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GASP (Missoula, Mont.) Records, 1958-1970

Overview of the Collection

Creator
GASP (Missoula, Mont.)
Title
GASP (Missoula, Mont.) Records
Dates
1958-1970 (inclusive)
Quantity
3.5 linear feet
Collection Number
Mss 043 (collection)
Summary
Gals Against Smog and Pollution (GASP) was a grassroots air quality organization active in Missoula, Montana, in the late 1960s. The collection details the organization and history of GASP and documents general air and water pollution conditions in Montana and in the United States.
Repository
University of Montana, Mansfield Library, Archives and Special Collections
Archives and Special Collections
Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library
University of Montana
32 Campus Dr. #9936
59812-9936
Missoula, MT
Telephone: 406-243-2053
library.archives@umontana.edu
Access Restrictions

Researchers must use collection in accordance with the policies of Archives and Special Collections, the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library, and The University of Montana--Missoula.

Languages
English
Sponsor
Funding for encoding this finding aid was provided through a grant awarded by the National Endowment for the Humanities.
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Historical Note

GASP, or Gals Against Smog and Pollution, was formed in the spring of 1968 by a group of Missoula women who wanted to fight air pollution in the Missoula valley. The group, active through 1970, aimed to implement the provisions of the 1967 Clean Air Act of Montana. Through petition drives, advertisements, rallies, marches, speeches before groups, and appearances before state regulatory agencies, the organization led the fight for strict air and water pollution standards for the state. Their first and most major target was the Hoerner-Waldorf plant, a large Kraft paper pulp operation west of Missoula. GASP was instrumental in bringing about a local pollution control system for Missoula County.

GASP was formed as both a study and an action group. As a study group, members researched pollution and industry issues, conducted interviews, and maintained a library. GASP committees covered issues such as Kraft pulp and paper processing; teepee burners and lumber companies; car exhaust, open burning, and backyard incinerators; clean air legislation; and meteorology and topography. Committees were also responsible for correspondence, publicity, fund raising, and general dissemination of information about pollution.

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Content Description

The collection details the organization and history of GASP and documents general air and water pollution conditions in Montana and in the United States. Included are correspondence and other GASP records, and an extensive collection of publications and clippings about GASP and pollution in general. The publications include items from the GASP library.

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Use of the Collection

Restrictions on Use

Researchers are responsible for using in accordance with 17 U.S.C. and any other applicable statutes. Copyright not transferred to The University of Montana.

Preferred Citation

[Name of document or photograph number], GASP Records, Archives and Special Collections, Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library, The University of Montana-Missoula.

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Administrative Information

Arrangement

The collection is divided into nine series:

Series I: General Correspondence, 0.25 linear feet, 1962-1970

Series II: Organization, 3 folders, 1968-1970

Series III: GASP Speeches and Writings, 0.25 linear feet, 1968-1970

Series IV: Other Reports and Publications, 0.75 linear feet, 1959-1970

Series V: Government Reports and Publications, 0.75 linear feet, 1955-1970

Series VI: Clippings - Newspapers, 0.75 linear feet, 1958-1970

Series VII: Clippings - Magazines, 0.5 linear feet, 1962-1970

Series VIII: Maps, 1 folder, 1967

Series IX: Photographs, 17 items, 1964-1968

Custodial History

All collection materials remained in the possession of GASP members until donation to the K. Ross Toole Archives.

Acquisition Information

Gift of GASP, date unknown.

Processing Note

The actions of the original processors are unknown. In May 1998, the collection was rearranged and re-described. The contents of collection LC 196, an addition to the original collection, LC 43, were integrated together to create Mss 43. Photocopies were made of items such as newspaper clippings, where the original paper had deteriorated. Duplicate items were discarded. During original processing all photographs were separated to the Archives general photograph collection. During subsequent reprocessing these photographs were located and reintegrated into the larger collection.

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Detailed Description of the Collection

Finding aid prepared by Erica Olsen
1998

CC Attribution
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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