OSU yearbooks digitized & available online!

A nearly complete run of the OSU yearbooks have been digitized and are freely available online! The full text is keyword searchable and easy to use, so jump right in.

What will you find there? The OSU Yearbooks website began with the first yearbook produced by the school, titled The Hayseed and released in 1894. Every yearbook published between that date up to the 2012 edition is currently accessible on the website. The 2013 and 2014 Beaver yearbooks will be added soon. In total, 109 volumes are currently available without restriction.

The digital yearbooks collection is a major resource for investigations into the undergraduate experience at Oregon State University. Particularly in its earlier decades, the yearbook provided a detailed photographic and textual chronicle of student life and campus climate, revealing important insight into the evolution of cultural trends, attitudes, fashions and much more as Oregon State changed with the times. Research projects of many types will benefit from convenient online access to this rich collection.

The school yearbook has variously been titled The HayseedThe Orange and, since 1917, The Beaver. Two yearbooks were also published, in 1900 and 1905, as souvenir editions of The Barometer. The last ever edition of the Beaver yearbook was published in 2014.  Much more about the history of this hugely important publication is available in an introduction, “Hayseed-Orange-Beaver, 1894-2014” released on the OSU Yearbooks website.

How do you use it? The full text of this digital collection is keyword searchable, both across the collection and within an individual volume. Users looking for names of students, clubs or events recorded in the yearbooks will be able to locate information quickly and easily, simply by typing terms into a search box.  Online viewing of given volumes is also user-friendly: full-screen views and multiple page layouts are available, and users can “flip” through virtual pages with the click of a button.  The website also allows users to zoom into a page for easy reading.

Who did the work? All of this has been accomplished through the implementation of a new digital collections platform, called Hydra, which has been developed jointly by the Oregon State University Libraries & Press in collaboration with the University of Oregon Libraries.  The OSU Yearbooks website is itself the fruit of a collaboration between OSU Libraries & Press staff working in three of its divisions: the Digital Production Unit, Emerging Technologies and Services, and the Special Collections & Archives Research Center.

 

New exhibit opens for SCARC: learn about the Rural World

“The Rural World” exhibit offers a glimpse into the rural endeavors such as beekeeping, orchard cultivation, kitchen gardening, producing dairy products and wool, and brewing. These activities have provided  sustenance since early times and formed the backbone of rural economies in Oregon.  On display from October 13, 2014 – March 20, 2015. OSU Libraries Special Collections & Archives Research Center, 5th floor of the Valley Library,  10a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday – Friday.

Taste of the Chives 2014 ~ the recipes!

Here are some gems of recipedom! Check back on this page because we’ll add new recipes as we find them!

 

Oregon Archives Month at OSU? It’s going to be a fun one!

Students are back and so is Oregon Archives Month — with a tasty selection of fare inspired by Fall! This month we have three events lined up here in the Library to highlight Oregon history and the collections of the OSU Special Collections and Archives.

Film on Tap: a Showing of Films about Beer and Vintage Beer Commercials

  • Friday, October 17th. Noon to 1:00
  • Willamette Rooms-Third Floor of the Valley Library

Stop by for a screening of films about Oregon beer, including the OPB documentary Beervana (brewery history in Portland) and a series of short videos showcasing recent brewery culture in Oregon. Stick around for a showing of vintage TV beer commercials. Presented to celebrate OSU’s Oregon Hops and Brewing Archives. Refreshments will be available.

Taste of the ‘Chives- “Eat Like a Local: Treats from the Past”

  • Friday, October 24th. Noon to 1:00
  • Willamette Rooms-Third Floor of the Valley Library

Come and sample dishes with homegrown Oregon flavors such as apples, honey, hops, and cheese for this popular smorgasbord celebrating historic recipes. Cooks and culinary magicians are always welcome!

Recipes to prepare and share will be featured on the Speaking of History blog and in ScholarsArchive.

Showing of Milagro Theatre Día de los Muertos Performances

  • Thursday, October 30th. Noon to 1:00
  • Willamette Rooms-Third Floor of the Valley Library

In the spirit of Halloween, join us for a viewing of performances
on film of “Day of the Dead” inspired plays by Milagro, a Latino-based
theatre group in Portland! Refreshments will be available.

Hope to see you there!

A bit tardy ~ new guides for July!

Finding aids are maps to collections and the following is a list of the 6 finding aids for SCARC collections that were completed or updated during July 2014.  All are available through the NWDA finding aids database as well as on the SCARC website, and MARC records for the collections are available through the OSU Libraries’ Catalog, Summit Navigator, and Worldcat.

This month’s batch consists of guides for  5 “new” collections that were received in 2013 or 2014 and  1 maps collection.  As of July 31, 2014 the OSU Special Collections & Archives Research Center had 780 finding aids in NWDA.

