ABSTRACT:  Records compiled by Pike National Forest Clerk Raymond G. Colwell during research for a written history of the Pike National Forest. Records include correspondence, articles, publications, photographs, maps, reports, memos and Colwell's notes from his interviews with individuals. An index to this collection was created by Colwell. 

ARRANGEMENT:  Box 1 of this collection contains a card file index designed by Ray Colwell to provide access to his research files. Boxes 2 - 7 of the collection are those research files. Files are arranged by "bibliography" number. This number was likely assigned to each record by Mr. Colwell. A list of each item in the bibliography exists at the front of the card file. The majority of the index cards include a bibliography number, indicating that the information on the card came from that numbered record or that further information can be found within the record. 

Ray Colwell's index is a three way classification scheme he designed for his research file using subject, time and place as indexed elements. Cards in the card file are arranged alphabetically according to Colwell's letter and number classification. For example, information about sheep grazing in Tarryall is located under G for Grazing and Ranching, then T for Tarryall, or G-T in the card file. Names of individuals can be found under P for Personal Names and then alphabetically by last name. A alphabetical subject index to the collection is available at the Special Collections reference desk. 

Some bibliography numbers refer to published materials which are part of the Library's collection and therefore are not physically located within the files. Some oversized maps and materials have been separated from the files. Photographs from this collection were placed in the Photo Archives. A few of the research files contain notes that the material originally located within them is missing. It is uncertain when these notes were written. 

RESTRICTIONS:  There are no access restrictions on the material, and the collection is open to all members of the public. However, the researcher assumes full responsibility for conforming to the laws of libel, privacy and copyright that may be involved in the use of this collection. 

ACQUISITION:  The bulk of the collection was donated to the Library between 1952 and 1955. Additions were made to the collection until 1971. 

PROCESSING:  This collection has been maintained in its original order. The majority of this collection was microfilmed in the 1980s. Materials were placed in acid-free folders in 2002. 

SUBJECT HEADINGS:  Pike National Forest - Colorado - History 

CITATION:  Pike National Forest Historical File, 1902-1972.  CA 106.  Special Collections, Pikes Peak Library District.

BOX AND FOLDER LIST: