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John F. Hook Slides

 Collection
Identifier: WCMss-424

Content Description

The John F. Hook Slides contains photographs taken by John F. Hook, an avid photographer located in Portland, Oregon. The collection, which dates from 1982 to 1998, includes slides of images of his family, his travels around the United States, and of particular note, his backpacking trips throughout the Northwest.

Dates

  • Creation: 1982-1998

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research.

Biographical Note

John F. Hook was born August 17, 1920 in Spokane, Washington and grew up with his parents and three siblings in Valleyford, Washington. His father was a railroad conductor on a Milwaukee Road route between Coeur D'Alene, Idaho and Metaline Falls, Washington. After attending Whitworth College for two years, John earned his bachelor's degree in mathematics at the University of Washington and a master's degree in actuarial science at the University of Iowa. He went on to spend 30 years working as an actuary with Standard Insurance Company in Portland, Oregon. John married Laura Rodgers in 1948 in Portland. They had two children, Esther Louise and Joseph Rodgers Hook. In 1982 John retired from Standard Insurance Company and moved with Laura to Sequim, Washington, where he lived until his death on October 1, 1999.

John, Laura and their children were hikers, backpackers, skiers, and sailors. John took many pictures of their activities, travel, family and friends. During the 1970s, John became more interested in photography and began to print some of his own work at a commercial lab in Portland. During these years photography was an integral part of his life. He eventually switched from prints to slides, and compiled one Kodak carousel for each calendar year with additional carousels for special trips. Many pictures in the collection reflect John's interest in railroads and antique railroad equipment, in particular the Milwaukee Road in the Northwest.

Extent

1.0 Linear Feet (1 record carton)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

The John F. Slides contains the photographs and 35mm slides of John F. hook, a photographer from Portland, Oregon. Included are images that document his travels throughout the Northwest and around the world, as well as his interest in railroads.

Other Finding Aids

A spreadsheet with John F. Hook's item-level captions is available upon request.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Donated to the Whitman College and Northwest Archives by John F. Hook's daughter, Esther Milnes on June 5, 2017. The accession number associated with this donation is 2017-064.

Title
Guide to the John F. Hook Slides
Author
Dana Bronson
Date
2017
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid written in English.

Repository Details

Part of the Whitman College and Northwest Archives Repository

Contact:
345 Boyer Avenue
Walla Walla WA 99362 United States
509-527-5922