Ben L. Gifford Photographs, 1950-1955

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Gifford, Ben L.
Title
Ben L. Gifford Photographs
Dates
1950-1955 (inclusive)
1951 (bulk)
Quantity
0.6 cubic foot, including 485 photographs, (4 boxes, including 2 oversize boxes)
Collection Number
P 218-SG 5
Summary
The Ben L. Gifford Photographs consist of images taken by Ben L. Gifford in the early-mid 1950s as he completed his senior year at Oregon State College, pursued photographic training at the Fred Archer School of Photography, and then joined the family photography business in Salem, Oregon. The images document agriculture, primarily in the Willamette Valley, and also include images of Timberline Lodge and the Mt. Hood area. Ben L. Gifford was the son of photographers Ralph I. and Wanda Gifford; Ben L. worked as a photographer from 1950 until 1955, when he began working as an engineer with the Oregon State Highway Commission.
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
Sponsor
Funding for encoding this finding aid was provided through a grant awarded by the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Biographical NoteReturn to Top

Ben L. Gifford (1923-1996) was born in Portland, Oregon, the son of Ralph I. and Wanda Gifford, and graduated from Salem High School in May 1942. He attended Oregon State College as an engineering student in the fall of 1942 and then entered the U.S. Navy. Ben spent 23 months in the South Pacific working as an aircraft mechanic during World War II; he married Beth Greenlee in 1946. In 1946-1947, he took classes at the Vanport Extension Center in Portland and returned to Oregon State College in the fall of 1947, where he completed his BS in Business & Technology in 1950. Ben studied photography at the Fred Archer School of Photography in Los Angeles in 1950 and 1951 and in May 1951 began helping his mother with the family photography business. Ben also worked as a photographer for the Jesten-Miller Studio in Salem, Oregon, from 1951 to 1955.

In the family's photography business, Ben specialized in agricultural photography, particularly of the Willamette Valley's renowned agricultural resources. As his grandfather, father, and mother had done previously, he frequently visited and photographed the Mt. Hood area, particularly Timberline Lodge and its recreational activities.

Three generations of Gifford photography began to come to a close when Ben took an engineering job with the State Highway Commission in 1955. He worked there for 27 years, retiring in 1982. Ben died in August 1996 in Bend.

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

Ben L. Gifford's photographs were taken between 1950 and 1955 as he completed his senior year at Oregon State College, pursued photographic training at the Fred Archer School of Photography, and then joined the family photography business in Salem, Oregon. The photographs include scenes of Oregon State College and the Corvallis area, especially fellow students at Colorado Lake. Photographs that Gifford made as part of his classwork at the Fred Archer School of Photography in Los Angeles are part of the collection. Most of these photographs were probably made in California; they depict various subjects and reflect several forms of commercial photograph, including advertising and still life.

The bulk of the collection (Series III through XIII) is comprised of images made by Ben during May and June 1951, soon after he joined the family photograph business that are arranged in groups (1A through 16P) by topic. Most of these images document agriculture, primarily in the Willamette Valley, and include images of dairy and beef cattle, horses, sheep, and a goat; barns and silos; harvesting of strawberries, apples, gooseberries, and cherries; and FFA and 4-H stock shows. Many of the agricultural scenes were submitted to and published in agricultural trade magazines such as Hoard's Dairyman Magazine, American Fruit Grower, and Farm Journal. These series also include images of the Marion County Courthouse and Oregon State Capitol and scenic views of the Wallowa Mountains and Wallowa Lake. A few of the images may have been taken by Wanda Gifford.

The collection also includes unnumbered photographs taken in 1954-1955 that depict workers at the State Highway Department; Hoo Doo Bowl and Santiam Lodge at Santiam Pass; and Timberline Lodge and Mt. Hood. Numerous images of skiers, snow-covered trees and landscapes, and snowplows are included.

The primary format in the collection is 4x5 film negative. Prints are included for about half of the negatives.

A selection of images from the collection are available online in The Best of the Archives.

Use of the CollectionReturn to Top

Preferred Citation

Ben L. Gifford Photographs (P 218-SG 5), Oregon State University Archives, Corvallis, Oregon.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Arrangement

The Ben L. Gifford Photographs are arranged in 15 series: I. Fred Archer School of Photography Class Assignments, 1951; II. Numbered Images, 1950; III. General Farm Scenes, 1951; IV. Farm Animals, 1951; V. Farm Buildings, 1951; VI. Soil Erosion and Conservation, 1951; VII. Cultivation of Soil, 1951; VIII. Farm Children, 1951; IX. Harvest, 1951; X. Horticulture, 1951; XI. Public Buildings and Structures, 1951; XII. Commercial Work, 1951; XIII. Scenic Views, 1951; XIV. Color Postcards, circa 1955; and XV. Unnumbered Photographs, 1954-1955.

Custodial History

The photographs were donated to the Oregon State University Horner Museum in 1986 by Ben L. and Beth Gifford.

Acquisition Information

The photographs were transferred from the Oregon State University Horner Museum to the University Archives in July 1996.

Related Materials

This is one component of the Gifford Photographic Collection (P 218) held by the OSU Archives. Other components are: Benjamin A. Gifford Photographs (P 218-SG 1); Ralph I. Gifford Photographs (P 218-SG 2); Ralph I. Gifford Motion Pictures (P 218-SG 3); Wanda Gifford Photographs (P 218-SG 4); Gifford Collection Photographs by Unknown or Other Photographers (P 218-SG 6); and Gifford Collection Documentary Materials (P 218-SG 7).

