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Walter M. Stookey photograph collection

 Collection
Identifier: P2119

Scope and Contents

The Walter M. Stookey photograph collection consists of 1 box cotaining 34 black-and-white photograph prints depicting Walter Stookey's career in history from the 1930s to 1950, particularly his research for his 1950 book Fatal Decision: The Tragic Story of the Donner Party and his work for the Utah Trails and Landmarks Association. Included are images of trails, markers, and monuments dedicated to the Donner Party Trail, Lewis and Clark Trail, Oregon Trail and Pony Express.

Dates

  • 1936-1950

Creator

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.

Conditions Governing Use

The library does not claim to control copyright for all materials in the collection. An individual depicted in a reproduction has privacy rights as outlined in Title 45 CFR, part 46 (Protection of Human Subjects). For further information, please review the J. Willard Marriott Library's Use Agreement and Reproduction Request forms.

Biographical Note

Walter M. Stookey was born on March 25, 1869 in Clover, Utah. Stookey received his undergraduate degree at the University of Utah and earned his medical degree at the University of Saint Louis, specializing in the fields of ophthalmology and otolaryngology. After completion of his studies, Stookey joined the staff of the LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah. In addition to his work as a doctor, Stookey harbored a strong interest in the history of the western United States, particularly the Donner-Reed party of 1846-1847. In 1950, he published a history of the Donner Party titled Fatal Decision: The Tragic Story of the Donner Party. Stookey was a member of the Utah Trails and Landmarks Association, the Sons of Utah Pioneers, and the "This is the Place" Monument Commission. As chairman of the Utah Trails and Landmarks Association's Historical Committee, he participated in locating and marking pioneer trails and the Pony Express route. Walter Stookey died in November 1951.

Extent

1 Box (34 items)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

Walter M. Stookey (1869-1951) was a Utah medical doctor and historian who specialized in the Donner-Reed party. Stookey was a member of the Utah Trails and Landmarks Association and was involved in locating and marking trails and routes across the state. This colleciton contains photographs documenting Stookey's interest in the Donner Party and involvement in marking and memorializing the history of westward expansion in the United States.

Arrangement

Arranged by subject.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Donated by Robert W. Ellison in 2016.

Separated Materials

See also the Walter M. Stookey papers (ACCN 2983) in the Manuscripts Division of Special Collections.

Processing Information

Processed by Special Collections staff.
Title
Guide to the Walter M. Stookey photograph collection
Author
Finding aid created by Claire A. Kempa.
Date
2022
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid written in English.

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