John P. Schaefer collection

When the collection was acquired, the bulk of the material was labeled "personal." It is unclear who labeled the materials with this designation. During processing, the archivist determined much of what was labeled "personal" was in fact related to Scheafer's roles as professor, Chair, Dean, and President of the University of Arizona. Artificial series were created by Center staff, based on document content rather than item labels, for researchers' convenience. However, it should be noted that there is personal information in the University of Arizona materials as Schaefer's professional and personal lives blend together within the materials in the collection.

The collection is divided into seven series: Correspondence, 1970-1983; Biographical Materials; Activity Files; Writings; Bird-Watching; Photographic Materials; and Ansel Adams Materials. The bulk of the collection is comprised of correspondence and publication materials.

The Correspondence series is divided into General, 1970-1982, University of Arizona, 1960-1983, and Photography-related, 1971-1982, and mainly consists of outgoing letters. The General correspondence includes correspondence relating to political matters and bill oppositions from Schaefer, finances, family and personal relationships, travel, and Schaefer’s health; “thank you” notes; and birthday cards. The University of Arizona correspondence includes correspondence from Schaefer while teaching at and serving as Chair, Dean, and President of the University. Of particular interest are letters from Schaefer to friends and colleagues thanking them for congratulatory notes received when he was named University President in 1971. Also, since Schaefer was actively involved in the field of chemistry even while serving as Dean and University President, correspondence related to chemistry is included in the University of Arizona correspondence.

Various materials remain interfiled within the Photography-related correspondence, including camera equipment orders, receipts, and insurance claims made by Schaefer; clippings related to photography; publications featuring Schaefer’s photography; and materials related to the publication, Of Earth and Little Rain: The Papgo Indians by Bernard L. Fontana, which features Schaefer’s photography.

At the time of processing, correspondence related to other series was kept with that series’ materials rather than separated to Correspondence. For example, correspondence related to the founding of the Center for Creative Photography could be in the University of Arizona files in the Correspondence series and with the Center for Creative Photography materials in the Activity Files series.

Additional materials originally interfiled with the correspondence, such as clippings and pamphlets, remain where they were found.

The Biographical Materials series is divided into John Schaefer, Helen Schaefer, and Family and consists of résumés, biographies, memorabilia, passports, and photographs. An oral interview conducted by the Arizona Historical Society with Schaefer from November 1996 to 1997 is also included, but is restricted.

The Activity Files series includes materials related to John Schaefer’s professional career and his involvement with various chemical and photography related organizations. It also includes audio recordings of speeches given by Schaefer at the University of Arizona.

The Writings series includes materials related to books written by Schaefer, Bac: Where the Waters Gather; Basic Techniques of Photography, Book 1; Basic Techniques of Photography, Book 2; and How to Use the Zone System for Fine Black and White Photography. The bulk of the materials in this series are photographs and graphics used to illustrate the books. Also included are two published books by Schaefer, Bac: Where the Waters Gather and John P. Schaefer, People, Places and Things: Thirty Years in Photography.

The miscellaneous materials within the Writings series include charts and graphs, publication drafts, photographs, references, and notes pertaining to various unknown publications by Schaefer.

The unidentified publication materials within the Writings series pertain to a specific unidentified publication by Schaefer, grouped into chapters. These mainly consist of photographs and visuals.

Materials in the Bird-Watching series document John Schaefer’s interest in birding. Included in this series are bird lists pertaining to various countries; correspondence regarding birding trips and organizations; field checklists and guides; maps; and miscellaneous materials.

The Photographs series consists of photographs by Schaefer, the bulk of them featuring the Tarahumara people and their homes in Nararachic, Mexico and photographs and photomosaics of Venus and Mercury taken by the Mariner 10 spacecraft in 1974.

The photographs of the Tarahumara people taken by Schaefer within the Photographs series were used within the book, Tarahumara: Where Night Is the Day of the Moon by Bernard L. Fontana, as well as featured within the book, John P. Schaefer, People, Places and Things: Thirty Years in Photography.

The Ansel Adams Materials series includes issues of the publication U.S. Camera Magazine, which feature images by Adams, and reproduction prints of Adams’s images.