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Russell (Orville Alburtus) Color Transparency Collection
AR.2008.002
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Description
The O. A. Russell Color Transparency Collection is a collection of nearly 8,000 color transparencies taken by O. A. Russell
and his wife, Esther, during their annual automobile vacations away from managing their Calico Motel operation in Yermo, California.
The Russells traveled throughout the western United States from the 1950s through the 1980s, visiting scenic locations in
the states of Utah, Colorado, California, Arizona, and Nevada. Russell was an accomplished mid-century film photographer in
an era before autofocus, built-in light meters, and digital images.
Background
Orville Alburtus Russell was born November 18, 1906 in Carroll County, Ohio. Russell was too young to fight in WWI and too
old to fight in WWII. Although he had only an eighth grade education, he taught himself radio repair, photography, and woodworking.
Taking time off from their motel business, the Russells traveled throughout the western United States from the 1950s through
the 1980s, visiting scenic locations primarily in the states of Utah, Colorado, California, Arizona, and Nevada.
Extent
6.2 Linear Feet
- 15 Deep Lid Boxes
Restrictions
Property rights reside with the Mojave Desert Heritage and Cultural Association. For permission to reproduce or to publish,
please contact the Archivist at the Mojave Desert Archives.
Availability
The collection is open for research. For access, please contact the Archivist at the Mojave Desert Archives at archivist@mdhca.org.