John Jobson was a Western outdoor sports writer. He was born in Tennessee, but grew up in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He was a staff writer for Sports Afield Magazine for more than 20 years, as camping and later hunting editor. He was recognized as an authority on big game hunting in North America and Africa. A “short biography” (see box 4) notes two major influences that aided his successful career. First, the Sioux Indian Reservation was near the ranch where he spent several summers as a boy. Native folk taught him the lore of the outdoors. Second, the arctic explorer Earl F. Hammond with whom he worked and traveled for five years provided many insights about publicity and advertising. Prior becoming an editor for Sports Afield Magazine, he worked in Hollywood, including RKD, MGM, and Fox. He also owned a small advertising business in Philadelphia. He was married to Anne Marie D’Olio Jobson. He is the author of The Complete Book of Practical Camping (Winchester Press, [1974]).
The records of John Jobson span the years 1945 to 1979. Included in the records are correspondence, photographs, drafts of articles, news clippings, and publications. The included set of the Sports Afield Magazine spans the years 1955 to 1982, but is incomplete.
The materials of John Jobson Papers are organized in six Series. The original order was maintained for most of the materials. Series 1, Correspondence - comprises two groups of correspondence: one in alphabetical order and the other by year. Series 2, Articles - is arranged by subject. Series 3, Artifacts. Series 4, News Clippings and Maps. Series 5, Photographs - is organized by subject, some in alphabetical order. The framed photographs in this Series were taken out of their frames and are in box 16.
The collection is open to the public. Researchers must use the collection in accordance with the policies of the University of Idaho Library Special Collections and Archives.
Researchers are responsible for using in accordance with Copyright Laws (17 U.S.C.) and any other applicable statutes.
John Jobson Papers, MG 445, Special Collections and Archives, University of Idaho Library, Moscow, Idaho
The papers of John Jobson were in the possession of John Jobson until his death, when they were transferred to the possession of his wife Ann Jobson, until time of donation.
The papers of John Jobson were donated to the University of Idaho Library by Ann Jobson in June 1999.
This collection was processed using the Basic processing method. Some materials were refoldered. The collection was reduced by 3 cubic feet.
This collection is indexed under the following headings in the online catalog. Researchers desiring materials about related topics, persons, or places should search the catalog using these headings.