Robert Hitchman was an insurance agent, book collector, bibliographer, and an amateur historian of the Pacific Northwest. His specific area of focus was the origin of local place names, as the author of the book
Hitchman was born in Denver, Colorado on October 28th, 1908. He became a student at the University of Washington during the 1920s, and after his 1929 graduation summa cum laude with a degree in anthropology, he took a job as a researcher for Northwestern Mutual Insurance.
Hitchman interrupted his career to serve in the army during WWII, finally retiring from the service as a colonel in the reserves in 1968. He kept for his historical collection a set of the transport ship logs and loading information from the D-Day invasion. After the war, while serving as a reserve officer, he continued his prewar career as an insurance agent for what was now renamed the Unigard Mutual Insurance Company, where his historical interests led him to accumulate a collection of clippings about unusual or noteworthy insurance cases. In 1959, he was made assistant vice president of his division. In 1969 he was promoted to president of Unigard Mutual, and he also became president of Unigard Olympic in 1970. From 1971 until his retirement in 1974, he served as chairman of the board.
Hitchman's early interest in history can be seen in his autograph collection, which includes the signatures of many prominent people. A few of the books and materials from his collection date back to his college years, as well. During his time at the University of Washington, Hitchman was a student of Professor Edmond S. Meany (1862-1935), which provoked his initial interest in Washington place names. It was during the postwar period that he began to seriously collect and read books and ephemera about local history; in 1952, he began publishing
Robert Hitchman was an active member of many different historical and bibliophilic organizations. He was president of the Washington State Historical Society from 1976 until his death in 1981; on the board of the Seattle Historical Society from 1955-62; chairman of the Pacific Northwest Group of the Explorers’ Club from 1968-73; president of the Seattle Society of the Archeological Institute of America 1961-62; and historian for the Rotary Club of Seattle district 503. Hitchman was also a board member of the Friends of the Seattle Public Library; a member of the Bibliographic Society of America, and on the advisory committee for "The Papers of the Bibliographic Society of America" from 1959; a president of the Seattle Foundation; a member of the Rainier Club in Seattle; and, a member of the American Antiquarian Society (based in Massachusetts). Hitchman was a bibliographic consultant to the director of libraries at the University of Washington; he also held positions on the boards of several magazines over the years, and was a lay reader and clerk of the vestry at the Episcopal Church of the Ascension in the Magnolia neighborhood of Seattle. Though he retired in March of 1974, Hitchman remained on the board of Unigard Mutual Insurance Co.
Robert Hitchman died of complications sustained from a heart attack while attending a meeting of the American Antiquarian Society in Worchester, Massachusetts, on April 17th, 1981.
This collection is organized into five series:
Robert Hitchman's book and document collecting extended beyond the Pacific Northwest, as did his membership in various antiquarian organizations, but his primary research focus remained on local history. The bulk of the material in his collection reflects that focus and provides a glimpse into the life of a man devoted to the study of the region in which he lived.
Hitchman's historical manuscripts and collections were very important to him. The Historical Manuscripts and Collections series includes older (mostly 19th century) letters and documents related to Pacific Northwest history, as well as Robert Hitchman's autograph collection. Most items he acquired are single letters or documents, including correspondence from Washington Territorial Governor Isaac Stevens, Selucius Garfielde (Surveyor General of the Washington Territory from 1866-1869 and territorial delegate to Congress from 1869-1872), John McLaughlin (Factor for the Hudson's Bay Company at Fort Vancouver); Mary and Elkanah Walker's correspondence with Mary Whitman; and others, including an undated, bound manuscript by Seattle poet Thomas Wiedemann that includes many original drawings and caricatures of Seattle political figures. There are a few more substantial collections as well, such as the papers of Roland G. Gamwell, a popular public speaker in Bellingham, Washington during the 1920s and 1930s, and a selection of letters and writings from James H. Christie, who was the head of the Seattle Press Expedition in the Olympics during 1889 and 1890..
The Washington Place Names series contains notes and research materials Hitchman compiled and used while writing his book
The Personal Papers series includes most of Robert Hitchman's correspondence with authors, book dealers, publishers, librarians, and other local historians, as well as ephemera relating to his other hobbies and recreational activities. This series will prove most valuable to those interested in Robert Hitchman and his place in the community; selections of interest include correspondence with a friend writing from a US Navy base in Cuba during the 1958 Cuban revolution, describing society and events. There is also a large group of correspondence directly related to Pacific Northwest history, which Hitchman kept separate from his general correspondence.
The Research and Background Files series constitutes the bulk of the material in the Hitchman Papers. It includes many of Robert Hitchman's research files on topics related to Pacific Northwest history: these are largely comprised of clippings, ephemera, and periodicals from circa 1952-1980, though there are also earlier inclusions such as a collection of photographs of Seattle after the 1885 fire. Included as well is a limited quantity of correspondence which Hitchman stored in these topical files rather than with his general correspondence. Some of the most extensive elements of this eclectic and wide-ranging collection cover the early explorers of the region (especially James Cook), local aviation, labor history and maritime history.
