Archives West Finding Aid
Table of Contents
Meyer Family film collection, 1930-1952
Overview of the Collection
- Creator
- Meyer, Eva C.
- Title
- Meyer Family film collection
- Dates
- 1930-1952 (inclusive)19301952
- Quantity
- 24 film reels
- Collection Number
- Coll 199-MI
- Summary
- Collection of home movies filmed primarily by Eva C. Meyer. The films were donated by Mary Jane Carter, Eva Meyer's niece. Films depict recreation, gardens, people and celebrations in and around Portland, Oregon. The collection also includes films of trips around the United States and abroad.
- Repository
-
Oregon Historical Society Research Library
1200 SW Park Avenue
Portland, OR
97205
Telephone: 503-306-5240
Fax: 503-219-2040
libreference@ohs.org - Access Restrictions
-
Collection is open for research.
- Languages
- English
- Sponsor
- Funding for encoding this finding aid was provided through a grant awarded by the Fred Meyer company.
Biographical NoteReturn to Top
Eva C. Meyer was born in 1888 in Michigan and moved to Portland, Oregon in 1911. She married Fred G. Meyer in 1919 and they were married for 41 years until her death in 1960. She was the Secretary-Treasurer of Fred Meyer, Inc. from its beginning and was very active in the company's marketing, purchasing and expansion decisions. An avid philanthropist, she was named Soroptimist of the Year in 1943 and in 1949 the Portland Women's Forum chose her as Woman of the Year. Eva Meyer was the primary photographer of these films, though others also acted as cameraman.
Fred G. Meyer, her husband, was born in 1886 and founded Fred Meyer, Inc., a chain of grocery stores with locations throughout the Northwest. They lived primarily in Portland, Oregon, but they also had a home on Mt. Hood in the town of Wemme, Oregon which they called "Eve's Eden." Their extended family would often gather at Eve's Eden and many of the films take place there.
Eva Meyer's son, Earle A. Chiles, figures prominently in these films as do his wife, Virginia, and son, Earle Meyer Chiles. Earle A. Chiles worked for Fred Meyer, Inc. for over 40 years and was president of the company for much of that time.
Mary Jayne Carter, the donor of this collection, was Eva Meyer's niece and also appears in many of these films along with her children Cathy and Bill (William Hale Carter III), and her mother, Mary A. Boyle, Eva Meyer's sister. For over 30 years Mary Boyle worked next to Eva in the original Fred Meyer corporate offices (called "Executive Row") above the store at SW 4th and Yamhill Streets. She was the head clothing and millinery buyer for the firm and later managed the operations of the test kitchen. She retired at the age of 73, five years after Eva's death in 1960. Other people appearing in these films include: Everett Chatfield, Eva's brother; Jack and Vera Fisher, the groundskeepers at Eve's Eden; Peter Mudie, a local radio personality; and Sophie Wright, Fred Meyer's sister.
Content DescriptionReturn to Top
The films are shot on silent 16mm film and are mostly color, though some of the earliest films are in black and white.
The films depict special occasions and daily life. Family gatherings and celebrations figure prominently as do recreational activities, especially skiing, fishing, hunting and sledding. The Meyers also traveled extensively and many of these films document their trips. Some locations include Alaska, California, Mexico, San Francisco and Hawaii.
A few of the films in the collection are commercially produced films meant for consumers' at-home viewing. These films include documentaries about the volcanic eruptions in Hawaii, National Parks and general news features.
Use of the CollectionReturn to Top
Restrictions on Use
The Oregon Historical Society owns the materials in the Research Library and makes available reproductions for research, publication, and other uses. The Society does not necessarily hold copyright to all materials in the collections. In some cases, permission for use may require seeking additional authorization from copyright owners.
Preferred Citation
Moving Image collection, Carter Collection, Oregon Historical Society Research Library
Administrative InformationReturn to Top
Arrangement
The collection is arranged in the following series:
- Series A: Home Movies
- Series B: Commercial Films
Preservation Note
Film is not available for direct access. Contact library staff for assistance.
Custodial History
The films in this collection were held by Mary Jane Carter after Eva Meyer's death in 1960. Mary Jane Carter donated the collection to the Oregon Historical Society in 1994.
Acquisition Information
Acquired 1994, Library Accession 18052
Processing Note
The films in this collection were cleaned, inspected, repaired, moved to 3-inch cores and archival quality film cans. Films in the collection were transferred to BetaSP videotape and DVD copies.
Related Materials
The Fred Meyer, Inc. Collection (Coll 199) consists of photographs, newletters, annual reports, memos and more from the Fred Meyer Corporation from 1922-2010.
Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top
The following section contains a detailed listing of the materials in the collection.
