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Finding Aids

Center of Southwest Studies Archival Collections

 

The Center’s archival collections provide invaluable insights into the history and culture of Fort Lewis College, as well as the broader Southwest region. Our collections encompass a wide variety of materials, including letters and correspondence, photographs, slides, negatives, financial and business records, maps, audiovisual media, posters, published books and periodicals, original research data, digital files, and more. These resources are non-circulating but accessible to the broader public.

To explore our archival collections, please follow the link below. Many of the Center’s archival holdings are also cataloged at the collection level in the Fort Lewis College Library Catalog.

 

Link to Archival Database

Photo of Breanna Nez in Archives

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Archival Finding Aids

Finding aids are essential tools for exploring archival collections. They offer detailed information, including collection summaries, historical or biographical context, subject lists, and descriptions of the materials and their arrangement. Most finding aids also include a container list to help locate specific items within a collection. To learn more about using finding aids, please consult our Guide to Finding Aids

 

Our finding aids are updated on an ongoing basis as we add information about collections that are newly processed.

Finding Aids

M149 - Al and Alice Lancaster papers

Collection Overview

  • Creator: Lancaster, Al Lancaster, Alice
  • Dates: 1863-1993, inclusive; 1960-1990, bulk
  • Extent: 10 linear shelf feet, 13 document cases, and 3 oversize flat boxes
  • Abstract:

    This collection contains family papers, photographs, awards, monographs, published and unpublished reports, and other printed materials. Posters and maps pertaining to archaeology of the Southwest and related topics, a burial flag, and other ephemera are also included.

  • Language: English
  • Collection Identifier: M149
  • Physical Location: This collection is located at the Center of Southwest Studies on the campus of Fort Lewis College (1000 Rim Dr. Durango, CO).

 

Using these Materials

Please contact the Center of Southwest Studies Archives Manager at archives@fortlewis.edu for more information about reproductions and accessing the collection.

 

Access Restrictions: There are no access restrictions on the use of this collection. The collection is non-circulating but open to the public for use in the Delaney Southwest Research Library at the Center of Southwest Studies.

 

Reproduction and Copyright: Materials held by the Center may be protected under U.S. and international copyright laws. Reproduction does not constitute a transfer of copyright or publication rights. Researchers are solely responsible for complying with copyright law and for obtaining any necessary permissions for reproduction or publication. The Center assumes no liability for unauthorized use of materials.

 

Related Materials:

Book at Delaney Southwest Research Library

Archeological excavations in Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado, 1950, by James A. Lancaster [and others]. Washington, National Park Service, U.S. Dept. of the Interior, 1954.

U 004

Southwest oral history collection. Recording 140.

M 214

Robert and Florence Lister papers

P 055

Robert and Florence Lister photographs

 

Preferred Citation: [Identification of item], [Collection Title], [Collection Number], Center of Southwest Studies, Fort Lewis College, Durango, Colorado.

 

 

Collection Description

Historical/Biographical NoteJ. A. "Al" Lancaster was a distinguished archaeologist with a long association with Mesa Verde and the National Park Service. His wife was a noted pioneer of the Southwest region. The following is a brief biographical description, in the University of Colorado award in 1977 that honored Mr. Lancaster for his contributions in archaeological work.

 

Scope & Contents: This collection contains family papers, photographs, genealogical records, scrapbooks, plaques, awards, honorary certificates, monographs, published and unpublished reports, brochures, periodicals, articles, and other printed materials, posters and maps pertaining to archaeology of the Southwest and related topics, and the burial flag and guest registration books from Mr. Lancaster's funeral service. It also includes ephemera, such as lapel pins, badges, and medals. The Center's curatorial section has tools/items used and/or worn by "Al" Lancaster while doing field archaeology.

 

Arrangement: The series and boxes are numbered consecutively. Because we do not expect to add to this collection, the boxes are numbered in one single numbering scheme starting with 1. Arrangement within each series is chronological by the date of the creation of the document.

 

Acquisitions Information: The heirs of Mr. and Mrs. Lancaster donated the collection to the Center of Southwest Studies by deed of gift on June 12, 1996 (accession 1996:06004). The gift (including a library of approximately 350 volumes of books, inventoried separately) was appraised by Gary Matlock, as documented by his letter dated September 29, 1995, to the Director of the Southwest Studies Center. The family's gift also included a Navajo weaving (SWT112) that was woven of handspun wool circa 1962 in the Wide Ruins (Chambers, AZ) area.

 

Processing Information: This collection was arranged and described by Linda Baker and other archival student workers under the supervision of the archivist. Archival Assistant Meredith Provera finished the arrangement and produced the folder list and series descriptions in the fall of 2007. Two record boxes of personal family items that were duplicates or lacked long-term historical research value and a small wooden chest were returned to the family on November 1, 2007 - the 15th anniversary of the death of Al Lancaster. Library student worker Tia Flippin edited, added to, and reformatted the online inventory in the Fall of 2009.

 

Subjects:

Archaeology--Colorado.
Archaeologists--Colorado.
Lancaster, James A.

 

Detailed Description of the Collection

Series Description

Series 1: Al and Alice Lancaster personal documents
Series 2: Al Lancaster archaeological documents
Series 3: Al and Alice Lancaster photographs
Series 4: Al and Alice Lancaster oversize items

 

Container Description

Series 1: Al and Alice Lancaster personal documents
1863-1992. 48 folders in 5 legal-size document cases, and 2 oversized boxes. Further arranged in 3 sub-series: awards, correspondence and family records.

Series

Description

Box/Folder

1.1

Colorado Council of Professional Archaeologists, 1982

1/1

1.1

University of Colorado Distinguished Service Award citation

1/2

1.1

Citation for Distinguished Service, Secretary of the Interior Honorable Stewart L. Udall, Secretary, Dept. of the Interior; correspondence from Watson Smith, James A. Lancaster; correspondence from the National Park Service; includes a b/w photo of " The old pit pro in pithouse E, site 1676 " Daily Events

1/3

1.1

State Archaeologist Award

1/4

1.2

Incoming personal correspondence from Ray and Sarah Foust, et al.

1/5

1.2

Empire Electric award of apperciation

1/6

1.2

Al and Alice Lancaster 70th wedding anniversary 1992, incoming personal correspondence

1/7

1.2

Al and Alice Lancaster 70th wedding anniversary 1992, incoming correspondence June 9th

1/8

1.2

Incoming correspondence includes 2 pages of photos

1/9

1.2

Incoming correspondence

1/10

1.2

Al and Alice Lancaster 50th wedding anniversary guestbook, RSVP cards, napkin

1/11

1.2

Al Lancaster 90th birthday cards, invitation to celebration Sept. 4, 1984

1/12

1.2

Letters from Al’s mother’s boyfriend

1/13

1.2

Alice Lancaster Teacher retirement certificate, celebration guest book pages

2/1

1.2

Al and Alice by Jenny L. Adams, draft. Removed from a blue 3-ring binder (not retained)

2/2

1.2

Skipped

2/3

1.3

70th Wedding anniversary guest book and guest book, event unknown

2/4

1.3

US News and World Report May 21, 1990, Western Tales includes Alice Lancaster, Pearl Baker and Paul Ramsey

2/5

1.3

James A. (Al) Lancaster, member news announcement (page 35) Courier Magazine

2/6

1.3

Fort Lewis College commencement program

2/7

1.3

Family ephemera

2/8

1.3

Guest records

2/9

1.3

Al Lancaster biographical articles Nov. 1972- June. 1981

2/10

1.3

Biographical information on Clay Allison

2/11

1.3

Contents removed from leather, tooled, laced 3-ringed " Scrapbook of Memoirs by the Friends of Al," binder. Note: the actual leather binder is in box 5, folder 1.

2/12

1.3

National Geographic membership certificate

3/1

1.3

Security Life and Accident Company records

3/2

1.3

Alice M. Lancaster records of Notary Public Records

3/3

1.3

The Lancaster family Bible

3/4

1.3

Lancaster family and historical newspaper article collection

3/5

1.3

Four-minute essays by Dr. Frank Crane

3/6

1.3

Confession of Faith and Government of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church

3/7

1.3

SMW needlepoint. Note: found in front of family photo album.

3/8

1.3

Lancaster family black and white photo album note: linked to needle point, photos are in series 5

4/1

1.3

McGuffey’s 4th grade reader, Tennessee edition

4/2

1.3

Progressive Primary Arithmetic Book

4/3

1.3

" Al 1925-1964 " leather, tooled 3-ringed binder. Note: actual contents are in box 2, folder 12.

