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Oregon State University Campus Maps, 1894-1994
Overview of the Collection
- Title
- Oregon State University Campus Maps
- Dates
- 1894-1994 (inclusive)18941994
1900-1970 (bulk)19001970 - Quantity
- 2.5 cubic feet, 187 maps, (5 map folders and 1 oversize box)
- Collection Number
- MAPS OSUCampus
- Summary
- The Oregon State University Campus Maps document the development of the Oregon State campus from the 1890s through the 1990s. The collection includes campus guides and visitor maps; detailed surveys; campus plans; and maps showing buildings, roads, and walkways. The inital land for the current Oregon State University campus in Corvallis, Oregon, was purchased in 1871.
- 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
In 1871, the Corvallis College Board of Trustees purchased a 35-acre farm west of downtown Corvallis which served initially as the College's Experimental Farm and was the beginning of Oregon State University's Corvallis campus. By the late 1880s, a building (Benton Hall) had been built on the property. Additional land was purchased and buildings were constructed for teaching, research, and student housing. The Corvallis campus now encompasses 400 acres.
From the early 1900s until 1932, Gordon V. Skelton was responsible for campus surveys and maps and supervised roads, walks, and fire protection for campus buildings in addition to his role as a Professor of Highway Engineering and Chair of the Department of Civil Engineering. In 1932, Skelton was appointed Superintendent of Surveys, Maps, Roads and Walks, and Fire Protection, a position he held until 1940.
Content DescriptionReturn to Top
The Oregon State University Campus Maps document the development of the Oregon State campus from the 1890s through the 1990s. The collection includes campus guides, visitor and parking maps, and pictorial maps. Maps documenting campus planning in the 1920s through 1970s are part of the collection. Information about the ownership of lands purchased or acquired by the University is available. Detailed survey maps and plans for sewers and utilities, roads, and walkways prepared during the 1900s-1920s are part of the collection. Many of the campus guides include descriptive information about the campus and Corvallis. Maps showing the locations of fraternities and sororities are also available in the collection.
The collection also includes several maps of Oregon State facilities and lands beyond Corvallis. Of note is a map showing the federal land granted to Oregon for support of the agricultural college per requirements of the Morrill Act.
Many of the maps are original ink drawings on vellum; Gordon V. Skelton drew many of the detailed plans and maps. A.D. Taylor prepared the 1926 and 1945 campus plans. The early survey maps of campus were prepared by students in surveying classes. Students also prepared several of the pictorial maps.
Use of the CollectionReturn to Top
Preferred Citation
Oregon State University Campus Maps (MAPS OSUCampus), Oregon State University Special Collections & Archives Research Center, Corvallis, Oregon.
Administrative InformationReturn to Top
Arrangement
The Oregon State University Campus Maps are arranged into four series: I. Oregon Agricultural College Maps, 1894-1930; II. Oregon State College Maps, 1930-1960; III. Oregon State University Maps, 1962-1994; and IV. Oregon State University Maps outside of Corvallis, 1933 - circa 1980s. The items in each series are arranged chronologically.
Custodial History
About 35 of the maps were originally received by the Library as part of the E.E. Wilson Papers in the 1960s. At that time, they were separated from the Papers and cataloged individually as part of the OSU Libraries' map collection.
Acquisition Information
This collection consists of materials that were transferred from the Oregon State University Libraries' maps collection as well as the Special Collections & Archives Research Center's Memorabilia Collection in 2012-2014.
Related Materials
The Facilities Services Records (RG 193) include campus, farm, and property maps. Campus maps were included in the General Catalog for Oregon State beginning with the 1919/1920 volume. The catalogs are available online.
Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top
Series I: Oregon Agricultural College Maps, 1894-1930Return to Top
Series I consists of maps of the Oregon Agricultural College campus. Most of the maps are of the full campus at the time the maps was prepared. The maps depict campus buildings, roadways, paths, tile ditches, sewers, and fire protection systems. Several of the maps depict the topography of the campus, especially in the vicinity of Benton Hall; most of these were made by students in surveying classes. Maps documenting land owners for properties near campus as well as agricultural lands owned or rented by the College are included. Many of the maps were prepared by Gordon V. Skelton.
| Container(s) | Description | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| map-folder | ||
| 6 | Map Showing the Grounds, Buildings, and Water Systems 2 maps
Scale 1 inch = 50 feet. Map made by William Bloss. Includes water pipes and tile ditches. One copy is original ink on vellum; the other copy is a blueprint.
|
1894 |
| 1 | Campus, State Agricultural College
Scale 1 inch = 100 feet; ink on vellum. Shows roads, tiled ditches, and buildings.
|
circa 1898 |
| 1 | Plan of Sewerage System for the Oregon Agricultural College
By Gordon V. Skelton; scale 1 inch = 100 feet; ink on vellum.
|
1898 |
| Box | ||
| 5 | Cafeteria Plan
Probably circa 1900; detailed layout of a campus dining hall, perhaps in Cauthorn Hall. Original ink on vellum.
|
undated |
| map-folder | ||
| 1 | Location of Grounds 3 items
By Burgraff of Albany; signed by members of the Board of Regents. Map shows topography with 1-foot contour interval, buildings, and steam conduit. Scale 1 inch = 50 feet. Also includes floor plans for the auditorium and basement of the Armory (now Valley Gymnastics Center) at 1/8 scale. Original ink on vellum.
|
1901 |
| 1 | Map of the College Campus
From surveys made by the students of the surveying classes. Scale 1 inch = 100 feet; shows campus buildings, walkways, and streets.
|
1903 |
| 1 | Course of the Main Conduit
Plan of water works for the College by Hirstel and Johnson.
|
1904 |
| 1 | Map Showing Location of Sewer for Cauthorn Hall and Women's Building 4 sheets
Scale 1 inch = 100 feet. This "Women's Building" is Waldo Hall. Also includes profile of sewer, plan of manhole, and plan of manhole ring and cover. Prepared by Gordon V. Skelton.
|
1906 |
| Box | ||
| 5 | Topographic Maps of the Grounds and Campus 4 maps
Platted from student surveys; H.B. Benson, W.C. Galloway, and R.R. Clark. Scale 1 inch = 100 feet. Includes contour lines, streets, and buildings. Original map was cut into 4 pieces.
|
1907 |
| map-folder | ||
| 6 | Topographical Map of the Campus and Grounds
Scale 1 inch = 100 feet with contour interval of 1 foot. Shows buildings, proposed buildings, paths, and roads. Prepared by Gordon V. Skelton. Annotation indicated that this map was prepared during the first year of President Kerr's administration.
|
1908 |
| Box | ||
| 5 | Topographic Maps of the Grounds and Campus 4 maps
Surveyed by students of the Class of 1909. Original map was cut into 6 pieces; only 4 of the pieces are extant.
|
1909 |
| 5 |
Campus and Farm
9 maps
Includes one original ink on vellum with scale of 1 inch = 300 feet and 8 printed copies. One of the printed copies has typewritten text affixed to the map. The map shows buildings and farm plots.
|
1910 |
| 5 | Proposed Plan of Fire Protection System for the Oregon Agricultural College 2 maps
Shows proposed and existing hydrants and lines.
|
1912 |
| map-folder | ||
| 1 | Farm Map
No. 7-B by Gordon V. Skelton. Scale 1 inch = 50 feet.
|
1914 |
| Box | ||
| 5 | Plan of Cauthorn Hall Sewer
Probably in early 1910s; sewer between Cauthorn and Waldo Halls. Scale 1 inch = 100 feet.
|
undated |
| 5 | Map of area south of the Armory
Shows 16th and Washington Streets, railway, and rail siding to heating plant.
|
circa 1915 |
| map-folder | ||
| 5 | Oregon Agricultural College Campus Maps 9 maps
Includes 3 originals, ink on vellum; remainder are printed. The maps depict campus buildings and streets immediately adjacent to campus.
|
1915-1924 |
| 1 | Plat Showing Knisley Land and its Relation to the Campus
Scale 1 inch = 50 feet; original ink on vellum.
|
1919 |
| 1 | Plan of Drainage System for Artillery Barn and Corral
Scale 1 inch = 10 feet; original ink on vellum; prepared by Gordon V. Skelton.
|
1919 |
| 1 | Showing Owned and Rented Lands of Oregon Agricultural College 2 maps
Land for agricultural use; one copy is original ink on vellum; second map is hand-color printed copy.
