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Edward E. Crocker Photograph Collection

 Collection
Identifier: PICT-000-709

Scope and Content

This collection documents the renovation of the Santuario de Guadalupe, an historic Catholic church in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and the archaeology that resulted. During the renovation in 1989, human remains were found buried under the floor of the Santuario. The images of the renovation process and the artifacts found were taken by both Edward Crocker and Hawthorne Studio of Santa Fe, N.M. Both the pictures and slides have been organized and numbered chronologically. The slides have been separated out and put into three-ring binders. The folders in which the photos are kept have the corresponding slide numbers written on them, along with the dates and identifying numbers given by Crocker and Hawthorne Studio. Many of the pictures and slides are also identified by the burial site in which they were taken.

Dates

  • 1989-1990

Creator

Access Restrictions

The collection is open for research.

Copy Restrictions

Duplication of print and photographic material is allowed for research purposes. User is responsible for copyright compliance. For more information see the Photographs and Images Research Guide and contact the Pictorial Archivist.

History

The historic Santuario de Guadalupe is said to have been built between 1776-1795. The original structure was typical of 18th Century indigenous architecture. Built in the shape of a Latin cross, the nave measured about 70 feet in length, the arms of the transept about 30 feet. The building, constructed of large adobe bricks forming walls approximately 33 inches thick, had a flat roof and a three tiered bell tower. A burial ground or camposanto encircled the church and the whole was surrounded by a low adobe wall.

The church was originally known as Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, later also known by the English translation, Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. Devotion to the Virgen de Guadalupe was widespread throughout the Spanish colonial world. A 1783 painting by José de Alzibar of the Virgin of Guadalupe was commissioned for the church in Santa Fe where it still hangs behind the alter of the Santuario. The Nuestra Se??ora de Guadalupe Church went through profound architectural changes to accommodate the political and ecclesiastical administration resulting from the appropriation of New Mexico by the United States, 1846-1848. The bell tower was demolished, the flat roof was covered with a steep wooden shingle and adored with a tall spire "of the strictest New England meeting house pattern." The old adobe wall was demolished and replaced by a picket fence. In 1922 a fire gutted the church but left the 1783 painting by Alzibar intact. In rebuilding the church the original example of a New Mexican mission church was lost to an eclectic style inspired by the California mission style. With the passage of time and continual influx of population, a new parish church was built and the old church was left to the elements and vandalism. Periodic attempts to restore the church were unsuccessful until 1975.

In 1974, the Guadalupe Historic Foundation was formed and received title to the historic church plus a half block of surrounding land. Restoration began in 1975 and the church was re-christened the Santuario de Guadalupe. The church was brought back to its original 18th century appearance by architects Owings, Johnson and Nestor and a group of dedicated crafts people.

In 1989, anticipated grant money was earmarked for continued renovation including roofing, plaster and electrical work. Edward Crocker was contracted to begin work on a steel shoring system in the church narthex to support the massive bell tower made of concrete, steel and masonry which was built after the fire of 1922.

Extent

7 boxes containing 700 photographic prints (8 x 10 in. or smaller), 1263 slides, and negatives

Language of Materials

Undetermined

Abstract

This collection contains photographs and slides documenting the renovation and resulting archaeology of the Santuario de Guadalupe, an historic Catholic church in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Physical Location

B2. Shelved by Pictorial Number

Alternate Format Available

A small portion of the Edward E. Crocker Photograph Collection is available online via New Mexico Digital Collections.

General

Contact Information

  1. University of New Mexico
  2. MSC05 3020, 1, University of New Mexico
  3. Center for Southwest Research
  4. Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001
  5. Phone: 505-277-0060
  6. Fax:
  7. Email: cswrref@unm.edu
  8. URL: http://elibrary.unm.edu/cswr

General

Title
Finding Aid of the Edward E. Crocker Photograph Collection, 1989-1990
Status
Approved
Author
Processed by Pictorial Collections Staff
Date
©2006
Language of description
English
Script of description
Code for undetermined script
Language of description note
Finding aid is in English

Revision Statements

  • Monday, 20210524: Attribute normal is missing or blank.

Repository Details

Part of the UNM Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections Repository

Contact:
University of New Mexico Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections
University Libraries, MSC05 3020
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque NM 87131
505-277-6451