The Charles Fayette Olney items reflect his life as an art collector, gallery operator and lecturer on the subject. As Deacon of Pilgrim Church in Cleveland, Ohio, Olney delivered speeches on special topics and issues related to art and religion.

This collection is organized around two series: I. The Olney Art Gallery Visitor Register; and II. Speeches.

Series I. The Olney Art Gallery Register (Oversize), 1894-1904

This series consists of one leather bound register containing the names, residences, and remarks of the visitor and the date on which he/she attended the gallery.

Series II. Speeches, 1894-1898

This series contains lectures given by Olney to the parish, the Pilgrim Church Institute Fine Arts Class, and addresses delivered before other audiences. The typed speeches reflect an interpretation of art from a religious viewpoint.

Series III. Information Regarding Olney Bequest, 1903-16, n.d.

This series contains an extract from the Olneys' will specifying the bequest to Oberlin College of the Art Gallery, a statement describing Olney's high regard for Oberlin, and newspaper clippings about Charles F. and Abigail Bradley Olney and their bequest to Oberlin College

This collection was received in two accessions, 1980/4 and 1989/3.