GUIDE TO THE ROBERT FOSTER COLLINS PAPERS
1847-1988
Complied
by
Sheila Benge and Margaret Campbell
Student Assistants
Eastern Kentucky University
Collins, Robert Foster, 1906-
Papers, 1847-198
11.70 cubic feet
19,500 items
26 Boxes
90A5

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction to the Robert F. Collins Papers
Biographical Sketch of Robert F. Collins
Subject Series
Slide Series
Maps and Charts Series


INTRODUCTION TO THE ROBERT FOSTER COLLINS PAPERS
The Robert Foster Collins papers consist of three series of records--subject, slide, and maps and charts--roughly covering the years 1953 to the present. Most of the materials relate to Mr. Collins' occupation as a United States Forest Service administrator, especially his position as supervisor of the Cumberland National Forest (renamed Daniel Boone National Forest in the 1960s) during the 1950s and 1960s. Of particular interest to the researcher is Collins' research notes and draft of his manuscript on The History of the Daniel Boone National Forest. In addition, there is information about pioneer Kentucky history and material about conservation and environmental issues in Kentucky during the last twenty-five years. The slide series is strong in color images which Collins took of Winchester and Clark County historical sites and structures and of field and streams and flora and fauna of Kentucky. The papers also contain information about weapons a favorite subject of Collins. The papers are open for research. Eastern Kentucky University is greatly indebted to Mr. Collins for deciding to donate his papers to the University Archives for permanent preservation. The John Grant Crabbe Library is also pleased to be able to preserve an excellent large collection of books which Mr. & Mrs. Collins assembled over a long period of time. The book collection is particularly strong in military and Kentucky history, the history of weapons, and mystery novels.

ROBERT FOSTER COLLINS - A BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Robert Foster Collins was born in 1906 in Lansing, Michigan to Frank Noble and Grace Foster Collins. He received his formal education in the public schools of southern Michigan and graduated with a B.S.F in 1928 from Michigan State University. In 1929 he obtained a M.F. degree from the Yale Forest School of Yale University. Initially Collins was employed by the Land and Economic Survey of the Michigan Department of Conservation as a research assistant. By 1930 he had joined the United States Forest Serivce, first serving as a technical advisor at the Lake States Forest Experiment Station. From 1933 to 1934 he worked in South Dakota at the Medicine Bow National Forest and Black Hills National Forest. In 1934 he moved to the Mark Twain National Forest in Missouri where he held increasingly responsible administrative positions. His tenure there was interrupted in 1941 when his army reserve unit was called to active service. During World War II Collins was with the armor division in the South Pacific theater and participated in the Guam, Leyte, and Okinawa operations. After the war he returned to the Mark Twain National Forest, staying there until 1950 when he was transferred to the Forest Service regional office in Philadelphia. In 1953 he was assigned as forest supervisor of the Cumberland National Forest (renamed Daniel Boone National Forest in the 1960s) in Kentucky. During his tenure the Forest Service successfully resisted the encoachment of strip miners in the forest and saw the rise of an active conservation movement in the region. Collins retired from his supervisory position in 1970. Shortly after retirement, Collins spent four years as a visiting professorof forest policy at the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture. He taught a course in forest policy and wrote a textbook on Forest Policy of the United States and The History of the Daniel Boone National Forest. Collins is a member of numerous professional, historical, and civic organizations including a fellow of the Society of American Foresters. He continues his interest in Kentucky and military history, the history of weaponry, and conservation and environmental issues. He and his wife the former Ruth Estelle Mangum were married in South Dakota in 1934. They have one son, Robert T. Collins who resides in California. Mr. and Mrs. Collins lived for years in Winchester, Kentucky but recently have moved to Lexington and are living at Richmond Place.

SUBJECT SERIES
Description:
The Subject Series consists of nineteen boxes (1-19) covering many different subjects from years 1747 through 1988. The bulk of the papers fall between 1950 and 1985. Files are arranged alphabetically by subject and chronologically thereunder. The more prominent subjects found within the series are firearms legislation, history of Daniel Boone National Forest (DBNF) which includes Mr. Collins' research notes, drafts of the manuscript and final copy, Clark County history, Red River Gorge, Kentucky history, nature and forestry of Kentucky and conservation in Kentucky.


