Guide to the Clifford R. Koester Papers
Cage.709
Overview of the Collection
| Creator: | Koester, Clifford R., 1912-1991 |
| Title: | Clifford R. Koester Papers |
| Dates: | 1927-1972 ( inclusive ) |
| Quantity: | 2.5 Linear feet (4 boxes.) |
| Collection Number: | Cage.709 |
| Repository: |
Manuscripts, Archives, and Special Collections, Washington State University Libraries |
| Languages: |
Content Description
The primary focus of the collection is the construction and operation of the Grand Coulee Dam. It includes an unpublished history of the dam and a substantial amount of ephemera (primarily newsletters and pamphlets) related to the dam. The collection also includes materials related to larger questions about reclamation and development, some expressing opposition to federal government regulatory powers.
In his history of the dam, Koester focused on the contributions of laborers to the monumental project. In the dedication, he observed that "the ability and achievements of the planners and engineers have often been extolled elsewhere. I wish to speak now of the craftsmen and common workmen who toiled here, and gave a part of their lives to further this great work…"
Historical Note
Clifford R. Koester (1912-1991) was born in Amarillo, TX, and spent his childhood in Ismay, MT. From 1941 to 1961 he worked as a journeyman electrician for the United States Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, first at the Leavenworth (WA) fish hatchery and then at the Grand Coulee Dam. He was a long-time member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), and a resident of the town of Coulee Dam (WA).
Use of the Collection
This collection is open and available for research.
Preferred Citation : Preferred Citation noteThe suggested citation for the collection is:
[Item Description]; Clifford R. Koester papers, 1927-1972; Manuscripts, Archives, and Special Collections, Washington State University Libraries, Pullman, WA.
Administrative Information
The papers have been arranged in five series:
Series 1: History of the Columbia Basin Project by Clifford R. Koester, 1945. Three-volume typescript (bound), illustrated with approximately 176 United States Bureau of Reclamation photographs. Discusses many aspects of the construction of the Grand Coulee Dam and includes some information about related Columbia Basin projects.
Series 2: Correspondence and notes; 1945-1955, undated. The materials in this series are related to two main topics: Koester's research for his history of the Grand Coulee Dam, and his opposition to federal government regulation of recreational use of Lake Roosevelt.
Series 3: Newsletters, 1936-1958. Includes issues of the Pacific Northwest Development Association Bulletin, the Columbia Basin Project Safety News, and the Columbian.
Series 4: Reports, pamphlets, and miscellaneous materials, 1927-1972.
Series 5: Photographs; 1948, undated.
Many printed items have been removed from the papers for separate cataloging. (Note: please contact MASC staff if you need assistance in locating these items in the Griffin online catalog.)
Processing Note : Processing Information noteThe collection was processed in 2006 by Cheryl Gunselman, Manuscripts Librarian.
Acquisition Information : Immediate Source of Acquisition noteThe papers of Clifford R. Koester were donated to Washington State University in two separate installments, by Mr. Koester in 1985 (MS 1985-30) and by Ronald and Ronda Koester in 2002 (MS 2002-23).
Detailed Description of the Collection
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Container(s)
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Description
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Box
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Folder
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| 1 | 1-3 | History of the Columbia Basin Project by Clifford R. Koester (bound typescript and photographs  ), 19453 volumes.
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Subjects
- Columbia Basin Project (U.S.).
- Columbia Valley Authority.
- Concrete dams -- Design and construction
- Grand Coulee Dam (Wash.) -- History
- Water resources development -- Columbia River Watershed
- Water resources development -- Washington (State) -- History