This collection contains research materials compiled by Southern California physician Frank S. Dolley (1885-1961) for his study of the lower Colorado River and steam navigation in the late 1800s and early 1900s. There are also original letters by Ellen Robinson, wife of a Colorado River pilot, from the 1870s, and original photographs, copy photographs and copy negatives.

Frank Steve Dolley (1885-1961) was born in Maine, graduated from Pomona College in 1907, and completed Bowdoin Medical School in 1911. He settled permanently in Los Angeles, California, in 1929, where he was a prominent thoracic surgeon. Beyond his medical interests, he was a collector and student of the history of the western United States, particularly the lower Colorado River.

150 items in 4 boxes + 3 boxes of photographs and negatives

The Huntington Library does not require that researchers request permission to quote from or publish images of this material, nor does it charge fees for such activities. The responsibility for identifying the copyright holder, if there is one, and obtaining necessary permissions rests with the researcher.

Open to qualified researchers by prior application through the Reader Services Department. For more information, contact Reader Services.