Inventory
Box 1
Acquisition Correspondence 
Acquisition, Historical Memo by W.E. Hedges 
The American Forestry Association 

American Forests 
American Forests - High Points in Conservation March 
The American Revolution 
Appalachian Mountain People by W.E. Hedge 
The Bald Knobbers - A Tale of the Missouri Ozarks 
The Battle of Blue Licks 
The Battle of Wildcat Mountain 
The Beaver Creek Controversy 
Beaver Creek Management Area - Rangers File 
Beckner, Col. Lucien P. 
Belle Breezing's "House" 
The Big South Fork Country 
The Biltmore Story 
Boone, Daniel Deposition - Naming of Lulbegrud 
     Creek and Log Lick 
Boone, Daniel Historical Data 
Boone Historical File 1650 
1929-1930
1956
Not Dated
1970
1955
1975-1982
1971
1979
1982
1962-1968
1973
1974
1968
1966-1976
1981
Not Dated

Not Dated
1961
1961-1976

Box 2
The Boone Hut 

Boone Notes 
The Boone Trace 
The Boone Trace 
Boone Trace Correspondence 
Boone's Creek Baptist Association, History of 
Boone's Daniel - Rifle "Old Ticklicker"
Boone's first trip to Kentucky 
Boonesborough, Fort - Bicentennial Committee 
Boonesborough, The Great Siege of Fort 
The Bush Settlement 
Callaway, Col. Richard 
Cave Run Reservoir 
Civil War Historical Data 
1967-1968
1963-1984
1966-1971
1981
1981-1982
1923
Not Dated
Not Dated
1975-1976
1972-1986
Not Dated
Not Dated
1967-1971
1931-1975
Box 3
Civil War Battle Historical Data 

The Civil War in Kentucky 
Civil War Weapons - Historical Data -
Clark County Chronicles - 
Clark County Courthouse - 
Clark County Established - N.D.
Clark County Historical Data - 
Clark County Historical Society - 
Cassius Clay, Historical Data - 
Contribution to local government by the Cumberland 
     National Forest 
CCC Camp Locations - 
Cumberland National Forest - Historical Data - 
Cumberland National Forest Correspondence - 
Cumberland National Forest Extension of 
Not Dated
Not Dated
1961-1977
1980-1982
1974-1989
Not Dated
1942-1975
1972-1974
1960-1972

Not Dated
1933-1973
1929-1972
1930-1937
1935-1971

Box 4
Cumberland National Forest - Proclamation - 

Cumberland National Forest Report - 
Daniel Boone National Forest (DBNF) - Beaver Creek Wildlife 
     Management Area
DBNF - Data on Historic Sites 
DBNF Dedication 
DBNF History Publication Appendix - Folder 1 
DBNF History Publication Appendix - Ex. Maps - Folder 2
1970-1975
1937

1940-1966 
1962-1973
1965-1967
1933-1966
1969

Box 5
DBNF History Publication Appendix - Folder 3 

DBNF History Publication Appendix - Folder 4 
DBNF History Publication Appendix - Folder 5 
DBNF History Publication Manuscript - Folder 1 
DBNF History Publication Manuscript - Folder 2 
1933-1969
1953-1966
1969
Not Dated
Not Dated
Box 6
DBNF History Publication - Manuscript - Folder 3 

DBNF History Publication - Manuscript - Folder 4 
DBNF History Publication - Manuscript - Folder 5 
DBNF History Publication - Manuscript - Folder 6 
1770-1970
1770-1970
Not Dated
Not Dated
Box 7
DBNF History Publication - Reference Material - Folder 1

DBNF Stearns Strip Mine Case
DBNF History Project - The Sublimity Report
Dedication - Bibliography Introduction
Directory - Telephone
District Rangers Tenure on Cumberland and Daniel Boone
     Districts, Records of 
The Donaldson Family - Strodes Station
1946-1973
1953-1955
1933-1947
1974-1982
1974-1975

1941-1971
Not Dated

Box 8
The Story of Chief Doublehead & Princess Cornblossom

Dueling
Dueling in Kentucky
Early Kentucky Pioneers
Eastern Kentucky Land Deed Description, Sample of
Environmental Reference Material
Environmental Statement - Beaver Creek
Eskippakithiki
Examination report of U.K. lands - Troublesome Creek, 
     Breathitt & Knox Counties
The Falmouth Dam Controversy
The Filson Club History Quarterly
1965-1975
1976
1977
1773-1775
1965
1971
1974
1927-1989