The Scrapbooks series contains both scrapbooks that Robert Hitchman created himself (mostly during the 1960s and 1970s), and also earlier scrapbooks that he collected. The earlier scrapbooks are mostly related to the early exploration of the Olympic Mountains and date to the latter part of the 19th century (though there is also a 19th century scrapbook on east Indian religion and prayer wheels). Most of the scrapbooks were originally stored with the topical files to which they were related, but are now housed separately for preservation reasons.
Some records stored offsite; advance notice required for use.
Open to all users.
Some records stored offsite; advance notice required for use.
Creator's rights assigned to the University of Washington.
Source: Helen Hitchman (widow of Robert) via Randolph Risch (nephew), various dates 2006-2007.
Processed by Gabriel Chrisman and Nicole Bouché in 2008 and 2009.
The arrangement of the material reflects the idiosyncratic organization of Robert Hitchman's personal library. This organization was most commonly topical or subject-oriented, though there are many exceptions as well. Whenever possible, groupings made by Hitchman and titles assigned by Hitchman have been retained during processing. In cases where items housed together by Hitchman have been separated for preservation reasons, cross-references are provided in the listing.
Portions of Robert Hitchman's extensive book collection, received at the same time as this archival material, have been catalogued in the book holdings of UW Special Collections. While the majority of these books have been added to the Pacific Northwest Collection, some of them are listed in the Rare Books Collection, or other areas of Special Collections. Each book which came from the Hitchman collection includes a note in the catalog record: 'From the collection of Robert Hitchman' or 'Gift of Robert Hitchman'.
This series contains some of Robert Hitchman's collection of historical primary source documents. These have been divided into two groups: the Historical Manuscript sub-series, the content of which relates to Pacific Northwest history; and the Autograph sub-series, which contains items kept for their value as artifacts or for personal reasons, and which are not all Pacific Northwest-related.
These documents all relate to the history of the Pacific Northwest. The largest collections of files are those from James H. Christie and Roland G. Gamwell in box 1.
This is a letter from John Ball (likely the John Ball who was the author of "Remarks upon the geology, and physical features of the country west of the Rocky Mountains with miscellaneous facts") to John A. Burleigh, Esq (a lawyer?). It describes an encounter John Ball had with a Mr. McSlade when he returned to New York from Portland, and a discussion of the acceptibility of terms for a contract between McSlade and Burleigh. John Ball wrote in conclusion that he wished he could be of more help in the matter. There is a postscript requesting further information regarding the "persons of which I wrote you."
A single cabinet card photograph of J. F. S. Casey in military uniform, signed on the back 'Yours Truly,' dated April 1881. The location is listed as Fort Keogh, Montana, though the photography studio listed on the front (Palmquist) is located in St. Paul.
A diary by F. J. Church, who was part of the Olympic Exploring Expedition in 1890. Approximately 27 pages and covering the dates August 17th-September 28th, 1890, it contains detailed explanations of their route, along with brief descriptions of wildlife, geography, and geology encountered on the way. A note with the diary explains its provenence: "This notebook was presented to me in 1954 by Mrs. Joseph P. O'Neil, widow of the leader of the Olympic Exploring Expedition of 1890. Robert Hitchman. Seattle."
James Halbold Christie was born in Murrayshire, Scotland in 1854. He lived most of his life in Canada, and was employed by the Canadian government in a variety of military and exploratory capacities. Following a three year expedition in the Canadian arctic, he was the leader of the Seattle Press Expedition (December 1889-May 1890), which was the first to explore the Olympic Mountains in Washington State. He later accompanied the National Geographic Society's expedition to Mount Saint Elias, Alaska (October 1890). Towards the end of his life, he lived near Vernon, British Columibia. He died on June 15th, 1942.
These files contain several letters exchanged with Gilbert Erickson (a member of the Seattle Mountaineers Club) during 1937 discussing a retracing of his route, two letters exchanged with Robert Hitchman in 1939 and 1940 on general topics, followed by many letters during the 1960s and 1970s regarding research into James H. Christie's life, and eventually discussing a proposed monument to him. The main correspondents in these later letters are Bruce LeRoy, Robert Hitchman, and Grace Worth.
See also Hitchman's research files and scrapbook relating to Christie: box/folder 16/11-16 and 21/2.
A letter from Ramsey Crooks (President of the American Fur Company in 1838) to Henry H. Sibley of Fort Snelling. It discusses accounts and the changing market demands for different types of furs.
A typescript of an unpublished short story entitled "The Doughnut Man," addressed to Robert Hitchman from a personal friend.
