Bonaventure Oblasser Collection
Finding aid created by Santa Bárbara Mission Archive-Library staff using RecordEXPRESS
Santa Bárbara Mission Archive-Library
2023
2201 Laguna Street
Santa Barbara, California 93105
(805) 682-4713, ext. 131
research@sbmal.org
https://www.sbmal.org/
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
The collection is open for research use by appointment. To make an appointment call (805) 682-4713 ext. 131 or email research@sbmal.org
[Identification of item]. Bonaventure Oblasser Collection. Collection Number: OBL. Santa Bárbara Mission Archive-Library
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.
Catholic Church -- Arizona -- Missions
Tohono O'Odham Indians -- History
Missions, Spanish -- Arizona
Franciscans -- Arizona -- Missions
Franciscan Friars