1923 
1972
1968

Box 9
Firearms Legislation 

Firearms Legislation 
Firearms Legislation 
Firearms Legislation 
1975
1976
1977
1978
Box 10
Firearms Legislation

Firearms Legislation
Anti-Firearms Legislation - Articles, clippings
Forest Fires in America, Great
The Forest Resource Contribution Potential for the Rural 
     Development Program in Kentucky
Forestry 315 - Quiz Questions
Forestry 315 - Reference Data 
Freeman, Gene - Historical Correspondence
1979-1980
1981
1965-1975
1971

1955
1974
1905-1973
1972-1973

Box 11
The French Family of Kentucky

The "French Pete" Controversy (Oregon)
Gay, Captain James Family 
The Gist House 
The Goff House
Governor James Clark
Governor James Clark
The "Governor James Clark" House
Greeley Went West By Stuart Holbrook
Gun Control References
Gun Laws
Gun Legislation
1940-1984
1972
Not Dated 
Not Dated
1747-1977
Not Dated
1779-1839
1972-1987
1958
1975
1968-1983
1959-1970
Box 12
Hedges Report - Proposed Extension December, 
     Cumberland Purchase Unit

Historical Writing - Historical Data
History Distribution
The Hubbard Taylor Family
Iron Furnaces in Eastern Kentucky
Jesse James
Kentucky - The Name 
Kentucky Base Map Series 
Kentucky Counties - Historical Atlas
Kentucky - Daniel Boone Country
Kentucky Forest History
Kentucky Forest History
Kentucky Forests - Reference Data
Kentucky Historical Society
1933

1944-1977
1966-1977
1976-1977
1957-1970
Not Dated
Not Dated
Not Dated
1957-1975
1975
1946-1971
1971-1981
1957
1964-1976

Box 13
Kentucky History

Kentucky History Notes
Kentucky History Great KY Raid of June 
KY Land Surveys Past & Present - Thomas D. Clark
Kentucky Settlement - Historical Data
Kentucky State Forester - Report of J.E. Barton,
     State Forester
Lincoln Correspondence
Line Fork Forest Controversy in Perry County
Logging in Early Kentucky
Logging in Maine - White Pine - Information 
     Material and Maps
Madison County - Historical Data 
Mangum Name History
1949
1980-1984
1864-1988
1965
1942-1975

1913
1947-1978
1935-1936
1976

1947-1972
Not Dated
1955-1957

Box 14
Maps of Kentucky

McClure, Lt. Nathan, Death of
Morgan, John Hunt
The Moundbuilders, the History of
Murder Branch Notes 
Name Change - Cumberland National Forest to
     Daniel Boone National Forest
Name Designation Correspondence
National Forests - Land of Many Uses
National Forests Policy Legislation
Natural Bridge Area Photos 
Official Stationary of U.K.
Old Homes and Landmarks - Clark Co., KY 
Not Dated
1961-1967
1983-1988
1984
Not Dated

1966
1930-1938
1971
1970
1970
Not Dated
1967

Box 15
Old Kentucky Iron Furnaces

The Old Stone Church on Lower Howards Creek
Pinchot, Gifford - Journal of Forestry
The Pinchot Story - Breaking New Ground
Pine Mountain Area - Quicksand and Troublesome 
     Headwaters of Licking -Reports by E. Murray Bruner
Pre-Acquisition Correspondence
Pre-Acquisition Correspondence - Frontier Nursing Service
Proclamation of Governor Martin - North Carolina
Proclamation of Lord Dunmore - Virginia
Proclamation of Transylvania Company
Proposed Kentucky Purchase Unit by W.E. Hedges
The Public Domain From the Sierra Club Bulletin
Public Ownership vs. Private Exploitation
Publication - 14th Cavalry Regiment
Publication - Lake States Forest Experiment Station
Publication - Oracle
Publication - Report of XIII Italian Mountain Festival
Publication - The Reserve Officer
Reappraisal Reports - W.E. Hedges
1957-1972
1920-1976
August 1965
1962-1970

1914-1936
1907
1933
2/10/1775
3/21/1775
6/26/1776
1929
1973
1972
1941
1930
1923
1964
1941
1945

Box 16
Reconnaissance Report - Headwaters - Levisa Fork of Big 
     Sandy by E. Murray Bruner

