (1932-1963), Aurelia Schober Plath (1906-1994), and Otto Plath (1885-1940). Three quarter view of Otto Plath sitting next to Aurelia with baby Sylvia on her lap. © Estate of Aurelia Greenwood Schober	July 1933	Black and white photograph. 6.5 x 9 cm.	13

Anonymous. Baby Sylvia Plath Caption on recto by Aurelia Plath, July 1934-20 months old Caption on verso by June Johnson Helle: Sylvia Plath Subject: Full view of baby Sylvia Plath (1932-1963) sitting in a pan on the lawn near a sandbox. © Estate of Aurelia Schober Plath	July 1934	Black and white photograph. 6.5 x 8.7 cm.	14

Anonymous. Warren and Sylvia Plath Caption on verso by Aurelia Plath: Winthrop, December 1935. Warren is being restrained, not upheld. Caption on verso by June Johnson Helle: Warren and Sylvia Plath Stamp on verso: Knox Photo Medford, Mass. 808 Subject: Warren Plath (1935- ) and Sylvia Plath (1932-1963) dressed in warm clothes standing near a tree in Winthrop, Massachusetts. © Estate of Aurelia Schober Plath	December 1935	Black and white photograph. 6.2 x 8.7 cm.	15

Anonymous. Sylvia Plath pushing her brother in a stroller Caption on verso by Aurelia Plath: Winthrop-Dec. 1935 Caption on verso by June Johnson Helle: Warren and Sylvia Plath Stamp on verso: Knox Photo Medford, Mass. 808 Subject: Sylvia Plath (1932-1963) pushing her brother, Warren Plath (1935- ), in a stroller on a sidewalk in Winthrop, Massachusetts. © Estate of Aurelia Schober Plath	December 1935	Black and white photograph. 6.2 x 8.7 cm.	16

Anonymous. Sylvia Plath and her mother at Winthrop Beach Caption on verso by Aurelia Plath: Sylvia & mother at Winthrop Beach. Stamp on verso: Knox photo Medford, Mass. 813 Subject: Nearly full view of Sylvia Plath (1932-1963) and her mother, Aurelia Schober Plath (1906-1994), sitting in the grass at Winthrop Beach. Both are wearing dresses and a house is in the background. © Estate of Aurelia Schober Plath	ca. July 1936	Black and white photograph. 6 x 8.7 cm.	17

Anonymous. Sylvia Plath with her mother and aunt at Point Shirley, Winthrop, Massachusetts Caption on version by June Johnson Helle: Aurelia's brother (?) / Aurelia & sister and Sylvia Plath. Note: Probably taken by Sylvia Plath's grandfather, Frank Schober (1880-1965). Subject: Head and shoulder view of Sylvia Plath (1932-1963), Aurelia Schober Plath (1906-1994), and Dorothy Schober Benotti (1911-1981) on the beach at Point Shirley in Winthrop, Massachusetts. Aurelia's brother, Frank Richard Schober (1919- ), is in the background. © Estate of Frank Schober	ca. 1936	Black and white photograph. 11.5 x 8 cm.	18

Anonymous. Sylvia Plath at Winthrop Beach Caption on verso by Aurelia Plath: Sylvia-3 yrs. 9 mos. Caption on verso by June Johnson Helle: Sylvia Plath Stamp on verso: 867 Subject: Full view of Sylvia Plath (1932-1963) standing in the water at Winthrop Beach. She is wearing a bathing suit and a large bow in her hair. © Estate of Aurelia Schober Plath	ca. July 1936	Black and white photograph. 6.2 x 8.7 cm.	19

Studio portrait of Sylvia and Warren Plath Caption on recto by Aurelia Plath: To Aunt Frieda & Uncle Walter / from Sylvia & / Warren, May 1937. Caption on verso by June Johnson Helle: Sylvia and Warren Plath. Sylvia is 4½ / Warren is 2. Subject: Head and shoulder view of Sylvia Plath (1932-1963) and Warren Plath (1935- ). Sylvia is wearing a bow in her hair. © Estate of Aurelia Schober Plath	1937	Black and white photograph. 12.2 x 20.2 cm.	20

