Frontier and pioneer life

Research Ready: March 2020

Posted on April 3, 2020

March’s finding aids
By Paul Fisher, Assistant Director and Processing Archivist

Michael Kaelin papers (#4043): Contains photographs of Behren’s Drug Store following the 1953 Waco tornado.
Peerless Wire & Fence Company (#4009): Publicity materials for the company based out of San Angelo, Texas, including letters and pamphlets.
Harry L. Woodyard papers (#394):Includes materials related to the activities of the 131st Field Artillery during World War I.
Staggs and Company records (#4008): Consists of materials promoting the sale of Staggs and Company’s branding table.
Midland County Abstract records (#4050): Four title abstracts to tracts of land in Midland County.
A.C. Bowles papers (#371): Contains a single transcribed letter from Bowles near the end of the American Civil War, describing conditions in camp, possible upcoming troop movements, and rumors of peace
BU Records: University Research Committee (#BU/302): Includes reports regarding funds distributed by the committee in 1975-1981.
BU Records: Museum Studies Department (#BU/355): Consists of a variety of materials from the museum studies department at Baylor University; primarily correspondence as well as administrative records.
BU Records: Emmy Parrish Lectures in American Studies Series (#BU/326): Contains materials relating to speakers at past lectures, including correspondence and programs.
BU Records: Recreational Sports Department (#BU/344): Includes the 1996-97 Year End Report produced by the department.
BU Records: Center for Community Research and Development (#BU/269): Consists of copies of community needs assessments for Corpus Christi, Burnet, Llano, and Abilene Baptist Associations.
BU Records: Aerospace Studies Department (#BU/5): Correspondence, scrapbooks, photographic material, and literary productions produced by the Baylor University Aerospace Studies Department, a University-sponsored military preparation program in partnership with the U.S. Air Force.
Zadock Woods Family papers (#4014): Contains two manuscripts about the Woods family in Texas, including details about frontier and family life, Texas history, and religion.
L. L. Sams and Sons Company Records (#2921): Records highlight the works of the church furniture company through project photographs, catalogs, advertisements, and business records.
L. L. Sams Stained Glass Studio records (#3223): Include project files, renderings, and slides that document the creation and installation of stained glass windows in Texas institutions such as churches, schools, and military installations. Correspondence, sketches, photographs, product samples, oversize drawings, and colored renderings are included.
Waco Chapter American Institute of Architects records (#240): Provides insight into the organization from its inception in 1962 until 1971. Materials include meeting minutes, membership applications, support documents issued by the national organization, correspondence, and financial documents.
BU Records: International Programs Office (#BU/341): Contains materials largely related to Baylor’s international partnerships and programs. Materials contain correspondence, pamphlets, research materials, photographs, and administrative materials.
Military Order of the World Wars (Central Texas Chapter) records (2923): A variety of records on servicemen from Central Texas who gave their lives in conflicts from 1917-1975.
Ronald W. Matthews papers (#4042): Consists of certificates of baptism, marriage, and confirmation from German-Americans in the late nineteenth century and early twentieth century.
Howe Family papers (#2648): Transcribed letters from George Plummer Howe back home during his service in the World War I.
Alexander Gordon Walsh papers (#3694): Contains memoirs and photographs from the World War I.
George Green papers (#580): Diary and photographs from George Green’s time serving in World War I.
George C. Burch papers (#356): Includes letters written by Burch during the American Civil War. Burch was a member of the 1st Florida Infantry, captured at the Battle of Missionary Ridge, and imprisoned for the rest of the war at Fort Delaware.

Each month, we post an update to notify our readers about the latest archival collections to be processed and some highlights of our print material acquisitions. These resources are primed for research and are just a sampling of the many resources to be found at The Texas Collection!Continue Reading

Research Ready: May 2018

Posted on June 5, 2018

Research Ready: February 2018

Posted on March 1, 2018

Research Ready: January 2018

Posted on February 1, 2018

January’s finding aids
By Paul Fisher, Processing Archivist

Photo at Harry S. Truman Birthplace State Historic Site, Lamar, Missouri — Photo of Dr. Lois Marie Sutton, professor at Baylor University, at the Truman Birthplace State Historic Site. It was one of Sutton’s lifelong goals to see the birthplace of each United States president, and there are many pictures of her at these presidential sites in the collection. Lois Marie Sutton photographic collection, Accession #4035, box 1, folder 25, at The Texas Collection, Baylor University.

