Research Guide Illustrates Sustainability Practices Throughout the 20th Century
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11-Nov-2009
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While "sustainability" and "living green" are the new catch phrases, there are archives and records located in the Special Collections Department that demonstrate an ongoing concern with the environment throughout the 20th century, particularly in the state of Iowa. Please see the following link for a bibliography of manuscripts, university archives collections, and secondary works, related to the environment and sustainability:
http://www.lib.iastate.edu/spcl/collections/sustainability.html. A sampling of these collections is listed below.
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CONSERVATION DISTRICTS. Records, 1936-1990.
Extent: 98 linear feet.
Number: MS-460.
Description: Organization of soil conservation districts. These districts were first organized in the 1930s to combat soil erosion on the local level; each district had a plan that outlined the best use of the district's land and included long-term goals for preserving it. By February 1947, E. C. McArthur, supervisor and chair of a South Carolina conservation district, organized the National Association of Conservation Districts to provide better service to all districts. The organization coordinates the efforts of soil conservationists, farmers, and communities to provide ongoing conservation and development of soil, water, and related natural resources. Collection includes a history of the organization, legislation, correspondence, photographs, speeches, manuscripts, convention and conference programs, newspaper clippings, and committee minutes. Photographs depict erosion, tillage, harvest, soils, cropping, flood control, drainage, and terracing. Correspondents include Hugh H. Bennett, Ezra T. Benson, Charles F. Brannan, T. S. Buie, Earl Butz, Sam Chinn, F. Earl Coke, Waters Davis, Orville Freeman, Nolan J. Fugua, Clifford Hardin, William J. Horvath, Walter C. Lowdermilk, True D. Morse, R. Neil Samson, and Gladwin E. Young. Corporate and organizational correspondents include Caterpillar Tractor Company, Firestone, John Deere, the National Farmers Union, and the Izaak Walton League of America.
The finding aid for the collection is available at http://www.lib.iastate.edu/spcl/manuscripts/MS460.pdf.
One of many photographs within the collection, this shows a once better than average farmstead in Baca County, Colorado which was abandoned during the dust storms of the 1930s. The National Association of Conservation Districts strives to prevent the year after year crop failures which occurred during the Dust Bowl.
WILDLIFE SOCIETY (IOWA CHAPTER). Records, 1961-1984.
Extent: 2.52 linear feet.
Number: MS-015.
Description: Chapter of the Wildlife Society organized in 1962. The objectives of the chapter are to advance the science and art of wildlife management; to promote and maintain high professional standards; to improve public understanding and support of scientific management of wildlife and related resources; to recognize and commend outstanding work in the profession; and to focus the objectives of the parent society on wildlife problems, issues, and events on the local scene. The chapter established the Iowa Conservation Award of Merit, which is restricted to living conservationists. It also created the Iowa Conservation Hall of Fame, honoring both national and local conservationists associated with Iowa at some time in their career. This award can be bestowed posthumously. Collection consists of correspondence, resolutions, public statements, minutes of meetings, local awards, and materials related to the National Wildlife Federation and the North Central Section of the Wildlife Society. It also includes materials on the Iowa Chapter's Hall of Fame.
The finding aid for the collection is available at http://www.lib.iastate.edu/spcl/manuscripts/MS015.html
HAYDEN, ADA (?-1950). Papers, [1900-1989].
Extent: 2.33 linear feet.
Number: RS 13/05/55.
Description: Botanist. The first woman to receive a Ph.D. (in 1918) at Iowa State University, Ada Hayden was a member of the Iowa State faculty until her death in 1950. She was appointed assistant professor of botany in 1920 and served primarily as a teacher until 1934, when she was named research assistant professor for the Experiment Station. She also served as curator of the Botany Department's herbarium, and expanded and improved the quality of the collections. On campus, she was active in alumni affairs, serving as secretary of the Class of 1908. She also was an officer in Iowa State's 25 Year Club. She belonged to numerous professional organizations and served as president of Sigma Delta Epsilon and secretary of the Grassland Research Foundation. Hayden's main research focus in her later life was native prairie preservation, and the papers contain an extensive report on Iowa prairies as they existed in the 1940s. The collection also includes correspondence and articles by and about Hayden. A digital copy of her prairie scrapbook is available on the Department's Scribd site.
The finding aid for the collection is available at http://www.lib.iastate.edu/arch/rgrp/13-5-55.html.
Transfer of Records: A Gentle Reminder from the University Archives...
The University Archives (Iowa State University Library) welcomes the transfer of records and papers from University offices and faculty. While cleaning out your files, please keep us in mind as a repository for your records. The mission of the University Archives is to preserve historically valuable records and other materials (which can include three-dimensional artifacts), which document the development of Iowa State University. The University Archives is also available to assist University offices with their records management needs. If you are unsure of what records must be kept or when it is appropriate to dispose of them, please consult the University Records Retention Schedules (http://www.lib.iastate.edu/spcl/arch/retention.html) or contact the University Archives at 294-6672 and our trained staff will be happy to assist you. For more information, please visit our Website at http://www.lib.iastate.edu/spcl/arch/index.html