|
1919 |
| Box | ||
| 5 | Plan for Fire Protection, OAC Barracks
Scale 1 inch = 50 feet; prepared by Gordon V. Skelton; original ink on vellum.
|
1918 |
| 5 | Plan Showing Seating Arrangement
For convocation in Men's Gymnasium in February 1919.
|
1919 |
| map-folder | ||
| 1 | Map of Campus Grounds and Surroundings 2 maps
Shows campus buildings, roads, and property owners for land adjacent to campus.
|
circa 1920 |
| 1 | Campus Map
No. 2-A by Gordon V. Skelton; scale 1 inch = 50 feet.
|
1921 |
| 1 | Record of Surveys of College Properties
Scale 1 inch = 330 feet; original ink on vellum.
|
1926 |
| 1 | Lands Owned by O.A.C. and Adjacent Property
Scale 1 inch = 330 feet; prepared by Gordon V. Skelton.
|
1926 |
| 1 | Future Development of O.A.C. |
1926 |
| Box | ||
| 5 | Plan for O.A.C. Farm Development
Indicates purchases recommended; map extends to Oak Creek area. Ink on vellum.
|
1926 |
| map-folder | ||
| 1 | Oregon Agricultural College General Plan for Future Development 5 maps
Plan by A.D. Taylor. One copy is hand-colored.
|
1926 |
| Box | ||
| 5 | Record of Survey of Land Purchased by Oregon Agricultural College
By Gordon V. Skelton. Scale 1 inch = 400 feet; ink on vellum.
|
1926 |
| 5 | Oregon Agricultural College Campus and Farm
A portion of the full map; by Gordon V. Skelton. Scale 1 inch - 200 feet; shows tunnels and conduits.
|
undated |
| 5 | Topography of West Campus 2 maps
Shows location of barns and agricultural buildings.
|
1927 |
| 5 | Sewer for Greenhouses
Scale 1 inch = 100 feet; prepared by Gordon V. Skelton; original in on vellum.
|
1927 |
| map-folder | ||
| 1 | Campus and Farm Map 4 maps
Scale 1 inch = 200 feet; by Gordon V. Skelton.
|
1928-1929 |
| 1 | Campus and Farm Map, Showing Land and Improvements 3 maps
Prepared by Gordon V. Skelton; hand-colored copies.
|
1928 |
| 1 | General Plan for Future Development on Campus |
1928 |
| Box | ||
| 5 | Campus Plan |
circa 1930 |
| 5 | North Campus Plan
Shows buildings near Monroe Avenue.
|
undated |
| map-folder | ||
| 1 | Campus Map
No. 2-C. Scale 1 inch - 50 feet. Prepared by Gordon V. Skelton.
|
1930 |
| Box | ||
| 5 | Detail of Tennis Courts
Scale 1 inch = 20 feet; by Arthur L. Peck. For courts south of Home Economics Building (on current Memorial Union quadrangle). Original ink in vellum.
|
undated |
Series II: Oregon State College Maps, 1930-1960Return to Top
Series II consists of an assortment of maps of the Oregon State College campus, primarily during the 1930s-1950s. The series also includes several maps of agricultural lands west and south of the main campus. Several pictorial maps are included. Maps by Gordon V. Skelton as well as Wayne Bagley, Tom Bulpitt, and J.B. Solberg are part of this series.
| Container(s) | Description | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| map-folder | ||
| 2 | Annotated Campus Plan
An annotated copy of A.D. Taylor's 1926 plan with location of Health Service.
|
circa 1930 |
| 2 | Men's Dormitory and Kidder Hall 4 sheets
Detailed map showing walks, streets, and utilities in the area of Weatherford and Cauthorn Halls; scale 1 inch = 20 feet. Original map has been cut into 4 pieces.
|
1930 |
| 2 | Deeded Land near Oak Creek
Map of deeded land along Oak Creek purchased from Louise Lance Bebbe et al. for use by veterinary medicine. Scale 1 inch = 100 feet.
|
1930 |
| Box | ||
| 5 | Students Map of Fraternities, Sororities and Land Marks |
1931 |
| 5 |
an student's mappe of ye Campus, ye College of ye State of Oregon
2 maps
Drawn by Wayne Bagley; published in the 1934 Beaver yearbook; available online.