Anonymous. Warren and Sylvia Plath on a swing Printed caption on verso by Aurelia Plath: Warren & Sylvia enjoying the swing at grandmother's house. August, 1937. (Can't you just hear them laugh?) Stamp on verso: 696 Subject: Three quarter view of Sylvia Plath (1932-1963) on a swing in her grandparent's yard at Winthrop, Massachusetts, with Warren Plath (1935- ) in the foreground. © Estate of Aurelia Schober Plath	August 1937	Black and white photograph, with deckle edges. 18 x 10.5 cm.	21

Anonymous. Sylvia Plath and her mother Caption on verso by Aurelia Plath: Sylvia, holding "Baby Sue," and her mummy. August, 1937. Caption on verso by June Johnson Helle: Aurelia and Sylvia Plath. Stamp on verso: 696 Subject: Head and shoulders view of Sylvia Plath (1932-1963) and Aurelia Schober Plath (1906-1994) sitting on the front steps of their home in Winthrop, Massachusetts. Sylvia is holding a doll. © Estate of Aurelia Schober Plath	August 1937	Black and white photograph with deckle edges. 8 x 10.5 cm.	22

Anonymous. Warren and Sylvia Plath sledding Caption on verso by June Johnson Helle: Warren and Sylvia Plath-Boston, Mass. Stamp on verso: 242 Subject: Full view of Warren Plath (1935- ) lying on top of Sylvia Plath (1932-1963) on a sled in the snow. © Estate of Aurelia Schober Plath	[February 1939]	Black and white photograph with deckle edges. 8 x 10.5cm.	23

Anonymous. Sylvia Plath on the beach Caption on recto by Aurelia Plath: July 1939-Sylvia 6 yrs 9 months Subject: Full view of Sylvia Plath (1932-1963) wearing a one-piece bathing suit with an anchor design on the front. © Estate of Aurelia Schober Plath	July 1939	Black and white photograph with deckle edges. 8.5 x 12.2 cm.	24

Anonymous. Sylvia and Warren Plath on a sailboat in Winthrop, Massachusetts Caption on recto by Aurelia Plath: August, 1940 / 7 years, 9 mo 5 years / Winthrop, Mass. Caption on verso by Aurelia Plath: Sylvia and Warren Aug. / 7 yrs. 9 mos. 5 yrs. 3 mos. Subject: Full view of Sylvia Plath (1932-1963) and Warren Plath (1935- ) on a beached sailboat. © Estate of Aurelia Schober Plath	August 1940	Black and white photograph, trimmed. 6.5 x 11.2 cm.	25

Anonymous. Sylvia Plath nursing her doll Caption on recto by Aurelia Plath: Sept. 1940 Caption on verso by June Johnson Helle: Sylvia, dressed as a nurse-taken during her father's illness Stamped on verso: 867 Subject: Three quarter view of Sylvia Plath (1932-1963) in the backyard with her doll wearing a nurses uniform and her hair in braids. © Estate of Aurelia Schober Plath	September 1940	Black and white photograph with deckle edges. 8 x 10.8 cm.	26

Anonymous. Wedding photograph of Joseph and Dorothy Benotti with Warren and Sylvia Plath Caption on verso by June Johnson Helle: Wedding of Aurelia's sister. Warren and Sylvia Plath stand in front. Stamp on verso: 540F Subject: Full view of Warren Plath (1935- ) and Sylvia Plath (1932-1963) standing in front of Joseph Benotti (1911-1996) and Dorothy Schober Benotti (1911-1981) on their wedding day. © Estate of Aurelia Schober Plath	April 19, 1941	Black and white photograph with deckle edges. 11.5 x 8.2 cm.	27

Anonymous. Warren and Sylvia Plath holding a cat Caption on recto by Aurelia Schober Plath: August 1941 Caption on verso by June Johnson Helle: Warren and Sylvia Plath. Stamped on verso: 821C Genuine VELOX Photo Paper. ?Doll Dev., 8 prints, one hold-?pal album, The Baldwin Studio, St. Louis, MO 20¢ Subject: Three quarter view of Warren Plath (1935- ) and Sylvia Plath (1932-1963) holding Mitzi (cat) on the front porch of their house in Winthrop, Massachusetts. Sylvia's hair is in braids and the cat is wearing one of Sylvia's doll bonnets © Estate of Aurelia Schober Plath	August 1941	Black and white photograph with three holes at the top. 38.5 x 11 cm.	28

