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F. Ross Peterson papers, 1945-2004

Overview of the Collection

Title
F. Ross Peterson papers
Dates
1945-2004 (inclusive)
Quantity
50 boxes, (22 linear feet)
Collection Number
UUS_COLL MSS 252
Summary
This collection contains Peterson's LDS missionary papers, publications, research papers, professional affiliations, oral history materials, personal and professional correspondence, and a collection of editorial correspondence (1983-1992) from The Dialogue: a Journal of Mormon Thought.
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

No restrictions on use, except: not available through interlibrary loan.

Languages
English
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Biographical Note

Frank Ross Peterson was born on September 7, 1941 in Montpellier, Idaho. After completing his education in local schools, Peterson served for two years as a missionary in the Great Lakes Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (1960-1962). Upon his return, Peterson enrolled at Utah State University and began his study of history. On December 6, 1963, Peterson married Mary Kay Grimes. Together they raised three children: Bret Ross, Bart Allyn, and Matthew Aaron. In 1965 Peterson graduated from Utah State University with his BA, thereafter he continued his education at Washington State University until his graduation in 1968 with a Phd in twentieth century United States history. From 1968-1971, Peterson taught history at the University of Texas. In 1971, Peterson began teaching at Utah State University, where he remained until 2004. Over the course of Peterson's career at Utah State University, he held many positions and served on many committees, among them; History Department chair, director of the Mountain West Center for Regional Studies, executive secretary of the David W. & Beatrice Cannon Evans Biography Award, and Director of the Perpetuation of Democratic Principles Workshop. Peterson was also involved with the Jenson Historical Farm of Cache Valley. Along with serving as an editor for The Dialogue; a Journal of Mormon Thought (1987-1992), some of Peterson's publications include: Idaho: A Bicentennial History, The Teton Dam Disaster: Tragedy or Triumph, The History of Cache County, and Prophet Without Honor: Glen H. Taylor and the Fight for American Liberalism. In 2004, Peterson became president of Deep Springs College, where he had previously taught several times as a visiting professor.

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Content Description

This collection is organized into three series. Series I contains Peterson's LDS missionary papers, publications, research papers, professional affiliations, and oral history materials. Series II contains a comprehensive collection of Peterson's personal and professional correspondence. Series III contains a collection of editorial correspondence (between 1983-1992) from The Dialogue; a Journal of Mormon Thought. Most of the publications contained in Series I consist of essays, some unpublished, and various drafts of Peterson's books. The oral history material contains a rich array of local history in the form of typescripts, cassette recordings, and VHS recordings. A number of Peterson's speeches are also contained in this series.

Series II is organized into two sub-series of personal and professional correspondence. Peterson's personal correspondence contains letters written on his LDS mission and letters to and from his family and friends (1950-2004). Peterson's professional correspondence contains letters written as a professor of history and his involvement with various committees (1966-2004). These materials have been organized into outgoing and incoming correspondence (unless specified). Outgoing correspondence is organized chronologically. Incoming correspondence is organized alphabetically by the last name of the sender.

Series III contains various papers connected to The Dialogue; a Journal of Mormon Thought and F. Ross and Mary Kay Peterson's editorial correspondence for The Dialogue. In addition, this series also contains the correspondence of other Dialogue editors and employees, such as Lavina Fielding Anderson and L. Jackson and Linda King Newell. Correspondence is organized by sender and in the same manner as Series II.

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Use of the Collection

Restrictions on Use

It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain any necessary copyright clearances.

Permission to publish material from the F. Ross Peterson papers must be obtained from the Special Collections and Archives manuscript curator and/or the Special Collections and Archives department head.

Preferred Citation

Initial Citation: F. Ross Peterson papers USU_COLL MSS 252, Box [ ]. Special Collections and Archives. Utah State University Merrill-Cazier Library. Logan, Utah.

Following Citations: USU_COLL MSS 252, USUSCA.

Alternative Forms Available

Contains VHS and cassette tapes.

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Administrative Information

Arrangement

This collection is organized into three series.

Processing Note

Processed in February of 2006.

Acquisition Information

The materials in this collection were donated to USU Special Collections and Archives by F. Ross Peterson during the years 1996-2004.

Related Materials

For additional information on F. Ross Peterson see The Teton Dam Oral Histories COLL MSS 58

F. Ross Peterson Photograph Collection P0391

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Detailed Description of the Collection

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Subject Terms

Geographical Names

Titles within the Collection

  • Dialogue (Stanford, Calif.)

Finding aid/Register created by Zachary R. Jones
2011

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