Lois Marie Sutton photographic collection, 1940-1976 (#4035): Contains photographs of Sutton’s travels in the United States and abroad, together with a few clippings. Sutton was a professor of foreign languages at Baylor University.
BU Records: Phi Delta Phi, 1946-1971, undated (#BU/129): Administrative records, correspondence, and literary productions related to the Hemphill Inn chapter at Baylor University.
Mamie Boone papers, 1867-2006 (#3780): Includes materials on Boone’s travels in Europe and the eastern United States, plus recipes and scrapbooks. Boone was principal of John H. Reagan Elementary School in Dallas, Texas, during the 1950s.
BU Records: Graduate Council, 1959-1963 (#BU/99): Meeting minutes for Baylor University’s Graduate Council.
BU Records: Delta Delta Delta, 1947-2001, undated (#BU/274): Collection contains items pertaining to the Beta Tau Chapter of Delta Delta Delta at Baylor University, previously known as the Peer Club and Kappa Theta.

January’s print materials
By Amie Oliver, Librarian and Curator of Print Materials

Part of the Adams-Blakley collection, the volumes below recount the lives and legends of outlaw brothers Frank and Jesse James.

James, Edgar. The Notorious James Brothers: the latest and most complete story of the daring crimes of these famous desperadoes ever published : containing many sensational escapades never before made public. Baltimore: I. & M. Ottenheimer, 1913. Print.

Click here to view in BearCat.

The James Boys. A complete and accurate recital of the dare-devil criminal career of the famous bandit brothers, Frank and Jesse James and their noted band of bank plunderers, train robbers and murderers, specially compiled for the publishers. Chicago, Henneberry Co. [date of publication not identified]. Print.

Click here to view in BearCat.

Frank James and His Brother Jesse: The Daring Border Bandits. Baltimore, MD: I. & M. Ottenheimer, 1915. Print.

Click here to view in BearCat.

Research Ready: September 2017

Posted on September 29, 2017

September’s finding aids
By Paul Fisher, Processing Archivist

- Horton Foote Screenplay collection, 1954-1988 (#4006): Includes five scripts and screenplays composed by Texas-born playwright and screenwriter Horton Foote.
Two historical markers now commemorate Long Branch Cemetery: one recounting the history of the cemetery and the other honoring a former slave named Sylvia King who is buried there. Long Branch is one of the oldest cemeteries in central Texas. You’ll find these items in the Long Branch Cemetery collection, 2009-2016, undated (#4020), box 1 OVZ, folder 4, at The Texas Collection, Baylor University.
- Joe Lett Ward, Jr. papers, 1953-1972, undated (#4029): Materials about Waco civic organizations that Ward was a member of through the years.
- Long Branch Cemetery collection, 2009-2016, undated (#4020): Collection contains materials about the dedication for two Texas state historical markers in Long Branch Cemetery, a historically African American cemetery in Falls County, Texas.
- BU records: Office of the President, Chancellor, and President Emeritus (William Richardson White), 1936-1977, undated (#BU/142): Contains correspondence, literary productions, photographs, clippings, and other materials related to White’s personal life and his role as Baylor University president and chancellor 1948-1963.
September’s print materials
By Amie Oliver, Librarian and Curator of Print MaterialsEllis, Edward Sylvester. Lightning Jo: The Terror of the Santa Fe Trail. New York: Beadle and Adams, [1874]. Print.

Part of the Beadle Pocket Novels series, Lightning Jo is the adventure story of a scout leading a party through treacherous Comanche country. Click here to view in BearCat.

Lafrentz, F. W. Cowboy Stuff: Poems. New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1927. Print.

Number 98 of 500 copies produced, this special edition volume of Cowboy Stuff, complete with handmade laid paper, is signed by the author, Illustrator, and publisher. Each poem, written by F. W. Lafrentz, who, at 14-years-old immigrated to the U.S. from Germany, has an accompanying etching by Henry Ziegler, noted British artist. Click here to view in BearCat.

Research Ready: August 2017

Posted on August 31, 2017

August’s finding aids
By Paul Fisher, Processing Archivist

- Texas Railroad collection, 1903-1966, undated (#2692): Railroad timetables and manuals from railroads that operated in or around Texas.

Santa Fe Railroad Route Map, undated — Covered with handwritten notes (and safety messages), this employee timetable represents the more practical side of railroad operations in Texas. You’ll find this item in the Texas Railroads collection, Accession #2692, box 1, folder 4, at The Texas Collection, Baylor University.

