Descartes Pascal papers

Collection — Multiple Containers

Identifier: MS-0091

Staff Only

Selection of digitized materials from the Descartes Pascal papers.

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Conservation Report, Ear of Corn

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Scope and Content

The collection (1890-1937, undated) includes a scrapbook of newspaper clippings, pamphlets, and memorabilia related to Pascal's achievements in corn breeding, and corn breeding in Iowa generally. Also included are 180 glass plate negatives and two tintypes made by Pascal, documenting rural Iowa from the 1890s through the 1910s. Included are family portraits (interior and exterior), family groups, school children, men and women with guns, acrobats, tight rope walkers, several people reenacting a duel, windmills, haystacks, barns, livestock, farmhouses, fields, small town streets, and construction of a school. Use copies are available in box 19. The 1907 Reid's Yellow Dent ear of corn, along with its display case, is included.

Dates

Creation: 1890-1937, undated

Language of Materials

English

Access Restrictions

Original materials are restricted. Use copies (box 19) are available for researcher use.

Use/Re-use Restrictions

Consult Special Collections and University Archives

Biography/Profile

Descartes Pascal (1870-1937) was a photographer, farmer, and pioneer seed corn breeder. Pascal was born in De Witt, Clinton County, Iowa, where he raised corn, shorthorn cattle, and Berkshire hogs. Pascal became interested in corn breeding after 1900 and developed the Grand Champion ear of pure bred Reid's Yellow Dent corn in 1907. He also wrote and published articles on corn breeding; spoke at colleges, farmers' institutes, and chautauquas; judged corn breeding contests in Iowa; and served as secretary to the Iowa Corn Growers Association. Pascal was also a practicing photographer.

Extent

12.04 Linear Feet (1 document box, 1 half-document box, 16 glass plate negative boxes, and 1 oversize box)

Additional Description

Arrangement

The collection is arranged in two series:

Series 1, Scrapbook and 1907 ear of corn, 1905-1937, undated

Series 2, Glass plate negatives and tintypes, 1890-1910, undated

Copies

Digital reproductions of a selection of materials from the Descartes Pascal papers are available electronically. Please see the Electronic Resources section for a link.