Correspondence, 1926

File — Box: 17, Folder: 8

Identifier: IV

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

During this year Douglass worked for the University of Utah in the geology laboratory assemblying the paleontological exhibit.

Correspondence between Douglass and J. H. Ratliff, exploration engineer, Vernal, Utah, expressing their concern for development of Dinosaur National Monument. Without protection, the site was exposed to serious damage and loss.

Correspondence concerning their interest in the development of the Uinta Basin oil exploration. Both Douglass and Ratliff had made scientific studies of parts of the area and hoped to find financial aid from oil companies for intensive exploration.

31 January--In a letter to Ratliff, Douglass wrote of a Uinta Basin meeting to be held in Salt Lake City. "Our main objects are first to help promote the National Monument Museum Bill. We want to know whether the Chamber of Commerce here is going to take hold and help or whether they are going to do nothing, as usual."

12 February--Douglass to Ratliff, "You know something of my ideas in regard to the oil in the basin. Every trip in the field only confirms my conclusions but I haven't won over the money interest yet, neither am I making a campaign. I know the time will come when the data will be wanted and I have it when it is needed. If I die they work it out as I did, yet I feel impelled to put the data on record." Douglass then gave Ratliff his theories and findings on the evidence of oil in Uinta Basin. "This for the present, is just between you and I."

6 September--Douglass to Dr. William J. Holland of Carnegie Museum asking about a pension for himself which had been discussed a number of years before. "As you know I served Carnegie Museum from 1902 to 1923 . . . [when] I asked for, and obtained leave of absence. . . . But in reality I served the museum from 1894 when I began collecting new fossil mammals from the Tertiary of Montana, as all of this collection on which I spent my time and money for eight years was practically given to the museum when I entered its service, and most of my scientific work in the museum afterward was based on this material."

Dates

1926

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.