Series A: Home Movies, circa 1930-1952Return to Top
| Description | Dates |
|---|---|
MI 03564: [Maryhill, Modeling Party, Wenatchee, Emigrant
Hill]
1 reel, approx. 400
ft. (10 min., 30 sec.) :
silent, b&w and color
;
16 mm
Scenes of visiting and picnicking in Maryhill, Oregon (circa
1940); Modeling Day at the Soroptimist Club (circa 1935); dinner and
entertainment for the Soroptimist club involves many costumed dancers (circa
1935); a hike up Emigrant Hill in Eastern Oregon (circa 1943); a visit to
Wenatchee, Washington (circa 1943).
|
ca. 1935, 1940-1943 |
MI 03565: [NY World's Fair, cruise to Hawaii]
1 reel, approx. 400
ft. (11 min.) :
silent, color
;
16 mm
Clips from a commericially produced film about the New York
World's Fair; Scenes from the Meyers' cruise to Hawaii including the ship's
launch, shots of the coast, a hula and music demonstration, a poi-making
demonstration.
|
ca. 1940 |
MI 03566: [SF World's Fair, Bryce Canyon, Yellowstone,
California]
1 reel, approx. 400
ft. (11 min.) :
silent, color
;
16 mm
Scenes from the San Francisco World's Fair; Jack Fisher moves a
beehive at Eve's Eden; Bryce Canyon, Utah; Grand Coulee Dam; geysers, landscape
and wildlife at Yellowstone Park; visit to San Luis Rey Mission in California;
driving in the snow in Los Angeles; an Old West covered wagon rides around an
empty lot with a comedic man playing a pioneer.
|
ca. 1939-1941 |
MI 03567: [Old Family Dinner]
1 reel, approx. 300
ft. (8 min., 30 sec.) :
silent, black & white
;
16 mm
Holiday meal with Eva Meyer, Fred Meyer and Mr. Chatfield (Eva's
father) in attendance among other; snowy landscape around Eve's Eden; scenes of
walking around and playing on the grounds of Eve's Eden, including Earle and
Virginia Chiles, walking by the river.
|
ca. 1934 |
MI 03568: [Alaska Trip]
1 reel, approx. 700
ft. (21 min.) :
silent, color
;
16 mm
Scenes from a trip to Alaska the Meyers took in 1941. Includes
scenes of the landscape, traveling through icy waters, coastal towns, fishing,
bears and other wildlife, a tour of a commercial fishing vessel.
|
1941 |
MI 03569: [Eve's Eden in
Spring]
1 reel, approx. 400
ft. (11 min.) :
silent, color
;
16 mm
Scenes from Eve's Eden including gardening, bear hunting,
playing in the snow, sledding.
|
circa 1940 |
MI 03570: [Family Oldies]
1 reel, approx. 450
ft. (12 min., 20 sec.) :
silent, black & white and color
;
16 mm
Scenes hunting; football; Cannon Beach; Weed, California and Mt.
Shasta; Spanish Missions; Celilo Falls; Christmas present opening; playing at
Camp Arrah Wanna on Mt. Hood; Earle, Jr. playing at Laurelhurst Park; Earle,
Jr. playing at Eve's Eden and at the beach.
|
circa 1936 |
MI 03571: [Pendleton Round-Up]
1 reel, approx. 400
ft. (12 min.) :
silent, black & white and color
;
16 mm
Scenes from 3 different years of the Pendleton Round-Up.
Includes scenes of the parade through town, the Indian Village and parade, calf
roping, horse racing and bucking.
|
1934, 1935, 1941 |
MI 03572: [Charleston and
Florida]
1 reel, approx. 400
ft. (10 min., 30 sec.) :
silent, color
;
16 mm
Scenes from Meyers' trip to South Carolina in 1938 and Florida
in 1940. Includes scenes of historic buildings, gardens, boat trips, beaches,
the St. Petersburg Peacock Farm, a grapefruit orchard and the winter home of
the Ringling Bros. Circus in Sarasota, Florida.
|
1938, 1940 |
MI 03589: [Mary Muir, Christmas,
Monterey]
1 reel, approx. 350
ft. (10 min.) :
silent, black & white and color
;
16 mm
Scenes of: Christmas dinner; playing around the grounds of Eve's
Eden; Fred Meyer company picnic; opening Christmas presents; snowy views of
Portland from the Meyers' apartment on SW Vista Avenue; panorama of California
Coast; picnicking in Monterey; berry-picking.
|
1939, 1941-43, 1947 |
MI 03590: [Ice Capades, Niagara Falls,
snow]
1 reel, approx. 350
ft. (10 min.) :
silent, black & white and color
;
16 mm
Scenes from the Ice Capades perfomances in Portland; bicycle
riding in Eve's Eden; a visit to Niagara Falls; a visit from Arthur and Sophie
Wright (Fred's sister); family at Diamond Lake, Depoe Bay and Oregon Caves.
|
1941, 1945, 1947, 1948 |
MI 03591: [Eve's Eden #1]
1 reel, approx. 450
ft. (14 min.) :
silent, black & white and color
;
16 mm
Includes scenes of the family (including a toddler Earle, Jr.)
at Camp Arrah Wanna in Welches, Oregon. Scenes at Eve's Eden: playing in the
pool; a birthday party; Neil and Peter Mudie visit; flowers in bloom around the
grounds; Eva and Fred on a tandem bike; peacocks. Also includes scenes of
skiing and playing in the snow on Mt. Hood.
