Eastman's Untold Legacy: His Private Life
By: Deanna King
Updated: May 17, 2012
George Eastman didn't enjoy the limelight. We got a chance to see another side to the man behind Kodak. The George Eastman House gave us access to artifacts many people don't get to see. There is a variety of Eastman's personal belongings being preserved in climate controlled vault. There is everything from clothing, scarves to dishes and furniture. Eastman worked long hours at Kodak, but also enjoyed leisure time and luxuries that his success afforded him. He had maids, a chauffeur and went on exotic trips. "We have many trophies from his trips to Africa safaris," said Kathy Connor, Curator George Eastman House & Legacy Collection. When George Eastman died he left the bulk of his estate to The University of Rochester. His family and staff were allowed to take items from the house. "Years later they donated them back to the museum knowing we have a collection that keeps his legacy alive and we do displays," said Connor. "They felt it was better served here."
Eastman once said he only wanted to make enough money so that his mother wouldn't have to work again. His company, Kodak, would prove far more lucrative. Eastman gave a lot back to the community. "George Eastman started off with donations to organizations that impacted his business," said Connor. During his life Eastman donated $100 million to various organizations. He never wanted credit for it and often remained anonymous. "He never even told his niece and her husband who he was the closest to. They were always guessing and trying to figure out who was that person and it was their uncle," said Connor. "They had no idea." Eastman's secretary documented every gift in a box on display at the museum. Many organizations and businesses in Rochester wouldn't have been possible without George Eastman's generosity. "Eventually he started thinking of Rochester, New York as his family," said Connor. "It was the community that helped him be a successful businessman and he wanted to give back to that community."
Eastman once said he only wanted to make enough money so that his mother wouldn't have to work again. His company, Kodak, would prove far more lucrative. Eastman gave a lot back to the community. "George Eastman started off with donations to organizations that impacted his business," said Connor. During his life Eastman donated $100 million to various organizations. He never wanted credit for it and often remained anonymous. "He never even told his niece and her husband who he was the closest to. They were always guessing and trying to figure out who was that person and it was their uncle," said Connor. "They had no idea." Eastman's secretary documented every gift in a box on display at the museum. Many organizations and businesses in Rochester wouldn't have been possible without George Eastman's generosity. "Eventually he started thinking of Rochester, New York as his family," said Connor. "It was the community that helped him be a successful businessman and he wanted to give back to that community."
