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Theon H. Durnford papers, 1913-1924

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Durnford, Theon H., 1877-1972
Title
Theon H. Durnford papers
Dates
1913-1924 (inclusive)
Quantity
1.0 linear feet
Collection Number
Mss 750
Summary
This collection contains letters from customers throughout Montana and nearby states ordering fruit from Theon H. Durnford in Lolo, Montana, 1913-1924 and Durnford's receipts and statements from Hughes Mercantile in Lolo between 1917 and 1919.
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
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Biographical Note

Theon H. Durnford was born on September 10, 1877 in Salt Lake City, Utah. In 1910 he moved from Idaho to Lolo, Montana, and began farming. From 1913 to at least 1924 Durnford operated a fruit farm in Lolo where he grew apples, cherries, plums, and a variety of other fruits. Durnford sold his fruit to customers throughout Montana and as far away as Pierre, South Dakota. In addition, he sold eggs to a Hughes Mercantile of Lolo, Montana, in exchange for goods and services. Durnford lived in Lolo until he moved to Missoula, Montana, in 1970. He died in Missoula on July 3, 1972.

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Content Description

This collection contains letters from customers throughout Montana and nearby states ordering fruit from Theon H. Durnford in Lolo, Montana, 1913-1924, with the bulk from 1918, and Durnford's receipts and statements from Hughes Mercantile of Lolo, Montana, from 1917-1919.The bulk of the letters are orders for Theon H. Dunford’s fruit but a few letters also contain personal, cultural, and social information on topics including the influenza epidemic, the scarcity of workers during the First World War, and oil drilling. The letters also offer information about the varieties of fruit Durnford grew, how these fruits were shipped, how customers chose to use the products, and how a small agricultural business functioned at the time. Durnford shipped his fruit both to individual customers and retail distributors. Many of his customers were in Big Timber, Three Forks, Toston, and Townsend, Montana.

The receipts and invoices from Hughes Mercantile record Durnford's sale of eggs to the store in exchange for everything from laundry to canned peas and chicken feed.

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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.

Preferred Citation

[Name of document or photograph number], Theon H. Durnford Papers, Archives and Special Collections, Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library, The University of Montana-Missoula.

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Administrative Information

Arrangement

This collection is divided into two series:

Series I: Business Correspondence, 0.75 linear feet, 1913-1924

Series II: Receipts and Statements, 0.25 linear feet, 1917-1919

Custodial History

The chain of ownership of this collection is unknown.

Acquisition Information

This collection was donated to the Archives by the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula in 1998.

Processing Note

During processing letters were removed from envelopes. Files were organized chronologically.

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Detailed Description of the Collection

Finding aid prepared by Beth Gibson
2010

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

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