Historical Photographs in the University of Idaho Library

Historical photographs are an extraordinary form of primary source documentation. Accordingly, the Department of Special Collections at the University of Idaho Library has amassed a major collection of historical photographs, approximately 100,000 prints and negatives, documenting all facets of Idaho's past and present. A small sample of images selected from the many different photograph collections in the library is available. Card indexes, databases, and inventories provide access to the images in the library where professional staff will assist you in finding the images desired.

The Barnard-Stockbridge Collection is one of the major resources for the study of over ninety years of activities in the famed Silver Valley of northern Idaho's panhandle. Gold mines gave way to silver mines as T.N. Barnard, pupil of plains photographer L .A. Huffman, set up his studio in Wallace in the 1880's. Later, his assistant, one-eyed Nellie Stockbridge, and successor owner of the Barnard Studio, continued to take photographs until the 1960's.

Albert B. Curtis, Chief Fire Warden of the Clearwater and Potlatch Timber Protective Associations and Mayor of Orofino, Idaho, was an avid photographer of Central Idaho's vast forests. His collection of early images and snapshots he took provide a major source of information on the human impact of wilderness areas. He was a strong proponent of the building of Dworshak Dam on Bruces Eddy outside Orofino and took many pictures while the dam was being constructed.

The University of Idaho is also a major source of photographs as different departments document their students, their research, and their service activities.

Other, smaller, collections contain innumerable memorable photographs touching all aspects of life in Idaho. In addition, many manuscript and archival groups preserved by the library contain photographs which are important components of the documentary record.

Ordering Photographs

Photographs may be ordered using the Photograph Reproduction Form, copies of which are available from the Department of Special Collections.

When ordering, please identify each image desired with its number and title. Indicate the quantity and size required. Full caption data will be supplied with each print.

All copy negatives will be retained by the library for future orders. Photo enlargements are generally printed glossy finish on resin-coated paper. Rush orders, special toning or papers, large prints, and other requests will be charged additional fees. Orders from Idaho will have sales tax added. Shipping and handling will be added as required. Times and prices are subject to change; a final invoice will accompany the prints.

Photoprints are supplied for personal use only. Any further use (such as exhibition or publication) requires specific written permission of the University of Idaho Library and the possible payment of additional fees. Please write requesting the publication fee schedule.

Because photographs are documentary records, their proper use requires adequate citation when published or exhibited. Each such use must be accompanied by proper credit to the University of Idaho Library and to the photographer or creator (if known). In addition, the identification number for each item must be included in the credit line.

An illustrated brochure is available. Send your request to:

Special Collections and Archives
University of Idaho Library
Moscow, Idaho 83844-2351
TEL: 208-885-7951
<libspec @ uidaho.edu>

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