New collections received in 2013 or 2014:

Badura, George J. and Florence, Collection, 1921-1947 (MSS Badura). The materials in this collection, which include 6 photographs, document the Baduras’ student years at Oregon Agricultural College (OAC) in the early 1920s.  George J. Badura graduated from OAC in 1923 with a BS in Commerce.  Florence Bedell attended OAC for two academic years in 1920-1921 and 1921-1922.

Environmental and Molecular Toxicology Department Faculty Research Publications, 1973-2010 (RG 255). These publications consist of journal articles written by faculty and graduate student researchers at Oregon State University conducting toxicology-based research on the effects of chemicals on humans and the environment.

Maple Manor Cooperative House Records, 1940-1995 (MSS MapleManor). These records document the establishment, members, and activities of this men’s housing cooperative at Oregon State College and the activities of the members during and following World War II.  Maple Manor was established in 1940 and operated until the spring of 1943.  The collection includes 150 photographs.

McKay, Douglas and Mabel, Papers, 1905-2014 (MSS McKay). The McKay Papers document Douglas McKay’s student years at Oregon Agricultural College (OAC), his military service during World Wars I and II, and his political career.  Douglas McKay graduated from OAC in 1917 and married Mabel Christine Hill that same year.  McKay was a successful businessman and politician, serving as an Oregon State Senator, Oregon Governor, and Secretary of the Interior in the Cabinet of President Dwight D. Eisenhower.  The papers include 850 photographs.

Oral Histories of the 1959 Oregon State College Wrestling court, 1983-2013 (OH 27). This collection consists of born-digital audio files and transcripts as well as supporting research materials compiled by Brittany Backen, an OSU undergraduate student, for her research on the wrestling court and the controversy it provoked.   The collection includes interviews with members of the court, the former editor of the campus newspaper, and a former member of the 1959 wrestling team.

State of Oregon Maps Collection, 1866-2000 (MAPS ORMaps). This collection consists of more than 500 maps and includes a diverse selection of maps of the full state of Oregon as well as counties, cities, and regions.  Topics of the maps include geology, soils, agriculture, recreation, traffic flow, dams and reservoirs, land use, and physiography.

 

Friday Feature: an inspired post, two strange portraits

Collections Archivist Karl McCreary has had a crazy summer, bringing in scrapbooks from the closing Co-ops and slides from the relocating School of Design and Human Environment, but I admit that this is the strangest thing since we accessioned a keg.

The treasures this time were woodcut faces of past Deans, 3-D though you can’t tell.

This is Karl’s story.

The fence along Benton Place was long and impenetrable. If my mission
were to succeed I would need to negotiate the bushy dark wilderness
skirting Kidder Hall. Emerging from the thicket, I came before the temple of Business, known to the locals as “Bexell Hall.” The task at hand required
tact and precision, as I passed by the ancient wood murals on the wall to
the inner sanctum. Moments later, the harsh summer sun blinded my eyes
as I re-emerged with an armful of history salvaged from the temple.

As I surveyed the spoils to be added to the Library’s Special Collections, my
eyes felt the gazes of others upon me. Then I noticed the wooden faces of
Deans Clifford Maser and Earl Goddard staring up from the library cart and into my soul. “These were the guardians of the temple” I muttered to myself, long histories of service to the college and revered in those halls of Bexell.

It was a flood of finding aids in June!

“Sunday morning on top of the ‘Shack.'” Real photo postcard created for OAC student Edgar Pierce, ca. 1911-1913.

Another busy month for SCARC-ers with 11 finding aids completed or updated during June 2014. All are available through the NWDA finding aids database as well as on the SCARC website. MARC records for the collections are available through the OSU Libraries’ Catalog, Summit Navigator, and Worldcat.

This month’s batch consists of guides for five “new” collections that were received in 2013 or 2014, one maps collection, and three collections for which there was previously only minimal information available online. In addition, two existing finding aids were updated during June. As of June 30, 2014 the OSU Special Collections & Archives Research Center had 774 finding aids in NWDA.

Milagro (Miracle Theater Group) Records, 1966-2014 (MSS Milagro).

Masks in the “Applause!” exhibit.

This extensive collection documents the establishment and administration of Milagro, the premier Latino arts and culture program in the Northwest, as well as its educational programs and productions of Latina plays, music, and dance. The collection includes photographs, videotapes and DVDs, audiocassettes, and born-digital electronic records. A detailed list of the collection contents is part of the guide.

Fendall, Roger, Papers, 1953-1981 (MSS Fendall). These papers document Fendall’s role as Head Advisor in the School of Agriculture at Oregon State University and his coursework at North Dakota State University. Roger Kenneth Fendall earned a BS in Farm Crops from Oregon State College in 1960 and a Ph.D. in Agronomy from North Dakota State University in 1964. He joined the faculty of Oregon State in 1968 and held various administrative positions until his retirement in 1993.