Other photographs made by Ben L. Gifford are part of the Wanda Gifford Photographs (P 218-SG 4); some of the photographs in the Unknown or Other Photographers component of the Gifford collection (P 218-SG 6) may have been taken by Ben L. Gifford.

The Richard W. Gilkey Photographs (P 252) include many images of Oregon State College students and activities during the time period that Ben L. Gifford was a student in the late 1940s to early 1950s. The Robert E. McDole Papers include a notebook for a photography course that McDole took at Oregon State College during this period.

Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top

Series I:  Fred Archer School of Photography Class Assignments, 1951Return to Top

26 mounted prints and 2 negatives

Series I consists of photographs made by Ben L. Gifford as part of his classwork at the Fred Archer School of Photography. Most of the photographs were probably made in California. The images depict various subjects and reflect several forms of commercial photography, including advertising and still life. Assignment numbers (or alpha designators) preceed image titles in the list below.

Container(s) Description Dates
Class D-1 B
Box
77
11: Gates to a cemetery
77
12: Fountain
77
15: Man sitting on block & tackle next to Caterpillar tractor
77
16: Hose around a metal can
77
21: Fountain outside of the Phoenix candy shop
77
22: Chinatown building?
77
24: Woman and child (Beth and Cheryl Gifford?) walking on a wooded path
Class D-2 A
3: Child's bib and spoon
2 prints
Two views with differing lighting and shadow effects.
Box
77
Ceramic cast of tulips
2 prints
Two views with differing lighting and shadow effects.
77
7: Views of wood blocks
Cone, sphere, and cube.
77
9: Needle and thread close-up; plaid pattern background
77
12: Drive-in coffee shop at night
12, 77
13: Ferry on the Willamette River
4x5 copy negative and 2 prints
One print is original and the other a copy print.
12, 77
Newspaper ad
4x5 copy negative and print
Print is copy print made from original newspaper advertisement, which is also included.
77
17: Ball mason jar
77
18: Glass or candle holder
77
A6: Fishing trawler
77
A7: Man hoisting bucket up the side of a building
77
A8: Industrial Cog
Composite photograph of generating plant and gears.
77
V&D: Barker Brothers smokestack and duct pipe
Vertical and diagonal.
77
DD: Concrete truck being loaded
Double diagonal.

Series II:  Numbered Images, 1950Return to Top

26 negatives and 6 prints

Series II consists of photographs made by Gifford during his senior year at Oregon State College and consists primarily of images of fellow students, many taken at Colorado Lake, east of Corvallis. Other subjects of note are campus buildings, the Benton County Courthouse, and the Corvallis Methodist Church. Most of the images in this series are only available as negatives.

Container(s) Description Dates
Box
12
104: Fellow and stump, Colorado Lake near Corvallis
4x5 negative
1/100-16?
12
105: Rope Diver, Colorado Lake
4x5 negative
1/400-22
12
106: Fire escape sunbathers
4x5 negative
1/50-22
12
107: Arch of men's dorm (Weatherford Hall), OSC
2 4x5 negatives
1/10-22
108: Benton County Courthouse, Corvallis
Box
7, 76
2 prints
12
4x5 negative
Box
12, 76
109: Memorial Union, Oregon State College
4x5 negative and oversize mounted print
7, 12
110: Otter Rock from Lookout
print and 4x5 negative
12
112: Girl standing by tree stump, Colorado Lake
4x5 negative
1/100-16?
12
113: Girl on rope, Colorado Lake
4x5 negative
1/400-5/6
12
114: Joyce and friends on bicycles
4x5 negative
1/200-16
12
115: Carleen; Snell girl and stump, Colorado Lake
4x5 negative
1/100-16
12
116: Fellow diving, Colorado Lake
4x5 negative
1/400-5/6
12
117: Snell girl diving, Colorado Lake
4x5 negative
1/400-5/6
12
118: Water slide, Colorado Lake
4x5 negative
1/400-5/6
7, 12
119: Carleen leaning on tree, silhouette, Colorado Lake
print and 4x5 negative
1/25-22
12, 76
120: Methodist church, Corvallis, Oregon
4x5 negative and oversize mounted print
red filter; 1/100-22
12
121: Marg, Don, and dog, Colorado Lake
4x5 negative
1/100-16
12
123: Dick and Shirley dancing at Senior Ball, Gill Coliseum, Oregon State College
4x5 negative
7, 12
124: V. Monrow and vocalists at Senior Ball in Gill Coliseum
2 4x5 negatives
12
125: Werner and Sylvia at Senior Ball, Gill Coliseum
4x5 negative
12
126: Copy of 2 nude sketches
2 4x5 negatives
12
129: Old house back of highway building
2 4x5 negatives

Series III:  General Farm Scenes, 1951Return to Top

2 negatives

Series III consists of two views of the Rex Hartley Farm near Jefferson, Oregon, showing fields, barns, and farm structures.

Container(s) Description Dates
Box
12
1A-1: Rex Hartley Farm looking north, grain field foreground, Jefferson, Oregon
4x5 negative
May 1951
12
1A-2: Rex Hartley Farm looking east, horse trough foreground, Jefferson, Oregon
4x5 negative
May 1951

Series IV:  Farm Animals, 1951Return to Top

67 prints and 62 negatives

Series IV consists of photographs of farm animals taken by Ben L. Gifford in May and June, 1951. Most of the images are of beef and dairy cattle; photographs of horses, sheep, and a goat are also included. The images primarily depict farms in the Willamette Valley near Salem; however, several images of beef cattle ranch operations near Joseph, Oregon, are included. Gifford submitted many of the images to agricultural trade magazines and several were purchased for publication, as indicated in the detailed description. Prints are available for most of the negatives.

