Louis Curth papers
Content Description
The collection consists of research materials used in the writing of "The Forest Rangers: A History of the New York State Forest Ranger Force" (1987) and includes manuscripts, reports, correspondence, photographs, and other records detailing forest ranger history as well as glimpses into Curth's career. Curth continued to collect and compile materials relating to ranger history after the publication of the book into retirement.
Manuscript materials contain original typewritten versions of each chapter as well as edited and revised book drafts.
Research files consist of various newsclippings, articles, correspondence, and other assembled files by subject that were originally compiled in preparation for the book.
Printed materials consist of published and printed summaries, annual reports, various DEC publications, manuals, and maps relating to specific environmental issues and forest ranger policies.
Photographs and negatives depict vehicles, fire control, formal portraits, events, training, construction, and various structures. The bulk of the collection consists of black and white prints.
Objects and ephemera include Smokey the Bear memorabilia, certificates, signage, trail registers, a corporate seal, and other small items.
Audio and visual materials include VHS tapes, a 16mm film reel, and audio cassettes which document ranger history, daily duties, and special events.
Dates
- 1885 - 2003
- Majority of material found within 1930 - 2003
Conditions Governing Access
The collection is open for research.
Biographical / Historical
Louis C. Curth is the author of "The Forest Rangers: A History of the New York State Forest Ranger Force," published by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation in 1987. Curth is a retired forest ranger who devoted his career to the Forest Preserve, working for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
Extent
12.87 Cubic Feet
11 Boxes
1 Reels
10 Cassettes
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
The Louis Curth papers measure 12.87 cubic feet and date from 1885-2003. The collection consists of research materials used in the writing of "The Forest Rangers: A History of the New York State Forest Ranger Force" (1987) and includes manuscripts, reports, correspondence, photographs, and other records detailing forest ranger history as well as glimpses into Curth's career.
Arrangement
The collection is arranged as 6 series. Records are generally arranged by material type and chronologically or alphabetically thereafter.
Series 1: The Forest Rangers Manuscript, 1986-1987 (Box 1; 1.28 cubic feet)
Series 2: Research Files, 1885-2003 (Boxes 2-4; 3.85 cubic feet)
Series 3: Printed Materials, 1915-2002 (Boxes 5-6; 2.57 cubic feet)
Series 4: Photographs and Negatives, 1920-1997 (Box 7; 1.28 cubic feet)
Series 5: Objects and Ephemera, 1920-1987 (Boxes 8-10; 2.60 cubic feet)
Series 6: Audio and Visual Materials, 1958-2000 (Box 11; 1.28 cubic feet)
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Access to digitized materials is available on-site.
Custodial History
Donated by Louis Curth, June 1988, March 1998, and July 2014.
On April 22, 2011, Protect the Adirondacks! placed the collection on permanent loan with Union College.
Processing Information
Processed by Matthew Golebiewski, Fall 2018.
- Adirondack Forest Preserve (N.Y.) Subject Source: Library Of Congress Subject Headings
- Aerial photographs Subject Source: Ny Heritage K 12
- Black-and-white photographs Subject Source: Ny Heritage K 12
- Development and Implementation of Environmental Laws and Regulations Subject Source: Nys Environmental Themes
- Lectures and lecturing Subject Source: Union Tentative
- Manuscripts Subject Source: Ny Heritage K 12
- Maps Subject Source: Ny Heritage K 12
- Nature conservation -- New York (State) -- Adirondack Park Subject Source: Library Of Congress Subject Headings
- Photographs Subject Source: Art & Architecture Thesaurus
- Slides (photographs) Subject Source: Ny Heritage K 12
- Title
- Louis Curth papers
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Matthew Golebiewski
- Date
- Fall 2018
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- Undetermined
- Script of description
- Code for undetermined script
- Sponsor
- Andrew W. Mellon Foundation
Repository Details
Part of the Adirondack Research Library Repository