Sir James Douglas, KCB, (August 15, 1803[?]-August 2, 1877) was a company fur-trader and a British colonial governor in northwestern North America, particularly in what is now British Columbia. Douglas worked for the North West Company, and later for the Hudson's Bay Company becoming a high-ranking company officer. From 1851 to 1864, he was Governor of the Colony of Vancouver Island. In 1858 he also became the first Governor of the Colony of British Columbia. He remained governor of both Vancouver Island and British Columbia until his retirement in 1864.
This item is a single, undated photograph of Sir James Douglas, taken by S.A. Spencer in Victoria, B.C.
Roland G. Gamwell was an insurance agent in Bellingham, Washington during the late 19th and early 20th century. He became a wealthy speculator in properties (at one point he was also Park Commissioner), and also an amateur historian and naturalist. He spent part of his final work years and all of his retirement doing public speaking for many different organizations on topics of local history, self-improvement, and the local flora and fauna.
Robert Hitchman acquired this group of his papers. They include some general correspondence, and many typescripts and manuscripts of his speeches. The topics range widely, from rose cultivation in the Pacific Northwest to the geological prehistory of the Bellingham area. Also included are clippings and ephemera related to Roland G. Gamwell's prominent place in the Bellingham community.
Selucius Garfielde was a politician and lawyer who moved to Washington Territory in 1857 and held various positions in government thereafter.
This letter is an order for a copy of the new edition of the Congressional Directory, sent to "Washington City."
These are largely receipts, an insurance contract with attached correspondence, and some brochures for industrial equipment. Other companies represented in the records are the Puget Sound Machinery Depot, the Felitz Tent and Awning Company, and various lumber companies.
Ella Higginson was a poet and author who lived in Bellingham during the late 19th and early 20th century. She was made Poet Laureate of Washington State in 1931.
This letter to George C. Shaw acknowleges the receipt of a copy of one of her books, and gives her reasons for not writing earlier (she was stung by yellowjackets).
Orange Jacobs was a politician, lawyer, and judge in Washington Territory and then in Washington State. At the time of this letter he had just been re-elected to Congress.
The letter is a quick autobiography written on House of Representatives stationery, and addressed simply to "Sir."
Columbia Lancaster was a delegate from Washington Territory at the time this letter was written, and later he became Regent of the University of Washington.
This letter is written to L. C. Dobbin, the Secretary of the Navy, in regards to a recommendation Lancaster had made for a midshipman appointment for Walter Raleigh Butt.
Edward Lander was the first Chief Justice for the Washington Territorial Supreme Court. He was against Isaac Stevens during the war of 1855/56, and cited him for contempt of court.
In this letter, Edward Lander is describing his attempts to help Thornton McElroy (an early printer in Washington Territory) collect a claim for public printing costs. Also included in the file is a 1961 letter from Bill Katz of the American Library Association to Robert Hitchman, explaining the context of the Lander letter.
Morton Matthew McCarver was an early settler of Oregon Territory, and then one of the founders of Tacoma in Washington Territory.
This deed transfer records the sale of an acre of land in the vicinity of Tacoma in Pierce County, Washington to William Byrd less than a year after the founding of the city.
John McLaughlin was the Chief Factor for the Hudson's Bay Company at Fort Vancouver, Washington Territory.
In this letter, McLaughlin discusses the Presidential race between Clay and Polk and the relations of the settlers with the local Native Americans.
Richard Rush was a prominent politician at the Federal level, acting at different times as the Attorney General, Acting Secretary of State, and Secretary of the Treasury. He negotiated the treaty that provided for joint British/American occupation of the Oregon Territory.
This letter to Le Joref [?] requests transhipment of certain undescribed 'articles' that he had mailed earlier.
Eugene Semple was the 13th Governor of Washington Territory.
This item is an official document appointing J. C. A. Stoggie to the position of Notary Public.
Frederick Starr was a professor of Anthropology at the University of Chicago, with a special interest in Japanese culture.
These letters include letters from US Senators wishing Professor Starr a good journey and offering diplomatic letters of introduction, and also a letter from Edmond Meany (University of Washington Professor and Anthropologist) which followed Professor Starr's address at the University of Washington in 1917. This letter includes a poem written by Edmond Meany for the birthday of the Japanese Emperor Yoshihito in 1913.
The Steilacoom Library was the first territorial library in Washington.
Besides information on the Steilacoom Library, this subseries includes bookplates from other early Washington State libraries.
Isaac I. Stevens was the first Governor of Washington Territory.
This file contains these original documents: a certificate of recognition from the Secretary of State of Rhode Island for Stevens' serivce in the army during the Mexican War, dated May 1848; an undated Special Requisition for padlocks, nails, hatchets, and saws to an army quartermaster; a letter dated March 16th, 1859, regarding payment of lighthouse keepers; and, a quartermaster's chit for expenses incurred during the Indian war of 1856, signed by Stevens. Typed transcriptions of other letters (dated 1857-1858) are also included.
