Photograph of James Dean nude in a tree, circa 1950s

The collection consists of papers of Reeves van Hettinga, artist, chef, and restauranteur. Biographical papers include his birth certificate, various materials relating to his high school and college education, including diplomas and report cards, assorted photographs of van Hettinga as a child and as an adult. The collection also includes materials relating to van Hettinga’s art, mostly color photographs of his trompe l’oeil paintings. There are also loose sketches, sketchbooks, and materials relating to an exhibition of van Hettinga’s artwork of food. Professional papers include menus, wine lists, and reviews of restaurants where van Hettinga worked as a chef. Correspondence contains letters and postcards received from friends and family, mostly relating to trips abroad and daily life. There are also materials relating to van Hettinga’s brother, William. Materials relating to William van Hettinga include educational materials, correspondence, and clippings. Family papers include photographs and scrapbooks documenting the van Hettinga and Jones families. There are also genealogical materials relating to research on a familial connection to Alexander Hamilton.