Archives West Finding Aid
Table of Contents
Jessie Hugh Burgess family films, 1937-1964
Overview of the Collection
- Creator
- Jessie Hugh Burgess family
- Title
- Jessie Hugh Burgess family films
- Dates
- 1937-1964 (inclusive)19371964
- Quantity
- 40 reels (9625 feet) : silent, black and white, color ; 8mm, 16mm
- Collection Number
- PH1260
- Summary
- The collection consists of home movies focusing primariliy on the Western region of the United States including footage of national parks and landmarks, notable events (such as the Golden Gate International Exposition), and local happenings. Historic figures who make an appearance include actor Harold Lloyd, first lady Eleanor Roosevelt, and 1948 Progressive Party presidential candidate Henry Wallace. A subset of films in the collection contains footage of traveling circuses and the sideshows that accompanied them. The circus-themed films include footage of several notable performers, including: Betty Broadbent, one of the most photographed tattooed ladies; Ken Maynard, a Hollywood actor and stuntman; and Clyde Beatty, a famous lion tamer who went on to lead his own circus
- Repository
-
University of Washington Libraries, Special Collections
Special Collections
University of Washington Libraries
Box 352900
Seattle, WA
98195-2900
Telephone: 2065431929
Fax: 2065431931
speccoll@uw.edu - Access Restrictions
-
The original reels are not accessible due to preservation concerns.
Viewing copies of some films are available for use.
- Languages
- English
Biographical NoteReturn to Top
Dr. Jesse Hugh Burgess (1893-1980) was born in a barn near Troy, Idaho on July 23, 1893 and grew up at a homestead near Colville, Washington. He married Lucille Stowell, the daughter of a logging camp boss, on May 5, 1915. An advertisement in a Spokane, WA newspaper led to him completing a course of study in optometry. He went on to practice optometry for forty years in Moscow, ID. During this time he made frequent wilderness expeditions with his friend Ross Hall, a professional photographer. Through these expeditions he acquired an interest in photography and home movies. He passed away in Walla Walla, WA on February 25, 1980.
Content DescriptionReturn to Top
The collection consists of home movies made between 1937 and 1964, and it focuses primariliy on the Western region of the United States. It contains footage of national parks and landmarks, notable events (such as the Golden Gate International Exposition), and local happenings. Historic figures who make an appearance include actor Harold Lloyd, first lady Eleanor Roosevelt, and 1948 Progressive Party presidential candidate Henry Wallace.
A subset of films in the collection contains footage of traveling circuses and the sideshows that accompanied them. The circus-themed films include footage of several notable performers, including: Betty Broadbent, one of the most photographed tattooed ladies; Ken Maynard, a Hollywood actor and stuntman; and Clyde Beatty, a famous lion tamer who went on to lead his own circus.
Use of the CollectionReturn to Top
Alternative Forms Available
View selections from the collection in digital format.
Restrictions on Use
Restrictions may exist on reproduction, quotation, or publication. Contact the Special Collections division of the University of Washington Libraries for details.
Administrative InformationReturn to Top
Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top
Circus FilmsReturn to Top
| Container(s) | Description | Dates | |
|---|---|---|---|
| viewcopy | item | ||
| VC370 | 1 |
Circus #1, 1940-42
Scenes of the arrival and set up of the circus. Includes circus wagons being transported by train, animals (including elephants, zebras and horses) being offloaded and herded, elephants being washed and ridden, circus wagons being moved by truck, tents being erected and people in costume.
"Circus #1 1940-42" and "7-17-48" handwritten on canister.
Original
1 reel (220 feet) : silent , color ; 8mm
|
1940-1942 |
| Reel | |||
| 2 | 2 |
Circus #2, 1943
1 reel (220 feet) : silent , color ; 8mm
Opens with sign, "Roger Bros Circus, Moscow July 26." Scenes of various performances including: a man performing what appears to be a "cup and balls" style trick, a dog trainer and dogs, a horse trainer and horses, a man in a cowboy costume using a whip to cut objects held in the hands and mouth of a female assistant, a man throwing knives at (and narrowly missing) a female assistant, and a man using his feet to spin and juggle a barrel.
