Animal and plant Studies

File — Box: 4, Folder: 2

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

From the Collection: The Eldon J. Gardner papers (1936-1986) contain the personal and professional papers of Eldon John Gardner. The collection has been organized into nine sections. The first of these sections contains items of a personal nature. Biographical and autobiographical writings located in box one provide detailed information regarding Gardner and his family. Other materials include personal correspondence, information on prizes and awards Gardner received, and materials related to Gardner's education. The correspondence section of the collection consists of general correspondence beginning in 1949 and continuing through 1986. The majority of letters in this section are between Gardner and his colleagues regarding their professional activities. Boxes ten through twelve comprise the third section of the Gardner collection, and contain materials that pertain to the many conferences, seminars, and symposiums Gardner participated in throughout his career. Materials range from schedules, lecture notes, and programs, to correspondence regarding arrangements for the various gatherings. As evidenced by materials in the fourth section of this collection, Gardner was affiliated with numerous professional organizations throughout his career. His participation is reflected in the form of membership directories, correspondence, annual reports, and newsletters. A gifted instructor, Gardner taught classes at Salinas College in California, the University of Utah, and Utah State University. Boxes 14 through 17 contain instructional materials Gardner used in his classes including lecture notes, references, and examinations. The sixth section of the collection consists of articles and addresses Gardner published and presented over the years. The dominant topics of his articles and addresses are cancer and genetics. The seventh section of the collection contains research articles published in numerous professional journals, and research and training proposals made to various government agencies and research institutions. Box 23 contains material relating to Gardner's study of Utah colorectal cancer families, and materials in box 24 reflect his research on tumerous head disease. The final box in this section, box 25, consists of contracts, subcontracts, and other miscellaneous items. An avid writer, Gardner published several books in areas of scientific inquiry including zoology, genetics, biology, human heredity, and evolution. The eighth and largest section of the collection contains chapter drafts, galley proofs, advertising materials, notes and outlines, and reviews pertaining to Gardner's books. Additionally, boxes 41 through 43 contain correspondence between Gardner, his co-authors, and publishers regarding the preparation and publications of his books. The final section of the Eldon J. Gardner collection encompasses a wide variety of materials and has therefore been labeled miscellaneous. Included in this section are materials reflecting Gardner's travel for personal and professional purposes, miscellaneous financial records from Utah State University, term papers from Garnder's zoology students, and subject files containing information on individuals Gardner was acquainted with and subjects he had an interest in. Also included are materials pertaining to the conflict between the theory of evolution and the biblical account of creation. Gardner wrote several articles on the subject, and collected articles written by others. These are located in box 44, along with additional materials on the evolution versus creation controversy.

In 1987, the medical research records that accompanied the collection were transferred to the Howard Hughes Institute at the University of Utah Medical Center.

Dates

1936-1986

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.