Container(s) Description Dates
Box
7, 12
3C-1: Horse at fence
print and 4x5 negative
May 1951
7, 12
3C-2: Sheared sheep on pasture, K.W. Noteboom farm, Salem, Oregon
3 prints and 4x5 negative
Submitted to National Wool Growers.
7, 12
3C-3: Sheep shearing on K.W. Noteboom farm, Salem, Oregon; E.E. Just shearer, left front
print and 4x5 negative
Submitted to National Wool Growers.
May 1951
7, 12
3C-4: Sheep shearing on K.W. Noteboom farm, Salem, Oregon; E.E. Just, shearer, right side
2 prints and 4x5 negative
Submitted to National Wool Growers.
May 1951
7, 12
3C-5: Goat on wagon; Milch
print and 4x5 negative
May 1951
7, 12
3C-6: Holstein herd, State Farm, Mr. Woele, manager
2 prints and 4x5 negative
Submitted to W. Dairy Journal.
May 1951
12
3C-7: Guernsey herd, R.A. Tansey farm, Salem, Oregon
4x5 negative
May 1951
7, 12
3C-8: Guernsey herd, R.A. Tansey farm, Salem, Oregon
2 prints and 4x5 negative
Submitted to Hoard's Dairyman Mag..
May 1951
7, 12
3C-9: Guernsey herd, R.A. Tansey farm, Salem, Oregon
2 prints and 4x5 negative
Submitted to W. Dairy Journal
May 1951
7, 12
3C-10: Hereford herd, J.H. Burrell farm, Salem, Oregon
print and 4x5 negative
Submitted to W. Livestock Journal.
May 1951
7, 12
3C-11: Hereford herd, Henry A. Thiessen farm, Jefferson, Oregon
print and 4x5 negative
May 1951
7, 12
3C-12: Hereford herd, Henry A. Thiessen farm, Jefferson, Oregon
print and 4x5 negative
Submitted to W. Livestock Journal.
May 1951
7, 12
3C-13: Stallion Shetland pony, Crystal Springs Ranch, Salem, Oregon
2 prints and 4x5 negative
May 1951
7, 12
3C-14: Shetland pony nursing colt, Crystal Springs Ranch, Salem, Oregon
2 prints and 4x5 negative
May 1951
7, 12
3C-15: Holstein herd and car, State Farm, Mr. Woele, manager
2 prints and 4x5 negative
May 1951
7, 12
3C-16: Holstein herd on State Farm, Mr. Woele, manager
print and 4x5 negative
Submitted to Hoard's Dairyman Mag. and bought for $5.00.
May 1951
7, 12
3C-17: Holstein herd on State Farm, Mr. Woele, manager
2 prints and 4x5 negative
Submitted to Hoard's Dairyman Mag.
May 1951
7, 12
3C-18: Holstein herd on State farm, Mr. Woele, manager
2 prints and 4x5 negative
Submitted to Hoard's Dairyman Mag.
May 1951
7, 12
3C-19: Holstein herd with barn in background
2 prints and 4x5 negative
Submitted to Hoard's Dairyman Mag.
May 1951
7, 12
3C-20: Holstein cow under tree, State Farm, Mr. Woele, manager
2 prints and 4x5 negative
Submitted to Hoard's Dairyman Mag.
May 1951
7, 12
3C-21: Hereford herd near fence post (long shot), J.H. Burrell farm, Salem, Oregon
print and 4x5 negative
Submitted to A. Cattle Pro. and N. Live S. Pro.
May 1951
7, 12
3C-22: Hereford herd (long shot), J.H. Burrell farm, Salem, Oregon
2 prints and 4x5 negative
May 1951
12
3C-23: Hereford herd, head on, J.H. Burrell farm, Salem, Oregon
4x5 negative
Submitted to A. Cattle Pro. and N. Live S. Pro.
May 1951
7, 12
3C-24: Guernsey herd, R.A. Tansey farm, Salem, Oregon
2 prints and 4x5 negative
Submitted to Hoard's Dairyman Mag.
May 1951
7, 12
3C-25: Guernsey herd, R.A. Tansey farm, Salem, Oregon
2 prints and 4x5 negative
May 1951
7, 12
3C-26: Guernsey herd, R.A. Tansey farm, Salem, Oregon
2 prints and 4x5 negative
Submitted to W. Dairy Journal.
May 1951
7, 12
3C-27: Hereford calves, Henry A. Thiessen farm, Jefferson, Oregon
print and 4x5 negative
May 1951
7, 12
3C-28: Guernsey cows, R.A. Tansey farm, Salem, Oregon
2 prints and 4x5 negative
May 1951
7, 12
3C-29: Hereford cows and calves, Henry A. Thiessen farm, Jefferson, Oregon
print and 4x5 negative
Submitted to A. Cattle Pro. and N. Live S. Pro.
May 1951
7, 12
3C-30: Hereford cows and calves, Henry A. Thiessen farm, Jefferson, Oregon
print and 4x5 negative
Submitted to W. Live Jr.
May 1951
7, 12
3C-31: Hereford cows and calves, Henry A. Thiessen farm, Jefferson, Oregon
print and 4x5 negative
Submitted to W. Live Jr.
May 1951
12
3C-32: Hereford herd (horizontal); cow and calf drinking, J.H. Burrell farm, Salem, Oregon; reflection
4x5 negative
Submitted to and bought by Am. Cattle Pro. for $5.00.
May 1951
12
3C-33: Hereford cows drinking, J.H. Burrell farm, Salem, Oregon
4x5 negative
Submitted to W. Live Jr.
12
3C-34: 1 year quarter-horse colt (front view), Rex Hartley farm, Jefferson, Oregon
4x5 negative
May 1951
12
3C-35: 1 year quarter-horse colt (front view), Rex Hartley farm, Jefferson, Oregon
4x5 negative
May 1951
12
3C-36: Quarter-horse (front left view), Rex Hartley owner, Jefferson, Oregon
4x5 negative
May 1951
12
3C-37: Quarter-horse (front left view), Rex Hartley, owner, Jefferson, Oregon
4x5 negative
May 1951
12
3C-38: Quarter-horse (rear right view), Rex Hartley owner, Jefferson, Oregon
4x5 negative
May 1951
12
3C-39: Quarter-horse (rear front view), Rex Hartley owner, Jefferson, Oregon
4x5 negative
May 1951
7, 12 May 19, 1951
7, 12
3C-41: Hereford herd, J.H. Burrell farm, Salem, Oregon
print and 4x5 negative
Submitted to Farm Q..
May 1951
7, 12
3C-42: Hereford calves, J.H. Burrell farm, Salem, Oregon
print and 4x5 negative
Submitted to N. Live S. Pro..
May 1951
7, 12
3C-43: Hereford herd, calf nursing, J.H. Burrell farm, Salem, Oregon
1 print and 4x5 negative
Submitted to N. Live S. Pro.
May 1951
12
3C-44: Jersey herd, Brudos farm, Salem, Oregon
4x5 negative
7, 12
3C-45: Hereford herd (vertical), calf in foreground, J.H. Burrell farm, Salem, Oregon
print and 4x5 negative
Submitted to N. Live S. Pro.
May 1951
7, 12
3C-46: Guernsey cows on pasture, Hager farm, Salem, Oregon
2 prints and 4x5 negative
May 1951
7, 12
3C-47: Jersey Heifers (vertical; yard shot), Newt Davis farm, Woodburn, Oregon
2 prints and 4x5 negative
ubmitted to Hoard's Dairyman Mag.
May 1951
7, 12
3C-48: Holstein cows on pasture, State Farm; Woele, manager
print and 4x5 negative
Submitted to Hoard's Dairyman Mag.
May 1951
7, 12
3C-49: Holstein cows on pasture, State Farm; Woele, manager
print and 4x5 negative
Submitted to Hoards Dairy
May 1951
7, 12
3C-50: Farm scene on State Farm, Holstein cows in foreground; Woele, manager
2 prints and 4x5 negative
May 1951
7, 12
3C-51: Farm scene on State Farm, Holstein cows foreground; Woele, manager; house in rear
2 prints and 4x5 negative
May 1951
7, 12
3C-52: Registerd Holstein herd on irrigated pasture; Bernard Vandecoevering, manager, Vandecoevering Dairy, Mt. Angel, Oregon
print and 4x5 negative
Submitted to Hoard's Dairyman Mag.
May 1951
7, 12
3C-53: Registered Guernsey heifers on manure pile, George Brandt, Silverton, Oregon
2 prints and 4x5 negative
May 1951
7, 12
3C-54: Vandecoevering reg. Holstein cows on irrigated pasture, Mt. Angel, Oregon
prints and 4x5 negative
Submitted to Hoard's Dairyman Mag.
May 1951
12
3C-55: Western Livestock Beef Tour, Gene and June Van Blokland Ranch, Joseph, Oregon, June 11, 1951
4x5 negative
Submitted to Trailway Bus Co.
12
3C-56: Western Livestock Beef Tour, Gene and June Van Blokland Ranch, Joseph, Oregon
4x5 negative
Submitted to Trailway Bus Co.
June 11, 1951
12
3C-57: Beef oiler on farm of Ray Adams, Joseph, Oregon
4x5 negative
June 11, 1951
12
3C-58: Herd of registerd Herefords, Earl Miller Ranch, Double Key Ranch, Joseph, Oregon
4x5 negative
June 11, 1951
12
3C-59: Western Livestock Beef Tour, Gene and June Van Blockland, Joseph, Oregon
4x5 negative
Submitted to Trailway Bus Co.
June 11, 1951
12
3C-60: Hereford calves and old thresher, Wallowa Mountains background
4x5 negative
June 11, 1951
12
3C-61: Horses in corral on Lazy T Dude Ranch, Joseph, Oregon
4x5 negative
June 8, 1951
7, 12
3C-62: Sheep on pasture, Purebreed Columbia Breed; P.S. Dencer farm, Salem, Oregon
2 prints and 4x5 negative