5/1

1.4

Zion National Parks certificate of appreciation James A. Lancaster

5/2

1.4

Student appreciation plaques (2)

5/3

1.4

Byron S. Cummings Award plaque

6/1

1.4

Memorial plaque for James Allen " Al " Lancaster

6/2

1.4

Color Photo Poncho House

6/3

1.4

The Society for American Archaeology Fiftieth Anniversary Award plaque

7/1

1.4

Gila River Indian Community certificate of appreciation plaque

7/2

1.5

50th wedding anniversary wedding scrapbook

7/3

1.5

Lancaster family colored photograph

7/4

1.5

Longhouse black and white photographs

7/5

1.5

Square-Deal-Farm Blako (Oklahoma) photograph

7/6

 

 

Series 2: Al Lancaster archaeological documents
1921-1982. 72 folders in 4 legal-size boxes. Arranged by archaeological site names.

Series

Description

Box/Folder

2.1

Ceramic profiles in the Western Mound of Awatovi Northeastern Arizona, by Robert F. Burgh

8/1

2.1

Preliminary report of the Peabody Museum Awatovi Expedition of 1936

8/2

2.1

Preliminary report of the Peabody Museum Awatovi Expedition of 1937, by J. O. Brew

8/3

2.1

Preliminary report of the Peabody Museum Awatovi Expedition of 1938, by J. O. Brew

8/4

2.1

Preliminary report of the Peabody Museum Awatovi Expedition of 1939, by J. O. Brew

8/5

2.2

Alkali Ridge correspondence from Emil W. Haury, Earl H. Morris, and William Duncan Strong

8/6

2.3

Watson Smith correspondence concerning Ansel Franklin Hall 1894-1962

8/7

2.3

Awatovi Peabody expedition maps

8/8

 

folders 9, 10, 11, and 12 are skipped

 

2.4

Chaco inscriptions, El Palacio, Thomas O’Conner, Charles Behler, et al.

8/13

2.5

Hopi and Hovenweep articles

8/14

2.6

Preliminary report on the Peabody Museum Jeddito Expedition of 1935, by J. O. Brew

8/15

2.7

Chronology and Cultural Activity in Johnson Canyon Cliff Dwellings: Interpretation from tree-ring date, by Bruce G. Harrill and Cory D. Breternitz

8/16

2.8

An Archaeological Test at Site MV 1966: A small Pueblo on Long Mesa, report by Winfield L Mitchell

8/17

2.9

Lowry Pueblo Great Kiva drawing

8/18

2.10

Mesa Verde 75th anniversary Anasazi symposium records

8/19

2.10

Mesa Verde 75th anniversary newspaper special edition

8/20

2.10

Emergency stabilization of 5MT264 East Rock Canyon Colorado, report by David A. Breternitz and Adrian S. White

8/21

2.10

Al and Alice Lancaster correspondence from Marmie Gaede, Mesa Verde

8/22

2.10

Activities of MVRC [Mesa Verde Research Center], report

8/23

2.10

Robert Lister articles Soutwest Lore vol. 35 #4 March 1970

8/24

2.10

Tree-Ring dated Basketmaker III and Pueblo I sites in Mesa Verde National Park, by David Breternitz

8/25

2.10

Fixing site locations by radiocarbon finder at Mesa Verde, by Alden Hayes and Douglas Osborne

8/26

2.10

Site 1060 A Basketmaker III Pithouse on Chapin Mesa, Mesa Verde National Park, by Alden C. Hayes and James A. Lancaster

8/27

2.10

Mammals of Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado, by Sydney Anderson

8/28

2.10

Ralph A. Luebben correspondence; and An Unusual Pueblo III Ruin Mesa Verde Colorado, by Ralph A Luebeen, Laurence Herold, and Arthur Rohn

8/29

2.10

A tentative classification of the pottery from the Mesa Verde region, by Arthur H. Rohn

8/30

2.10

Mesa Verde ceramic articles, by James A. Lancaster, Jean M. Pinkley, et al.

8/31

2.10

Guy R. Stewart correspondence re: conservation practices in flood water agriculture at Mesa Verde, preliminary report on Chapin Mesa

8/32

2.10

Mesa Verde notes

9/1

2.10

Mesa Verde notes, directions for use of poison ivy pills

9/2

2.10

Brochures of parks and monuments, places of interest mostly in the Southwest

9/3

2.11

Time and erosion at Poncho House, by Marc Marnie Gaede

9/4

2.12

Report on the archaeological reconnaissance in the Rainbow Plateau Area of Northern Arizona and Southern Utah, by Lyndon Lane Hargrave

9/5

2.13

Note on the archaeology of the Kaibito and Rainbow Plateaus in Arizona, by Noel Morse

9/6

2.14

Two Pueblo III kiva complexes associated with subterranean rooms in Southwest Colorado, and incoming correspondence from Sam and Jan

9/7

2.15

The Wetherill Mesa Archaeological Project, report by Douglas Osborne, Alden C. Hayes, et al.

