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Oversize Materials

 Series
Identifier: V

Scope and Contents

From the Collection: The Wilbur H. Smith papers (1853-1988) contain mining and geology documents collected by Wilbur H. Smith (1913-1988), a former division geologist for Kennecott Copper Corporation. The collection is divided into four sections and contains essays, publications, maps, correspondence, notes, books, newspaper and magazine articles, geology charts, reports, and pamphlets. The collection contains information on smelting, railroads, and the United States Geological Survey; Bingham, Utah, and the nearby Kennecott Copper mine; prominent miners in Utah; and national and international mining organizations and areas. The collection also contains some of Smith's personal correspondence, information on his employment in Oaxaca, Mexico, and documents resulting from his education at the University of Utah.

The first section, Personal Papers, contains information on Smith's employment in Mexico, his retirement, and home purchase; a typescript of the diary of his father, and correspondence. Also included are memorial addresses for William Russell Anderson, a geologist for Kennecott Copper Corporation; Smith's caricature and appointment books; and University of Utah documents. The correspondence in box 1, dating 1955-1988, includes information on the history of the U.S. mining industry, papers and articles written on Bingham mining activities in Utah, and Smith's collection of publications on mining history, such as Copperfield by Arilla B. Jackson. Correspondence relating to Smith's death is located in box 1, folder 4. Miscellaneous personal documents include expenses, medical prescriptions, and customs information relating to Smith's job in Oaxaca, Mexico; retirement certificates; and titles and deeds from his home purchase in the 1960s. These are located in box 2 and date from 1909-1996. A typescript of his father's diary, 1909-1911; memorial addresses for his Kennecott co-worker, William Anderson, and a caricature of Smith are also located in box 2. Smith's appointment books, dating 1967-1969, are in box 3. His files containing reports, essays, and notes from his University of Utah classes are located in boxes 4-5 and date from 1932-1940.

The second section, Mining and Geology Files, dates from 1871-1985 and is divided into four groups. These groups focus on Bingham Canyon mining in Utah, international mining, Kennecott Copper Corporation, railroads, smelting, and the United States Geological Survey. They are located in boxes 6-23 and consist of reports, essays, notes, magazine and newspaper articles, correspondence, booklets, and diagrams. Also included are biographies on miners such as Charlie Ney Kenco and United States Geological Survey maps.

The third section of the collection, Mining and Geology Maps, consists mainly of maps but also includes oversize materials. The majority of the maps date from 1853-1982 and show the topography, geology, and development of mines and mining areas in Utah. Also included are United States and international mining area maps with similar cartographic features. The maps show national and international areas containing coal reserves and mineral deposits, as well as United States railroad routes. The Utah, United States, and international maps are located in boxes 24-25. Included in the oversize materials is a national historical atlas, 1966-1968, with information on United States culture, exploration, territories, and elections from the late eighteenth century to 1968; and a set of 1971 colored prints of Indians first published by Thomas L. McKenney between 1836 and 1844. Indian warriors and leaders such as Sequoyah and Black Hawk are represented. The oversize items are located in box 26.

The fourth section, Articles and Miscellaneous Materials, contains newspaper and magazine articles, 1875-1987, with information on ghost towns, nuclear holocaust, pioneers, mines in Utah, geologic rock structures, and transportation. The articles, located in boxes 27-29, are arranged in the subject and date classifications established by Smith. Editions of The Salt Lake Tribune (1936-1941, 1971-1979), The Ogden Standard Examiner (1969), and The Deseret News (1975) are located in box 28. These are special scenic, centennial, United States Bicentennial, and anniversary issues documenting various events in Utah's history. The miscellaneous materials include monographs on Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico; essays and stock certificates; geologic charts, tables, and scales; and magazine articles on early civilization. These materials are located in box 30 and date from 1887-1982.

Dates

  • 1853-1988

Conditions Governing Access

Twenty-four hour advanced notice encouraged. Materials must be used on-site. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.

Extent

From the Collection: 19.5 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

From the Collection: English

Creator

Repository Details

Part of the J. Willard Marriott Library Special Collections Repository

Contact:
295 South 1500 East
Salt Lake City Utah 84112 United States
801-581-8863