Series V:  Farm Buildings, 1951Return to Top

15 prints and 9 negatives

Series V consists of photographs of barns, silos, and other farm buildings on farms in the Willamette Valley near Salem, Oregon. Several of the images were submitted for publication to agricultural and farm trade journals. Prints and 4x5 camera negatives are available for all the images.

Container(s) Description Dates
Box
7, 12
4D-1: Dairy Barn, Mt. Angel, Oregon
print and 4x5 negative
May 1951
7, 12
4D-2: Silo on Frank Gratsinger farm, Gervais, Oregon
3 prints and 4x5 negative
Submitted to W. Dairy Journal.
May 1951
7, 12
4D-3: Farmer Jons' house with rhododendrons in front, Highway 99
print and 4x5 negative
May 1951
7, 12
4D-4: Inside shot of Newton Davis barn, Woodburn, Oregon
2 prints and 4x5 negative
May 1951
7, 12 May 1951
7, 12 May 1951
7, 12 May 1951
7, 12
4D-9: Silo and milking parlor, Clem Berning farm, Mt. Angel, Oregon
print and 4x5 negative
Submitted to Farm Q.
May 1951
7, 12
4D-10: Barn, G.S. Aman farm, Mt. Angel, Oregon
2 prints and 4x5 negative
Submitted to Farm Q.
May 1951

Series VI:  Soil Erosion and Conservation, 1951Return to Top

1 print and 1 negative

Series VI consists of one image made by Gifford depicting the plowing technique used on a farm near Salem, Oregon, to promote soil conservation and prevent soil erosion.

