Meek's Cat Lives in the "Castle"
Close
Download IIIF ManifestRequest permissionsDownload image PrintID: 92-15019
Creator: Unknown
Form/Genre: Photographic print
Date: c. 1870
Citation: Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 7062, Box 8, Folder:12
Pencil drawing by Fielding B. Meek, a paleontologist, who lived in the "Castle" or Smithsonian Institution Building, of his cat watching water drip, which he labeled, "This is all the family I have."
Historic Images of the Smithsonian
Fielding B. Meek lived in the Castle, the Smithsonian Institution Building, which in its early years provided lodging for the Institution's scientists, curators, and labor force. Meek, a paleontologist, came to the Smithsonian in 1858. Receiving no salary, he was compensated with the use of a workroom and a bedroom which was located in a corner of the lecture hall under stairs leading to the balcony. After that room was destroyed by fire in 1865, and until his death in 1876, he probably occupied a room in one of the north towers. He became quite isolated as he lost his hearing. During his last years, because of failing health, he spent his winters in Florida and the rest of the time at the "Castle".
Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 7062, Box 8, Folder:12
Institutional History Division, Smithsonian Archives, 600 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20024-2520, SIHistory@si.edu
c. 1870
No restrictions
92-15019
Number of Images: 1; Color: Black and white; Size: 5w x 4h; Type of Image: Animal; Medium: 4"x5" negative