Leonard S. and Juliette K. Rakow Correspondence

Collection — Box: 01, Folder: 04

Identifier: SC-0004

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This small set of letters documents the Rakows' friendship with Sylvia and Herbert Jacobs, collectors of historic English ceramics. The letters, mostly written by the Rakows, describe trips abroad, impressions of glass and ceramic exhibitions and auctions, and mutual research interests. They also contain family news and expressions of gratitude for gifts and time spent together.

Dates

Circa 1974-1986

Creator

Rakow, Leonard S., 1909-1987 (Person)
Rakow, Juliette K., 1909-1992 (Person)

Language of Materials

Collection materials are in English.

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for public research. Researchers must make an appointment to view the collection.

Conditions Governing Use

The Copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specified conditions is that the reproduction is not to be "used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research." If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of "fair use," that user may be liable for copyright infringement. The user agrees to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the Corning Museum of Glass and the Rakow Research Library against all claims, demands, costs and expenses incurred by copyright infringement or any other legal or regulatory cause of action arising from the use of Library materials.

Biographical / Historical

Leonard S. Rakow was born in Nebraska in 1909. Rakow studied medicine at New York University, graduating in 1933. He married Juliette Kamholtz, a teacher and native of New York City, in 1936. The couple settled in Riverdale, and Leonard S. Rakow became a successful surgeon.

The Rakows developed an interest in glass upon receiving a pair of Wedgewood candlesticks as a wedding gift. Over time, they developed not only an unparalleled collection of English cameo glass, but also a deep knowledge of glass and a passion for glass research. As benefactors of The Corning Museum of Glass, they supported the library, now named for them, and endowed both the Rakow Grant for Glass Research and the Rakow Commission. As Founding Fellows of the Museum, they also lectured frequently and earned a reputation for sharing their knowledge generously.

Leonard S. Rakow died in 1987, and Juliette K. Rakow died in 1992.