Container(s) Description Dates
Box
7, 12
5E-1: Contour plowing, Carl L. Morrison farm, Salem, Oregon
print and 4x5 negative
May 1951

Series VII:  Cultivation of Soil, 1951Return to Top

2 negatives

Series VII includes two images plowing on a farm near Aumsville, Oregon. No prints are available for these images.

Container(s) Description Dates
Box
12
6F-1: Plowing with Allis Chalmers tractor and Sears plow, Albert Klein farm, Aumsville, Oregon
4x5 negative
May 1951
12
6F-2: Plowing with Allis Chalmers tractor and Sears plow, Albert Klein farm, Aumsville, Oregon
4x5 negative
May 1951

Series VIII:  Farm Children, 1951Return to Top

4 prints and 4 negatives

Series VIII consists of images of children with farm animals or in farm settings. Several of the images depict Ben L. Gifford's daughter, Cheryl; these were submitted for publication to farming trade magazines. Prints are available for all the images.

Container(s) Description Dates
Box
7, 12
7G-1: Children of K.W. Noteboom, Salem, Oregon, playing in horse trough
print and 4x5 negative
May, 1951
7, 12
7G-2: Cheryl petting 2 colts, Crystal Springs Ranch (A.W. Smither), Salem, Oregon
print and 4x5 negative
Submitted to Farm Jrnl. and Country Gentleman.
May 1951
7, 12
7G-3: Cheryl feeding colt, Crystal Springs Ranch (A.W. Smither), Salem, Oregon
print and 4x5 negative
Submitted to Farm Jrn. and Country G.
May 1951
7, 12
7G-4: Colt pulling Cheryl's skirt, Crystal Springs Ranch (A.W. Smither), Salem, Oregon
print and 4x5 negative
Submitted to Farm Jrn. and Country G.
May 1951

Series IX:  Harvest, 1951Return to Top

8 prints and 4 negatives

Series IX consists of photographs taken by Gifford in the Willamette Valley in early summer of 1951 that depict hay baling and unloading forage. For most of the images in this series, either a print or negative is available, but not both.

Container(s) Description Dates
Box
7, 12
9I-1: Evening shot of baler and tractor, H. Lettenmaier Farm, Aurora, Oregon
print and 4x5 negative
Submitted to Farm Q.
June 30, 1951
7, 12
9I-2: Silhouette of baler and tractor, H. Lettenmaier Farm, Aurora, Oregon
print and 4x5 negative
Submitted to Farm Q.
June 30, 1951
7
9I-3: Men unloading forage trailer
7
9I-4: Men unloading forage trailer
2 prints
12
9I-5: Bailing hay with H. Model International tractor and New Holland Baler; operates on H. M. Cherry's 185 acres
4x5 negative
12
9I-6: Baling hay, H.M. Cherry Farm with H. Model International tractor and New Holland Baler; operates on 185 acres
4x5 negative
7
9I-8: Two men unloading forage trailer next to silo
2 prints
7
9I-9: Two men unloading forage trailer

Series X:  Horticulture, 1951Return to Top

55 prints and 37 negatives

Series X consists of photographs made by Gifford in late spring and early summer of 1951 that depict growing and harvesting of fruit crops in the Willamette Valley of Oregon, including strawberries, apples, gooseberries, and cherries. Prints and camera negatives are available for the bulk of the images. Many of the photographs were submitted to fruit growing trade magazines and several were purchased for publication.

