Skip to main content

E. Porter Dickinson Papers

 Collection
Identifier: MA.00209

Scope and Contents

The E. Porter Dickinson Papers consist mainly of correspondence; materials relating to Porter Dickinson's family and the town of Amherst; photographs, and objects that reflect the many of his interests (particularly mountaineering and the White Mountains). Correspondents include Robert Francis, Professor E. Kimball Morsman, and Walter Hendricks.

Dates

  • Creation: 1900-1991

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

There is no restriction on access to the E. Porter Dickinson Papers for research use. Particularly fragile items may be restricted for preservation purposes. This collection is housed in off-site storage and requires advance notice before use. Please contact Archives and Special Collections.

Conditions Governing Use

Requests for permission to publish material from the E. Porter Dickinson Papers 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

E. Porter Dickinson, son of Robert W. Dickinson and Mary Billings, was born and raised in Amherst, Massachusetts. He began working at the Amherst College Library shortly after graduating from Amherst High School. During World War II, he worked as a post librarian for the U.S. Army, returning to his position at Amherst after completing his service. In the 1950s, Dickinson was promoted to head reference librarian and was awarded an honorary degree in 1964. A mountaineer, musician, and self-proclaimed "bibliomaniac," Dickinson held a variety of interests throughout his lifetime. In 1968, he retired from Amherst College, but remained active in several clubs and organizations until his death in 1991.

Extent

7.5 Linear feet (4 records storage boxes, 7 archives boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

The E. Porter Dickinson Papers consist mainly of correspondence; materials relating to Porter Dickinson's family and the town of Amherst; photographs, and objects that reflect many of his interests (especially mountaineering and the White Mountains). Correspondents include Robert Francis, Professor E. Kimball Morsman, and Walter Hendricks.

Arrangement

This collection is organized into ten series:

  1. Series 1: Correspondence
  2. Series 2: Projects and Events
  3. Series 3: Family
  4. Series 4: Writings
  5. Series 5: Activities
  6. Series 6: Amherst History
  7. Series 7: Education
  8. Series 8: Miscellaneous
  9. Series 9: Photographs and Postcards
  10. Series 10: Objects and Oversize items
Status
Completed
Author
Colleen O'Connor (AC 2011), Student Assistant.
Date
2011
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