"Barrel Juggling (feet)" handwritten on label on canister. "Circus #2, 1943, Mack Miller Dogs, Chas Smith Horses, 1943, 7-17-68" handwritten on canister.
|
1943 |
| viewcopy | |||
| VC370 | 3 |
Circus #3, 1944-45
Circus scenes, including: a woman holding a large snake, animals eating, animals in cages, clowns performing, costumed women, a contortionist, tattooed lady Betty Broadbent, and a man without arms using his feet to shuffle cards, embroider and light a cigarette. Includes a wagon labeled "Seal Bros Circus"
"Circus #3 1944-45" handwritten on label on canister. "Ken Maynard, Betty Broadbent, David" handwritten on canister.
Original
1 reel (200 feet) : silent , color ; 8mm
|
1944-1945 |
| VC370 | 4 |
Circus #4, 1947
Circus scenes, including: men and women in costume, people dressed as cowboys on horseback (possibly includes Ken Maynard?), jugglers, female dancers, a female sword swallower, and various banners.
"1947 (Circus) #4 Roger P[unreadable]" handwritten on label on canister. "Russian Pageant, #3, Ken Maynard, Daddy" handwritten on canister.
Original
1 reel (200 feet) : silent , color ; 8mm
|
1947 |
| VC370 | 5 |
Circus #5, 1946, 1948
Circus scenes, including: groups of elephants performing tricks, clowns walking in costume, a man applying full facial makeup, men and women in various costumes, a man dressing a chimpanzee in clothing, a clown aiding a boy to play with a lion cub, an adult lion, men and women on horseback, clowns performing with animals, a man whirling whips, a man performing balancing acts on a bench, a dog balancing on its hind legs while holding an American flag, and a seal.
"Circus #5 1948, 1946, 1946, Elephants, Arthur Bros, Al Darrah, Clyde Beatty, Brownie, Chimpanz (sic)" handwritten on canister.
Original
1 reel (200 feet) : silent , color ; 8mm
|
1946, 1948 |
| VC370 | 6 |
Circus #6, 1949-50, 1952.
Circus scenes including: Trailer labeled Seal Brothers Circus, A dog trainer, elephants, horses, caged lions, men and women in costume, a man standing on horseback performing what appears to be lasso tricks, a sword swallower, a man riding an elephant, trampoline acrobatics and a fire eater.
"#6"handwritten on label on canister. "Circus 1949-50, To 1952, Clyde Beatty, Roping, Elmo Lincoln, Trampoline, #6, (End)" handwritten on canister.
Original
1 reel (150 feet) : silent , color ; 8mm
|
1949-1950, 1952 |
Trips and Local EventsReturn to Top
| Container(s) | Description | Dates | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reel | item | ||
| 7 | 7 |
Utah Trip #1, 1937
1 reel (200 feet) : silent , color ; 8mm
Scenes of family visiting what appears to be Utah and Arizona, includes: Probably the Utah Capitol building and gardens, a waterfront with shore birds, landscape views of hills and rock formations, the Grand Canyon (marker for Vista Encantada shown), various animals, and the family eating outdoors.
"Utah Trip #1 1937" handwritten on label on canister.
|
1937 |
| 8 | 8 |
Utah Trip #2, 1937
1 reel (200 feet) : silent , color ; 8mm
Many scenes from various national parks as well as assorted landscapes. Includes scenes of what appears to be the Grand Canyon, scenes of a small town/hills and lakes, cows in a field, a sign for Jackson Hole, a sign for Grand Teton National Park and mountainous terrain, a sign for Yellowstone National Park, and many nature scenes including springs, animals and a waterfall. Includes scenes of people fishing on a river.
