Snyder Mercantile Co. Records

Collection

Identifier: WCMss-271

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Snyder Mercantile Co. Records consist of documents related to the Snyder Ranch #1 in Washtucna, Washington. The collection, which dates from 1916 to 1964, includes financial records, receipts, ranch inventories and a ledger pertaining to the Snyder Ranch as well as some materials related to Whitman College. Materials related to Whitman College include photographs, 1917 alumni directory, and two songbooks for Beta Theta Phi (1930) and Delta Delta Delta (1939).

Dates

1910-1953

Creator

Snyder, Ralph W. (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research.

Biographical Note

Ralph Waldo Snyder was born in Washington on August 9, 1893 and grew up in Spokane, Washington working in the family’s general store. He attended Lewis and Clark High School, where he met his wife Aimee, and then Whitman College where he graduated from in 1915. After graduation, he began renting a small ranch, which would eventually become the Bar U Ranch, his long-term home. The couple had four children, R. William, Emily, Frances, and Stephanie. Stephanie also attended Whitman College and she and her husband Richard A. Coon returned to the ranch to run the corporation. Ralph was named the Washington State Cattleman of the Year in 1955. He died on March 25, 1975.

Extent

0.4 Linear Feet (1 manuscript box)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

The Snyder Mercantile Corporation Records contain materials related to the Snyder Mercantile Co. and to Snyder Ranch #1, Washtucna, Washington dated between 1916 and 1964.