Archives West Finding Aid

Research materials created or collected by Safford while compiling his contribution to the book In The People's Interest, published in 1992 with Robert Rydell and Pierce Mullen. This history of Montana State University was initially encouraged by MSU President William Tietz and subsequently designated the Centennial History Project under President Michael Malone. It was underwritten by the Montana State University Foundation. The papers include student research papers, multiple oral history interviews (both manuscript and taped) with people associated with the history of Montana State University and other related research materials.

The Red Bluff series documents research collected by Safford about the Montana State University Red Bluff Research Ranch near Norris, Montana. This research covers a variety of material, both geographic and cultural in nature. Safford researched the emergence of the Red Bluff ranch and Norris Hot Springs, as well as the nearby settlements of Virginia City, Bozeman, Butte, and Sterling. Within this research, Safford collected geologic and financial data of several mines in the proximity of the Red Bluff ranch, known as the Hot Springs Mining District, as well as the ownership and management of these mines by the occupying mining companies from the late 19th century into the early 20th century. Notably, Dr. Safford includes research into affairs of the New-York and Montana Mining and Discovery Company, the Centennial Gold Mining Company, the Red Chief Mining Company, and the Revenue Mine Developing Group, amongst others. In collaboration with the Montana Historical Society, Indian Affairs Offices, and locals of the region, Safford collected legal and business documentation such as legislative information, accounting and funding details, and county records; maps and field surveys of both the mines and the hot springs; and photographs of significant geographic locations. This series also contains information about his time researching at Red Bluff such as accounting records, notes from interviews he conducted with locals, and his correspondence with various organizations.

Other mining companies mentioned but without in-depth content include S.P. Harper & Company; Dead Beat Mining Company; Appollo Mining Company; Rip Van Winkle Mining Company; Eagle Mining Company; Independent Quartz Mining Company; Rider, Hunter & Company; Forlorn Hope Company; Montana Gold & Silver Company; Scranton Silver & Gold Mining Company; The Northwestern Mining and Exploring Company; Montana Mineral Land & Mining Company; and Argenta Mining Company.

This series contains documentation, notes, and program information for four music symposiums and other smaller performances in Bozeman, Montana coordinated and researched by Safford. The four symposiums centered around four major composers: Bach in 1985, Mozart in 1991, Brahms in 1997, and Medelssohn in 2009. The material features collaboration between Montana State University organizations including the MSU Music Department, the MSU History and Philosophy Department, MSU band directors, Associated Students of Montana State University (ASMSU), the Alumni Foundation, as well as local Bozeman organizations such as the Symphony Board, Montana Arts Council, and PBS-Yellowstone. This series focuses heavily on the cultural impact and collaboration of groups in Bozeman, Montana, as well as the historical significance of the featured composers. Administrative material in this collection includes records and correspondence regarding venues in Bozeman, catering information, accounting and funding records, program and event schedules, advertising, blogs, etc. There is also material relating to the public's reception of these performances.