"Utah Trip # (unreadable) 1937" handwritten on label on canister. "#2" handwritten on canister.
|
1937 |
| 9 | 9 |
San Francisco #1, 1939
1 reel (175 feet) : silent , color ; 8mm
Includes: Landscape scenes of hills, lakes, mountains and forest (sign for Lassen Volcanic National Park shown), women and children picking flowers, what appears to be the California state capitol building and garden, scenes of the ocean, scenes from the Golden Gate International Exposition (the Pacifica statue and the Tower of the Sun), a blimp, and a sign on a pioneer style wagon for Stagg's Old Corral.
"#1 San Francisco-1939-" handwritten on label on canister.
|
1939 |
| 10 | 10 |
San Francisco #2, 1939
1 reel (175 feet) : silent , color ; 8mm
Various scenes from around the San Francisco area. Includes: boys playing with a monkey, people riding in a wagon, swans in a pool, scenes from the Golden Gate International Exposition including what appears to be the Chinese Village, a flag pavilion and people riding in swan shaped boats on a pool, and various zoo animals (possibly at the SF Zoo), the Golden Gate bridge, a wooded area, a collection of small windmills, the ocean and a lake.
"2 San Francisco-1939-" handwritten on label on canister.
|
1939 |
| 11 | 11 |
Hunting - Joe Wilson and Hugh Burgess, 1940, 1944
1 reel (200 feet) : silent , black and white , color ; 8mm
Various scenes from a hunting expedition. Includes: an airfield, scenic views taken from flight, a plane landing near a cabin, men engaged in camping activities (riding horses, making coffee etc), men holding what appears to be dead deer, men displaying trophy antlers, and a man fishing.
"Hunting- Joe Wilson Hugh Burgess 1940 1944" handwritten on label on canister. "1940" handwritten on canister.
|
1940, 1944 |
| 12 | 12 |
Kettle Falls 1940, 1944
1 reel (125 feet) : silent , color ; 8mm
Various scenes including Kettle Falls, Washington, white water rapids, a bridge over a river (presumably the Columbia) a church, many scenes of native Americans in traditional dress, teepees, and what is possibly a fair.
"1940 Kettle Falls 1944" handwritten on label on canister. "Kettle 1940" scratched into canister. "7-17-68" handwritten on canister.
|
1940, 1944 |
| 13 | 13 |
Priest Lake Vacation, 1940-1943
1 reel (175 feet) : silent , color ; 8mm
Includes: people boating, swimming, playing on the beach, picking berries in the woods, and playing with animals around Priest Lake.
"1940, Vacation Priest Lake, 41-42-43" on canister.
|
1940-1943 |
| 14 | 14 |
Lewiston Rodeo #1, 1941
1 reel (200 feet) : silent , color ; 8mm
Various scenes from a rodeo, including: A camp area with cars and teepees, people in western attire, people on horseback, an opening procession with marching bands and riders on horseback, and competitions of skill in lassoing, riding a bucking horse, and bull riding.
"Lewiston Rodeo #1 1941" handwritten on label on canister. "c55 2-24-55" handwritten on canister.
|
1941 |
| 15 | 15 |
Lewiston Rodeo #2, 1941
1 reel (200 feet) : silent , color ; 8mm
Various rodeo scenes, men and women (predominantly men) in western attire performing feats of horsemanship and skill within a dirt arena. Includes scenes of rodeo clowns performing with a bull as well as a small amount of bull riding.
"Lewiston Rodeo #2 1941" handwritten on label on canister.
|
1941 |
| 16 | 16 |
J.B Personal, Hunting, 1942-1944
1 reel (200 feet) : silent , color ; 8mm
Various scenes from a hunting expedition. Includes: Men loading gear onto a horse, men riding horses in hills, landscape shots, men walking with guns, a horse being shod, and the cleaning of a buck.
"J-B Personal, Hunting 1942-3-44-#" handwritten on label on canister.
|
1942-1944 |
| 17 | 17 |
Vacation, 1942-1944
1 reel (190 feet) : silent , color ; 8mm
People in a small motor boat, scenes of boaters and landscapes, people swimming and diving off of docks, water skiing on a single large ski, kayaking, and berry picking in the woods.