Edmund Sylvester was one of the founders of Olympia, Washington in 1846.
The first document is a property sale agreement between Sylvester and I. Patton Anderson. The second is a similar property sale agreement between Sylvester and Jacob Smith.
W. F. Tolmie was an early pioneer and explorer in Washington Territory, employed by the Puget Sound Agricultural Company. Though a botanist, he published an early glossary of the Nisqually language, was part of the first expedition to the base of Mt. Rainier, and later he was Chief Factor at Fort Nisqually and Colville.
This document is a simple double receipt for $350 which was to be remitted by Tolmie to Judge Lauder in Washington D.C.
Mary & Elkanah Walker were early missionaries to the Willamette Valley of Washington, arriving in 1838.
These letters are between the Walkers and two other missionaries, C. Hamlin, and Mrs. Marcus Whitman. In the letter to Hamlin they discuss the Bible, and corruption among officials, as well as Catholics. The November 1847 letter to Mrs. Whitman relates Mrs. Walker's feelings on learning of the death of her brother and grandmother, and also relates that she fears that "all may not be quiet between Indians [and] whites." There is also an 1845 letter to their son, in which they encourage him to play some, but learn a Bible verse every day.
The letters of a family which apparently lived in Portland and then in Seattle, and had members involved in the Alaska Gold Rush. There are letters from E. M. Walsh to Helen, then letters to Helen from a friend (Nannie Green) who wrote from Cleary City, Alaska while working at a mining claim as a cook. Finally, there is a letter to the Commissioner General of the Land Office, requesting her widow's pension, and the reply.
A card-sized permit letting the officer of the guard know that James H. Watson is allowed to "all points" by order of Colonel J. C. Haines. It is signed W. I. Short [?]. This file also includes a handwritten note, much later and unrelated. Materials removed from Hitchman's copy of
Thomas Wiedemann was a Seattle poet and artist
An undated manuscript by Thomas Wiedemann, containing numerous poems, songs, cartoons, and political caricatures.
Charles W. Wilkes was the head of the United States Exploring Expedition of 1838-1842.
This is a letter to Joseph P. Garram about payment of an account.
John Ellis Wool was a United States General who was based in California, and was put in command of the troops involved in the Oregon Indian wars of the 1850s.
In this letter written during the Civil War, he related that he was unwilling to accept a new command from Washington D. C., as he felt he could do as much for the country where he was.
John V. Yantes was a photographer with a studio in Olympia, Washington. Elwood Evans was a lawyer and secretary to Governor Isaac I. Stevens. Later, in 1889, he published an early history of the Pacific Northwest.
This official document records a $115 loan taken out from Edward Lander on August 24th, 1868 against the security of Yantes' business property and effects, to be paid off within about four months at 18% interest. Elwood Evans signed the document as notary public.
This folder contains several manuscripts of acts passed by the
Territorial legislature:
These documents were collected by Robert Hitchman primarily during the 1930s, and were kept more for their value as artifacts than for their content.
Arranged alphabetically within the divisions created by Robert Hitchman.
Includes scrapbook of handwritten tributes from the occassion of Edison's death in 1933, and a commemorative medal.
Signature on parchment, with a handwritten poem.
Small scrapbook.
Small scrapbook.
Small scrapbook.
Signature on parchment, with a printed copy of his short story,
Including handwritten tributes from his death.
The Washington Place Names series contains some of the research materials used by Robert Hitchman in writing his book
Original order maintained as received from Hitchman.
This is a part of Edmond Meany's own research materials for his earlier book
Including a small, undated (but probably 19th century) pamphlet on Chinook Jargon.
Folder 5 contains 'Washington State Cities and Towns: Information for State Encyclopedia Federal Writers Project.'
Folder 6 contains 'University of Washington Libraries bibliography of history books by city.'
Includes many sketches detailing the location of Historic Markers.
See also Scrapbooks: box/folder 21/19, Washington State Historical Sites & Markers.
Bound typescript by Gary F. Reese, Director of Tacoma Public Library.
This is two copies of a typescript on place names.
Including letters to and from Edmond Meany, as well as letters from and regarding Robert Hitchman's research on place names while serving in the army during WWII.
American Speech, December 1943:
Excerpts from Meany's book, a Blanche S. Douglas typescript on the origin of Washington State place names, marked "WPA Winter project," dated January 3rd, 1939, and including a bibliography. Also
Contains a very large State Highway Records place names notebook, labeled "Donald H. Clark."