Container(s) Description Dates
Box
7, 12
11K-1: Dusting strawberries with Allis Chalmers tractor, Lawrence Zielinski farm, Salem, Oregon
2 prints and 4x5 negative
Submitted to A. Fruit Growers.
May, 1951
7, 12
11K-2: Dusting strawberries with Allis Chalmers tractor, Lawrence Zielinski farm, Salem, Oregon
2 prints and 4x5 negative
Submitted to A. Fruit Growers.
May, 1951
7, 12
11K-3: Dusting strawberries with Allis Chalmers tractor, Lawrence Zielinski farm, Salem, Oregon
print and 4x5 negative
Submitted to and bought by A. Fruit Growers for $4.00.
May, 1951
7, 12
11K-4: Spraying apple trees for aphids, J. Hancock farm, Salem, Oregon
2 prints and 4x5 negative
Submitted to A. Fruit Growers.
May, 1951
7, 12
11K-5: Spraying apple trees for aphids (horizontal) John Hancock farm, Salem, Oregon
2 prints and 4x5 negative
Submitted to A. Fruit Growers.
May, 1951
7, 12
11K-6: Spraying apple trees for aphids, J. Hancock farm, Salem, Oregon
2 prints and 4x5 negative
Submitted to A. Fruit Growers.
May, 1951
7, 12
11K-7: Spraying apple trees, J. Hancock farm, Salem, Oregon; girl on tractor
print and 4x5 negative
May, 1951
7, 12
11K-8: Shilly Lenocker and strawberries in Elgin Lucas patch, Hubbard, Oregon
2 prints and 4x5 negative
See also color transparency in Wanda Gifford Photographs (P 218-SG 4).
May, 29, 1951
7, 12
11K-9: Strawberry pickers (horizontal long shot) Elgin Lucas patch, Hubbard Oregon
2 prints and 4x5 negative
June 29, 1951
7, 12
11K-10: Strawberry pickers (horizontal shot) Elgin Lucas patch, Hubbard Oregon
2 prints and 4x5 negative
June 29, 1951
7, 12
11K-11: Close up of strawberry pickers, Elgin Lucas patch, Hubbard, Oregon
2 prints and 4x5 negative
May 30, 1951
7, 12
11K-12: Marilyn Pease emptying apron of gooseberries into box on Carl Vogt's 5 acres of Oregon Champions
print and 4x5 negative
Submitted to A. Fruit Growers.
May 30, 1951
7, 12
11K-13: John Steiner running fingers through gooseberries (close up), Silverton, Oregon
print and 4x5 negative
Submitted to A. Fruit Growers.
May 30, 1951
7, 12
11K-14: Mr. & Mrs. John Steiner operating fanning mill on gooseberries, Silverton, Oregon
print and 4x5 negative
Submitted to A. Fruit Growers.
May 30, 1951
12
11K-15: Gooseberry pickers on 5 acres of Carl Vogt's Oregon Champion berries, Silverton, Oregon
4x5 negative
Submitted to A. Fruit Growers.
May 30, 1951
7, 12
11K-16: Marilyn Pease, Salem, Oregon, emptying apron into box of gooseberries, Carl Vogt's 5 acre patch of Oregon Champions
2 prints and 4x5 negative
May 30, 1951
7, 12
11K-17: Gooseberry pickers in Carl Vogt's 5 acre patch of Oregon Champions, Silverton, Oregon
2 prints and 4x5 negative
Submitted to A. Fruit Growers.
May 30, 1951
7, 12
11K-18: Mr. & Mrs. John Steiner filling gooseberry boxes, Silverton, Oregon
2 prints and 4x5 negative
Submitted to A. Fruit Growers.
May 30, 1951
7, 12
11K-19: Mrs. Steiner filling gooseberry box, Silverton, Oregon
2 prints and 4x5 negative
Submitted to A. Fruit Growers.
May 30, 1951
7, 12
11K-20: Mr. & Mrs. John Steiner operating gooseberry fanning mill, Silverton, Oregon
2 prints and 4x5 negative
Submitted to A. Fruit Growers.
May 30, 1951
7, 12
11K-21: John Steiner filling gooseberry box, Silverton, Oregon
print and 4x5 negative
Submitted to A. Fruit Growers.
May 30, 1951
7, 12
11K-22: Marilyn Pease of Salem, Oregon picking gooseberries in Carl Vogt's 5 acre patch of Oregon Champions
print and 4x5 negative
Submitted to A. Fruit Growers.
May 30, 1951
7, 12
11K-23: Verne Harms filling duster with weevil bait, Salem, Oregon, for 15 acres of Marshall strawberries
print and 4x5 negative
Submitted to Country G. and A. Fruit Growers; bought by A. Fruit Growers for $4.00.
May 31, 1951
7, 12
11K-24: Verne Harms (rear shot) operating duster spreading weevil bait, Salem, Oregon, on 15 acres of Marshall strawberries
print and 4x5 negative
Submitted to A. Fruit Growers.
May 30, 1951
7, 12
11K-25: Verne Harms (front view) operating duster spreading weevil bait, Salem, Oregon, on 15 acres of Marshall strawberries
2 prints and 4x5 negative
Submitted to A. Fruit Growers.
May 30, 1951
7, 12
11K-26: Close up of strawberry cluster on L. B. Dobbins 18 acres of Marshall strawberries, Star Route, Silverton, Oregon
4 prints and 4x5 negative
Submitted to A. Fruit Growers.
June 14, 1951
7, 12
11K-27: Large cluster of strawberries on L. B. Dobbins 18 acres of Marshall strawberries Star Route, Silverton, Oregon
3 prints and 4x5 negative
Submitted to and bought by A. Fruit Growers for $4.00.
June 14, 1951
7, 12
11K-28: Strawberry pickers on 18 acre field of Marshall berries, L. B. Dobbins, Star Route, Silverton, Oregon; requires 28 regular pickers & Dobbins provides housing
print and 4x5 negative
Submitted to A. Fruit Growers.
June 14, 1951
7, 12
11K-29: Full strawberry boxes on back of truck on L.B. Dobbins' 18 acre farm of Marshall berries, Star Route, Silverton, Oregon
print and 4x5 negative
Submitted to A. Fruit Growers.
June 14, 1951
12
11K-30: Weighing cherry box; Wayne Handley, ticket and Paul Daran, checking scale; Ammon Grice Orchard
4x5 negative
12
11K-31: Margaret Dick of Salem picking cherries high in Royalann tree, Otto J. Murllhaupt Orchard
4x5 negative
7, 12
11K-32: Close up of cherry picker Leo McDonnald in the Otto J. Murllhaupt Orchard (19 acres of Royal Ann)
print and 4x5 negative
7, 12
11K-33: Wayne Handley stepping from wagon to truck, loading cherries on Ammon Grice Farm, Salem, Oregon
2 prints and 4x5 negative
7, 12
11K-34: Wayne Handley stacking cherry boxes on truck, Ammon Grice Orchard, Salem, Oregon
print and 4x5 negative
7, 12
11K-35: Loading cherries from wagon to truck, Ammon Grice Orchard (35 acres of Royal Ann) Salem, Oregon
7, 12
11K-36: Close up of Royal Ann cherries on limb
2 prints and 4x5 negative
12
11K-37: Old man emptying bucket of cherries into box, W.W. Tannor, Salem, Oregon
4x5 negative

Series XI:  Public Buildings and Structures, 1951Return to Top

9 prints and 5 negatives

Series XI includes photographs of the Independence Bridge over the Willamette River and the Marion County Courthouse in Salem, Oregon, shortly before it was removed.

