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Dr. George F. Knowlton photograph collection, 1935-1955

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Knowlton, George F.
Title
Dr. George F. Knowlton photograph collection
Dates
1935-1955 (inclusive)
1940-1950 (bulk)
Quantity
.25 linear ft.
Collection Number
USU_P0115
Summary
122 photographs gathered by Knowlton during his work as an entomologist at Utah State University. The majority of these photos show different types of equipment including microscopes, sprayers, mixers, and dusters. Other photos show specific pest control projects including cricket control from 1937-1941 and fly control on dairy cows. folders fifteen through nineteen are an interesting contrast to the rest of the collection showing research done to determine the deaths of numerous honey bees. A picture of devils slide and humorous postcards of giant grasshoppers are also included.
Repository
Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library, Special Collections and Archives Division
Special Collections & Archives
Merrill-Cazier Library
Utah State University
Logan, UT
84322-3000
Telephone: 4357978248
Fax: 4357972880
scweb@usu.edu
Access Restrictions
Restrictions

Open to public research.

Languages
English.
Sponsor
Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant, 2007-2008
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Biographical Note

George Franklin Knowlton was born in Farmington, Utah on July 28, 1901. In 1921 he moved to Logan to attend the Utah Agricultural College. In 1923 he received a Bachelor's degree in Entomology. In 1924, soon after receiving a Master's Degree, Knowlton became the Assistant Entomologist at the Agricultural College. He did one year of graduate study at the University of Minnesota then transfered to Ohio State University where in 1932 he received a Ph.D. From 1925 until he became an Emeritus Professor in 1967, Knowlton taught Entomology and Zoology at Utah Agricultural College becoming an associate entomologist in 1930, a research associate in 1939, and a full professor in 1943. After receiving emeritus status, Knowlton continued to serve as a senior consultant on numerous federal grants.

Knowlton's work as entomologist was well known. He published hundreds of articles and pamphlets on various tomato, potato, beet, and berry insects. This research led to studies in the relationship of lizards and birds to insect control methods on farm and rangeland. During World War II, Knowlton served as the U.S. Army Engineers 9th service command entomologist, where he headed and organized the insect and rodent control unit. Later, he provided information on insect control for the U.S. War Department Technical Manual. In addition, he served as Chairman of the Pacific Slope Branch of the American Association of Economic Entomologists, 1940-1941, Vice Chairman of the Rocky Mountain Conference of Entomologists, 1939, and Chairman of the Northwest Vegetable Insect Control Conference 1948-1949.

Knowlton married Mary Brown Watkins in 1925 in the Logan LDS Temple. They had two daughters: Jean (Collmar) and Kathryn (Cazier). Knowlton died on April 8, 1987 at the Logan Regional Hospital.

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Content Description

The George F. Knowlton Collection consists of 122 photographs gathered by Knowlton during his work as an entomologist at Utah State University. The majority of these photos show different types of equipment including microscopes, sprayers, mixers, and dusters. Other photos show specific pest control projects including cricket control from 1937-1941 and fly control on dairy cows. folders fifteen through nineteen are an interesting contrast to the rest of the collection showing research done to determine the deaths of numerous honey bees. A picture of devils slide and humorous postcards of giant grasshoppers are also included.

Several pictures in this collection were attached to acidic paper that contained descriptive notes. This backing was removed for preservation purposes, and placed in folder 24 of this collection. The numbers on the back of the photographs corresponds with numbers on the removed papers.

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Use of the Collection

Restrictions on Use

Copyright

It is the responsibility of the user to obtain permission to publish from the owner of the copyright (the institution, the creator of the record, the author or his/her transferees, heirs, legates, or literary executors). The user agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Utah State University Libraries, its officers, employees, and agents from and against all claims made by any person asserting that he or she is an owner of copyright.

Permission to publish material from the Dr. George F. Knowlton photograph collection must be obtained from the Special Collections Photograph Curator and/or the Special Collections Department Head.

Preferred Citation

Dr. George F. Knowlton photograph collection, 1935-1955. (P0115). Utah State University. Special Collections & Archives Department.

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Administrative Information

Arrangement

Arranged in numeric sequence according to box, folder, and Item

Acquisition Information

Aquisition information is unknown

Processing Note

Register completed by Mark W. Buchanan, November 2004.

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Detailed Description of the Collection

Container List

  • Pest Control

    Container: Box 1, Folder 1

    • Description: 01:01:01. : Three men, in front of Woods Cross Canning Company, standing next to Friend (?), Duster, Clearfield, Utah

      (See photo's 01:01:03 & 01:02:01).