Medhus, Sigurd D., Papers, 1947-1949 (MSS Medhus). The Medhus Papers document “Dewey” Medhus’ student years at Oregon State College from 1946 to 1950, especially his membership in the Delta Upsilon fraternity, activities as a yell leader and member of the rally squad, and military training in the Air Force ROTC summer camp at Hamilton Air Force Base. Medhus earned a BS in Business and Technology from Oregon State in 1950. The collections include 34 photographs, a yearbook from the 1949 ROTC summer camp, and a felt Oregon State pennant.

Rosenkoetter, Sharon E., Papers, 2002-2009 (MSS Rosenkoetter). These papers document Rosenkoetter’s research in early childhood development, especially transition planning between settings for children with special needs, and leadership development to promote quality services across early childhood agencies and disciplines. Sharon E. Rosenkoetter was an Associate Professor in Human Development and Family Sciences at Oregon State University from 1999 until her retirement in 2010.

Wang, Chih H., Papers, 1947-1984 (MSS Wang).

Description: Chih H. Wang posing on top of the TRIGA nuclear reactor, 1971.

The Wang Papers document Chih Wang’s career as a chemist and nuclear scientist, the founding and development of the Oregon State University (OSU) Radiation Center, and the growth of nuclear science research and training during the 1960s and 1970s at Oregon State. Wang was a faculty member in the OSU Chemistry Department, Director of the OSU Radiation Center, and Head of the Institute of Nuclear Science and Engineering. This guide includes a folder-level list of the collection contents.

Early Topographical Maps of the Oregon Coast, 1868-1915 (MAPS CoastTopo).

Segment of a topographical map of the Oregon Coast from Yaquina Head to Cascade Head. Originally draw in 1887.

This collection of 5 maps document topographic surveys of the central Oregon coast conducted by the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey in 1868 and 1887 with updates added through the 1910s. The maps are high-quality reproductions.

Edmonston, George, Jr., Collection, 1907-2011 (MSS Edmonston).

The Edmonston Collection consists primarily of materials collected and generated by Edmonston over the course of his 19 years (1986-2005) as editor of the Oregon Stater alumni magazine, during which time he wrote dozens of articles on the history of Oregon State University. The collection includes almost 500 photographs and born-digital electronic records.

Fraternities and Sororities Photograph Collection, 1915-1989 (P 034).

Chi Omegas at the Inter-fraternity Council Sing practice, ca. 1960s. Barometer Photographs (P 035).

This collection of 51 photographs documents activities and events sponsored by Greek organizations at Oregon State University as well as various fraternity and sorority houses. The guide includes an item-level list with descriptions of individual images.

Student Activities Photograph Collection, 1910-1968 (P 045). These 35 photographs include images of Oregon State student groups and of students engages in a number of activities. Photographs of members and officers of Mortar Board, Blue Key, and the Dad’s Club are included in the collection. The guide includes an item-level list with descriptions of individual images.

Radiation Center Records, 1953-2008 (RG 202).

The Radiation Center Building soon after construction, 1964. President’s Office Photographs (P 092).

The Radiation Center Records document the creation and operation of the Oregon State University Radiation Center. The collection includes administrative correspondence; records of the construction, operation, and maintenance of the Center’s facilities and equipment; documentation of research conducted at the Center; and records of the day-to-day operations of the Center. Classes in nuclear physics and radiochemistry began in the early 1950s and, in 1955, a cyclotron was constructed. Funding was secured in 1962, and construction on the OSU Radiation Center began in early 1964. In early 1967, a 250 kilowatt research reactor was completed. The collection includes photographs, born-digital electronic records, and various forms of radiographs. This guide includes a folder-level list of the collection contents. This extensively updated guide incorporates a substantial addition that was received in 2013 as well as former separate collections for the Radiation Safety Department Records and Radiation Center Photographs. Separate finding aids for those two collections have been superseded by this new guide.

Student Affairs Moving Images, 1963-1992 (FV P 182). This guide has been updated to include additional information about the Paths with Proud Moments video and a link to it online: https://media.oregonstate.edu/media/t/0_6t3c757f. The video was created by the Indian Education Office in about 1992 for the purpose of recruiting Native American students to Oregon State University. The production includes footage of Native American undergraduate and graduate students describing their experiences at Oregon State; campus views; and scenes of students in classrooms, laboratories, and outdoor settings.

Field trip to Milam, or “the day I wore a plastic spring skirt”

Last week Karl McCreary and I took a morning trip to Milam Hall, former home of the College of Home Economics and soon-to-be former home of the School of Design and Human Environment.

Karl was there to go through MANY, MANY slide carousels of MANY, MANY slides used in classes. We found carousels dedicated to styles of the 60s, fur, undergarments, Polynesia, and the Victorian period.

