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Gordon Van Epps Papers, 1981-1984

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Epps, Gordon Van
Title
Gordon Van Epps Papers
Dates
1981-1984 (inclusive)
Quantity
0.25 Linear feet of shelf space, (1 Box)
Collection Number
Cage 955 (collection)
Summary
Papers and photographs from the work of agronomist Gordon Van Epps in the WSU / USAID project in Lesotho.
Repository
Washington State University Libraries' Manuscripts, Archives, and Special Collections (MASC)
Manuscripts, Archives, and Special Collections
Terrell Library Suite 12
Pullman, WA
99164-5610
Telephone: 509-335-6691
mascref@wsu.edu
Access Restrictions

This collection is open and available for research use.

Languages
English
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Biographical Note

Gordon Almon Van Epps (1920-2016) was raised in Arizona, received undergraduate degrees in Botany and Pre-med, served in the Navy during World War II, the got his Masters in Agronomy from Utah State University. He spent most of his career as a research and teaching professor at Utah State, including USAID stints in Iran and Bolivia. His final two years before retirement were with Washington State University on a USAID stint in Lesotho.

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Historical Note

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) was created in 1961, combining several existing foreign aid programs. Its initial two-fold charge was to reduce poverty and increase production in developing countries, and to help countries prosper under capitalism. Washington State University participated in agricultural development programs in numerous countries, include Lesotho, Pakistan, Jordan, and Mali.

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Content Description

The collection consists primarily of documents originating with or relating to the work of agronomist Gordon Van Epps on a WSU / USAID agronomy project in Lesotho. While it does contain work plans, project reports, and administrative materials, it also contains a 156 page diary of Van Epps’ time in Lesotho, correspondence from his preparations for going, and 10 photographs from the work in Lesotho.

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Use of the Collection

Restrictions on Use

Copyright restrictions apply.

Preferred Citation

[Item description]

Gordon Van Epps Papers, 1981-1984 (Cage 955)

Manuscripts, Archives, and Special Collections, Washington State University Libraries, Pullman, WA.

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Administrative Information

Arrangement

The collection is foldered by subject, alphabetically, with the materials with in each folder organized chronologically.

Acquisition Information

Gordon’s daughter Leone Van Epps Pearce of Mesa, AZ, donated this collection to the Washington State University Libraries on October 24th, 2022, where they were retained as MS.2022.24).

Processing Note

University Archivist Mark O’English processed this collection in November of 2022.

Related Materials

The MASC holds two Lesotho-focused collections, both from the International Project Support Office:

Preliminary Guide to the Washington State University International Project Support Office Lesotho Project Files, 1979-1988 (UA1988-18)

Preliminary Guide to the Washington State University International Project Support Office Lesotho Reports, 1983-1984 (UA1989-25)

Smaller folder-level Lesotho-related materials can be found in various collections.

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Detailed Description of the Collection

  • Description: Administrative materials. Includes CV, business cards.
    Dates: 1982-1983
    Container: Box 1, Folder 1
  • Description: Correspondence, pre-Lesotho, with J. Clark Ballard and Darlene Townsend-Moller.
    Dates: 1982 June-August
    Container: Box 1, Folder 2
  • Description: Diary. 152 numbered pages.
    Dates: 1982-1984
    Container: Box 1, Folder 3
  • Description: Field plans and Field trial outline. Includes oversized 1981 aerial photo of Masero.
    Dates: 1981-1984
    Container: Box 1, Folder 4
  • Description: ICRISAT (International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics) visit.
    Dates: 1984 January-March
    Container: Box 1, Folder 5
  • Description: Photographs. 10 images, captioned and dated.
    Dates: 1982-1983
    Container: Box 1, Folder 6
  • Description: Presentation. Outline.
    Dates: 1983 May 26
    Container: Box 1, Folder 7
  • Description: Reports. 4th quarter 1982, annual 1982-83, End of tour report.
    Dates: 1982-1984
    Container: Box 1, Folder 8
  • Description: Work plan.
    Dates: 1983-1984, 1984-1985
    Container: Box 1, Folder 9

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • Agricultural assistance, American -- Lesotho
  • Agricultural development projects -- Lesotho
  • Agriculture -- Lesotho

Personal Names

  • Epps, Gordon Van -- Archives

Corporate Names

  • USAID-Lesotho -- Records and correspondence
  • Washington State University. College of Agriculture -- Records and correspondence

Geographical Names

  • Lesotho

Other Creators

  • Corporate Names

    • USAID-Lesotho (creator)
    • Washington State University. College of Agriculture (creator)
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