9/8

2.15

Postulations of socio-economic groups from archaeological evidence, Wetherill Mesa, by Arthur H. Rohn

9/9

2.16

A mass interment in an early Pueblo III kiva in Southwestern Colorado, by Ralph A. Luebben and Paul R. Nickens

9/10

2.17

Hohokum petroglyphs of the Sierra Pinacate, Sonora and the Hohokum Shell Expeditions, by Julian D. Hayden

9/11 B

2.17

The Pueblos and the turkey: who domesticated whom, by Jean M. Pinkley

9/12

2.17

Correspondence with Alden C. Hayes

9/13

2.17

Newspaper and magazine articles about archaeology 1962-1983

10/1

2.17

Sandals of Feather Cave, by William B. Roosa

10/2

2.17

University of Arizona bulletins 1952, July-1953, July

10/3

2.17

The Masterkey, by Southwest Museum vol. 27 #4, 1953

10/4

2.17

Trails through High Country in May, by Louise Scott

10/5

2.17

Prehistoric people of the northern Southwest, MT-1 A Basketmaker III site near Yellow Jacket Colorado: A Progress Report, by Joe Ben Wheat

10/6

2.17

The Havasupai, 600 AD-1955 AD: A short cultural history, by Douglas W. Schwartz

10/7

2.17

A reprint from American Anthropology Organization of the American Anthropology Association and Affiliated Societies vol. 59 #3 June 1957

10/8

2.17

Earl H. Morris publications 1940-1941, 1987

10/9

2.17

Archaeological surface survey of the New Madrid County Missouri, by Robert McCormick Adams and Winslow M. Walker

10/10

2.17

Assorted archaeological articles 1962-1970

10/11

2.17

Assorted archaeological publications 1949-1977

10/12

2.17

Assorted archaeological publications 1930-1986

10/13

2.17

Museum of Northern Arizona Museum Notes and Lyndon L. Hargrave Publications

10/14

2.17

The Corner-Tang Flint artifacts of Texas, by J. T. Patterson

10/15

2.17

Archaeological reports on New Mexico, and Harvard alumni articles

10/16

2.17

Incoming correspondence concerning tree rings 1935-1959

10/17

2.17

Two types of Southwestern cliff houses, from the Smithsonian Report for 1919, by J. Walter Fewkes

10/18

2.17

Prehistoric use of coal by Indians of Northern Arizona, by J. O Brew and John T. Hack

10/19

2.17

Fort Lewis College Foundation minutes, by Robert Beers, Rob Willard, et al.

11/1

2.17

Shell Oil correspondence from David A. Breternitz 1980 Aug. 8

11/2

2.17

K. Vitelli Journal of Field Archaeology and incoming correspondence from Bruce E. Rippeteau

11/3

2.17

Test excavation at Show Site, Cortez, and incoming correspondence from Bruce E. Rippeteau 1976, Feb.-1982, Feb. 3

11/4

2.17

Directory of National Park Service alumni and Directory of Four Corners Area Exploration Personnel

11/5

2.17

Letter to the Participants, 41st Session of Introduction to National Park Service Operations from Dept. of Interior Memorandum for Superintendent, Horace M. Albright

11/6

2.17

Ronald H. Walker correspondence

11/7

2.17

University of Colorado Distinguished Service Award citations

11/8

2.17

U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Employees’ compensation

11/9

2.17

Behind the Iron Curtain, by Patt Cline

11/10

2.17

Department of Interior notice of official action 1943 April 1- 1947, Oct. 1

11/11

2.17

Remarks by Dr. J. O. Brew, Harvard University, at the Pecos Conference, sound recording (one reel; 1/4 " tape, not yet copied onto a playable medium)

11/12

 

Series 3: Al and Alice Lancaster photographs
1934-1989. 46 folders in 4 letter-size document cases. Sub-series are: archaeological photographs and family photographs. Archaeological photos are arranged alphabetically by site name. Oversize family photographs are in Sub-series 1.5.