Robert Hitchman frequently made notecards on which he recorded the place names mentioned in a particular book, with page number references, as a quick reference kept with each book. Most of these are on notecards, but there are also quite a few on envelopes or scraps of paper. This was part of his research for writing his own book
This series is divided into five subseries: "Letters on Pacific Northwest History" and "Material removed from books" together contain the bulk of Robert Hitchman's correspondence. "Sighted from the Crow's Nest" and "Book community" relate to his book collecting and involvement in local historical writing, and finally "Other materials" contains his personal papers relating to his other hobbies and interests.
See also Scrapbooks: box/folder 21/4, Letters on NW History
These letters primarily contain substantive content regarding local history. They were housed separately by Robert Hitchman and are arranged here alphabetically by correspondent. Additional, ephemeral material that Robert Hitchman kept with the letters is presented in folders following the alphabetical listing.
A collection of several letters to Hitchman, written by a friend from a US Naval base in Cuba during the 1958 Cuban revolution. They contain observations and descriptions of the political and social climate. Also included is a copy of the Guantanamo base newspaper,
Includes a recipe for spruce beer.
These letters and other materials were housed in the books of Robert Hitchman's library. They primarily relate to the acquisition of these books, and to Robert Hitchman's involvement in the book community through his publication
Letters are arranged alphabetically by the last name of the primary correspondent, and each is housed with a printout of the catalog information for the book in which it was found.
Ivan Doig is a local author who wrote extensively on subjects of Pacific Northwest history.
Includes a letter from Joan London (the daughter of Jack London), regarding the biography of Jack London written by George Tweney.
Includes receipts, invoices, packing slips, and other material.
This material relates to Robert Hitchman's publication of
See also: Scrapbooks, box/folder 22/2, Who's Who Among Northwest Authors (1957, 1967)
This subseries contains material relating to Robert Hitchman's involvement in the book collecting community. While some of this material is related to local history (for example,
Original order preserved.
Catalogs, exhibition guides, etc.
These documents cover the recreational and personal interests of Robert Hitchman. They are for the most part not directly related to his study of Pacific Northwest history. They are organized in alphabetical order by Hitchman's file titles.
1970 Danbury Mint Dwight D. Eisenhower commemorative silver set, with certificate number S11855. The certificate is issued in the name of Mrs. George Silverthorn of Wausau, Wisconsin, but has been signed over to Edward Chamberlin Shell as of June 14th, 1971.
Robert Hitchman worked as an insurance agent for many years, and he collected clippings and ephemera related to interesting insurance cases.
See also Scrapbooks: box/folder 20/21, Insurance oddities
Two D-Day transport ship logs and loading diagrams. One volume stamped "secret," then crossed out and initialed RB [?]. Also stamped "Outgoing 12 May 1944." Titled
The second volume is titled
The bulk of the material in this series contains Robert Hitchman's research materials about Pacific Northwest subjects and history.
Divided into six sub-series:
These files are arranged alphabetically by title. Most of the titles were assigned by Robert Hitchman.
Map of steamship routes and railroads in Alaska from the Alaska Steamship Company, dated 1917 and printed by Poole Bros., Chicago. Inset of the Copper River and Northwestern Railway, and the Alaska Railroad.
See also Scrapbooks: box/folder
20/9, Aviation, and
Photocopies and Typescripts: box/folder
18/10,
An address by R.H. Chesshire representing the Hudson's Bay Company at a luncheon to commemorate the sesquicentennial of the establishment of the Spokane House.
Includes
These are Hitchman's research files on expeditions and important individuals who played a part in the discovery and early mapping of the Pacific Northwest. Most of the material dates from Hitchman's active collecting during the 1950s through the early 1980s, but there are a few earlier items collected by Hitchman, most notably the late 19th century scrapbooks on the explorations of the Olympic Mountains (see boxes 30 and 31).
Arranged by the date of expedition; individual explorer files are arranged by the date of their Pacific Northwest expedition(s).
These folders contain a New Zealand medal commemorating the Cook bicentennial in 1969, cased in plastic; an Australian 50 cent piece with Cook on the verso, dated 1970 and cased in plastic; a 'British Columbia Sea Festival Dollar' dated 1978, featuring Cook; 5 New Zealand 50 cent pieces featuring the 'Endeavor' (Cook's ship) dated 1x1967, 3x1973, and 1x1974; and a New Zealand Cook polished grade special issue commemorative coin issue set dated 1969, including a commemorative dollar with a Cook watermark. The coin set is encased in an original vinyl folder.
See also Scrapbooks: box/folder 25/2, George Vancouver - 1757-1798
Includes an Eastern Airlines trade beads ad, referencing the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
Including a notebook with the inscription: "Prepared by Harry W. Higman for a talk given at Seattle in 1951."
See also Scrapbooks: box 30, "Exploration of the Olympics 1885-1890 and other papers - Joseph P. O'Neil" and box 31, "The Exploration of the Olympics - Seattle Press Expedition - 1889-1890."
