Earl and Pearl Goetschius Douglass, 1904-1922

File — Box: 12, Folder: 10

Identifier: IV

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

A letter (10 April 1904) from Earl to Pearl's mother asking permission to marry Pearl is included with his letter to Pearl. The letters between Pearl and Earl in 1904 and 1905 are primarily love letters. They reflect sincere love and concern for one another. They were separated much of the time during these years--Pearl remained in her mother's home in Alder, Montana. The 1905 letters place Earl in Pittsburgh working at the Carnegie Museum, visiting his family, and on field trips throughout the West. This separation was difficult for them.

The letters resumed in 1919 when Earl was in the field working in Utah as a professional geologist. The letters from 1919 to 1922 are primarily from Earl to Pearl and Gawin (his son) and relate what he was doing in the field. A letter related a conversation with Dr. George Thomas, of the University of Utah, regarding a position at that institution.

28 June 1921--"I saw Dr. Thomas today in his office. He had asked me to call when I returned. He asked me to go again Thursday and make an offer as to terms for working in the laboratory. I would rather, in a way, not go back, especially if I had a steady and sure job. . . . Yet on the other hand, if I were connected with the University, even nominally it would give me some prestige and undoubtedly help in getting other work. . . . I will make Dr. Thomas an offer with the provision that I can go at any time into the field and count time off."

Dates

1904-1922

Language of Materials

From the Collection: Collection materials are in English.

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.