Series

Description

Box/Folder

3.1

Unlabeled photographs

12/1

3.1

Bess Lancaster postcards

12/2

3.1

Al Lancaster photographs

13/1

3.1

Al and Alice Lancaster photo

13/2

3.1

Al and Alice Lancaster Family photographs

13/3

3.1

Alice Lancaster’s family (the Pigg family) photographs

13/4

3.1

Lancaster Family black and white photographs, document series from photo album

13/5

3.1

Al Lancaster’s family photographs

13/6

3.1

Byron S. Cummings Award, Arizona Archaeological and Historical Society photographs

13/7

3.1

University of Colorado Distinguished Service Award photographs

13/8

3.1

Al and Alice Lancaster 50th wedding anniversary photographs

13/9

3.1

Department of the Interior Citation for Distinguished Service photographs

13/10

3.2

Alkali photographs 1932-1933

14/1

3.2

Awatovi photographs 1936-1948

14/2

3.2

Awatovi 40th anniversary photographs

14/3

3.2

Aztec Ruins photographs

14/4

3.2

Chaco photographs by Erwin McNeal 1947

14/5

3.2

Chimney Rock Archaeological Area photographs

14/6

3.2

Hovenweep photograph

14/7

3.2

Lowry photographs 1934-1966

14/8

3.2

Mancos Canyon Road photograph

14/9

3.2

Mesa Verde Cliff Palace photograph

14/10

3.2

Mesa Verde Crow’s Nest photographs

14/11

3.2

Mesa Verde Fairview Area Site 820 photographs

14/12

3.2

Mesa Verde Long House photographs 1960-1961, 1963

14/13

3.2

Mesa Verde Long Mesa photograph 1954

14/14

3.2

Mesa Verde Mug House Stabilization photographs 1935

14/15 A

3.2

Mesa Verde Oak Tree House photograph

14/15 B

3.2

Mesa Verde plaque presentation photographs

14/16

3.2

Mesa Verde Ruin 20 ½ photographs

14/17

3.2

Mesa Verde Site 16

14/18

3.2

Mesa Verde Spring House Stabilization photographs

14/19

3.2

Mesa Verde Spruce Tree photographs 1938

14/20

3.2

Mesa Verde Square Tower House photographs

14/21

3.2

Mesa Verde Stabilization Crew photographs 1964

14/22

3.2

Mesa Verde Step House Stabilization photographs

14/23

3.2

Mesa Verde Swallow’s Nest photographs 1964

14/24

3.2

Mesa Verde Training season photographs

14/25

3.2

Mesa Verde, Wetherill photographs, includes burial photos 1960-1963

15/1

3.2

Mesa Verde Wetherill Mesa, Long Canyon Cave photographs

15/2

3.2

Pottery photographs

15/3

3.2

Painted Ruin, East Rock Creek photographs 1697

15/4

3.2

Snaketown photographs 1964-1965

15/5

3.2

Snaketown Al’s 90th birthday and Snaketown’s 20th anniversary photographs 1964-1965

15/6

3.2

White Rim photographs 1967

15/7

3.2

Willis Ruin photograph 1930

15/8

3.2

Unlabeled photographs

15/9

 

 

Series 4: Al and Alice Lancaster oversize items
1962-1993, 5 items in 1 large flat box. Includes a poster, a certificate, and artwork and photography.

Series

Description

Box/Folder

4.1

Alice Lancaster, charcoal sketch by Dolores 1962

16/1

4.1

History Preservation Week poster. 3 copies; includes picture of Al Lancaster on a scaffold in Long House at Mesa Verde National Park

16/2

4.1

Al Lancaster, tinted photograph by Fred Mang, framed behind glass

16/3

4.1

Al Lancaster, certificate of appreciation, signed by 84 friends and colleagues, with this text: " loyal friend and valued colleague; discoverer, excavator, preserver. Your example has inspired us. We have benefited from your assistance and advice. Mesa Verde, Alkali Ridge, Awatove, Hovenweep, Tumacacori, and Chaco Canyon bear witness to your skills. The archaeologists of the Southwest salute you."

16/4

4.1

Mesa Verde National Park cliff dwelling ruin, large format black and white photograph, under glass

16/5

 

 

 

CreatorLancaster, Al Lancaster, Alice
Dates1863-1993, inclusive; 1960-1990, bulk
Extent10 linear shelf feet, 13 document cases, and 3 oversize flat boxes

This collection contains family papers, photographs, awards, monographs, published and unpublished reports, and other printed materials. Posters and maps pertaining to archaeology of the Southwest and related topics, a burial flag, and other ephemera are also included.

LanguageEnglish
Collection IdentifierM149
Physical LocationThis collection is located at the Center of Southwest Studies on the campus of Fort Lewis College (1000 Rim Dr. Durango, CO).
Print

Number of views (14)/Comments (0)

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Fort Lewis College
1000 Rim Drive Durango, CO 81301

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