Merle W. Wells papers

Collection

Identifier: MS 0481

Staff Only

Summary

Personal and professional papers of former Idaho State Historical Society historian and archivist Dr. Merle W. Wells. Wells worked for the State Historical Society from 1956 to 1986. He was well known throughout Idaho, and the west, for his expertise. Among his research areas were Idaho territorial politics and mining history.

Dates

Creation: 1918 - 2000

Biographical Timeline

1918 - Merle born in Lethridge, Alberta, Canada 1923 - Donald Wells born in Lethridge, Alberta, Canada 1930 - Family moved to Boise, 1210 North 22nd Street 1947 - Family moved to 1325 Longmont Street 1966 - Father's death 1967 - Mother's death 1986 - Merle moved to 200 North 3rd Street #701 (Donald remains at 1325 Longmont Street) 1999 - Donald's death 2000 - Merle's death

Extent

0 Cubic Feet (Large collection, still undergoing processing. )

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Arrangement

Series I - X: Personal and Family papers; Publications by Merle Wells; Subject Files (127 boxes and 1 map roll); Stamps (3 boxes); Photographs (9 boxes); Miscellaneous (20 boxes); Historical Journals (11 boxes); Other publications (5 boxes); Manuscript of proposed History of Idaho for the University of Nebraska Press (14 boxes).

Processing Information

"These papers were processed in his condominium at 200 North 3rd Street #701, Boise, Idaho, between August and late November, 2000. It is important to note that Merle was generally not known for having a traditional and consistent filing system. However, he was known for generally being able to find something if he wanted to do so." - Gary Bettis (original processor and friend of Merle Wells)