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Clarence Birdseye (AC 1910) Field Journals

 Collection
Identifier: MA.00169

Scope and Contents

The Clarence Birdseye (AC 1910) Journals Collection contains field journals of the noted inventor, naturalist and businessman Clarence Birdseye. This collection consists of 13 field journals, 12 of which were written by Clarence Birdseye and one by Perry W. Terhune. The dates of the journals are from 1910 November 9 to 1916 July 20.

Dates

  • Creation: 1910-1916

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

There is no restriction on access to the collection for research use. Photocopy duplication is not allowed for preservation reasons.

Conditions Governing Use

Requests for permission to publish material from the Clarence Birdseye (AC 1910) Journals Collection for research use should be directed to the Archives and Special Collections. It is the responsibility of the researcher to identify and satisfy the holders of all copyrights.

Biographical / Historical

Clarence Birdseye (1886-1956) revolutionized the frozen food industry with his invention of the "quick-freeze machine" in 1925. Birdseye attended Amherst College from 1906 to 1908. In 1912 he took a job as a fur trader in the arctic peninsula of Labrador in Canada, traveling by dogsled buying and collecting furs until January 1916. By observing the Eskimos in Labrador, Birdseye discovered the quick-freeze process that would prove so successful. The 13 handwritten field journals in this collection document his experiences during these exciting years, and describe how he learned about the indigenous people's food preservation techniques. There is also mention of Birdseye's work and friendship with Sir Wilfred Grenfell, the famous medical missionary. The journals also contain Birdseye's scientific reports, definitions of new terminology, and medical notes. One of the journals was written by Perry W. Terhune, who ran Birdseye's store while Birdseye traveled. Clarence Birdseye was awarded an honorary Masters Degree by Amherst College in 1941.
(Introduction adapted from Alison Edwards Petrilla's description of the collection.)

Extent

1 Linear feet (14 volumes in 1 records storage box)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

Field journals of the noted inventor, naturalist and businessman Clarence Birdseye. This collection consists of 13 field journals, 12 of which were written by Clarence Birdseye and one by Perry W. Terhune. The dates of the journals are from 1910 November 9 to 1916 July 20.

Arrangement

The collection is arranged chronologically.

Related Materials at Amherst College

Alumni Biographical Files: Clarence Birdseye (AC 1910)

Related Materials

  1. Peabody-Essex Museum, Phillips Library, Salem, Massachusetts.
  2. Museum of Natural History, New York, New York.
  3. National Inventors Hall of Fame, Akron, Ohio.
  4. Cape Ann Historical Museum, Gloucester, Massachusetts.
Status
Completed
Author
Daria D'Arienzo
Date
2007
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Amherst College Archives and Special Collections Repository

Contact:
Amherst College Archives & Special Collections
Robert Frost Library
61 Quadrangle Drive
Amherst MA 01002-5000
(413) 542-2299