      Dates: 1941 June
      Location: Pest Control
    • Description: 01:01:02. : Horse drawn duster sitting in a yard next to other equipment
      Location: Pest Control
    • Description: 01:01:03. : Side view of the same Friend (?), Duster shown in photo 01:01:01, Clearfield, Utah
      Dates: 1941 June
      Location: Pest Control
    • Description: 01:01:04. : Horse drawn duster, shown in 01:01:02, dusting field
      Location: Pest Control
    • Description: 01:01:05. : Two men operating Agicide Duster, in field near Tremonton, Utah

      (See photo's 01:02:05 and 01:02:07).

      Dates: 1941
      Location: Pest Control
    • Description: 01:01:06. : One man drives a truck as another operates duster from the bed
      Dates: 1946
      Location: Pest Control
    • Description: 01:01:07. : Tractor and duster loaded with DDT sitting in field near Delta Utah
      Dates: August 1946
      Location: Pest Control

  • Pest Control

    Container: Box 1, Folder 2

    • Description: 01:02:01. : Two men preparing sprayer in front of Woods Cross Co. building, Clearfield, Utah, June 4, 1941. "Mr. Stephens operated duster. Barlow swept"
      Dates: 1941 June 4
      Location: Pest Control
    • Description: 01:02:02. : "Power dusting equipment is readied in spring, to meet pest control needs on peas, beans, tomatoes, or other crops." Smithfield, Utah
      Dates: 1941
      Location: Pest Control
    • Description: 01:02:03. : A group of men and a duster outside warehouse in Smithfield, Utah
      Dates: 1941 June 16
      Location: Pest Control
    • Description: 01:02:04. : George Knowlton standing next to duster while it is parked near a shed
      Dates: June 1941
      Location: Pest Control
    • Description: 01:02:05. : Two Men operate Agicide Duster as two men, a women, and two children look on, southwest of Tremonton
      Dates: 1941 June
      Location: Pest Control
    • Description: 01:02:06. : Large truck, with duster on back, parked on the side of the road. "Mapleton, Eddington Can Co., June 3, 1941, Agicide Duster"
      Dates: 1941 June 3
      Location: Pest Control
    • Description: 01:02:07. : Two men dig Agicide Duster out of mud in pea field near East Garland, Utah
      Dates: 1941 June 25
      Location: Pest Control
    • Description: 01:02:08. : Three men dust pea field for aphids near Smithfield, Utah
      Dates: 1941 June 14
      Location: Pest Control
    • Description: 01:02:09. : Two men prepare duster infield. "Perry Can Co., June 14, 1941, 5 min, N. Brigham"
      Dates: 1941 June 14
      Location: Pest Control

  • Pest Control

    Container: Box 1, Folder 3

    • Description: 01:03:01. : Rearview of man operating tractor-sprayer in field
      Location: Pest Control
    • Description: 01:03:02. : Front view of man operating tractor-sprayer in field

      (See photo 01:03:01).

      Location: Pest Control
    • Description: 01:03:03. : George F. Knowlton operating Farmall tractor with Niagara duster attached
      Location: Pest Control
    • Description: 01:03:04. : George F. Knowlton sits on tractor-duster while two unidentified men stand nearby
      Location: Pest Control
    • Description: 01:03:05. : "Alfalfa weevil control, aimed at killing the over wintering beetles before they lay eggs, is here being applied near Fielding, by U.S. Department of Agriculture entomologist F.V. Lieberman of the Legume Seed Research Laboratory. This application is put on when first growth reaches only 1 to 2 inches, which is before the fields show much greening, explained Dr. G.F. Knowlton, Utah State Agricultural College Extension Entomologist"
      Location: Pest Control