Jay Presson Allen screenplay collection, 1968-1972 (#4002): Collection contains two screenplays written by Jay Allen Presson entitled The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1968) and Travels with My Aunt (1972).
James Edward Grant Screenplay collection, 1961 (#3997): Includes the final screenplay James Edward Grant composed for the film The Comancheros. The screenplay, finalized in May 1961, was based on the novel by Paul I. Wellman.
David Newman and Robert Benton Screenplay collection, 1967 (#3999): Contains a screenplay written by David Newman and Robert Benton in 1967. Titled Bonnie and Clyde, this story is centered around the infamous couple and their criminal careers.

August’s print materials
By Amie Oliver, Librarian and Curator of Print Materials

Fourteenth Annual Panhandle-Plains Dairy Show: Premium List. [Plainview, TX]: [publisher not identified], 1941. Print.

This program for the 1941 Panhandle-Plains Dairy Show contains all the information anyone showing cattle or attending the event might need, including exhibitor’s rules, judges’ rules, dairy products judging contest, officers and directors, etc. Click here to view in BearCat.

The Story of the S·M·S Ranch. [Stamford, TX?]: [Swenson Bros.?], [1919]. Print.

Filled with more than 120 photographs documenting cowboy life on the S. M. S. Ranches, this volume also provides info on breeding, show policy, cattle sales, etc. Click here to view in BearCat.

San Antonio, Tex. New York: Rotograph Co., [1905]. Print. This accordion-style fold-out postcard, which was mailed in 1907, contains photographs of several prominent places in San Antonio including City Hall, Alamo Plaza, San Pedro Park, and several missions. Click here to view in BearCat.

Research Ready: July 2017

Posted on July 31, 2017

July’s finding aids
By Paul Fisher, Processing Archivist

- James Lee Barrett Screenplay collection, 1967 (#4001): Contains one screenplay entitled Bandolero!, written by James Lee Barrett in 1967. The resulting film starred James Stewart and Dean Martin, and centered around a bank robbery in Texas and subsequent chase into Mexican, “bandolero”-held territory.

Autographed title page of play book — Screenplay for the movie “Where the Heart Is,” a film from 2000 starting Natalie Portman, Ashley Judd, and Joan Cusack. This screenplay, autographed by director Matt Williams and actress Natalie Portman, was given to Baylor University as a gesture of appreciation for letting portions of the movie be filmed on campus. You’ll find these items in the “Where the Heart Is” Screenplay collection, 1999 (#3384), box 1, folder 1, at The Texas Collection, Baylor University.

F.P. Leavenworth Confederate ordnance book, 1862-1865 (#4025): Collection consists of one order book written by F.P. Leavenworth during his command of the Confederate arsenal in Shreveport, Louisiana, and ordnance depot in Jefferson, Texas.
BU records: Baylor/Paul Baker Controversy, 1961-1963 (#BU/394): Includes materials about the production of Eugene O’Neill’s play “Long Day’s Journey into Night” at Baylor University by director Paul Baker, and the university’s subsequent cancellation of the play. The collection contains thousands of letters in response to the controversy, among other files.
Texas Navy records, circa 1970’s-1980 (#2201): The Texas Navy records consist of a brief history of The Texas Navy as well as various artistic prints produced in the 1970’s and 1980s.
Betty Wilke Cox papers, 1896-2007, undated (#3860): Cox was a writer, editor, and publisher based out of Austin, Texas. Her collection includes manuscripts, correspondence, personal journals, research material, photographs, and biographical information.
National Railway Historical Society, Central Texas Chapter records, 1887-1983, undated (#2519): Contains books, articles, photographs, maps, and other materials collected and produced by the Central Texas Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society. This research was used for a self-published book, The San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railway: The Story of the Famous “SAP” Railway of Texas (1983).
Richard D. Donner and Ronald L. Buck Screenplay collection, 1967 (#3998): Includes a single screenplay written by Richard D. Donner and Ronald L. Buck in 1967. Entitled Deaf Smith, the work chronicles the life of a frontiersman in Texas.
“Where the Heart Is” Screenplay collection, 1999 (#3384): Collection consists of a screenplay for the film Where the Heart Is. The finished product contains scenes shot on Baylor University’s campus.
San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railway Company collection, 1891-1983 (#2448): Contains photocopies of annual reports and timetables produced by the San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railway Company from the 1890’s to the 1930s.
Rose Franken Screenplay collection, 1936-1946 (#3967): Consists of four scripts and screenplays written by Rose Franken. Franken was a novelist and playwright best known for her “Claudia” stories and for their stage and film adaptations.
Gerald Drayton Adams Screenplay collection, 1953 (#4000): Includes the “Shooting Final” screenplay, written by Gerald Drayson Adams in 1953, and related materials. Titled Three Young Texans, the story is set in the 1870s and centered around a train robbery in Texas.