See also Scrapbooks: box/folder 20/15, SS Beaver
Contains two exhibit plaques made for the model of the Beaver, a souvenir coin (no. 130) commemorating the 1966 centennial of the Beaver as the first steamship on the Pacific coast, and a gold-plated copper and bronze medallion made from the boiler and fastenings of the HMS Beaver, dated 1892, and accompanied by a notarized certificate of authenticity, dated April 25th, 1901. This medallion and its certificate is noted as a gift to Hitchman from W. O. Thormley.
See also Scrapbooks: box/folder 20/18, Idaho Mine & Mill Workers Union
See also Scrapbooks: box/folder 21/1, IWW & Labor Unions
These files were housed separately by Hitchman, and contain material about local Pacific Northwest history that was either not significant enough or extensive enough to merit its own file. There is some overlap with his other research files, so any researcher interested in a particular area, period, or topic on which Robert Hitchman collected material would do well to browse these miscellaneous files as well.
See also Scrapbooks: box/folders 27/1-3, Local History, miscellaneous
See also Scrapbooks: box/folder 21/11, Shipwrecks - Compiled by Capt. N.A.[?] McDougall
Manuscript journal by William H. Mogg,
Newsletters and other publications of various Pacific Northwest historical societies.
See also Scrapbooks: box/folder 20/11, Diary of Boundary Surveyor Joel E. Ferris, Colville-Spokane Country 1858-62
This is mostly ephemeral material dating from Robert Hitchman's lifetime.
See also Scrapbooks: box/folder 21/10, Seattle Fire
Sixteen 19th century photographs of Seattle (taken by Smith & Bart) just after the fire.
This collection contains material relating to Robert Hitchman's research about the celebration of Thanksgiving in Washington State, which was part of his preparation for a speech on the subject. The text of his speech is located in folder 15/8.
See also Scrapbooks: box/folder 27/4, Thanksgiving
Minutes, treasurer's report, a bound typescript titled
See also Photocopies and typescripts: box/folder
18/13,
This material contains information on Robert Hitchman's research into an early painting of the city of Seattle, with correspondence and ephemera relating to its subsequent exhibition.
This subseries contains Robert Hitchman's research files on individuals. Many of these people were historical figures, but there are also collections relating to contemporaries of Hitchman (authors, historians, etc). Several of the contemporary files contain typescripts of these individuals' writings, which Hitchman may have edited or proofread (see Harry Majors III, box/folder 17/11-12, and George H. Tweeney, folder 17/19). Some of the most extensive files are those relating to James H. Christie (see boxes/folders 1/4-5, 16/11-16, and 21/2) and Hewitt Jackson (see boxes/folders 16/42-47, and 20/16).
Arranged in alphabetical order by surname.
George N. Belknap was in the History Department at the University of Oregon.
This collection contains some correspondence between Robert Hitchman and James Christie, as well as original manuscripts and typescipts written by Christie on many subjects, which are collected in the scrapbook. Correspondence also includes letters (including photographs) between Robert Hitchman and Grace Worth from 1968. Later correspondence in the collection describes Robert Hitchman's attempts to create a monument to Christie. There are also photographs and negatives of Christie.
Grace Worth had known Christie, and had recently written an article on him for the local paper. Hitchman sent her a copy of
See also Scrapbooks: box/folder 21/2, James H. Christie
One handwritten notebook and a typed introduction to the Winfield S. Ebey papers (also held by UW Special Collections), written between June 11-12, 1960. This material was given to the UW libraries previous to the donation of the main collection, and has now been integrated. It was formerly kept with the finding aid for the Winfield S. Ebey Papers.
Three early copies of
Hewitt Jackson was a Pacific Northwest maritime artist, who had an interest in historical vessels. Robert Hitchman was one of his patrons, and helped to organize exhibits, purchased and commissioned works of art, and promoted him in the community.
Besides correspondence, ephemera, and articles about Hewitt Jackson, this collection includes some original artwork.
See also Scrapbooks: box/folder 20/16, Hewitt Jackson, which describes Hitchman's successful nomination of Hewitt Jackson for an AASLH award.
Includes several original sketches by Hewitt Jackson, including a rough design for Hitchman's bookplate.
Harry M. Majors III was born in 1945. Hitchman corresponded with him on matters of Pacific Northwest history and bibliography beginning in 1961. Harry M. Majors III was an Anthropology student at the University of Washington in the 1960s, where he put forward a manuscript entitled 'The Northwest Coast of North America, 1542-1841' when he was 21. He served in Vietnam in 1968, and subsequently wrote several books on many aspects of Washington State history and geography.