|
1934 |
| 5 | Published painting made from oblique aerial photograph of campus |
circa early 1930s |
| map-folder | ||
| 2 | Oregon State College Campus Map 4 maps
Prepared by Gordon V. Skelton; scale 1 inch = 200 feet. Maps show campus buildings, streets, and utilities; one sheet also indicates original property owners for campus property.
|
1936-1938 |
| Box | ||
| 5 | Campus Plan of Oregon State College 8 maps
As published in the General Catalog and other College publications.
|
1935-1939 |
| 5 | Map of properties between Shepard Hall and Commerce Building and associated correspondence
Correspondence pertaining to purchase of these properties.
|
1939-1941 |
| 5 |
Previews Map of Oregon State College Campus and Corvallis, Oregon
|
1940 |
| map-folder | ||
| 2 | Campus and Surrounding Territory 2 maps
Scale 1 inch = 500 feet. One of the maps indicates with color codes the following properties: businesses, industrial establishments, single and multi-family dwellings, public buildings, parks, sororities, and fraternities. The second map indicates the locations of individual sorority and fraternity house and women's cooperative houses.
|
1943 |
| 2 | Oregon State College General Plan for Future Campus Development 8 maps
Prepared by A.D. Taylor. Multiple copies of the same plan.
|
1945 |
| Box | ||
| 5 | Map of Oregon State College and Surrounding Area
Prepared by A.D. Taylor.
|
1945 |
| map-folder | ||
| 2 | Campus, Oregon State College
By J.B. Solberg.
|
circa 1947 |
| Box | ||
| 5 | Campus Map of Oregon State College |
1949 |
| 5 | Beaver-ville Map
Drawn by Tom Bulpitt.
|
circa 1950 |
| map-folder | ||
| 2 | Buildings and Boundary of Campus |
1950 |
| 2 | Oregon State College Campus
Scale 1 inch = 200 feet.
|
1951 |
| Box | ||
| 5 | J.B. Solberg Campus Map 6 maps
|
1953 |
| map-folder | ||
| 2 | Location of Proposed Agricultural Engineering Building and College Drive 3 sheets
Scale 1 inch = 50 feet.
|
1953 |
| Box | ||
| 5 |
Your Key to the Campus
|
circa 1954 |
| map-folder | ||
| 2 | South Farm Oregon State College |
1956 |
| Box | ||
| 5 | Campus Map 2 maps
|
1956 |
| map-folder | ||
| 2 | Map of Campus and Suggested Changes in Building Titles |
1957 |
| Box | ||
| 5 | Post War Housing, Campus Court
Scale 1 inch = 200 feet.
|
1960 |
| map-folder | ||
| 2 | Campus Map of Oregon State College |
circa 1960 |
| 2 | Campus Map of Oregon State College
Scale 1 inch = 300 feet.
|
1960 |
| Folder | ||
| 5 | Campus Planning Map |
1960 |
Series III: Oregon State University Maps, 1962-1994Return to Top
Series III includes maps that were published as campus guides for visitors, students, and employees as well as campus planning maps. Maps indicating parking lots on campus and parking regulations are also part of this series.
| Container(s) | Description | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Box | ||
| 5 |
Oregon State University Campus Guide
5 maps
Includes index to campus buildings and descriptive information.
|
1962-1973 |
| 5 | Oregon State University Campus
Shows buildings under construction.
|
1963 |
| map-folder | ||
| 3 | Long Range Campus Development Plan of Oregon State University 3 maps
Prepared by L.A. Demonte and A.R. Wagner.
|
1964 |
| Folder | ||
| 5 |
Your Car on the Oregon State University Campus
6 maps
Includes parking map and regulations.
|
1964-1981 |
| map-folder | ||
| 3 | Oregon State Campus Proposed Roads and Dorms
Scale 1 inch = 200 feet. Shows proposed dormitories, existing and possible additional parking, and roads and parking to be abandoned. Of note is an "Academic Circle" centered on the Memorial Union quadrangle.
