Founded the world's largest Shakespeare collection, a renowned research library in Washington D.C. housing rare books and manuscripts.
Henry Clay Folger, the former president and chairman of Standard Oil of New York, left an indelible mark on the world of literature and education. As a voracious collector of Shakespeareana, he founded the Folger Shakespeare Library, a revered institution that houses the world's largest collection of Shakespearean materials.
Born on June 18, 1857, in New York City, Folger was the eldest of eight children to Henry Clay Folger Sr. and Eliza Jane Clark Folger. His family's roots traced back to Peter Foulger, the maternal grandfather of Benjamin Franklin, making Folger a distant cousin of the Founding Father. He graduated from Adelphi Academy in Brooklyn, where he honed his skills in art, chemistry, classics, and recitation, and was elected president of the school's literary association.
Folger's academic pursuits continued at Amherst College, where he befriended Charles Millard Pratt, son of his mentor Charles Pratt. To fund his education, Folger participated in various oratorical essay contests, winning prizes in 1876 and 1879, which covered the cost of his junior year. He credited these contests with sparking his interest in Shakespeare, although his wife Emily attributed it to a 1879 lecture by Ralph Waldo Emerson.
Folger began his career in the oil business as a clerk at Charles Pratt's refinery company in 1881. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a key figure in the Standard Oil trust of John D. Rockefeller. His business acumen and leadership skills earned him the position of president and later chairman of Standard Oil of New York.
Folger's true passion, however, lay in collecting and preserving Shakespearean materials. He spent decades amassing a vast collection of rare books, manuscripts, and artifacts, which he eventually bequeathed to the American people. The Folger Shakespeare Library, established in 1932, is a testament to Folger's dedication to promoting the Bard's works.
Folger believed that Shakespeare's works held the power to enrich people's lives and foster a deeper understanding of human nature. Through his library, he aimed to make these works accessible to scholars, students, and the general public, promoting a cultural renaissance.
Folger's success in the oil industry and his shrewd business decisions amassed a significant fortune. At the time of his death, his net worth was estimated to be around $10 million (approximately $150 million in today's dollars). His philanthropic endeavors, particularly the Folger Shakespeare Library, continue to benefit generations of scholars and literature enthusiasts.
Henry Clay Folger's remarkable life and achievements have left an enduring impact on both the oil industry and the world of literature. His legacy serves as a testament to the power of dedication, hard work, and philanthropy. The Folger Shakespeare Library, a living embodiment of his vision, remains a beacon of knowledge and culture, inspiring future generations to explore the timeless works of William Shakespeare.
Born in 1564
Renowned playwright and poet behind iconic works like Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, and Macbeth, whose writings continue to influence literature and theater to this day.
Born in 1861
The 8th Librarian of Congress was a pioneering figure in American library development, credited with modernizing the Library of Congress and expanding its collections. He also played a key role in establishing the Copyright Office.
Born in 1892
A Pulitzer Prize-winning poet, playwright, and lawyer who explored the human condition through his works, often blending modernist and traditional styles. He served as the Librarian of Congress, promoting literacy and education.