This collection includes correspondence which illuminates the relationship between Hitchman and Majors between 1961 and 1968. One of the letters was written from Vietnam, and describes the Army camp and events of the war. The bulk of this collection consists of notes Majors lent Hitchman to review during the writing of '
These are draft versions of the material eventually included in his book
Contains a printing of
See also Scrapbooks: box/folder 20/14, Gustavus Sohon
Bound typescript dated 1964, inscribed by the author in 1966.
Typescript copy of a manuscript account by Catherine Sager Pringle, one of the survivors of the Whitman Massacre.
Certificate of merit from the Explorers' Club for his Mt. Everest expedition in 1963, dated 1964.
This subseries contains Robert Hitchman's research files on specific places in the Pacific Northwest.
Arranged in alphabetical order by the name of the file.
Most file names were assigned by Robert Hitchman.
See also Scrapbooks: box/folder 20/12, Fort Ross, California
Photo album, late 19th century, titled 'Hammond, OR, Fort Stevens, and Columbia River jetty.'
Uncredited sketchbook with pencil sketches dated between 1896-1901. Drawings are of Mt. Rainier and other Pacific Northwest landscapes.
Original hand-drawn plat map of Port Townsend on a ledger page, undated, but definitely 19th century. Shows street names and some property ownership. Back of page used as a blotter.
The most extensive part of this collection are cards from the Alaska Yukon Pacific Exposition, but there are also quite a few general Pacific Northwest related cards. Some cards in these files have been used and include cancelled postage and correspondence, while others are blank. They are arranged alphabetically within each category.
Contains an AYPE exhibition medal on a leather strap from Henry Disston & Sons, Philadelphia, PA. This was a large saw manufacturing company.
This subseries comprises the parts of Robert Hitchman's research files on local history which are copies of originals held elsewhere, or typescripts, some of which can be found as published books; others are unpublished. They are arranged alphabetically by title, and identified as a typescript or a photocopy in the listing. Where possible, the source of the photocopy is listed.
Photocopies of a scrapbook at the University of Washington Libraries containing originals printed in the San Francisco Bulletin, the Washington Pioneer-Democrat, and the Washington Standard
Includes
These periodicals were collected by Robert Hitchman for their content regarding Pacific Northwest history. Each issue contains an article which was of interest to Hitchman, and this article is referenced after the date, volume and number information. In a few cases, the entire issue relates to Pacific Northwest history.
Originally interspersed with Hitchman's books on related topics, these have been arranged in alphabetical order by title
Volume removed, catalogued and shelved in the UW Pacific Northwest Collection; call number 051 H v.55.
Volume removed, catalogued and shelved in the UW Pacific Northwest Collection; call number 051 H v.69.
Includes issue April 1836, Vol. XXXII, no.4: "Brief notice" on page 162 of the Whitmans' departure "for their fields of labor," and September 1837, Vol. XXXIII, no.9: "Indians on the Northwest coast," by Mr. Parker.
Includes issues March 1886, 12th year, no.3, which contains many articles relating the Pacific Northwest, and November 30, 1889, fifteenth year, no.132:
This series contains the scrapbooks which comprised a part of Robert Hitchman's research files on Pacific Northwest history. Most were created by Hitchman in the 1960s and 1970s, but there are also a few which were created earlier and simply collected by Hitchman (see boxes 30 (30/18), 31, and 33 (33/13). The majority of these scrapbooks include newspaper clippings from Hitchman's lifetime, ephemera, and occassionally some correspondence between Hitchman and other historians. They are listed here alphabetically by Hitchman's title.
The scrapbooks are arranged alphabetically according to titles given by Hitchman.
Scrapbooks were originally filed with related ephemeral material, but they have been housed separately here for reasons of physical size and preservation. Cross-references have been provided throughout this finding aid to indicate the places where related scrapbooks were relocated.
Certificate of Oregon Settlement Stock, dated 1832 and signed by J. McNeil; Early 20th century ephemera from the Puget Sound Mill Company in Port Ludlow, Washington; 19th century flyer for a liveryman in Olympia, Washington; photographs of ships; Snohomish County Democratic tickets for 1873 and 1879; a program from the Moran Bros. Company launching of the US battleship 'Nebraska' on October 7th, 1904; a bill of lading from the steamship 'Idaho' from 1871; an invitation to a 'Reception for the President' issued to the Hon. Thomas Burke, dated May 6th, 1891 (he was to give the 'address of welcome' for President Harrison); and other 19th century ephemera.
As published in the Seattle Times, in articles by columnist Lucille McDonald.
Includes numerous clippings from various 19th century newspapers (not always identified), published during the riots.
Includes articles from
Published in the Spokane Spokesman-Review, May 30th, 1954.
Published by the Wenatchee Daily World, September 1968
Mostly comprised of pamphlets.
Mostly typescript.
As published in the Spokane Spokesman-Review.
Transcript of a radio interview (KOMO, KJR) dated September 6th, 1940, plus correspondence from 1957.
