The Peerless Collection of Aerials and other Photographic Prints from the Studios of William Preston Mayfield (MS-271)

It is believed that Walt Burton purchased most if not all of these prints from the Christian Studio. Some of the prints in this collection bear both “Mayfield vintage estate print” stamps and the Christian Studio stamp, suggesting that they were stamped after the sale of the original Mayfield archive. In fact, the “vintage estate print” stamps were almost certainly added later by Walt Burton. Otherwise, these prints are mostly photographer’s proof prints removed from Christian’s original Mayfield negative file by Mr. Walt Burton. A few contemporary prints bear the imprint of Mayfield Studios. Copyrights to the Mayfield archive are uncertain. Because of his affiliations, and depending on any contemporary contracts, some of Mayfield’s work might be considered “for hire” with copyrights possibly held by the Daily News or companies such as Paragon Features. Nevertheless, current ownership of the Mayfield copyrights is claimed by Marvin Christian. Model releases for the advertising images are not available. Part of the collection also includes advertising photography for Dayton-based companies such as Frigidaire, and for interurban lines such as the Cincinnati and Lake Erie Rail Road. Users of the collection should beware that copyright to these images may not be claimed by Wright State University. It is up to any users of the collection to seek out and obtain correct copyright permissions for any use of the images beyond fair use for limited educational purposes. William Preston Mayfield’s primary interests were in aerial and aviation related photography, and this collection includes many excellent images of early Dayton and surrounding communities viewed from a variety of angles and all altitudes up to about 20,000 feet. The majority of the aerial images are from a low oblique angle, taken at an altitude of under 1000 feet. They are therefore excellent for close detail of urban industrial and commercial districts. There are also come excellent aerial views of small towns, for instance, Waynesville and Fairborn, Ohio, taken in early 1920’s. Other major subjects include buildings in and around Dayton, Ohio, and a small collection of street scenes. Notable industries represented include Frigidaire; Delco (now Delphi); the Duriron Corporation; Inland; and Standard Register. Domestic views include many homes and streets in the Dayton area. People photographed include fashion models, members of the public, Santa Claus impersonators, and General John Pershing (while on a personal appearance tour in Dayton about 1919). There is a small collection of advertising-related product photography. Famous pilots photographed include Col. Roscoe Turner, Bill Whelan, Howard Rinehart, and Lt. John Macready (see Aviation. People. Groups).