Ada Stillwell Dickson was one of two daughters of Barnett and Dema Stillwell, schoolteacher and housekeeper respectively, for the school at Nespelem on the Colville Indian Reservation, from 1897-1901. Ada and her younger sister, Emma, attended the reservation school, along with the Nez Perce children. At approximately 10 years of age, Ada learned the Sahaptian language of the Nez Perce, serving as an interpreter for Chief Joseph, as well as for University of Washington Professor Edmond S. Meany, who became one of Chief Joseph's champions. She married Frank Dickson in 1908. The family apparently moved to Chelan nearby the reservation after leaving.
Dr. Edward H. Latham (1843-1928) was the agency physician on the Sioux, Spokane, and Colville Indian Reservations, arriving at the latter in 1890. He was an amateur photographer and created a record of life on the reservation.
Edmond Stephen Meany (1862-1935) was a graduate of the University of Washington. He received a masters degree from the University of Wisconsin, and his thesis centered on Chief Joseph, which brought him to the Colville Indian Reservation. He became a professor at the University of Washington and an important Washington State historian.
Photographs of the Colville Indian Reservation, including images of students and teachers at the reservation school, members of the Nez Perce, Sinkiuse-Columbia, and Okanagan tribes in both traditional and formal dress, of Ada and Emma Stillwell, as well as images of Chief Joseph's house and property, and later views of the reservation made by Ada Stillwell Dickson, during her return visit to the reservation in 1940. The majority of the images were made by Edward Latham, with the remainder made by Edmond Meany and Ada Stillwell Dickson
All inscriptions on verso made by the photographer unless otherwise noted.
Many of these photographs appear in the Edward H. Latham Photographs, PH Coll 409. Some photographs were also duplicated by Thomas Prosch and may be found in the Thomas Prosch Indian Photographs Album.
Access to originals restricted. Entire collection available on digital site. Permission of curator required to view originals. Contact Special Collections for more information.
Restrictions may exist on reproduction, quotation, or publication. Contact Special Collections, University of Washington Libraries for details.
Source: Larry Gottheim for Be-hold, Inc. Received in two parts: May 7, 2007 and November 28, 2007.
Processed by Christina Linclau, 2009.
The collection was accessioned as PH 2007-030 and PH 2007-031.
Chelan albums
Written on verso by Ada Stillwell Dickson: Playmates 1. Tal-len-a-ka-loo, Jal-win-nun-my, 2. Pea-nu-wants-son-my, 3. Will-lie-a-loot, 4. Shu-poo-cake.
This photo was taken the year that the Stillwells arrived. Ada (at right) was six and Emma was four.
Barnett and Dema Stillwell are at left. Ada (to left) and Emma Stillwell are at front right.
Written on verso by Edward H. Latham: Charlie Wil-pock-en pinto horse for parade and special occasions.
This is the brother of Charlie Wilpocken, Nez Perce. Coyote skin is emblematic of service of a scout during war.
The man at right is Charlie's brother.
Written on verso by Edward H. Latham: Charlie Wilpocken and Wife.
Wil-pock'en means "Swans on the Water."
Written on verso by Edward H. Latham: Dress Costume.
Written on verso by Ada Stillwell Dickson: Charlie Will-pock'en.
Written on verso by Edward H. Latham: Boy and papoose.
Written on verso by Ada Stillwell Dickson: Larger boy-Art Cercle.
Written on verso by Edward H. Latham: Cheif Moses- of the Columbia Tribe.
Written on verso: Medicine man- Nez Perce
Written on verso by Edward H. Latham: Dress parade.
From left to right: 1. unknown, 2. unknown, 3.Joe Moses, Sinkiuse, 4. Cool-Cool-a-Weela, Okanagan.
Eagle and Hawk feathers, at the end of the six foot long silk ribbons, would spin and trail behind the wearer as his horse ran.
Written on verso by Stillwell: Chief Joe Moses.
Written on verso by Latham: Charley Melpalkin [crossed out with pen] Nez Perce.
Both Latham and Stillwell identified this photo incorrectly. This is actually an Okanagan named Cool-cool-a-weela.
Written on verso by Latham: Nez Perce in Dress Costume.
Written on verso by Stillwell: Kok shut George.
Written on verso by Latham: Nez Perce Girl-Half-breed.
Written on verso by Latham: Squaws at Nespelem.
The woman second from right is possibly Mrs. Willie Nampoya, identified as such from carrying the same beaded handbag as in another Latham image held by UW Libraries: Latham 982. The woman on the far left is Mary Joe, identified by Ada Stillwell Dickson.
Ada Stillwell Dickson identified the women as Linda Paul, Isabel Friedlander, Mary George and Mary Joe.
Written on verso by Ada Stillwell Dickson: Susie Williams.
Written on verso by Latham: A Nez Perce girl.
Written on verso by Latham: Nez Perce Squaw.
Written on verso by Edmond Meany: Chief Joseph's barn. Nespelem Edmond S. Meany 1901.
According to the collection guide for the Edmond S. Meany Photograph Collection (PH Coll 132), this house was built for Chief Joseph by the U.S. government.
Written on verso by Edmond Meany: Chief Joseph's House. Nespelem Edmond S. Meany 1901.
Written on verso by Edmond Meany: Chief Joseph's Ictas House, Nespelem. Edmond S. Meany 1901. Ictas House where he kept his relics. Ictas = things. Where Mrs. Frank Dickson interpreted Joseph for Prof. Meany He kept his old gun, shield (rawhide) arrows old time. Note: Mrs. Frank Dickson = Ada Stillwell
Written on verso by Edmond Meany: The Mills at Nespelem Edmond S. Meany 1901.
Written on verso by Edmond Meany: Ada C. Stillwell, my interpreter at Nespelem Edmond S. Meany 1901.
Written on verso: Yours Faithfully Edmond S. Meany Seattle Wash 21 IX 1901.
Written on the back of the front album cover: "Ada's visit 30 (?) years later." These photographs were processed by "Olds & King Camera Department" as indicated on the back of the original album cover. Olds & King, located in Portland, Oregon, was purchased in 1943 and the name changed, dating these photographs to prior to that time.
The Native American woman is wearing a beaded belt with initials "LF" and carrying a beaded purse.
The man is surrounded by people in modern dress. Automobile in background has loudspeakers on roof.
The man is surrounded by people in modern dress. Automobile in background has loudspeakers on roof.
There is an automobile visible behind the girl, and people in modern dress.