Anonymous. Wedding photograph of Frank and Louise Schober flanked by Warren and Sylvia Plath Caption on verso by Aurelia Schober Plath: June 27, 1942 / my brother, Frank, and his bride Louise. Sylvia was flower-girl, and Warren was ring-bearer at the wedding. Sylvia's dress was of pale pink organza and its length thrilled her little heart! Frank is 6'2" tall; Louise is just 5'-so you see how tall my two babies have grown! Stamped on verso: 51 Subject: Full view of Warren Plath (1935- ) and Sylvia Plath (1932-1963) flanking Frank Richard Schober (1919- ) and Louise Bowman Schober (1920- ) on their wedding day. © Estate of Aurelia Schober Plath	June 27, 1942	Black and white photograph with deckle edges. 8 x 10.5 cm.	29

Anonymous. Wedding photograph of Frank and Louise Schober flanked by Warren and Sylvia Plath Caption on recto by Aurelia Schober Plath: Frank & Louise Schober / Warren-7½ Sylvia-9½ / Winthrop, Mass. / 1942. Caption on verso by Aurelia Schober Plath: My brother Frank Schober and his bride, Louise. Warren age 7 years / Sylvia " 9½ " / (Sylvia wants you to know her dress was made of pale pink organza and that the slip under it is pretty enough to be a dress too.) Subject: Full view of Warren Plath (1935- ) and Sylvia Plath (1932-1963) flanking Frank Richard Schober (1919- ) and Louise Bowman Schober (1920- ) on their wedding day. © Estate of Aurelia Schober Plath	June 27, 1942	Black and white photograph, trimmed. 6.5 x 9 cm.	30

Anonymous. Sylvia Plath in Wellesley Caption on verso by Aurelia Schober Plath: Fall 1945. Caption on verso by Martha Johnson: On this picture Sylvia reminds me a little of you when you were that age. Caption on verso by June Johnson Helle: Sylvia Plath. Martha Johnson wrote the note above to daughter June. 9Blind stamp on verso: VELOX Subject: Three quarter view of Sylvia Plath (1932-1963) holding a jug on the front porch of her home in Wellesley, Massachusetts. © Estate of Aurelia Schober Plath	fall 1945	Black and white photograph. 9 x 6.5 cm.	31

Anonymous. Sylvia and Warren Plath Caption on verso by Aurelia Schober Plath: Xmas 1945 Caption on verso by June Johnson Helle: Sylvia Plath age 13. Stamp on verso: VELOX Subject: Full view of Sylvia Plath (1932-1963) and Warren Plath (1935- ) on the front porch of their home in Wellesley, Massachusetts. Sylvia wears a scarf and kneels next to a cocker spaniel. A Christmas wreath hangs on the front door. © Estate of Aurelia Schober Plath	Christmas 1945	Black and white photograph. 6.5 x 9 cm.	32

Warren Plath (photographer). Aurelia Plath Caption on verso by Aurelia Schober Plath: Spring 1946. "Mummy" in her Easter finery! Warren took this snap of me. Caption on verso by June Johnson Helle: Aurelia Plath Stamp on verso: 880Z VELOX Subject: Three quarter view of Aurelia Plath (1906-1994) standing outside the front door at her home in Wellesley, Massachusetts. © Warren Plath	April 21, 1946	Black and white photograph. 6.5 x 9 cm.	33

Anonymous. Sylvia Plath sunbathing in the backyard at Wellesley Caption on recto by Aurelia Schober Plath: 1946 (14) Caption on verso by Aurelia Schober Plath: June 1946. Sylvia has gained a few pounds since June & it shows becomingly. Caption on verso by June Johnson Helle: Age 14 Stamped on verso: 007Z VELOX Subject: Sylvia Plath (1932-1963) sunbathing on a blanket in her backyard in Wellesley, Massachusetts. © Estate of Aurelia Schober Plath	June 1946	Black and white photograph. 9 x 6.5 cm.	34

Anonymous. Sylvia Plath holding G.I. (dog) Printed caption on verso by Aurelia Schober Plath: The dog belongs to my brother, who calls him "G.I." Sylvia, age 14, and G.I.-age 2 months. Caption on verso by June Johnson Helle: Sylvia Plath and "friend." Stamped on verso: 309 Subject: Three quarter view of Sylvia Plath (1932-1963) holding her uncle's cocker spaniel near the back fence in Wellesley, Massachusetts. © Estate of Aurelia Schober Plath	[October 1946]	Black and white photograph. 6.5 x 9 cm.	35