Container(s) Description Dates
Box
7, 12
14N-1: Independence Bridge
print and 4x5 negative
May, 1951
4D-11: Old Marion County Courthouse
Images were taken shortly before the courthouse was demolished to make way for a new courthouse.
circa 1951
Box
7, 12
5 prints and 4 4x5 negatives
76, 77
3 oversize prints

Series XII:  Commercial Work, 1951Return to Top

42 negatives and 7 prints

Series XII consists of photographs made by Ben L. Gifford as a commercial photographer, perhaps on contract for the depicted events. The bulk of the images are of the FFA Stock Show in Salem and the 4-H and FFA Stock Show in The Dalles and depict youth (men and women) showing dairy and beef cattle, sheep, and hogs. Two images of a boat trip on the Columbia River for the 4-H and FFA youth are also included. Several images of a mobile chest X-ray unit on the Capitol grounds in Salem are also included. Prints are available for only a few of the images in this series; most of the photographs are 4x5 camera negatives.

Container(s) Description Dates
Box
7, 12
15O-1: Sears Roebuck FFA Show, Salem, Oregon
print and 4x5 negative
Panoramic view.
May 26, 1951
12
15O-2: Sears Roebuck FFA Show, Salem, Oregon
4x5 negative
Panoramic view.
May 26, 1951
12
15O-3: Sears Roebuck FFA Show, Salem, Oregon
4x5 negative
Panoramic view.
May 26, 1951
12
15O-4: Raymond Weygant, Canby, Oregon after receiving blue ribbon on Hereford at the Sears Roebuck FFA Show, Salem, Oregon
4x5 negative
May 26, 1951
12
15O-5: Blue ribbon winners, Dairy Cow Class, Sears Roebuck FFA Show, Salem, Oregon
4x5 negative
May 26, 1951
12
15O-6: Sears Roebuck FFA Show, Salem, Oregon
4x5 negative
May 26, 1951
12
15O-7: FFA Luncheon at Senator Hotel, Salem, Oregon; speaker's table
4x5 negative
May 26, 1951
7, 12
15O-8: FFA Luncheon, Senator Hotel, Salem, Oregon
print and 4x5 negative
May 26, 1951
12
15O-9: Sheep showmanship winners, Sears Roebuck FFA Show, Salem, Oregon
4x5 negative
May 26, 1951
12
15O-10: Family Jersey herd -- mother, daughter and grand-daughter, Sears Roebuck FFA Show, Salem, Oregon
4x5 negative
May 26, 1951
12
15O-11: Sheep blue ribbon winners, Sears Roebuck FFA Show, Salem, Oregon
4x5 negative
May 26, 1951
12
15O-12: Guernsey cow blue ribbon winner, Sears Roebuck FFA Show, Salem, Oregon
4x5 negative
May 26, 1951
7, 12
15O-13: Raymond Weygant of Canby, Oregon currying Hereford, Sears Roebuck FFA Show, Salem, Oregon
print and 4x5 negative
May 26, 1951
7, 12
15O-14: Sears Roebuck FFA Show, Salem, Oregon
print and 4x5 negative
May 26, 1951
7, 12
15O-15: Sears Roebuck FFA Show, Salem, Oregon
print and 4x5 negative
May 26, 1951
12
15O-16: Gayle Hess, Albany, Oregon, FFA Show held at Salem, Oregon; boy sanding horns
4x5 negative
May 26, 1951
12
15O-17: 4-H & FFA kids on bow of the Francis, mid-Columbia River, Oregon
4x5 negative
June 5, 1951
12
15O-18: Robert & Mickey Ranslam, The Dalles, Reserve Grand Champion and Grand Champion respectively, Dalles Stock Show, 4-H and FFA
4x5 negative
June 5, 1951
12
15O-19: Grand champion Hampshire hog owned by Sammy Nobels, Hermiston, Oregon
4x5 negative
June 6, 1951
12
15O-20: Sally Fields, Wasco, Oregon, brushing Hereford
4x5 negative
June 6, 1951
12
15O-21: Lineup of Herefords for judging 4-H & FFA Stock Show, The Dalles, Oregon
4x5 negative
June 6, 1951
12
15O-22: Bill Steen of Milton, Oregon, currying Hereford tail
4x5 negative
June 6, 1951
12
15O-23: Group of FFA boys talking at The Dalles, Oregon; left to right, Simmons, Butner, Basim, Page, Thompson, and Bennett
4x5 negative
June 6, 1951
12
15O-24: 4-H & FFA boys and girls washing hogs for Stock Show at The Dalles, Oregon
4x5 negative
June 6, 1951
7, 12
15O-25: Sheep judge, John Langer of Oregon State College, FFA and 4-H Stock Show, The Dalles, Oregon
print and 4x5 negative
June 6, 1951
12
15O-26: 4-H & FFA kids with sheep waiting for judge, Stock Show, The Dalles, Oregon
4x5 negative
June 6, 1951
7, 12
15O-27: Lineup of sheep going to judging pen, FFA & 4-H Stock Show, The Dalles, Oregon
print and 4x5 negative
June 6, 1951
12
15O-28: Lineup of Herefords for judging at FFA & 4-H Stock Show, The Dalles, Oregon
4x5 negative
June 6, 1951
12
15O-29: Jean Ross and grand champion Southdown sheep from Moro, Oregon
4x5 negative
June 6, 1951
12
15O-30: Diane Christenson and Jean Ross, reserve and grand champion Southdown sheep respectfully, from Moro, Oregon
4x5 negative
June 6, 1951
12
15O-31: Fat Stock Sale, 4-H & FFA Show, The Dalles, Oregon
4x5 negative
June 6, 1951
12
15O-32: Herefords in barn with Albert Defree, Baker County Agent, 4-H & FFA Show, The Dalles, Oregon
4x5 negative
June 6, 1951
12
15O-33: 4-H & FFA Stock Show kids boarding the Francis at The Dalles
4x5 negative
June 5, 1951
12
15O-34: Chest X-ray truck at Capitol, Salem
4x5 negative
long shot
12
15O-35: Bob Ashby, Jason Lee with check at door of X-ray truck
4x5 negative
12
15O-36: Newburg looking out door of X-ray truck
4x5 negative
12
15O-37: Newburg registering
4x5 negative
12
15O-38: Newburg being X-rayed
4x5 negative
12
15O-39: People leaving X-ray unit
4x5 negative
long shot
12
15O-40: Women entering X-ray unit
4x5 negative
long shot
12
15O-41: Capitol Dome and X-ray unit
2 4x5 negatives

