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Bonaventure Oblasser Collection
OBL  
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Collection Details
 
Table of contents What's This?
  • Descriptive Summary
  • Access
  • Publication Rights
  • Preferred Citation
  • Acquisition Information
  • Scope and Content of Collection
  • Indexing Terms
  • Additional collection guides

  • Descriptive Summary

    Title: Bonaventure Oblasser Collection
    Dates: 1872-1982
    Collection Number: OBL
    Creator/Collector: Bonaventure, Father. O.F.M., 1885-1967
    Extent: 214 boxes
    Repository: Santa Bárbara Mission Archive-Library
    Santa Barbara, California 93105
    Abstract: Documents in this collection pertain to the Franciscan Friars' work with the Tohono O'odham in Arizona during the 20th century.
    Language of Material: English

    Access

    The collection is open for research use by appointment. To make an appointment call (805) 682-4713 ext. 131 or email research@sbmal.org

    Preferred Citation

    [Identification of item]. Bonaventure Oblasser Collection. Collection Number: OBL. Santa Bárbara Mission Archive-Library

    Acquisition Information

    The correspondence of Bonaventure Oblasser, a member of the Order of Friars Minor came to the Santa Bárbara Mission Archive-Library between 1994 and 1997 from the collections held at the University of Arizona Libraries and the library at Mission San Xavier del Bac.

    Scope and Content of Collection

    The papers of Bonaventure Oblasser, ofm (born 1885) extend from 1872-1982, with the bulk of the material concentrated in the period 1910-1939. A Franciscan Missionary pioneer, Oblasser was a Franciscan priest who spent much of his religious life among the Tohono O’odham (Papago) Indians in Arizona. The bulk of the written correspondence concerns Oblasser’s efforts to raise funds for the construction of Catholic schools, securing teachers for these schools, as well as helping the Tohono O’odham negotiate water, land, and mineral rights with the United States government. The papers consist of correspondence, notes, clippings, scrapbooks, pamphlets, periodicals, books, maps and charts, pictures and photographs. Correspondents in the collection include politicians Carl T. Hayden, George W.P. Hunt, Henry Ashhurst; government officials of the United States Bureau of Indian Affairs such as Charles Burke and John Collier; leaders of Order of Friars Minor and fellow missionaries in the field; support agencies for the missions such as the Bureau of Catholic Indian Missions, the Marquette League for Indian Welfare, and other private donors; scholars Herbert Bolton, Frank Lockwood, and others; and former students and friends.

    Indexing Terms

    Catholic Church -- Arizona -- Missions
    Tohono O'Odham Indians -- History
    Missions, Spanish -- Arizona
    Franciscans -- Arizona -- Missions
    Franciscan Friars

    Additional collection guides