Anonymous. Sylvia and Warren Plath holding G.I (dog) Caption on verso: This doesn't do Sylvia justice but is excellent of Warren (age 11½) Stamped on verso: 309 VELOX Subject: Three quarter view of Sylvia Plath (1932-1963) and Warren Plath (1935- ) holding his uncle's cocker spaniel, in the side yard at Wellesley, Massachusetts. © Estate of Aurelia Schober Plath	[October 1946]	Black and white photograph. 6.5 x 9 cm.	36

Anonymous. Warren and Sylvia Plath Caption on verso by Aurelia Schober Plath: May 1947 Caption on verso by June Johnson Helle: Warren and Sylvia Plath (Ages 13 & 15). Stamp on verso: 618 Subject: Warren Plath (1935- ) wearing a suit and tie standing near a birch tree in the yard at Wellesley, Massachusetts. Sylvia Plath (1932-1963) is seated with a flower in her hair. © Estate of Aurelia Schober Plath	May 1947	Black and white photograph. 6.5 x 9 cm.	37

Anonymous. Sylvia Plath in the garden Caption on verso by Aurelia Schober Plath: May 1947 Sylvia, 14½ years old Caption on verso by June Johnson Helle: Sylvia Plath Stamped on verso: 618 VELOX Subject: Three quarter view of Sylvia Plath (1932-1963) kneeling next to a bush in the garden at Wellesley, Massachusetts. © Estate of Aurelia Schober Plath	May 1947	Black and white photograph. 6.5 x 9 cm.	38

Anonymous. Aurelia Schober Plath Caption on verso by Aurelia Schober Plath: 1947 Caption on verso by June Johnson Helle: Aurelia Plath Stamped on verso: 618 VELOX Subject: Full view of Aurelia Schober Plath (1906-1994) seated in the yard at her home in Wellesley, Massachusetts. She is wearing a floral hat. © Unlnown	May 1947	Black and white photograph. 6.5 x 9 cm.	39

Anonymous. Sylvia Plath sunbathing Caption on verso by Aurelia Schober Plath: Sylvia, August 1947 14 years, 10 months Stamped on verso: 243 Subject: Full view of Sylvia Plath (1932-1963) seated in the lawn at her home in Wellesley, Massachusetts. She is drinking from a glass and has a pad of drawing paper nearby. © Estate of Aurelia Schober Plath	August 1947	Black and white photograph. 6.5 x 9 cm.	40

Anonymous. Warren and Sylvia Plath Caption on verso by Aurelia Schober Plath: Warren & Sylvia, Sept. 1948 Stamped on verso: 994W VELOX Subject: Head and shoulders view of Warren Plath (1935- ) and Sylvia Plath (1932-1963) sitting near the front walk of their home in Wellesley, Massachusetts, with petunias in the background. © Estate of Aurelia Schober Plath	September 1948	Black and white photograph. 9 x 6.5 cm.	41

Anonymous. Plath family home, Wellesley, Massachusetts Drawing of the floor plan of the interior by Aurelia Schober Plath on verso: Note: Car is not mine! Caption on verso by June Johnson Helle: Sylvia Plath's home. Stamped on verso: G625 Subject: Plath family residence at 26 Elmwood Road, Wellesley, Massachusetts. Unidentified man and car in the front yard. © Estate of Aurelia Schober Plath	[?September 1948]	Black and white photograph with deckle edges. 13 x 9 cm.	42

Anonymous. Warren and Sylvia Plath Caption on verso by Aurelia Schober Plath: Sylvia and Warren, Sept. 1948 / They both join me in wishing Aunt Frieda and Uncle Walter a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Stamped on verso: 058A Subject: Three quarter view of Warren Plath (1935- ) and Sylvia Plath (1932-1963) sitting on the lawn at their home in Wellesley, Massachusetts. Warren is wearing a suit and tie while Sylvia is wearing a checked dress © Estate of Aurelia Schober Plath	September 1948	Black and white photograph with deckle edges. 13 x 9 cm.	43

Anonymous. Warren and Aurelia Schober Plath, May 1949. Typed caption on verso by Aurelia Schober Plath: May, 1949 / Warren Plath, age 14 / 5'11" Caption on verso by June Johnson Helle: Warren and Aurelia Plath Stamped on verso: Z96 Subject: Three quarter view of Warren Plath (1935- ) wearing a band uniform and Aurelia Schober Plath (1906-1994) in a checked jacket sitting in the yard at home in Wellesley, Massachusetts © Estate of Aurelia Greenwood Schober		Black and white photograph. 9 x 13 cm.	44