  • Pest Control

    Container: Box 1, Folder 4

    • Description: 01:04:01. : "Tractor with metering devise for granular material showing one tube for each of four rows plus power takeoff from left wheel axle"
      Location: Pest Control
    • Description: 01:04:02(a).: "Tractor-sprayer with 20 foot boom mounted on rear on one side, capable of adjustment for different heights of crops"
      Location: Pest Control
    • Description: 01:04:02(b).: "Tractor-duster with 20 foot boom mounted in rear on one side of tractor capable of adjustment for heights of different crops. Both dust and granular materials can be broadcast with this equipment"
      Location: Pest Control
    • Description: 01:04:03(a).: "Tractor showing four chisels mounted on power bar for applying granular insecticide in four seed rows. Depth application can be varied by hydraulic lift. This equipment used for placing insecticide below seed level prior to seeding"
      Location: Pest Control
    • Description: 01:04:03(b).: "Transformer attached to 12 volt battery operating hand vacuum with special nozzle for removing seed or granular material from hoppers"
      Location: Pest Control
    • Description: 01:04:04(a).: "Operation using hand vacuum for removing granular or seed from hopper in which several materials are being used in test plots"
      Location: Pest Control
    • Description: 01:04:04(b).: "Close up view of power take off on tractor for operating spray pump. Transfer can be made from sprayers to duster by removing four bolt clamp on power shaft"
      Location: Pest Control
    • Description: 01:04:05.: "Close-up view of power take-off on tractor for operating power duster. Note the transfer from sprayer to duster is made by removing four bolt clamp and placing pully on power shaft"
      Location: Pest Control

  • Pest Control

    Container: Box 1, Folder 5

    • Description: 01:05:01(a). : "Figure 1. Dusting peas for weevil control in Utah. Bean unit mounted in pickup truck"
      Location: Pest Control
    • Description: 01:05:01(b). : "Figure 2. Dusting for Weevil Control in Utah. Bean unit mounted in heavy truck"
      Location: Pest Control
    • Description: 01:05:02(a). : "Figure 3. Dusting for pea weevil control in Utah. Messinger unit mounted in pickup truck"
      Location: Pest Control
    • Description: 01:05:02(b). : "Figure 4. Dusting for pea weevil control in Utah. Horse-drawn unit. Machines of this type were very satisfactory"
      Location: Pest Control
    • Description: 01:05:03(a). : "Figure 5. Dusting for pea weevil control in Utah. Another view of the preceding machine."

      (See photo 01:01:04).

      Location: Pest Control
    • Description: 01:05:03(b). : "Figure 6. Dusting with hand operated machine for weevil control. Corners into which power equipment could not be drawn were dusted in this fashion"
      Location: Pest Control
    • Description: 01:05:04(a). : "Tractor-sprayer-duster loaded on ¾ ton pickup truck for transporting to field experiments on insect control on sugar beets and vegetable insects. Logan, Utah"
      Location: Pest Control
    • Description: 01:05:04(b). : "Tractor-sprayer-duster being loaded into ¾ ton pickup on two 2x12 planks used for each runway"
      Location: Pest Control
    • Description: 01:05:05(a). : "Close up view of tractor-sprayer-duster showing dust boom mounted on special brackets for movement; showing also front spray boom folded for transporting plus 10 gallon exchangeable can for spray materials"
      Location: Pest Control
    • Description: 01:05:05(b). : "Tractor-sprayer with front spray boom 20 feet long, capable of adjustment to heights varying within 12 inches by hydraulic lift"
      Location: Pest Control

  • Cricket Control Camp (Pictures in the folder were taken by G.R. Judd)

    Container: Box 1, Folder 6

  • Cricket Control (USDA photographs taken by Forsythe)

    Container: Box 1, Folder 7

    • Description: 01:07:01. : "Lands too steep or thick with underbrush and rocks for equipment mounted on trucks or trailers are baited by hand. Here a crew scatters poison bait in the path of migrating crickets"
      Dates: 1941 June
      Location: Cricket Control (USDA photographs taken by Forsythe)
    • Description: 01:07:02. : "A new poison bait spreader-an adaptation of the trailer spreader used in the grasshopper control campaign-is tested outside the Elko, Nev., field station
      Dates: June 1941."
      Location: Cricket Control (USDA photographs taken by Forsythe)
    • Description: 01:07:03. : "Migrating Mormon crickets cross mountain streams in their path by dropping in and floating with the current until they reach the other side. A film formed by "oil drips," half to three quarters of a mile apart along the stream will kill the floating crickets"
      Dates: 1941 June
      Location: Cricket Control (USDA photographs taken by Forsythe)
    • Description: 01:07:04. : "Pick-up trucks carry power dusters across cricket-infested lands. The operators wear respirators as a protection against the dust"
      Dates: 1941 June
      Location: Cricket Control (USDA photographs taken by Forsythe)
    • Description: 01:07:05. : "The hand-dusting crew advances on a band of migrating crickets"
      Dates: 1941 June
      Location: Cricket Control (USDA photographs taken by Forsythe)

  • Cattle: Grub and Fly Control

    Container: Box 1, Folder 8

  • Airborne Cricket Control (USDA Photos taken by Hufnagle)

    Container: Box 1, Folder 9

  • Spray Equipment

    Container: Box 1, Folder 10

    • Description: 01:10:01.: Hand sprayer labeled "DDT"
      Location: Spray Equipment
    • Description: 01:10:02.: Unidentified hand sprayer
      Location: Spray Equipment
    • Description: 01:10:03.: Unidentified hand sprayer
      Location: Spray Equipment
    • Description: 01:10:04.: Man using hand sprayer in corners of field

      Duplicate of 01:05:03(b).