July’s print materials
By Amie Oliver, Librarian and Curator of Print Materials

Sullivan, John H., Jr. “Gun-play” by the World’s Fastest Revolver Shot “Texas Jack.” [United States]: [publisher not identified], [between 1932 and 1937]. Print.

“Texas Jack” Sullivan, who claimed to be the world’s fastest revolver shot, analyzes the skills of other accomplished gunmen such as “Broncho John” Sullivan, “Wild Bill” Hickok, and “Bat” Masterson. Sullivan also offers advice on handling weapons and what one should do if involved in a “stick-up.” Click here to view in BearCat.

West-Texas: Das “Land der Gelegenheiten.” [Dallas, Texas?]: [publisher not identified], [1906?]. Print.

Written in Fraktur, this promotional booklet was produced by the Texas & Pacific Railway to entice Germans to West Texas. Like most promotionals, this one provides information on farming, climate, and opportunities. Click here to view in BearCat.

Texas Prohibition Songs. Waco, Texas: Published and for sale by B. H. Simpson, [between 1900 and 1935?]. Print.

This two-sided pamphlet contains songs such as “Prohibition Battle Hymn” and “Vote the Whiskey Out,” all with a clear warning about demon liquor. Click here to view in BearCat.

Research Ready: March 2017

Posted on March 31, 2017

March’s finding aids
By Paul Fisher, Processing Archivist

Estes family papers, 1853-1996, undated (#187): Includes Civil War correspondence from Aaron Estes, a soldier in the 10th Texas Infantry, plus legal and financial papers.

McKinney, Williams, and Company currency, 1841 — During the Republic of Texas time period, inflation was rampant among the various kinds of official Republic of Texas bills. Because of this and other monetary problems in the new country, the Republic of Texas gave permission for the mercantile firm of McKinney, Williams, and Company to issue their own currency. This bill, issued in 1841, was a symbol of how wealthy and powerful the McKinney, Williams, and Company was in the Republic of Texas. When Texas joined the United States in 1845, this currency as legal tender became worthless. You’ll find these items in the Brinkman-Alston Texas currency, 1841-1843 (#3908), box 1, folder 1, at The Texas Collection, Baylor University.

Gordon Zahorik papers, 1939-1980, undated (#284): Contains photographs of streetcars operated by the Texas Electric Railway Company during the 1930’s and 1940’s.
Davis and Manon Yantis Stribling papers, 1898-1912, undated (#1595): Two albums of photographs from around the Baylor University campus, circa 1907-1910. Other materials include European postcards and books.
Currency collection, 1837-1914, undated (#3866): Collection contains currency from Texas, Mexico, various states, and organizations throughout the 1800s and early 1900s.
Gulf, Colorado, and Santa Fe Railway records, 1880 (#1902): Consists of a cancelled land deed from 1880 that was initially proposed to attract the Gulf, Colorado, and Santa Fe Railway Company to Belton, Texas.
Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad records, 1948-1949 (#2192): Includes conductor’s orders and clearance cards used in directing a special presidential campaign train carrying President Harry Truman to Waco on September 27, 1948.
Nora Elizabeth Potter Sims papers, 1943-1971, undated (#3925): Contains materials including diaries, notebooks, correspondence, newspaper clippings, photographs, and artifacts all pertaining to Nora’s life.

Texas Electric Railway stock certificate, 1928 — Roy Beck served as a conductor on the Texas Electric Railway for 28 years. On May 26, 1928, Beck received this stock certificate for a single share in the company valued at $100. The certificate is signed by Jack Beall, president of both the Texas Electric Railway Company and the Dallas Union Trust Company. You’ll find these items in the Roy Elmer Beck collection, 1918-1946, undated (#3293), box [246], folder 18, at The Texas Collection, Baylor University.

