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Merl LaVoy photograph collection

 Collection
Identifier: UUS_P0601

Scope and Contents

The Merl LaVoy photograph colleciton consists of 125 images, mostly from a 1930 expedition to the remote Prayer Rock District on the Navajo Reservation in Northeast Arizona. The Prayer Rock expedition was an archaeological foray sponsored by Charles Bernheimer into some lesser known canyons around the Lukachukai Mountains. Earl Morris, John Wetherill, Charles Bernheimer, Zeke Johnson, Clarence Rogers, Glen Owens, John Hanley and others collected, took photographs, and documented their findings in the area. The photos show expedition members in ruins, the pack train, a few artifacts including a huge basket, and many ruin structures. Another portion of the photos focuses on the Native Americans in the area, with many close-ups of Puebloan potters, Navajo weavers, children, and sheepherders. Also included are scenes from Zion National Park's tunnel (probably at its official opening in 1930), reenactment scenes or a movie set with many covered pioneer wagons, men with telescopes, and a Keystone view of a diver mid-air at the El Mirador Hotel in Palm Springs. Some of the images were probably taken at the Zuni Pueblo.

World traveler and adventurer/photographer Merl LaVoy took the photographs (Mostly 5" x 7") which include eight Keystone View Company published stereographs.

Dates

  • 1930-1932

Language of Materials

Material in English

Conditions Governing Access

No restrictions on use, except: not available through interlibrary loan.

Conditions Governing Use

It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain any necessary copyright clearances.

Permission to publish material from the Merl LaVoy must be obtained from the Special Collections Photograph Curator and/or the Special Collections Department Head.

Biographical Note

Merl LaVoy (1886-1953) was a prolific photographer and film maker for the British Pathe news service. An adventurer and world traveler, he is particularly known for his photos and film footage of World War I, China in the 1920s and 1930s, two Mount McKinley climbing expeditions in 1910 and 1912, and of indigenous peoples from around the world. LaVoy grew up in Oregon, although he listed Seattle as his hometown until the 1920s.

Extent

1 box (.5 linear feet)

Abstract

The Merl LaVoy photograph colleciton consists of 125 images, mostly from a 1930 expedition to the remote Prayer Rock District on the Navajo Reservation in Northeast Arizona. The Prayer Rock expedition was an archaeological foray sponsored by Charles Bernheimer into some lesser known canyons around the Lukachukai Mountains. The photos show expedition members in ruins, the pack train, a few artifacts including a huge basket, and many ruin structures. Another portion of the photos focuses on the Native Americans in the area, with many close-ups of Puebloan potters, Navajo weavers, children, and sheepherders. Also included are scenes from Zion National Park's tunnel (probably at its official opening in 1930), reenactment scenes with many covered pioneer wagons, men with telescopes, and a Keystone view of a diver mid-air at the El Mirador Hotel in Palm Springs. World traveler and adventurer/photographer Merl LaVoy took the photographs.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Purchased from Beyond Books.

Processing Information

Processed in January of 2016

Title
Guide to the Merl LaVoy photograph collection, 1930-1932
Author
Finding aid/Register created by Daniel Davis
Date
©2016
Description rules
Finding Aid Based On Dacs (Describing Archives: A Content Standard, 2nd Edition)
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid encoded in English.

Revision Statements

  • May 25, 2008.: Template information was updated to reflect Utah Manuscript Association best practices.
  • 2009: Template information was updated to reflect Archives West best practice guidelines.

Repository Details

Part of the Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library, Special Collections & Archives Repository

Contact:
Merrill-Cazier Library
Utah State University
3000 Old Main Hill
Logan Utah 84322-3000 United States
435 797-8248
435 797-2880 (Fax)