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Professor Taylor writes to Regional Archeologist Beaubien of the National Park Service describing the progress of excavations on the Elkhorn Ranch site. Taylor includes a drawing of the layout of the blacksmith’s shop that was excavated.
1959-07-29
This document presents a position description for an archaeologist managing the excavation, interpretation, and reporting of the site of Theodore Roosevelt’s Elkhorn Ranch. It includes a description of the duties demanded by the position, the scope and effect of the work, what sorts of supervision and guidance the position will receive, the mental demands that may be expected, and the personal work contacts that will be part of the position.
1959
Historian Ray H. Mattison responds to H. Raymond Gregg, the regional chief of interpretation, regarding a proposal that the National Park Service make an intensive investigation of Theodore Roosevelt’s personal papers in order to gather information to make an archaeological investigation of the Elkhorn Ranch site. Mattison notes that he and others have already made thorough investigations into the relevant materials, and he believes there would be little to gain from retreading the same materials. He agrees, however, that the Elkhorn Ranch deserves a detailed study.
1958-09-22
Regional Director Baker writes to National Park Service Director Wirth to respond to an earlier memorandum from Acting Chief of Interpretation John E. Doerr. The earlier memo expressed concern over the scheduling of Regional Archaeologist Paul L. Beaubien, as he was moving from project to project without having enough time to finish any of them. Baker seeks to explain the reason for this, and gives an assessment of the priorities and costs relating to the Elkhorn Ranch project. A proposal is being developed for a fuller investigation of the Elkhorn Ranch site.
1958-08-15
Regional Archaeologist Beaubien writes to National Park Service Director Wirth regarding the construction of a diorama of Theodore Roosevelt’s Elkhorn Ranch. Beaubien encloses a number of photographs and has forwarded letters, maps, and sketches that should be helpful in the construction of the diorama. While he has done some test excavations at the Elkhorn Ranch site, he has not had time to work on a report detailing his findings there.
1958-07-07
Regional Historian Mattes writes to Regional Archaeologist Beaubien regarding the status of the archaeological report on the Elkhorn Ranch Project. A completion report on the project ought not be submitted until the final archaeological report is received. About $2,900 in funding designated for the project remains, and Mattes suggests a process to move to completion.
1960-06-17
Regional Archeologist Beaubien wishes he could talk to Professor Taylor about several ideas he has regarding the proposed archaeological investigation of the Elkhorn Ranch site, including details about funding and the site location. He asks if Taylor wants to spend June with his Yellowstone group and then move to Theodore Roosevelt National Memorial Park to begin the excavation. Beaubien will call soon to see what Taylor thinks.
1959-02-25
This report details a number of proposals for developing the Elkhorn Ranch site as a part of Theodore Roosevelt National Memorial Park. Following a brief description of the site’s history and reasoning for the site’s preservation, plans for the development of the site are described, to make the area accessible and understandable to visitors. Maps and photographs are included along with the text.
1956-11
Superintendent Thompson of Theodore Roosevelt National Memorial Park reports to Regional Director Fagergren that the excavations at the Elkhorn Ranch site by Paul L. Beaubien and Dee Calderwood Taylor have amassed a large number of artifacts. Before these artifacts are cataloged, they need to be culled, but the park’s budget will not allow for hiring a qualified worker to do this. He hopes that the Park Service as a whole can help.
1970-01-27
National Park Service Acting Regional Director Novak acknowledges receipt of Professor Taylor’s report, “Archeological Investigations of the Elkhorn Ranch Site,” and praises the report. He asks that Mrs. Taylor, who had prepared the work, submit a bill.
1962-08-17
Horace Porter reports to President Roosevelt from Paris regarding his search for Admiral John Paul Jones’ remains. Porter outlines the progress of his investigation and his involvement with the Prefect of the Seine, the City Council, the National Assembly, Governeur Morris, and archeologist M. Albert de Recardy. Porter mentions the Pere la Chase and Picpus cemeteries as possible burial locations; he asserts that the cemetery near the St. Louis Hospital on Rue Des Ecludes, St. Martin, and Rue Grange aux Belles is the most probable burial location. Porter suggests undertaking an archeological dig to excavate the remains.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-10-20
Charles D. Walcott replies to George B. Cortelyou’s request for information about an incident involving Frank Hamilton Cushing of the Smithsonian’s Bureau of Ethnology. He regrets to inform Cortelyou that the attempt to discredit Cushing by “salting” archaeological sites happened before his time at the bureau, and that, if desired, he will investigate when he returns in November.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-20