Series XIII:  Scenic Views, 1951Return to Top

11 negatives and 6 prints

Series XIII consists of scenic landscape photographs taken by Ben L. Gifford and includes images of the Oregon State Capitol; the Wilsonville Ferry on the Willamette River; the Wallowa Mountains and Wallowa Lake; and The Dalles. Prints are available for about half of the images.

Container(s) Description Dates
Box
7, 12
16P-1: Oregon State Capitol (rear view)
print and 4x5 negative
May 1951
7, 12
16P-2: Silhouette (horizontal) of Wilsonville Ferry, Oregon
print and 4x5 negative
May 30, 1951
7, 12
16P-3: Silhouette (vertical) of Wilsonville Ferry, Oregon
print and 4x5 negative
May 30, 1951
12
16P-4: Wallowa Mountains with hay stacker in foreground
4x5 negative
June 8, 1951
12, 76
16P-5: Wallowa Lake, stump and tree in foreground
print and 4x5 negative
June 8, 1951
12, 76
16P-6: Wallowa Lake; fence in foreground
print and 4x5 negative
June 8, 1951
12
16P-7: Horseback rider looking over Wallowa Valley
4x5 negative
June 8, 1951
12, 76
16P-8: Horse and rider looking over Wallowa Lake; rock in foreground
print and 4x5 negative
June 8, 1951
12
16P-9: Horseback rider overlooking Wallowa Lake
4x5 negative
June 8, 1951
12
16P-10: Scenic view of The Dalles
4x5 negative
June 8, 1951
12
16P-11: Scenic view of The Dalles; water storage area in foreground
4x5 negative
June 8, 1951

Series XIV:  Color Postcards, circa 1955Return to Top

2 postcards

Series XIV consists of two color postcards published by Smith's Scenic Views of Tacoma, Washington, that depict Timberline Lodge and a ski lift on Mt. Hood. The cards are imprinted with Ben L. Gifford's amateur radio call sign (K7BYH) and were probably used by him as QSL cards to confirm radiocommunication between two amateur radio stations.

Container(s) Description Dates
Box
7
Timberline Lodge, Oregon; mountains of snow and shimmering icicles provide a fantasyland effect at Timberline on Mt. Hood
circa 1955
7
Mt. Hood, Oregon in winter splendor; Timberline Lodge and its ski lift offers one of the finest skiing facilities in the Northwest
circa 1955

Series XV:  Unnumbered Photographs, 1954-1955Return to Top

61 negatives and 11 prints

The images in Series XV were probably taken by Ben L. Gifford. They include several undated photographs of men working in the State Highway Department shops at drafting tables and talking on the telephone. The bulk of the series consists of images of skiers and snow scenes at Hoo Doo Bowl (Santiam Lodge) in January 1955 and at Mt. Hood and Timberline Lodge in April 1954. Prints are only available for a few of the negatives.

Container(s) Description Dates
Box
12
Fellows at shops, State Highway Department
6 4x5 negatives
undated
12
Hoo Doo Bowl, Santiam Lodge
14 4x5 negatives
January 6, 1955
Skiers at Mt. Hood and Timberline Lodge
Includes views of skiers, snow-covered trees and landscapes, snow plows, and Timberline Lodge covered in snow.
April 17, 1954
Box
7
5 prints
12
41 4x5 negatives
76, 77
6 oversize prints

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • 4-H clubs--Oregon.
  • Agriculture--Oregon.
  • Fruit-culture--Oregon.
  • Landscape photography--Oregon.
  • Livestock--Oregon.
  • Photography--Study and teaching--California--Los Angeles.
  • Skis and skiing--Oregon.
  • Snow--Oregon.
  • Youth--Oregon--Societies and clubs.

Corporate Names

  • Fred Archer School of Photography (Los Angeles, Calif.)
  • Future Farmers of America. Oregon Association.
  • Oregon State College--Students.
  • Timberline Lodge (Mount Hood, Or.)

Geographical Names

  • Corvallis (Or.)
  • Hood, Mount (Or.)
  • Salem (Or.)
  • Santiam Pass (Or.)
  • Wallowa Mountains (Or.)

Form or Genre Terms

  • Film negatives.
  • Photographic prints.

Other Creators

  • Personal Names
    • Gifford, Wanda. (creator)