"Vacation 1942-43-44" handwritten on label on canister.
|
1942-1944 |
| 18 | 18 |
Vacation, 1944-1948
1 reel (200 feet) : silent , color ; 8mm
Beach scenes, men putting an outboard motor on a boat, boating scenes, water-skiing on a large single ski, boys on bicycles, scenes of the ocean, a seal, men splitting logs with an axe/sawing wood, and children swimming.
"Vacation 1944-5-6-7-8" handwritten on label on canister.
|
1944-1948 |
| 19 | 19 |
Vacation, 1944-1945
1 reel (200 feet) : silent , color ; 8mm
A sunset over mountains and a lake, various boating scenes, boys playing on a beach, a woman holding a bird, boys playing with a chipmunk like animal, fishing, and swimming/diving from a floating dock.
"Vacation 1944-45" handwritten on label on canister. "Vacation '44-45" handwritten on canister.
|
1944-1945 |
| 20 | 20 |
Hunting, Will Roger, Personal, 1945
1 reel (60 feet) : silent , color ; 8mm
Scenes from a hunting expedition, men riding horses, a man firing a rifle, views of mountains, a close up of an Idaho license plate, and three men in a rowboat.
"Hunting-Will Roger-Personal-1945" handwritten on tape on canister.
|
1945 |
| 21 | 21 |
South America by John B. Miller, 1945
1 reel (200 feet) : silent , color ; 8mm
Locations around Colombia. Includes scenes of a river passing through trees, men and women in indigenous dress, canoeing on a river, feeding captive animals, and an outdoor 'Fiesta' celebration. Locations named include Rio Atrato Valley, Rio Murri, Rio Baudo, Bolivar Antioquia, and Ibague.
"South America By John B. Miller 1945" handwritten on label on canister.
|
1945 |
| 22 | 22 | Parade and Horse Show, 1949 1 reel (200 feet) : silent , color ; 8mm
Includes scenes of a parade (possibly in Lewiston, ID). Many scenes of members of the Shriners organization wearing fezzes and marching/riding in cars. Some are wearing Arab style tunics (thawbs). The parade also includes Boy Scouts (including members of Kiwanis Troop 128), Cub Scouts (Including members of Webster Cub Pack 122), cheer leaders and marching bands (including one from Lapwai Idaho High School) and men in some form of ceremonial attire. Film also has scenes of men riding horses and small buggies around a circuit. The men are wearing numbers and appear to possibly be racing. There is a close up of a banner welcoming "Harold Lloyd" followed by a scene of two men (one presumably Harold Lloyd) getting out of a car and then riding in a convertible in the procession.
"Shrine, Cubs, Boy Scouts, Horse Show 1949, Harold Lloyd, Knights Templar" handwritten on canister.
|
1949 |
| 23 | 23 |
Priest Lake, 1948-1949, 1955, Vacations, 1950-1953
1 reel (160 feet) : silent , color ; 8mm
Many scenes around a lake, a cabin, and in a forest. Scenes include people relaxing on a dock, people swimming and wading, people boating, people waterskiing, men working on the roof of a cabin, people cutting branches off a large felled (or fallen) tree, a waterfall, grazing deer, and a man and woman in costume dancing through the woods.
"Priest Lake to 1955, 1948, 1949, Vacation 1950-'53" handwritten on canister.
|
1948-1953, 1955 |
| 24 | 24 |
Log Drive, Potlatch Forests, 1951
1 reel (200 feet) : silent , color ; 8mm
Various scenes of loggers working. Includes scenes of men in boats and on the logs, men manipulating the logs using poles, a man using a large chainsaw to cut logs, a man operating a bulldozer as well as white roofed structures along the side of a river.
"Log Drive Potlatch Forests 1951 JB" handwritten on label on canister.
|
1951 |
| 25 | 25 |
Log Drive #2, 1951
1 reel (200 feet) : silent , color ; 8mm
Various scenes of loggers working on a river. Includes scenes of men standing on logs using poles to manipulate logs, logging trucks arriving and men rolling logs off trucks and into a river, a barge with white roofed structures on it being untied from the shore and rafted down the river, and a backhoe being used to push logs from the shore into the water.