      Location: Spray Equipment
    • Description: 01:10:05.: Man spraying outside of building with power sprayer, demonstrating fly control equipment for the Utah Agricultural College Extension Service
      Dates: 1947 March 27
      Location: Spray Equipment

  • Spray Equipment

    Container: Box 1, Folder 11

    • Description: 01:11:01.: Man using Smith E-Z Knapsack Lever Type Sprayer made by D.B. Smith & Co., Utica, N.Y
      Location: Spray Equipment
    • Description: 01:11:02.: "Compact, easily moved power sprayer with 12 1/2-gallon tank spraying small fruit tree." H.D. Hudson Manufacturing Company Chicago, Illinois
      Location: Spray Equipment
    • Description: 01:11:03.: "Spraying small fruit Tree with 15 gallon power sprayer." Champion Sprayer Company, Detroit, Michigan
      Location: Spray Equipment
    • Description: 01:11:04.: "Applying dust to small trees with Knapsack duster for insect or disease control." Champion Sprayer Company, Detroit, Michigan
      Location: Spray Equipment
    • Description: 01:11:05.: Man using power sprayer to spray large tree. H.D. Hudson Manufacturing Company, Chicago, Illinois
      Location: Spray Equipment

  • Fumigation Training School (Official Photographs, Army Air force, Base Photograph Laboratory, March Field California)

    Container: Box 1, Folder 12

  • Bait and Pesticide Equipment

    Container: Box 1, Folder 13

  • Pesticide Equipment

    Container: Box 1, Folder 14

    • Description: 01:14:01.: Gas powered broadcast spreader on back of flatbed truck
      Location: Pesticide Equipment
    • Description: 01:14:02.: "Poisoned bait for the cricket control campaign is prepared in the Elk, Nev., field station by mixing a weighed quantity of sodium fluosilicate (in pail) with the proper proportion of bran (right). The bait is sacked for distribution to control crews
      Dates: 1941 June
      Location: Pesticide Equipment

  • Bee Experiment

    Container: Box 1, Folder 15

    • Description: 01:15:01.: "Large Numbers of honey bees were killed in Millard County, Utah, during August of 1950 and 1951. This occurred when parathion spray and dust was applied to blossoming alfalfa. Here, Dr. G.F. Knowlton, research professor of entomology at the Utah Agricultural Experiment Station, examines a bee yard where nearly all field bees where killed"
      Location: Bee Experiment
    • Description: 01:15:01(dup).: Enlarged duplicate of photo 01:15:01
      Location: Bee Experiment
    • Description: 01:15:02.: "In this picture is shown Dr. G.F. Knowlton, one of the research staff working to determine the effects of insecticides on honeybees when they visit alfalfa fields where insecticidedal sprays have been applied to blossoming alfalfa"
      Location: Bee Experiment
    • Description: 01:15:03.: "The Photograph shows part of an investigation being carried on by these college entomologists at the North Logan Experimental Farm. Here the bees are being used to cross-pollinate alfalfa to produce a seed crop. The research also aims to measure the effects on bees from poisoning due to any agricultural chemical applications applied to the crop while it is in blossom"
      Location: Bee Experiment

  • Bee Experiments

    Container: Box 1, Folder 16

    • Description: 01:16:01.: Man in protective gear holding scale at Robert McAdams and Reed Walker's bee yard, Delta, Utah
      Dates: 1948 July
      Location: Bee Experiments
    • Description: 01:16:02.: S. Cosgriff's bees, Salt Lake City, Utah
      Dates: 1945 June 22
      Location: Bee Experiments
    • Description: 01:16:03.: Arsenic smelter. "Bee research problem"
      Location: Bee Experiments
    • Description: 01:16:04.: Bee problem, Clarkston, Utah
      Dates: 1944 June
      Location: Bee Experiments
    • Description: 01:16:05.: George Knowlton shows dead bees, North Midvale
      Dates: 1945
      Location: Bee Experiments
    • Description: 01:16:06.: W.P. Nye and G.F. Knowlton, Delta area of Utah
      Dates: 1946
      Location: Bee Experiments