Newspaper clippings about a prominent family in Bellingham, Washington from the late 1800s and early 1900s, plus some typed materials.
Self-gluing scrapbook in poor condition; handle with care.
Photographs of members of the expedition; the official order for the exploration, issued by H. Clay Wood; correspondence from Joseph P. O'Neil dated November 19th, 1885; and a long manuscript journal also by Joseph P. O'Neil. Following the journal is a letter to Joseph P. O'Neil from Phil S. Locke, dated October 28th, 1932, regarding the naming of a mountain at Quinalt for Joseph P. O'Neil. There are also photographs taken during the expedition by R. L. Fromme, and correspondence between Hitchman and the National Archives in the late 1940s and early 1950s regarding reports from the expedition. At the end of the scrapbook is material relating to the journal's provenence and a typescript from an interview with Joseph P. O'Neil dated 1936, a short typescript of an autobiography, and transcripts of other notes prepared by Robert L. Wood. Also included is one letter between Hitchman and Harry M. Majors dated June 27, 1962.
This scrapbook contains clippings published in The Seattle Press, July 16th, 1890, including James H. Christie's journal. Following this journal are other clippings: a religious column dated May 15th, 1894; a religious poem by G. H. Martin; several clippings from James H. Christie's St. Elias expedition to Alaska dated 1891; many other poems clipped from newspapers; and photographs taken during the expediton in the Olympics, annotated (presumably by Christie). More photos follow these, including one of Robert Hitchman and James H. Christie taken at Christie's home in August, 1937. There is an article from the Seattle Times on June 9th, 1939, stating that libraries were seeking complete copies of the Seattle Press clippings from 1890 regarding the Olympic Expeiditon. Finally, there are two later magazine articles - one from American Forests titled
An off-print of a letter written by General Henry C. Hodges while stationed at the Vancouver barracks in 1852. Also includes related ephemera and correspondence.
Contains extensive information about the preservation of George Vancouver's childhood home in King's Lynn, England. Photographs, maps, correspondence, and a pamphlet entitled
Originally printed in the Boston Journal.
Primarily correspondence between Hitchman and both the Department of the Army and the National Archives, as he sought information on Gustavus Sohon (Isaac I. Stevens' interpreter between 1853 and 1861, and artist). In these letters, Hitchman indicates his desire to write a book on Sohon. He includes a bibliography and short notes.
Supporting materials for Hitchman's nomination of Hewitt Jackson for an American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) award. Correspondence included in this scrapbook indicates that Jackson won this award for 1976, based on Hitchman's support.
As published in the Sequim Press, May 11th, 1951.
Clippings, newsletters, and pamphlets from the Coeur D'Alene District Miner's and Smeltermen's Union local 18 during their strike of the spring and summer of 1960. Includes a complete run of the
Elwood Evans was a Judge in Washington Territory and later in Washington State, and an amateur historian. Includes clippings from the Portland Oregonian:
Credited to Harold L. Bean. Includes many photographs, maps, etc.
As published in the
Many pamphlets, clippings, and ephemera related to the Industrial Workers of the World locals in Washington State.
Typescripts (apparently typed by Christie) of several short stories and writings:
Clippings from many newspapers dated 1953-1960, as well as a typescript of a speech given at the dedication of a monument marking the grave of Ranald MacDonald on October 27th, 1951.
Written by Miss L. F. Ramsey, published in the
Blank book "published" for Joshua Green, an early settler of Washington State, on the occassion of his 100th birthday. This copy signed by Green, and interleaved with clippings and ephemera about his life.
Includes a series of articles on the history of Lake Washington, published in the
Miscellaneous notes and clippings, including a postcard from Dr. Erna Gunther (the anthropologist) from the Soviet Union, dated June 23rd, 1960.
Includes a copy of a book titled
Clippings from the
Published in the
Correspondence, clippings, and numerous handwritten notes on the subject of (East) Indian religion and especially prayer wheels; also, a bookplate from William Simpson, who wrote at least one of these articles. The handwritten notes are very tiny, but still legible with magnification.
Clippings from the
Series of articles written by Click Relander, published in the
19th century clippings, photocopies of a letter from Mary A. Vestal to her daughter Mrs. William Muth, written from Seattle on June 7th, 1888 [sic], as well as a transcript of a later letter from June 10th. These letters describe the aftermath of the fire. Also included are many clippings from the 1950s.
Index cards documenting shipwrecks; in alphabetical order by vessel, indicating when, where, and sometimes why it sank.
A short typescript history of the SS Beaver by Robert Hitchman, accompanied by clippings dated between the 1930s and the 1950s, photographs, and ephemera.
"Extracted from a scrapbook compiled by Eliza Ferry Leary. Newspaper not identified. Robert Hitchman, August 5, 1960."
Daily column published in the
Published in the