The Redbird P. Unit History Papers by Tom Frazier
Red River Gorge
Red River Gorge through 
Red River Gorge 
Red River Gorge 
Red River Gorge 
Red River Gorge Controversy - Report of Forest 
     Policy Problem 
Red River Resevoir - Environmental Impact Report 

1914
1965
1966-1970
1972
1973
1974
1975

1967-1968
1973

Box 17
River Drainage Map - Maine

Robertson, Charles - Deposition of
Scrapbook #1
Scrapbook #2 
Scrapbook - Italy 
Chief Sequoyah, The Paternity of
Sierra Club - Cumberland Chapter - Club Handbook
1947-1974
1777
1964
1964
1964
1985
1970-1974
Box 18
The Sorrows of Nancy by Lucinda Boyd

Southern Appalachian Forest Reserve by R.S. Bruce
Sphar Family History
Special Folder
The Stearns Lumber Co., History of
Strip Mining - The Coffey Heirs Tract
Strip Mining - Robinson Forest
Strodes Station - Reference Material
The Sublimity Project
The Swift Silver Mine
Timber Cutting Controversy - Red River Gorge
Timber Cutting Controversy - Red River Gorge
Timber Cutting - Red River Gorge Area
1899
1907
1984
1936
1975-1978
1957-1981
1966-1976
1974
1933-1947
1959-1980
Through 1972
1973-1974
Not Date
Box 19
Traces and Roads - Early Kentucky

The Transylvania Colony
The Traveling Church
Treaty of Watauga
U.S. Forest Service, chiefs of the Journal of Forestry
Waveland 
The Weeks Law Story 
The White Pine Logging Period 
Wildlife - McCreary County Project
Winchester and Clark County History
Zilpo Road Controversy 
1967
1935
1781
March 17, 1775
Nov. 1961
Not Dated
Not Dated
Not Dated
1964-1976
1966
1967

SLIDE SERIES
Description:
The Slide Series consists of seven boxes (20- 26) of color 35mm slides covering years 1948 -1983. Files are arranged alphabetically by subject. There are many slides of historic and outdoor scenes in Clark County and Winchester. In addition, there are many slides picturing historical and nature scenes of Kentucky.

 

 

Inventory
Box 20
Notes on Slides of Historic Places 

Birds, Animals, and Bees
Black Powder Shooting - Equipment
The Blue Grass Trust
The Boone Hut
The Boone Trace
Bush, Billy House
Cave Run Resevoir
Clark County Courthouse
Clark Co. - Historic Houses
Clark Co. - Historic Houses
Clark County Historical Society
Clark County Public Library
Clark County Scenes
Not Dated
1950-1970
1960s-1970s
1974
1967-1971
1973-1978
1978
1974-1980
1973-1977
1970-1979
1983
1973-1978
1973-1979
1958-1978
Box 21
Clark County Territorial Development

Clinkenbeard, William House
The Colbyville Tavern
Corps of Engineers Projects
Couchman, John House
The Croxton House
Cradle of Forestry 
Daniel Boone National Forest
Daniel Boone National Forest Name Change Dedication 
Eskippakithiki
Fall Color
Firearms
Fishing 
Flags of America 
Forest Service People 
Forestry - Gifford Pinchot 
1975-1981
1983
1973-1974
1958-1973
1976
1976
1971
1948-1971
Not Dated
1973-1977
1950s-1980s
1976-1982
1953-1979
1975-1981
1951-1974
1975
Box 22
Forests & Forestry in Italy 

Fort Boonesborough 
Fort Harrod 
Fox Hall - The 
Frontier Guns & Clothes 'N things 
The Gaitskill House 
Gay, Nelson Farm 
The Gist House 
Governor James Clark Mansion - "Holly Rood" 
Guns and Targets 
Harvard Cape Cod 
Historic Restoration 
Holmhurst - The Goff House
Houses 
Hunting 
Iron Furnaces in Ky. 
Italy - Pompeii 
1964
1973-1977
Not Dated
1977-1980
1974-1978
1976
1976
1976
1970s-1980s
1971-1983
1975-1976
1967-1976
1976-1981
1960-1978
1950s-1970s
1970s
1964
Box 23
Kentucky - Early Trails and Traces

