Archives West Finding Aid

The William H. Taubeneck Papers consist of materials generated and collected by Taubeneck documenting his research, teaching, and writings on various topics. Handwritten notes comprise about half of the collection; the collection also includes article reports, certificates, conference abstracts, correspondence, course materials, grant proposals, maps, newspaper clippings, photographs, poems, research data, and lecture notes. The notes and data reflect Taubeneck's observations from field research as well has his thoughts and opinions on subjects ranging from the U.S. Forest Service to encounters with wildlife. Most of the research pertains to Taubeneck's work on the feeder dikes for the Columbia River basalts, especially in the Wallowa Mountains of northeastern Oregon. Essays by Taubeneck for an unpublished book, A Field Guide for Scientific Studies in the Western U.S., include accounts of his field research and explore topics such as rattlesnakes and fording rivers.

The subject files consist of folders of newspaper clippings and articles collected by Taubeneck for reference use; most of these do not include notes. The correspondence documents interactions with other geologists, his Oregon State colleagues, and friends. The course materials are primarily for his popular Geology of Oregon class (GEO 352). The syllabi include songs and poems written by Taubeneck.

The collection includes about 550 photographs (500 prints and 50 negatives), primarily of the mountains of northeastern Oregon where Taubeneck did fieldwork. The images depict rock outcrops, camping equipment, and wildlife. The photographs also include a few portrait photographs of Taubeneck and individuals who may be his parents.