I did manage to help transfer some to slide sleeves, but not before I took lots of pictures and put on a skirt decorated with MANY, MANY plastic springs.

We also found many other treasures in the room, most headed to the OSU Surplus Store.


Or to their “black hole temp.”

But also others that are priceless and headed our way, but I really hope that Karl nabs this glove-making kit!

The closing of the co-ops, the adding of some archives

With the closing of Avery Lodge, Azalea House, Oxford House, and Dixon Lodge in June 2014 our collections archivist Karl McCreary has been REALLY busy.

He brought in nearly 25 cubic feet of items, dating from the 1950s to 2014, mainly framed class pictures and photo albums with pictures that show all sorts of college hijinks… Here are few snaps I took of his back table — notice all the frames he had to take apart!

Determined to preserve their community for current and future students, a group of co-op residents and alumni have established the goal of starting a new off-campus co-op in Corvallis. Organizers of the newly formed Cooperative Housing Alumni Association are now seeking a dwelling for the soon-to-be-displaced students in an effort to continue the co-op tradition. In addition to the challenge of locating an appropriately large residence, procuring sufficient start-up funding is now of chief concern to the CHAA. With fundraising efforts underway, the Association hopes to secure a house and organize a new co-op by fall term of 2014. If successful, the formation of this new co-op would help protect and promote the co-op lifestyle for future generations of OSU students. CHAA is currently accepting donations to fund this important project.

 

 

Friday Feature: new finding aids in May!

Look at what we were up to last month! We added finding aids for 8 new collections this May, bringing the SCARC total to 767 finding aids in the Northwest Digital Archives finding aids database!

All are available through the NWDA and on the SCARC website. MARC records for the collections are available through the OSU Libraries’ Catalog, Summit Navigator, and Worldcat.

This month’s batch consists of guides for 4 “new” collections that were received in 2013, 3 maps collections, and one collection for which there was previously only minimal information available online.

Alpha Zeta Oregon State Chapter Records, 1918-1933 (MSS AlphaZeta)

These records document the membership, governance, and programs of the agricultural honor society at Oregon State University. The Oregon State Chapter of this national organization was established in 1918. The collection includes paper records as well as 89 photographs.

Johnson, A. Grace, Collection, 1918-1933 (MSS JohnsonA)

This collection consists of bulletins, circulars, and manuals assembled by A. Grace Johnson to support her teaching and study in household administration at Oregon Agricultural College (OAC).  Johnson was a faculty member at OAC from 1915 until her death in 1933.

Obo Addy Legacy Project Collection, 1970-2013 (MSS Addy)

This extensive collection consists of administrative records, promotional materials, and various forms of media related to the Homowo African Arts and Cultures Organization as well as personal materials of Obo Addy. Obo Addy, a master drummer at the age of six, established the Homowo African Arts and Cultures organization with his wife and manager Susan Addy as a way to celebrate and preserve the traditional music of Ghana and Africa. The organization was established in 1986 and is currently active with community outreach and concerts. The collection includes more than 1500 photographs, 172 videotapes, and 50 CDs and DVDs. A detailed description of the collection contents is part of this guide.

Olson, Geraldine I., 1992-2000 (MSS Olson)

The Olson papers document Geraldine Olson’s teaching, research, and international activities as a home economics faculty member at Oregon State University (OSU).  She joined the OSU School of Home Economics in 1975 as head of the Home Management Department. Olson served as a faculty member at Oregon State until her retirement in 2000.  The collection includes 85 photographs and an audiocassette.

Lincoln County, Oregon, Chronic Geologic Hazard Maps, 1994 (MAPS LincolnHazard)

This collection consists of superseded maps depicting geologic hazards that do not stem from one event and constantly affect the coast, such as landslides and shoreline erosion.  In addition to 19 maps, the collection includes a report and database of erosion rates.

Oregon State University Campus Maps, 1894-1994 (MAPS OSUCampus)

These 187 maps document the development of the Oregon State campus from the 1890s through the 1990s.  The collection includes campus guides and visitor maps; detailed surveys; campus plans; and maps showing buildings, roads, and walkways.  An item-level list of the maps is part of the guide to this collection.

Wetlands Inventory and Survey Maps, circa 1976 – 1990 (MAPS Wetlands)

These maps document the National Wetlands Inventory as conducted in the western United States and the central Willamette Valley and Pacific Coast in Oregon by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Biological Services.

Intercollegiate Athletics Records, 1908-2013 (RG 007)

The Intercollegiate Athletics Records document the operation, marketing, and performance of athletics at Oregon State and the pursuits of thousands of student athletes. The collection is especially strong for the 1930s-1950s and 1970s-1990s and includes an eclectic mix of materials, including game programs, sound recordings, and a few moving images. A folder-level list for the collection is part of the finding aid.