Versteeg (Chester) papers, 1910-1993, bulk 1921-1960

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Summary

Title:
Chester Versteeg papers
Dates:
1910-1993, bulk 1921-1960
Creators:
Versteeg, Chester
Abstract:
The Chester Versteeg papers, 1910-1993 (bulk 1921-1960), include materials produced and collected by Versteeg relating to the Sierra Nevada and, in a more limited scope, other mountainous regions of North America.
Extent:
6.5 linear feet (5 cartons, 1 oversize folder, 1 tube
Language:
English .
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Chester Versteeg Papers, BANC MSS 96/31 c, The Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley

Background

Scope and content:

The Chester Versteeg papers, 1910-1993 (bulk 1921-1960), include materials produced and collected by Versteeg relating to the Sierra Nevada and, in a more limited scope, other mountainous regions of North America. The collection consists primarily of correspondence, raw and analyzed data, complied notes, and clippings. The majority of the collection relates to books he hoped to write, including a history of saw mills in the Sierra, place names in the Sierra, and interesting place names in the mountainous regions of North America. These books are likely unpublished. Researchers may be interested in data collected on place names and on accounts of Sierra experiences. This material was obtained by various methods, including interviews and written requests for information. As Versteeg was chairman of the Geographic Committee of the Sierra Club, this collection contains proposals and correspondence regarding assigning names for previously unnamed geographic features in the California Sierra Nevadas. Much of this correspondence is between Versteeg, representatives of the Sierra Club, the Department of the Interior, and the Department of Agriculture. There is a small amount of correspondence with and from Francis Farquhar, president of the Sierra Club.

Biographical / historical:

Chester Versteeg (1887-1963) was a Los Angeles-based insurance broker, Sierra Club officer, researcher, and author whose hobby was the Sierra Nevada. He was an avid hiker and mountain climber; he first hiked the Sierra in 1909 and climbed over 250 peaks in the range, including 40 first ascents. He served on the Sierra Club's editorial board and was the first chairman of the Geographic Committee of the Sierra Club. In this capacity he was involved in proposing names for Sierra Nevada features. He also organized the Desert Peaks section of the Sierra Club. He was an amasser of information and collected historical data including maps and photographs, and he conducted interviews with over 400 pioneers, explorers, and settlers of the Sierra Nevada.

Acquisition information:
The Chester Versteeg papers were given to The Bancroft Library by Janice Hampson and Elizabeth Todd on July 19, 1995.
Processing information:

Processed by Josh Roselle in 2010.

Accruals:

No additions are expected.

Physical location:
Many of the Bancroft Library collections are stored offsite and advance notice may be required for use. For current information on the location of these materials, please consult the library's online catalog.
Rules or conventions:
DACS

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Josh Roselle
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on 2022-06-13 14:38:48 -0700 .

Access and use

Restrictions:

Collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

Some materials in these collections may be protected by the U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.C.). In addition, the reproduction of some materials may be restricted by terms of University of California gift or purchase agreements, donor restrictions, privacy and publicity rights, licensing and trademarks. Transmission or reproduction of materials protected by copyright beyond that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the copyright owners. Works not in the public domain cannot be commercially exploited without permission of the copyright owner. Responsibility for any use rests exclusively with the user. For additional information about the University of California, Berkeley Library's permissions policy please see: http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/about/permissions-policies

Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Chester Versteeg Papers, BANC MSS 96/31 c, The Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley

Location of this collection:
University of California, Berkeley, The Bancroft Library
Berkeley, CA 94720-6000, US
Contact:
510-642-6481
bancref-library@berkeley.edu
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