E-Newsletter

Preserving the Source
An e-newsletter from the Water Resources Archive
at Colorado State University

September 2005
Issue I

Carpenter Papers Cleaning Progress

The Papers of Delph E. Carpenter and Family is the flagship collection of the Water Resources Archive (WRA). Water in the West would likely be divvied up far differently if Carpenter had not conceived, written, and negotiated the Colorado River Compact and other compacts on western rivers. His materials in the Water Resources Archive include those compact drafts, as well as related meeting minutes, reports, correspondence, photographs and more. Unfortunately, upon arrival of the collection, mold was discovered, which—though dormant—required thorough cleaning before materials could be made publicly accessible.

Thanks to Dan Tyler, author of Silver Fox of the Rockies: Delphus E. Carpenter and Western Water Compacts, spearheading a fundraiser, over $45,000 was raised to pay for equipment, supplies and staff time to facilitate cleaning and related activities. The cleaning of the boxes involved was completed in about six months. This was performed by students brushing both sides of every piece of paper in 42 boxes whether they had mold or not. Approximately ninety oversized items, including maps and certificates, are being cleaned and flattened by a contracted conservator.

The donations also allowed the hiring of two archives student assistants over the summer. These assistants sorted newspaper clippings, did photocopying, labeled boxes, and performed other tasks greatly contributing to the care of the collection. The goal for opening the collection for public access and use is early fall. At that time, the finding aid describing the collection contents will be available both in print and online.

To celebrate the opening of the Carpenter Papers, the Water Resources Archive is hosting a reception with talks and exhibits at Morgan Library on November 18, 2005, at 4:30 p.m. featuring talks about Delph Carpenter and the collection. The event is free and open to the public. RSVPs to 970.491.1844 or specialcollections@library.colostate.edu will be appreciated.

For a more detailed report on the campaign to preserve the Carpenter Papers, along with some great photos, take a look at http://giving.colostate.edu/index.asp?url=impact_students_10 .

Thanks to Donors

Carpenter’s Colorado Compact has a deep significance to past, present and future water issues in the West, and the call to support the restoration and preparation of the Carpenter Papers was met with quick and impassioned support. This outpouring of support has enabled the Water Resources Archive to preserve these priceless papers and will ensure their availability for future generations. The Water Resources Archive greatly appreciates all of this support and would like to extend a sincere thank you to its patrons. The McKee Charitable Trust and Fred Anderson are among the most noteworthy supporters providing a gift of $15,000 for these activities. The water conservancy districts also extended a strong show of support, particularly the Ute, Southwest, Colorado River, Northern Colorado, Yampa, Conejos, Roxborough Park, and Tri-County districts. Norlarco Credit Union and the Colorado Department of Natural Resources also offered a great deal of help. Water law and engineering firms were instrumental in supporting this effort along with the Colorado Bar Association Water Resources division. Finally, this project would not have been possible without the guidance and energy of Dr. Dan Tyler, who championed this project and devoted much time and effort to this cause in which he believes so deeply.

Archive Update

Our newest online finding aid is for the Papers of Gilbert G. Stamm, an alumnus as well as the commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation. Our newest donations are the Papers of Charles C. Fisk, containing a great deal of information about Denver's water history; the Papers of Edwin W. Mogren, a faculty member who worked extensively in relation to western rivers; and an addition to the Records of the Colorado Water Resources Research Institute.

The Archive has also had some staffing changes. The new Coordinator for Archives and Special Collections is Janet Bishop, who joined us in August. Patty Rettig, who has been with the Water Resources Archive since its creation in 2001 on temporary funding, has received a permanent, tenure-track position as Head Archivist.

Looking Forward

Upcoming activities for the Water Resources Archive include digitization of selected materials as well as exhibit creation. While digitization has begun on items from other collections, it will soon begin for items in the Carpenter collection. As for exhibits, the WRA's traveling exhibit will be revamped and others will be created as time and resources allow.

Support the Archive

As the home of many significant collections associated with the development of water resources throughout Colorado and the West, it is essential that the Water Resources Archive at Colorado State University continues to look toward the future, to enhance its ability to restore, preserve and house these precious historical documents for future generations. Additional funding will help support the goals of the WRA in many ways. For example, the WRA is in constant need of supplies to help preserve and stabilize materials for long term use. The WRA also seeks funding to support student employees to assist with the processing of archival materials and the development of physical and virtual exhibits. The WRA also welcomes the donation of materials (papers/records) related to the history of water resources in Colorado.

In keeping with this mission, the Water Resources Archive would like to invite you to invest in its future. To find out more information about ways to sponsor the WRA, please contact the Archive directly by emailing specialcollections@library.colostate.edu or by calling 970.491.1844. You can also donate funds directly to the WRA by visiting our giving page at https://advancing.colostate.edu/LIB/GIVE. Then on the Gift Information page, designate your funds for the Water Resources Collection and follow the remaining instructions.

Virtual Visit

To view more details about the Water Resources Archive, visit us online at http://lib.colostate.edu/archives/water/.

This quarterly electronic newsletter is designed to keep you informed on the developments with the Water Resources Archive. If you would prefer not to receive further updates, or if you know someone else who would like to receive this, just drop a line to us at development@library.colostate.edu.

This e-newsletter is created by Patty Rettig with the assistance of Judea Franck.