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A.J. Schoendorf collection of dog show photographs

 Collection
Identifier: AKV-1-4

Scope and Contents note

The A.J. Schoendorf Collection of Dog Show Photography contains dozens of win shots taken at West Coast dog shows judged by A.J. Schoendorf in the mid-20th century.

Schoendorf created photo albums of win shots from shows and classes that he judged, with identifying labels for each photograph. The collection is heavy on hounds, non-sporting breeds, and toy dogs, although each folder contains a variety of breeds. The photographs are 8 inches by 10 inches and each one includes a label with identifying information, including the dog's name, breed, owner, handler, class/title won, show, show location and date. There are some labels that do not have an accompanying photograph.

Breeds or groups most prevalent in the photographs are noted on each folder and in this finding aid's notes section for each folder entry. Also noted for each folder are the existence of photographs taken by Joan Ludwig and whether the photographs have been digitized.

Among the top ring photographers represented are Joan Ludwig, Bill Deopaul, January Studios and Bennett Associates (both of San Francisco), and Cammar (Sherman Oaks).

It appears that some of the albums suffered damage and were disassembled at some point. Some photographs show signs of excess humidity exposure, such as multiple photographs stuck together and ink bleed from the back of a photo onto the following photo. Many labels exist only as photocopies in the collection, presumably due to the inability to remove the labels from the album without damage. The collection includes one partial, badly damaged album.

Photocopies of a few album covers exist with labels detailing the show locations, host names, and dates that were included in the album.

Dates

  • 1937-1968

Creator

Access Restrictions

This material is open to research without restrictions.

Publishing and Use Restrictions

Photographs may still be under copyright and require permission of the AKC and/or the creator before publishing. Please direct all inquiries regarding digital copies and/or permissions to the Archivist.

Biographical Note

Albert Joseph "A.J." (also known as "Bert") Schoendorf (1891-1968) was a breeder and all-breed dog show judge from Sacramento, California. Schoendorf entered the dog world in the 1920s. Over the next forty years, he became a breeder/exhibitor of Boston Terriers and Dachshunds and a leader in Northern California dog clubs. Schoendorf served as President of the Sacramento Dog Fanciers Association, the Sacramento SPCA, and the Northern California Dachshund Club (from 1933-1947).

Schoendorf also served as a conformation show judge for 30-35 years, mostly at shows on the West Coast of the United States. He was known for his keen eye and ever-present carnation and panama hat.

He was married to Cecelia N. Chauvet and worked as a bookkeeper and in advertising/publishing.

Sources: "Who's Who in American Dogdom," ed. Harry Miller (1958). Ancestry.com findagrave.com, memorial #143921422

Physical Description

1.6 Linear Feet (in 6 photograph boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

The A.J. Schoendorf Collection of Dog Show Photography contains dozens of win shots taken at West Coast dog shows judged by A.J. Schoendorf in the mid-20th century.

Schoendorf created photo albums of win shots from shows and classes that he judged, with identifying labels for each photograph. The collection is heavy on hounds, non-sporting breeds, and toy dogs, although each folder contains a variety of breeds. The photographs are 8 inches by 10 inches and each one includes a label with identifying information, including the dog's name, breed, owner, handler, class/title won, show, show location and date. There are some labels that do not have an accompanying photograph.

Breeds or groups most prevalent in the photographs are noted on each folder and in this finding aid's notes section for each folder entry. Also noted for each folder are the existence of photographs taken by Joan Ludwig and whether the photographs have been digitized.

Among the top ring photographers represented are Joan Ludwig, Bill Deopaul, January Studios and Bennett Associates (both of San Francisco), and Cammar (Sherman Oaks).

It appears that some of the albums suffered damage and were disassembled at some point. Some photographs show signs of excess humidity exposure, such as multiple photographs stuck together and ink bleed from the back of a photo onto the following photo. Many labels exist only as photocopies in the collection, presumably due to the inability to remove the labels from the album without damage. The collection includes one partial, badly damaged album.

Photocopies of a few album covers exist with labels detailing the show locations, host names, and dates that were included in the album.

Arrangement

Photographs are arranged chronologically, with photographs from the same show kept together. Folders are titled with the show host club's name and year, or "various clubs" if there are numerous clubs' shows in one folder. Shows are all-breed shows unless otherwise specified. The "Notes" section for each folder will note the breeds or groups of dogs included and whether the photographs have been digitized. Many photographs taken by reknowned dog show photographer Joan Ludwig are included in the collection; folders containing such photos include a notation in the "Notes" section.

Provenance

Unknown.

Digitized Materials

Select photographs in this collection are digitized, indicated by a number in blue pencil on corresponding labels on verso. Ask the Archivist for access.

Title
Guide to the A.J. Schoendorf collection of dog show photography
Status
Completed
Author
Original conservation by unknown person prior to 2017. Further processing and creation of finding aid by Katie Bednark.
Date
2017
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script
Language of description note
English

Repository Details

Part of the American Kennel Club Library & Archives Repository

Contact:
101 Park Ave
FL 5
New York NEW YORK 10178 United States