Roy Elmer Beck collection, 1918-1946, undated (#3293): Materials from Beck’s lengthy employment for the Texas Electric Railway Company in Waco.
Texas and Pacific Railroad Company records, circa 1874 (#1542): Consists of a single, U.S. Congressional bill pertaining to the construction of a transcontinental railroad via the Texas and Pacific Railway Company.
Brinkman-Alston Texas currency, 1841-1843 (#3908): Includes three paper bills: 2 Republic of Texas currency notes and 1 McKinney, Williams, and Company currency
C.E. Casebier collection, undated (#2242): Collection contains an essay by C.E. Casebier concerning his trip to Washington, D.C. in 1923 to advocate for the Kansas City-Mexico-Orient railroad.

March’s print materials
By Amie Oliver, Librarian and Curator of Print Materials

This month, we are highlighting a selection of 16^th century volumes recently discovered in our backlog and added to the collection.

San Antonio: Sport and Pleasure under Sapphire Skies. [San Antonio, TX]: [publisher not identified], [1930-1939?]. Print.

This small fold-out brochure provides enticing information on San Antonio as well as info on the Missouri Pacific Lines that service the city. Six photographs depict the cityscape, natural resources, and sporting. Click here to view in BearCat.

Porter, George L. Facts about Houston and Harris County, Texas. [Houston, TX]: [publisher not identified], [1894]. Print.

Porter explains why Houston, which at the time was nine miles square, is and will continue to be the most important city in Texas. The pamphlet includes many facts to support this claim including the number of water mains, artesian wells, churches, railway tracks, hotels, cotton compresses, etc. Click here to view in BearCat.

44-F Presents the Gig Sheet. Pampa, TX: United States. Army Air Forces, 1944. Print.

This Pampa Army Air Field Class 44-A yearbook highlights the day-to-day lives of pilots-in-training at the air field from April 22, 1943 to January 7, 1944. Click here to view in BearCat.

Research Ready: June 2016

Posted on July 1, 2016

June’s finding aids
By Paul Fisher, Processing Archivist

Georgia Burleson Hall Dining Room Report, 1930 — This document provides a fascinating glimpse into what Baylor students and staff ate in the 1930s. Along with such familiar foods today as macaroni and cheese and baked potatoes, students ate stuffed eggs and steak garnished with crab apple.

BU records: Business Affairs Division: Business Manager (George H. Belew), 1919-1944 (#BU/388): Includes Belew’s Baylor business correspondence, dining room reports from Georgia Burleson Hall, athletics documents, and other administrative files.
Nate Chodorow papers, 1931-1986, undated (#726): Documents the daily operations of one of Waco’s longest running retail businesses. Operating for more than sixty years in downtown Waco, Nate Chodorow’s Dry Goods Store provided local consumers with apparel and piece goods as well as a variety of other household goods. The correspondence, the legal and financial records, and the print materials in this collection document the history of the store as well as Chodorow’s extensive real estate transactions.
BU records: Baptist Heritage Study, 1987-1995, undated (#BU/357): Contains the records of the Baptist Heritage Study, a committee that studied Baylor University’s identity as a Christian university.

June’s print materials
By Amie Oliver, Librarian and Curator of Print Materials

Coahuila and Texas (Mexico). [Decree of the Standing Deputation of Congress … Saying that the Present Governor, Vidaurri y Villaseñor, is Removed from Office because of His Infirmities and the Office Entrusted to Juan José Elguezabal … ]. [Monclova, 1834].

One of four copies located in the world, this rare broadside, another Streeter item, provides information on the replacement of a Coahuila and Texas governor in 1834. Click here to view the Bearcat record for this resource!

Great Britain. Bill for Carrying into Effect the Treaty Between Her Majesty and the Republic of Texas for the Suppression of the African Slave Trade. [London], 1843.

This rare item, found in Streeter’s Bibliography of Texas, 1795-1845, is located in three other institutions and is the only copy located in Texas. The treaty, one of three between Texas and Great Britain signed in November 1840, deals with the suppression of the African slave trade. Click here to view the Bearcat record for this resource!

Luling Chamber of Commerce. Luling: Come to Luling Where Nature is Exceptionally Generous. [Luling, TX, 193-?].

“Texas wants you and Luling is the place to locate.” Highlighting the best 1930s Luling has to offer as a way to entice people to move there, this promotional pamphlet provides an interesting view of this small town. Contained within are photos and information on the oil industry, agriculture, recreational facilities, schools, churches, and more. Click here to view the Bearcat record for this resource!

Research Ready: March 2020

Research Ready: June 2019

Research Ready: May 2018

Research Ready: February 2018

Research Ready: January 2018

Research Ready: September 2017

Research Ready: August 2017

Research Ready: July 2017

Research Ready: March 2017

Research Ready: June 2016

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