"1951 Log Drive #2 - Priest Lake (date illegible)" handwritten on label on canister. "7-17-68" handwritten on canister.
|
1951 |
| viewcopy | |||
| VC371 | 26 | Mountain Road
Scenes of a highway winding through mountains. Includes many landscape shots of snowy mountains, lakes, and small waterfalls as well as a bear approaching cars. Some scenes shot from inside a moving vehicle.
"½ Full Reel" handwritten on reel.
Original
1 reel (400 feet) : silent , color ; 16mm
|
circa 1960 |
| VC371 | 27 |
Lolo Indian Trail Highway
A collection of landscape and scenic views, including: forested hills, grasslands, a river, a bridge or dam, meadows with grazing horses and cows, highway, a town, and snow covered hills.
"Lolo Indian Trail-Highway, Lewis and Clark came here, Lolo Hot Spgs, Salmon" handwritten on label on canister.
Original
1 reel (400 feet) : silent , color ; 16mm
|
circa 1961 |
| VC371 | 28 |
Hawaii-Honolulu
Starts with many scenes of an outdoor Hula show (possibly the Kodak Hula Show). Includes various street scenes of what is presumably Honolulu as well as many landscapes, views of the ocean and beaches. Includes scenes of people swimming, performing a dance, making and selling leis, pounding taro, rowing and surfing. Final part of film is composed of the commercial film "Pele Comes Back to Puma" which shows scenes of lava flows and destruction caused by a volcanic eruption.
"1963, Hawaii-Honolulu" handwritten on reel.
Original
1 reel (1450 feet) : silent , color ; 16mm
|
1963 |
| VC372 | 29 | Hawaii
Various scenes of Hawaii (Diamond Head is shown). Includes beach scenes, surfers, sailboats, ships at sea, landscape and scenic shots, rocky terrain (possibly at Diamond Head) a waterfall and views of Diamond Head.
Original
1 reel (400 feet) : silent , color ; 16mm
|
circa 1964 |
| VC372 | 30 |
Hawaii -Day-"K"
A winding highway filmed from a moving vehicle, a parade, and scenic views of a city (possibly Honolulu).
"Hawaii- Day 'K'" handwritten on label on canister.
Original
1 reel (180 feet) : silent , color ; 16mm
|
circa 1964 |
| VC372 | 31 |
National Bison Roundup at Moiese Montana, 1964
Scenes of bison being herded and corralled by men on horseback with mountains in the background.
"National Bison Roundup at Moiese Montana about 450 head (unsure) there. Ross and I were there On 11th, 12th, 13th October 1964, a distance of 153 miles from Sandpoint. Ross and I took 400' 16mm Kodachrome (unsure) They came out o.k. Pretty Good. Nov. 8, 1964" handwritten on film box.
Original
1 reel (400 feet) : silent , color ; 16mm
|
October 11-13, 1964 |
Burgess FamilyReturn to Top
| Container(s) | Description | Dates | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reel | item | ||
| 32 | 32 |
Jesse Hugh Burgess Jr., 1932-1954
1 reel (200 feet) : silent , color ; 8mm
Children playing, birthday parties, men in military uniform having an item affixed to their uniform by women, people in graduation gowns and caps, and a street parade featuring men in various military uniforms as well as people in western attire.
"1932 Jesse Hugh Burgess Jr. June 1st 1932" handwritten on label on canister. "To 1954" handwritten on canister.
|
1932-1954 |
| 33 | 33 | Family at Christmastime, 1935-1936 1 reel (200 feet) : silent , color ; 8mm
Man and woman playing with dogs and a baby, outdoor scenes with children and what appear to be family members, a Christmas celebration with children and adults opening presents around a Christmas tree, and adults and children sledding/skiing.
"7 person on this film who arn’t here (sic), 1-David 8 months Sonno 3 years-Pups-Kittens-Family, 2 Farm scenes- David's Birthday, 3 Christmas at Folks-1935-, Christmas '36" handwritten on labels on canister.
|
1935-1936 |
| 34 | 34 |
David Lee Burgess, 1935
1 reel (200 feet) : silent , black and white , color ; 8mm
Family scenes, predominantly focused on children, but also including footage of Eleanor Roosevelt. Includes: scenes of people holding/playing with a baby, probably at a third birthday party, children playing outdoors, children riding tricycles, Eleanor Roosevelt and her motorcade, and a man climbing into a fighter plane and taking off.
