Henry Clay Folger

Henry Clay Folger was a renowned American businessman, Shakespeare collector, and philanthropist, who played a significant role in promoting the works of William Shakespeare through his extensive collection and the establishment of the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, D.C.. He was a prominent figure in the Standard Oil company, working closely with John D. Rockefeller and Henry Flagler. Folger's passion for Shakespeare was inspired by his professors at Amherst College, including William Gardiner Hammond and Julius Hawley Seelye. His love for Shakespeare's works was further nurtured by his visits to the Boston Theatre and the New York City performances of Richard Mansfield and Henry Irving.

● Early Life and Education

Henry Clay Folger was born in New York City to Henry Clay Folger, Sr. and Eliza Jane Clark Folger, and spent his childhood in Brooklyn Heights. He attended Adelphi Academy and later enrolled in Amherst College, where he developed a strong interest in Shakespeare's works, particularly Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, and Macbeth. During his time at Amherst College, Folger was influenced by the works of Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, and John Greenleaf Whittier. He graduated from Amherst College in 1879 and went on to attend Columbia Law School, where he earned his law degree in 1881, and was admitted to the New York State Bar Association.

● Career

Folger began his career as a lawyer, but soon transitioned to the business world, joining the Standard Oil company in 1881, where he worked closely with John D. Rockefeller and Henry Flagler. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a key figure in the company's success, and was instrumental in the development of the Standard Oil company's New York City operations. Folger's business acumen and leadership skills were recognized by his peers, including J.P. Morgan and Andrew Carnegie. He was also a member of the New York City Chamber of Commerce and the American Bar Association.

● Shakespeare Collection

Folger's passion for Shakespeare led him to start collecting rare Shakespeare editions, including the First Folio, Second Folio, and Third Folio. His collection grew to include over 70,000 items, including Shakespeare's plays, poems, and other related materials, such as Shakespeare's Will, Shakespeare's Funeral Elegy, and Shakespeare's Sonnet 18. Folger's collection also included works by other notable authors, such as Ben Jonson, Christopher Marlowe, and John Milton. He was a member of the Shakespeare Society of New York and the English Shakespeare Society, and was influenced by the works of Samuel Johnson, Alexander Pope, and Edmond Malone.

● Folger Shakespeare Library

In 1930, Folger's collection was donated to the Folger Shakespeare Library, which was established in Washington, D.C. in his honor. The library was designed by Paul Philippe Cret and features a Reading Room, Exhibition Hall, and a Theatre. The Folger Shakespeare Library is home to the world's largest collection of Shakespeare materials, including over 200,000 items, and is a leading research center for Shakespeare scholars, including Harold Bloom, Stephen Greenblatt, and Marjorie Garber. The library has hosted numerous exhibitions, including Shakespeare's The Tempest, Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, and Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.

● Personal Life

Folger was married to Emily Jordan Folger, and the couple had no children. They were known for their philanthropic efforts, particularly in the area of Shakespeare education, and were supporters of the New York City Public Library and the American Red Cross. Folger was also a member of the New York City Museum of Art and the Metropolitan Opera.

● Legacy

Henry Clay Folger's legacy is a testament to his passion for Shakespeare and his commitment to promoting the arts. The Folger Shakespeare Library continues to be a leading research center for Shakespeare scholars, and his collection remains one of the most extensive and valuable in the world. Folger's contributions to the world of Shakespeare have been recognized by numerous institutions, including the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, the Royal Shakespeare Company, and the American Shakespeare Center. His legacy is also celebrated through the Folger Shakespeare Library's annual Shakespeare's Birthday Celebration, which features performances, exhibitions, and lectures on Shakespeare's life and works. Category:American businesspeople