|
circa 1933-1941 |
MI 03592: [Eve's Eden #2]
1 reel, approx. 400
ft. (11 min., 30 sec.) :
silent, black & white and color
;
16 mm
Scenes of the family at Eve's Eden: playing in the pool,
gardening, picnicking, peacocks. Also includes sequence of Jack Fisher and Fred
Meyer felling a large tree on the property.
|
1942-1944 |
MI 03593: [Eve's Eden #3]
1 reel, approx. 450
ft. (13 min.) :
silent, black & white and color
;
16 mm
Scenes of the family at Eve's Eden: the Carter children play
with Earle, Jr.; Memorial Day 1945 at a picnic for servicemen; Earle, Sr. and
Fred washing out pots and cleanng up; Eva and Fred mug for the camera; Jack
Fisher and transports a recently killed elk; riding "Doodlebug," a motorized
scooter; playing at the pool and on seesaws; Neil and Peter Mudie visit.
|
1944-1947 |
MI 03594: [Eve's Eden #4]
1 reel, approx. 350
ft. (10 min.) :
silent, color
;
16 mm
Scenes from Eve's Eden: playing in swimming pool; Eva in a
wheelbarrow; hiking in the woods; a forest fire near the property.
|
1947-1949 |
MI 03596: [Rose Festivals]
1 reel, approx. 400
ft. (11 min.) :
silent, black & white and color
;
16 mm
Scenes from Rose Festival parades from different years. Includes
a very good shot of the exterior of the Fred Meyer store on 6th Avenue.
|
1932, 1934, 1939, 1947 |
MI 03596: [Logging and Timber]
1 reel, approx. 400
ft. (11 min.) :
silent, black & white
;
16 mm
This film illustrates the procedures necessary to move logs
around a logging site. It features a shay locomotive and a steam donkey at
work. A locomotive brings workers to the logging area. The logs are moved from
forest floor to staging area and then back to town by locomotive.
|
circa 1935 |
MI 03597: [Family dinners, football, trip
to coast]
1 reel, approx. 400
ft. (10 min., 30 sec.) :
silent, black & white and color
;
16 mm
Scenes of family dinner at Christmas time; skiing and playing in
the snow; football game; a fish market (maybe in Astoria); a trip to San
Francisco; a large family gathering with lots of cake.
|
circa 1935-1940 |
MI 03598: [California Trip]
1 reel, approx. 200
ft. (6 min.) :
silent, color
;
16 mm
Scenes from a trip to California (possibly Mexico, too). Scenes
from Spanish Missions. Also includes scenes from Eve's Eden: clearing land and
planting trees.
|
circa 1935 |
Series B: Commercial Films, circa 1938-1952Return to Top
| Description | Dates |
|---|---|
MI 03599: Mauna Loa Erupts
1 reel, approx. 100
ft. (3 min.) :
silent, color
;
16 mm
A commercially produced film on the eruption of Mauna Loa in
Hawaii in 1950.
|
1950 |
MI 03600: Eruption of Kilauea in
Halemaumau
1 reel, approx. 100
ft. (3 min.) :
silent, color
;
16 mm
A commercially produced film on the eruption of Kilauea in
Hawaii in 1952.
|
1952 |
MI 03601: Glacier National Park
1 reel, approx. 100
ft. (3 min.) :
silent, color
;
16 mm
Produced by Castle Films. A brief travelogue film about Glacier
National Park.
|
ca. 1945 |
MI 03602: Fascinating Yosemite
1 reel, approx. 100
ft. (3 min.) :
silent, color
;
16 mm
Produced by Castle Films. A brief travelogue film about Yosemite
National Park.
|
ca. 1945 |
MI 03616: News Parade 103
1 reel, approx. 100
ft. (3 min.) :
silent, black & white
;
16 mm
A newsreel of the year's events including stories about Amelia
Earhart, Hitler, Mussolini and more.
|
ca. 1938 |
Names and SubjectsReturn to Top
Subject Terms
- Amateur films.
- Cycling--Oregon.
- Fishing--Oregon.
- Gardening--Oregon.
- Hunting--Oregon.
- Parades--Oregon.
- Pendleton Roundup.
- Portland Rose Festival.
- Rodeo--Oregon.
- Skis and skiing--Oregon.
Personal Names
- Carter, Mary Jane.
- Chatfield, Everett.
- Chiles, Earle A.,
- Chiles, Earle M., 1934-.
- Fisher, Jack.
- Fisher, Vera.
- Hodl, Cathy.
- Meyer, Eva C., 1888-1960.
- Meyer, Fred G., 1886-1978.
- Mudie, Peter.
- Wright, Arthur.
- Wright, Sophie.
Corporate Names
- Fred Meyer, Inc.--Archives. (creator)
Geographical Names
- Alaska
- California
- Hawaii
- Oregon
- Portland
- Washington (State)
Form or Genre Terms
- Home movies
- Motion pictures (visual work)
Finding aid prepared by Veronica
Vichit Vadakan
2011