"David Lee Burgess 1935 Age 8 mo., Mrs. Roosevelt, Corey S." handwritten on label on canister.
|
1935 |
| 35 | 35 | Family on Ranch, 1936, 1940 1 reel (175 feet) : silent , color ; 8mm
Outdoor family scenes including: children playing outdoors, feeding cows, children playing with a calf, landscapes, cars driving, people walking outdoors, boys loading chopped wood onto a small wagon, and a boy and a man fishing.
"Ranch Scenes, Mother Hansen, Hugh's Fishing Trip, Grandpa Burgess-Vera- 1936, 1940, break in film near beginning" handwritten on labels on canister. "Evie's Wed." on canister in tape residue from a label that was apparently removed.
|
1936, 1940 |
| 36 | 36 |
John M.A. Burgess, May 7, 1938
1 reel (200 feet) : silent , color ; 8mm
Woman holding a baby, a man changing a baby's diaper, a baby being fed, a baby being placed into a cradle, what appears to be a 1st birthday party, children playing outside with a toddler, and a child receiving presents (possibly another birthday party).
"May 7, John M.A. Burgess 1938" handwritten on label on canister.
|
1938 |
| 37 | 37 |
Christmas, 1941
1 reel (200 feet) : silent , color ; 8mm
Contains scenes of a family celebrating Christmas, including: people sawing a Christmas tree, family members reading Christmas stories with children, boys hanging stockings on a fireplace, children performing a nativity play, a man dressed as Santa arriving and distributing gifts, children playing with gifts and Santa, and various family members opening presents.
"Christmas-1941-" handwritten on label on canister. "2/24/55" handwritten on canister.
|
1941 |
| 38 | 38 | Family Playing, Gardening, and at Ceremonies, 1944 1 reel (150 feet) : silent , color ; 8mm
Children playing in the snow, skiing, women and flowers in a greenhouse/garden, what appear to be couples posing together, scenes from a wedding, and a white casket with flowers.
"Eve's Wedding, '44 Ann-Vera, Mother Hansen's Casket" handwritten on label on canister.
|
1944 |
| 39 | 39 | Mother's Day, and Family Activities, 1944, 1948, 1950 1 reel (220 feet) : silent , color ; 8mm
Boys in suits playing with a dog, formally dressed people picking flowers in a garden, snow-covered trees and houses, a parade, children holding signs supporting the Wallace/Taylor Progressive party presidential ticket, Henry Wallace and entourage arriving by airplane, people at a cemetery, the "Old Faithful Geyser" at Yellowstone, wild animals, and an outdoor event featuring many people on horseback as well as stagecoaches.
"Mothers Day 1944, My sons Ann + Aunt Eftler (sp?), Henry Wallace 1948, Burgess Family able, Yellowstone with August D. c 50" handwritten on label on canister.
|
1944, 1948, 1950 |
| 40 | 40 | Family Outdoor Activities, 1944 1 reel (200 feet) : silent , color ; 8mm
People picking flowers, close-ups of flowers, a man in military uniform and his family, scenic views of the countryside, men playing with boys outdoors, men fishing in a river, and a man holding a baby arriving by car followed by what appears to be his family posing with the baby.
"1944 -Dr. Smith- Dr. Newby, Forrest and Jo-44, Mother Hansen's Casket and home- Boehl's Cabin- Forrest P." handwritten on label on canister.
|
1944 |
Names and SubjectsReturn to Top
Subject Terms
- Circus in motion pictures
Corporate Names
- Golden Gate International Exposition (1939-1940 : San Francisco, Calif.)--In motion pictures
Names and SubjectsReturn to Top
Subject Terms
- Moving Image Collections (University of Washington)
- Visual Materials Collections (University of Washington)
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