Meek's Cat Lives in the "Castle"

Summary

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."

Author

Unknown

Subject

• Meek, Fielding Bradford
• Smithsonian Institution Building (Washington, D.C.)

Category

Historic Images of the Smithsonian

Notes

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".

Contained within

Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 7062, Box 8, Folder:12

Contact information

Institutional History Division, Smithsonian Archives, 600 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20024-2520, SIHistory@si.edu

Date

c. 1870

Restrictions & Rights

No restrictions

Topic

• Animals
• Paleontologists
• Pets
• SI, Early History
• Personnel management
• Cats
• Employees
• Smithsonian Institution
• Smithsonian Institution--Employees
• Drawing

Form/Genre

• Photographic print
• Animal, candid

ID Number

92-15019

Physical description

Number of Images: 1; Color: Black and white; Size: 5w x 4h; Type of Image: Animal; Medium: 4"x5" negative

Full Record

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