|
undated |
| 3 | South Campus Residence Hall Development |
undated |
| Box | ||
| 5 | Drawing of oblique aerial view of campus |
undated |
| Folder | ||
| 5 | Shuttle Bus and Vehicle Tour Route on Campus
Prepared for the OSU Centennial celebration.
|
1968 |
| 5 | Campus Map 2 maps
|
1969 |
| map-folder | ||
| 3 | Oregon State University |
1970 |
| 3 | Oregon State University 1970 Plan
Drawing of an oblique aerial view of campus.
|
1970 |
| Folder | ||
| 5 | Campus Color-Coded Facilities Maps
Shows facilities completed or acquired before 1940, between 1940 and 1970, and after 1970.
|
undated |
| Box | ||
| 5 |
Visitor's Guide to Oregon State University and Corvallis
|
undated |
| 5 | Proposed Outdoor Educational and Recreational Area for Oregon State College
A 1971 reproduction of a map prepared as part of a 1950s proposal for a recreation area on the east bank of the Willamette River north of the Van Buren Street bridge. The area would include a golf course, club house, picnic areas, and areas for outdoor recreation and education.
|
1971 |
| Folder | ||
| 5 | Beaver Open House Program of Events and Map |
1971 |
| 5 | Oregon State University Map |
1971 |
| map-folder | ||
| 3 | Campus Map Oregon State University 7 maps
Scale 1 inch = 200 feet.
|
1971-1983 |
| 3 | Oregon State University Physical Development Plan 2 maps
Color map prepared by DeMonte, Powell, and Yang, University Planning Consultants.
|
1976 |
| 3 | Department of Planning and Institutional Research Map of Oregon State University |
circa early 1980s |
| Box | ||
| 5 |
Oregon State University Campus Map for 1988-1989
Includes descriptive information, a Corvallis map, and advertisements for local businesses.
|
1988 |
| 5 | Services for Students with Disabilities Map
Shows parking as well as full and partial access points for campus buildings.
|
1992 |
| 5 | Buildings and Locations on Campus
Prepared by OSU Bookstore.
|
1994 |
| 5 | Campus Map |
1994 |
Series IV: Oregon State University Maps outside of Corvallis, 1933 - circa 1980sReturn to Top
Series IV consists of maps of Oregon State facilities throughout the state of Oregon. A map of lands granted to Oregon for support of Oregon State as a land grant institution is also included.
| Container(s) | Description | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| map-folder | ||
| 4 |
Map Showing Original Land Grant for Oregon Agricultural College
Map is annotated in red with locations of federal land that were granted to Oregon for support of Oregon Agricultural College. The map may have been prepared in the 1960s in preparation for the centennial of the Morrill Act (1962) or Oregon State University (1968).
|
undated |
| 4 | Oregon State Agricultural Experiment Station: John Jacob Astor Branch |
1933 |
| 4 |
Map of Oregon Showing Lands Owned or Controlled by Oregon State College
Symbols on the map indicate the location of County Agents, Home Demonstration Agents, 4-H Club Leaders, and Alumni Clubs. The map was published in the Orange and Black, and was prepared by Paul B. Olson and The Pretty Map. This item is a color reproduction.
|
1938 |
| Box | ||
| 5 | County Extension Offices and Agricultural Experiment Stations in Oregon 2 maps
Maps show the locations of County Extension Offices and Agricultural Experiment Station facilities.
|
circa 1980s |
Names and SubjectsReturn to Top
Subject Terms
- Campus parking--Oregon--Corvallis.
- Campus planning--Oregon--Corvallis.
- College buildings--Oregon--Corvallis.
- College facilities--Oregon--Corvallis.
- Greek letter societies--Oregon--Corvallis.
Corporate Names
- Oregon Agricultural College--Buildings.
- Oregon Agricultural College--Maps.
- Oregon State Agricultural College--Maps.
- Oregon State College--Maps.
- Oregon State University--Maps.
Geographical Names
- Corvallis (Or.)--Maps.
- Oregon--Maps.
Form or Genre Terms
- Blueline prints.
- Manuscript maps.
- Maps.
Other Creators
-
Personal Names
- Skelton, G. V. (Gordon V.) (creator)
- Taylor, Albert D. (Albert Davis), 1883-1951. (creator)
Finding aid prepared by
Elizabeth Nielsen and Anna Stewart.
2014
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
