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Charles Irving Clay Papers
2023.01
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Title: Charles Irving Clay Papers
Dates: Letters 1892-1918 (date span) 1904-1910 (bulk dates); Photographs 1932-1968
Collection Number: 2023.01
Creator/Collector:
Extent: .5 linear feet
Repository:
Cal Poly Humboldt, Library Special Collections and Archives
Arcata, California 95521-8299
Abstract: This collection includes material pertaining to Charles Irving Clay’s professional and personal life. These letters sent to
Clay, and occasionally sent from Clay, provide information on how ornithological research and business was conducted in the
early 20th century. Included in the professional correspondence is information related to the purchase of “skins”, nests,
and other specimens for the study of birds and particularly oology. The correspondence with family and friends offers insight
into how communication was conducted in a more casual way about everyday life, familiar connections and some personal gossip.
The series of photographs captures people in a wide variety of scenarios, images of cars, buildings from travels around the
country, as well as several different bird and nest specimens.
Language of Material: English
Open for research by appointment.
Copyright has not been assigned to Cal Poly Humboldt. To obtain permission to publish or reproduce in any format please contact
the Special Collections Librarian.
[Identification of item]. Charles Irving Clay Papers. Collection Number: 2023.01. Cal Poly Humboldt, Library Special Collections
and Archives
This collection was donated by Ray Hillman to the University of Pacific. The University of Pacific donated the material to
Cal Poly Humboldt’s Special Collections in 2023, as it relates to the C.I. Clay Oological Collection, which is open for research
at Humboldt.
Biography/Administrative History
Charles Irving Clay worked in the field of ornithology, more specifically oology (the study of bird eggs, nests and breeding
behaviors). He lived in Humboldt County but often worked for organizations that sent him elsewhere in the country to collect
specimens.
Scope and Content of Collection
The collection comprises 14 folders containing 144 letters, 4 postcards and 39 photographs. There are three series:
PROFESSIONAL CORRESPONDENCE includes an abundance of letters sent to Charles Irving Clay from 1894-1917. Included are letters
requesting specimens, inquiries from organizations requesting C.I. Clay for specific jobs as well as letters informing him
of his publications or requests for him to join clubs through memberships.
PERSONAL CORRESPONDENCE includes a wide variety correspondence ranging from 1892-1918 with J.A. Clay (C.I. Clay’s father),
“Frankie” (C.I. Clay's wife) and various additional family members and close friends.
PHOTOGRAPHS range from 1932-1968 and depict some specimens as well as living birds, various people and locations from travel.
Many photos have written descriptions on the back.
Birds -- California -- Humboldt County
Birds -- Nests -- California -- Humboldt County
Birds -- Eggs -- California -- Humboldt County