John C. Merriam Papers, 1882-1945, bulk (1904-1945)

Summary

Creators:

Merriam, John C. (John Campbell), 1869-1945

Abstract:

Correspondence, manuscripts and reprints of writings, and some subject files relating to Merriam's career at the University of California as well as his work in palaeontology and conservation.

Extent:

Number of containers: 9 cartons, 1 box (Linear feet: 11.75)

Language:

English

Background

Biographical / historical:

Born in Iowa, Oct, 20, 1869, John Campbell Merriam, palaeontologist, educator and administrator, grew up in the Midwest, where he attended Lenox College. After obtaining his doctorate from Munich, Merriam came to the University of California as an instructor of palaeontology and historical geology in 1894, becoming a full professor in 1912, and Dean of the Faculties in 1920.

While at the University, he worked on the question of the authenticity of the Calaveras skull, explored shell mounds for fossils and Indian artefacts in conjunction with the Department of Anthropology, studied the John Day fauna in Oregon, the fossil beds of Virgin Valley, Nevada, and extinct faunas of the Mohave area. Of great interest to him was the discovery of fossil remains in the La Brea tar pits of southern California. It was due in large part to Merriam's foresight that the material found in the pits was preserved for scientific research. Merriam was also involved in the negotiations with Annie Alexander for the establishment of the University's Museum of Vertebrate Zoology. As a member of the University Press Editorial Committee, he actively supported publication of reports on palaeontological discoveries. Merriam resigned in June 1920 to become president of the Carnegie Institution of Washington, a post he retained until 1938. He was also a Regent of the Smithsonian from 1928.

Merriam belonged to many scientific societies and was particularly interested in the formation of a palaeontological society which would publish current articles. He always retained an interest in the West, and, as president of the Save-the-Redwoods League, was active in the conservation movement in California.

Acquisition information:

The John C. Merriam papers were gifted to the Bancroft Library by Lawrence C. Merriam and Charles W. Merriam in 1963 and 1970.

Physical location:

For current information on the location of these materials, please consult the Library's online catalog.

Related resources

Other descriptive data:

The collection consists largely of incoming and outgoing correspondence dating mainly from circa 1904 to 1919 and from 1940 to 1945. Merriam's correspondence dating from the 1920s and 1930s is in the John C. Merriam papers at the Library of Congress. Also in the collection are typed manuscripts of some of Merriam's articles, addresses, lectures, and memoranda dating from circa 1912 to 1945. Among these are Merriam's writings relating to his interest in National Parks (Yosemite, the Grand Canyon, and Crater Lake, in particular, but also to the idea of National Parks more generally). The collection also includes some files relating to organizations such as the University of California, Save-the-Redwoods League and the National Parks Association.

Location of this collection:

UC Berkeley, Bancroft Library

University of California, Berkeley, The Bancroft Library

Berkeley, CA 94720-6000, US

Contact:

510-642-6481

bancref-library@berkeley.edu

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