Anonymous. Aurelia flanked by Sylvia and Warren Plath Caption on verso by Aurelia Schober Plath: Sept. 1949 / Sylvia-almost 17 / Warren - [almost] 14½. Taken in the rear of our house. This does not do either Sylvia or Warren justice, but is excellent of me. So-here's to the expansion of my own ego as I send this to you. Stamped on verso: 568 Subject: Full view of Sylvia Plath (1932-1963), Aurelia Schober Plath (1906-1994), and Warren Plath (1935- ) in the yard at their home in Wellesley. All are wearing suits. © Estate of Aurelia Greenwood Schober	September 1949	Black and white photograph. 9 x 13 cm.	45

Studio portrait of Sylvia Plath Caption on verso by June Johnson Helle: Sylvia Plath Subject: Head and shoulders view of Sylvia Plath (1932-1963). According to Letters Home (page 47), this was Plath's high school graduation portrait. © Estate of Sylvia Plath	1950	Black and white photograph. 10 x 14 cm.	46

Anonymous. Sylvia Plath, September 1950. Caption on verso by Aurelia Schober Plath: Sylvia Sept. 1950 Caption on verso by June Johnson Helle: Sylvia Plath - almost 18. Stamped on verso: 642S Kodak Velox Paper Subject: Three quarter view of Sylvia Plath (1932-1963) sitting on the front stair at her home in Wellesley, Massachusetts. Plath is wearing a suit and hat. © Estate of Aurelia Schober Plath		Black and white photograph. 9 x 13 cm.	47

Anonymous. Sylvia Plath, January 1951 Caption on verso by Aurelia Schober Plath: Sylvia Jan. 1951 Caption on verso by June Johnson Helle: Sylvia Plath Age 18 Stamped on verso: Kodak Velox Paper Subject: Head and shoulders view of Sylvia Plath (1932-1963) sitting on the front stair at her home in Wellesley, Massachusetts. She is wearing a zippered jacket. © Estate of Aurelia Schober Plath		Black and white photograph. 7.5 x 9.5 cm.	48

Studio portrait of Sylvia Plath Caption on verso by Aurelia Schober Plath: Sylvia Plath / November 1952. Caption on verso by June Johnson Helle: Age 20 Subject: Head portrait of Sylvia Plath (1932-1963) wearing a necklace. © Estate of Sylvia Plath	November 1952	Black and white photograph. 6.5 x 9 cm.	49

Anonymous. Greeting card with photograph of Wellesley house in the snow Caption on recto by Aurelia Schober Plath: Our Home Caption on recto by Aurelia below Greetings: from / Aunt Aurelia Subject: Partial front view of the Plath family home at 26 Elmwood Road, Wellesley, Massachusetts. © Estate of Aurelia Schober Plath	[?1954]	Black and white. 14 x 10.7 cm.(card); 7 x 7 cm. (photograph)	50

Anonymous. Christmas card with photograph of Warren and Sylvia Plath Caption on recto under photograph by Aurelia Schober Plath: Warren and Sylvia 9/55 Inscription on recto under greeting Merry Christmas 1955: to June, Glenn and Anita / Aunt Aurelia Subject: Full view of Warren Plath (1935- ) and Sylvia Plath (1932-1963) standing in the yard at Wellesley, Massachusetts, September 1955. Sylvia is wearing a suit and black tam © Estate of Aurelia Schober Plath	1955	Black and white. 214 x 10.7 cm. (card); 5 x 7.5 cm.(photograph)	51

Anonymous. Sylvia Plath, September 11 Caption on verso by Aurelia Schober Plath: Sylvia, Sept. 11, 1955 Caption on verso by June Johnson Helle: Sylvia Plath - almost 23 years old Stamped on verso: Kodak Velox Paper Subject: Three quarter view of Sylvia Plath (1932-1963) standing in the front yard of her home in Wellesley, Massachusetts. She is wearing a black tam, patterned jersey, dark skirt, and holds a handbag. © Estate of Aurelia Schober Plath	1955	Black and white photograph. 9 x 13 cm.	52

