Malheur Migratory Bird Refuge Photographs

Malheur Migratory Bird Refuge Photographs, circa 1936

Overview of the Collection

Creator: Photo Art Studios.
Title: Malheur Migratory Bird Refuge Photographs
Dates: circa 1936 (inclusive)
19351938
Quantity: 0.02 cubic feet, including 3 photographs, (1 oversize box)
Collection Number: P 313
Summary: The Malheur Migratory Bird Refuge Photographs consist of a panoramic view of the Refuge in about 1936 that depicts the refuge headquarters and a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp. The Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1908 as a preseve for native birds, is located in the Harney Basin of southeastern Oregon. Much of the initial infrastructure at the Refuge was built by CCC enrollees between 1935 and 1942.
Repository: Oregon State University Libraries, Special Collections and Archives Research Center
Special Collections and Archives Research Center
121 The Valley Library
Oregon State University
Corvallis OR
97331-4501
Telephone: 5417372075
Fax: 5417378674
scarc@oregonstate.edu
Access Restrictions: Collection is open for research.
Languages: English

Historical NoteReturn to Top

The Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, established on August 18, 1908 by President Theodore Roosevelt "as a preserve and breeding ground for native birds", is located about 30 miles south of Burns in the Harney Basin of southeastern Oregon. Known in the early years as the the Lake Malheur Reservation and the Malheur Migratory Bird Refuge, the Refuge was a site of several Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camps between 1935 and 1942. CCC enrollees erected 200 miles of fencing and installed cattle guards at all access points for the Refuge; constructed several stone buildings; extended telephone lines; and built bridges and dams. This work by more than 1000 young men had a profound and long-lasting impact on the Refuge.

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

The Malheur Migratory Bird Refuge Photographs consist of 3 photographic prints taped together to form a panoramic aerial view of the Refuge in about 1936. The view depicts the refuge headquarters as well as one of the three Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camps that were established at the Refuge in the 1930s. Edward Nelson, the original owner of the photographs, served in the Civilian Conservation Corps.

The individual prints are about 4 inches by 6-6.5 inches; the assembled panoramic view is 4 inches by 19.5 inches.

The photographs appear to have been made by Photo Art Studios.

Use of the CollectionReturn to Top

Preferred Citation

Malheur Migratory Bird Refuge Photographs (P 313), Oregon State University Libraries Special Collections and Archives Research Center, Corvallis, Oregon.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Acquisition Information

These photographs were donated to the Special Collections and Archives Research Center in 2013 by Linda King, who acquired the images from her uncle, Edward Nelson.

Related Materials

The William L. Finley Papers (MSS Finley) and the Herman T. Bohlman Photograph Collection (P 202) include extensive textual and photographic materials documenting the Malheur Refuge. Information about CCC programs and camps in Oregon and other states is available in the Gerald W. Williams Collection on the Civilian Conservation Corps (MSS CCC) and the Memorabilia Collection (MC-Civilian Conservation Corps). The Civilian Conservation Corps Photograph Album (Accession 25461) at the Oregon Historical Society, consists of photographs taken at one of the CCC camps at Malheur.

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Corporate Names

Civilian Conservation Corps (U.S.)
Photo Art Studios.

Geographical Names

Malheur National Wildlife Refuge (Or.)

Form or Genre Terms

Panoramic photographs.
Photographic prints.

Archives West Finding Aid

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