John Gates papers , 1853-1909

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Gates, John, 1827-1888
Title
John Gates papers
Dates
1853-1909 (inclusive)
Quantity
2.5 linear feet, (6 containers)  :  5 clamshell boxes, 1 photo box
Collection Number
Ax 036
Summary
John Gates (1827-1888) was a construction engineer for the Oregon Steam Navigation Co. and the Oregon Railway and Navigation Co. From 1885 to 1888, he served as mayor of Portland, Oregon. The collection consists of correspondence, financial records, legal documents, diaries, scrapbook pages, steamboat plans and inventions, and photographs.
Repository
University of Oregon Libraries, Special Collections and University Archives
UO Libraries--SCUA
1299 University of Oregon
Eugene OR
97403-1299
Telephone: 5413463068
spcarref@uoregon.edu
Access Restrictions

Collection is open to the public. Collection must be used in Special Collections and University Archives Reading Room. Collection or parts of collection may be stored offsite. Please contact Special Collections and University Archives in advance of your visit to allow for transportation time.

Additional Reference Guides

Paper finding aid with additional information is available in Special Collections & University Archives.

See the Current Collection Guide for detailed description and requesting options.

Languages
English
Sponsor
Funding for production of this finding aid was provided through a grant awarded by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC).

Historical NoteReturn to Top

John Gates (1827-1888) was a native of Mercer, Maine who came to Portland, Oregon in 1860. He became a construction engineer for the Oregon Steam Navigation Co. and the Oregon Railway and Navigation Co. From 1885 to 1888, he served as mayor of Portland.

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

The collection consists of correspondence, financial records, legal documents, diaries, scrapbook pages, steamboat plans and inventions, and photographs. The correspondence includes professional correspondence relating to the Gates' inventions for steamboat improvements. Legal documents cover the years 1850-1905. There are also diaries by John Gates Jr. which cover the years 1902-1905. Plans and specifications by Gates for steamboats and specific inventions are included in the collection. Photographs include vintage prints, primarily boudoirs, by Southern California photographers E.A. Bonine, F.H. Rogers, and Ellis & Son. One image is by Heath & Smith of Portland, Maine; one by R.G. Morrision of Seattle, one by S.B. Graham of Portland, OR and four by Partridge of Portland, OR.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • Bedrooms--Photographs
  • Civil engineers--Oregon
  • Mayors--Oregon--Portland
  • Politicians--Oregon
  • Railroad engineering--Oregon
  • Railroads--Oregon--Design and construction
  • Steamboats--Design and construction

Personal Names

  • Gates, John, 1827-1888

Corporate Names

  • Oregon Railway and Navigation Company
  • Oregon Steam Navigation Company

Geographical Names

  • Portland (Or.)--Politics and government--19th century

Form or Genre Terms

  • Correspondence
  • Diaries
  • Legal documents
  • Photographic prints