Leaving New York City for Liberia in January, 1934, and staying until January, 1936, Walter Logan Fry took pictures of the ocean voyage on the SS Padnsay, views of the city of Monrovia, his house overlooking the Mesurado River, markets, ceremonies and the countryside, the Firestone Bank and the Du--and best of all, the widely diverse people who inhabited the exotic country of Liberia. These photographs are presented here.

The quality of the photographs is uneven. Some are remarkably clear after more than 70 years. Others were over or under-exposed the day they were shot. If aesthetics were the only issue, many would not be presented here; but the purpose of the photographs, as with the letters and objects as well, is only partly aesthetic. The information is also important. If a photo conveys information, it is included--even if not of the best exposure or sharpness or quality.

No attempt has been made to do major clean-up of the photographs. Many have obvious imperfections, and one has a prominent thumb print. Perhaps if a book is published, more effort will be made to "optimize" the photos. That is not the purpose here.