  • Apiaries

    Container: Box 1, Folder 17

    • Description: 01:17:01.: Mr. Hones bee yard, Pleasant Grove, Bee Research
      Dates: 1940 September
      Location: Apiaries
    • Description: 01:17:02.: Bee yard, Layton, Utah
      Dates: 1944 March
      Location: Apiaries
    • Description: 01:17:03.: South Santa Clara, Utah bee yard
      Dates: 1944 March 25
      Location: Apiaries
    • Description: 01:17:04.: Bee yard, N. Glendale, Utah
      Location: Apiaries
    • Description: 01:17:05.: Bee yard, N. Farmington, 26 hives all dead
      Dates: 1944 spring
      Location: Apiaries
    • Description: 01:17:06.: Frank Bush's Bee yard, American Fork
      Dates: 1945 July 20
      Location: Apiaries

  • Apiaries

    Container: Box 1, Folder 18

    • Description: 01:18:01.: O. Bairds bee yards, W. Provo
      Dates: 1945 Aug
      Location: Apiaries
    • Description: 01:18:02.: J.L. Hansen's bee yard, Lehi, Utah
      Dates: 1945 Aug. 10
      Location: Apiaries
    • Description: 01:18:03.: A.G. Pledger bee yard, Bear River City
      Location: Apiaries
    • Description: 01:18:04.: Wilford Ballistan's bee yard, Nephi, Utah. "Equipment piled up on account of bee loss"
      Dates: 1945 Aug. 31
      Location: Apiaries
    • Description: 01:18:05.: Pledger's bee yard, Bear River City
      Dates: 1945 Aug
      Location: Apiaries
    • Description: 01:18:06.: Bee yard east of Santa Clara, Utah
      Location: Apiaries
    • Description: 01:18:07.: S. Cosgriff's hives, Salt Lake City, Utah
      Dates: 1945 June 22
      Location: Apiaries

  • Microscope and Lab Equipment

    Container: Box 1, Folder 19

    • Description: 01:19:01.: George Knowlton at desk displaying microscope
      Location: Microscope and Lab Equipment
    • Description: 01:19:02.: George Knowlton at desk with two microscopes
      Location: Microscope and Lab Equipment
    • Description: 01:19:03.: George Knowlton seated at a desk looking at a microscope while Robert Olson looks on
      Dates: 1954 February 24
      Location: Microscope and Lab Equipment
    • Description: 01:19:04.: "Gerald L. Dean, a graduate student in entomology, of Ogden, Utah, Who is assisting Dr. G.F. Knowlton on his celery insect project of the Utah State Agricultural College Experiment Station." Dean is seated at a desk looking through microscope
      Location: Microscope and Lab Equipment

  • Utah State Agricultural College Greenhouses

    Container: Box 1, Folder 20

  • Farm Equipment

    Container: Box 1, Folder 21

    • Description: 01:21:01.: A flock of seagulls in field. Horse drawn mower(?) and rake(?) in background
      Dates: 1936 spring
      Location: Farm Equipment
    • Description: 01:21:02.: Two horse mower(?) scattering seagulls
      Dates: 1936
      Location: Farm Equipment
    • Description: 01:21:03.: Seagulls descend on field behind boy driving mower
      Dates: 1936
      Location: Farm Equipment

  • Devils Slide

    Container: Box 1, Folder 22

    • Description: 01:22:01.: "Devil's Slide--A freak of nature where the rocks have weathered away leaving a slide formation on the side of the mountain"
      Location: Devils Slide

  • Postcards

    Container: Box 1, Folder 23

    • Description: 01:23:01.: Postcard from "Hebe", July 7, 1955. Shows a giant grasshopper being used to plow field. Inscription reads, "The Old Grey Mare she ain't what she used to be"
      Dates: 1955 July 7
      Location: Postcards
    • Description: 01:23:02.: Postcard from "Hebe" June 1954. Shows man riding a giant grasshopper. Inscription reads, "I'm on my way-I'll be seein' yeh"
      Dates: June 1954
      Location: Postcards
    • Description: 01:23:03.: Postcard from "Hebe" March 31, 1955. Shows a giant grasshopper stopping a train. Inscription reads, "The Train Holdup"
      Dates: 1955 March 31
      Location: Postcards
  • Description: Paper with Original Descriptive Notes
    Container: Box 1, Folder 24

Finding aid created by Mark W. Buchanan, November 2004.
2008

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