Anonymous. Warren and Aurelia Plath in front of a Christmas tree Caption on recto by Aurelia Schober Plath: Warren Aurelia Caption on verso by Aurelia: Warren and Aurelia, December 31, 1955 / Wellesley, Massachusetts. Stamped on verso: Kodak Velox Paper Subject: Nearly full view of Warren Plath (1935- ) and Aurelia Schober Plath (1906-1994) sitting on the floor in front of a Christmas tree. Warren is wearing a jacket and tie. © Unknown	December 31, 1955	Black and white photograph. 9 x 13 cm.	53

Anonymous (?Ted Hughes). Warren and Sylvia Plath, Paris, August 1956. Caption on recto by Aurelia Schober Plath: Warren and Sylvia, Paris, 1956. Caption on verso by June Johnson Helle: Warren & Sylvia Plath / Sylvia is almost 24. Stamped on verso: Kodak Velox Paper Subject: Head and shoulder view of Warren Plath (1935- ) and Sylvia Plath (1932-1963) in Paris. © Estate of Ted Hughes		Black and white photograph. 9 x 13 cm.	54

Ted Hughes. Aurelia Schober Plath Caption on verso by Aurelia Schober Plath: I was the only one who looked natural in this snap taken by my son-in-law in September '58. Caption on verso by June Johnson Helle: Aurelia Plath - Taken by Ted Hughes Subject: Full view of Aurelia Schober Plath (1906-1994) standing on the front stairs of her home in Wellesley, Massachusetts. Photograph has been trimmed. Sylvia Plath's left hand and handbag are still visible. © Estate of Ted Hughes	September 1958	Black and white photograph. 4.5 x 7.5 cm.	55

Anonymous (?Ted Hughes). Sylvia Plath and baby Frieda Caption on verso by Sylvia Plath: Frieda & me - she in her lacy white dress you sent - doesn't it look sweet on her? Caption on verso by June Johnson Helle: Sylvia Plath and baby Frieda Stamped on verso: C670 Kodak Vellox Paper Subject: Side view of Sylvia Plath (1932-1963) and Frieda Rebecca Hughes (1960- ). Plath's hair is in a ponytail. © Estate of Ted Hughes	1960	Black and white photograph. 6.5 x 6.5 cm.	56

Anonymous (?Ted Hughes). Sylvia Plath and baby Frieda Caption on verso by Sylvia Plath: Frieda Rebecca age 9 months / plus her mother & / her teddy bear Caption on verso by June Johnson Helle: Sylvia Plath and daughter Frieda Stamped on verso Kodak Velox Paper Subject: Head and shoulders view of Sylvia Plath (1932-1963) holding Frieda Rebecca Hughes (1960- ) on her lap. Plath's hair is in braids on her head and Frieda is holding a teddy bear. © Estate of Ted Hughes	January 1961	Black and white photograph. 6.2 x 6.4 cm.	57

Anonymous. Aurelia Plath Caption on verso by Aurelia Schober Plath: Aurelia Plath, January 1961. Caption on verso by June Johnson Helle: At Cape Cod Stamped on verso: This is a Kodacolor Print Made by Kodak / April 1961 Subject: Full view of Aurelia Schober Plath (1906-1994) at Cape Cod in the winter sitting on a porch. © Unknown	January 1961	Color photograph. 9 x 14.7 cm.	58

Anonymous. Aurelia Plath Caption on verso by Aurelia Schober Plath: Informal (!) snap taken at Denis, Cape Cod - Aug 1963 / Aunt Aurelia Stamped on verso: Kodak Paper Subject: Three-quarter view of Aurelia Schober Plath (1906-1994) at Cape Cod in the summer sitting on a lawn chair. Pen markings cover up her knees. © Unknown	August 1963	Color photograph. 9 x 9 cm.	59

SERIES III. Other photographs

Carte Postale of Berck-Plage-L'Hôpital Vincent	n.d	60

Search Terms

The following terms represent persons, organizations, and topics documented in this collection. Use these headings to search for additional materials on this web site, in the Five College Library Catalog, or in other library catalogs and databases.

Subjects

Plath, Aurelia Schober
Plath, Otto Emil, 1885-1940
Plath, Sylvia- Pictoral works
Plath, Warren, 1935-
Poets, American- 20th century- Biography- Sources

Contributors

Helle, June Johnson

Questions about this collection? Contact the archives
Home | Help | About | Search