Kentucky Flowers
Kentucky Flowers 
Kentucky History 
Kentucky Scenery 
The Kiwanis Park 
Lewis, Alpheus House 
Lewis, Thadius House 
Litter Vandalism 
Lower Howard's Creek
Maine and New Hampshire 
Maps - Charts and Graphs 
Martin, John - House 
Martin, Samuel D. House 
Military 
Natural History 
Natural Arches and Rocks 
Negatives - Color 
1975
1973- 1982
1950s-1980s
1963-1975
1960s-1970s
1979-1982
1976
1983
1970s
1970s
1950-1980
1970s
1976
1980
1950s - 1960s
1950s - 1970s
1950s - 1970s
Not Date
Box 24
Old Hickman Tavern & House 

Old Stone Meeting House 
Osborne, Ruth Home 
The Owen House 
Pollution - Drift Mine 
Pollution - Silt 
The Quinsberry House 
Recreation 
The Red River Gorge Country 
The Scobee House 
Shakertown - Ky. History 
Slide Program Lists 
Great Smokey National Park 
Special Subjects 
Sphar Family Slides 
Spring Colors 
Spring Hill 
Streams and Waterfalls 
Strip Mines 
Strodes Station 
Taylor, William - House 
1970s
1970s
1973-1980
1978
1965-1970
1962 -1975
1976-1977
1970-1972
1950s-1970s
1976
1970s
Not Dated
1980
1970s-1980s
1950s-1970s
1977-1978
1970s
1950s-1970s
1950s - 1970s
1974-1980
1976
Box 25
Timber Management

Travel - Cape Kennedy Space Center, Florida 
Travel - Everglades National Park & Ocala National 
     Forest, Florida
Travel - New Orleans, La. 
Travel - Washington State 
Travel - Western Country 
Travel - Williamsburg, Va. 
Trees & Shrubs 
T.V. - Slides from 
U.S. Army Uniforms 
U.S. Battleships - Constitution & Alabama & Planes 
University of Kentucky People 
Vine Wood 
Welcome Hall 
White Hall 
Wildlife species & Wildlife habitat 
1970s
1970

1969-1970
1968
1978
1968-1969
1968-1983
1969-1981
1980-1981
1775-1950
1976
1973-1980
1975-1976
1973-1980
1973-1976
1961-1977

Box 26
Winchester Activities 

Winchester Bank 
Winchester Churches 
Winchester in...
Winchester People 
The Winchester Police Department 
Winchester - Present Day 
Winchester - Railroad Station - Demolition Protest 
The Witherspoon House 
1980
1982
1970s
1899
1970s
1980
1960s- 1970
1981
1970s


MAP AND CHART SERIES
Description:
The Maps and Charts Series is found in the Archives general maps collection. The series consists of maps of the Laurel River Resevoir and several topographical maps of different areas of Kentucky. In addition, there are several collections of prints of Western pioneer scenes and of Civil War uniforms, and also a collection of Collins' elementary and secondary school diplomas.

 

 

Inventory
I. Charts, Posters, and Prints
     1. Civil War Uniform Sketches
          a. Confederate Drummer Boy
          b. Confederate Infantry Man
          c. Union Infantryman
          d. The Queen's Own 
     2. Currier & Ives color prints - Reproduced by 
         Remington  Arms Co. 
         a. E Pluribus Unum 
         b. Erin Go Brach! 
         c. The Highland Fling 
         d. Union Line Officer 
     3. Custer Battlefield: Montana 
     4. Daniel Boone at Cumberland Gap Painted by Hadon 
         Sundblom 
     5. Diplomas of Robert F. Collins
          a. Neither Tardy or Absent 
          b. Certificate of Promotion 
          c. Eighth Grade Diploma 
          d. Lansing High School Diploma - 1-25-24
     6. Fly Fishing
          a. Fly Fishing Material
          b. Streamers, Bucktails, and Dry Flies
          c. Wet Flies and Nymphs
     7. Frederic Remington Prints
          a. The Coming and Going of Pony Express
          b. Dismounted: The Fourth Troopers Moving
          c. The Scout: Friends or Enemies
          d. Stampeded by Lightning
     8. History of Military Uniforms 
     9. Return to High Country Print by R. Dorman
     10. What Makes a Sub Tick? 

 
 
 

1875

1945
1875
1875
1875
1862
1869

1968

1917
1918
1919
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

1959

1945

II. Maps
     11. Blueprint of the Assembly of an Hawkin Rifle 
     12. Cumberland River Basin - Laurel Resevoir - U.S. 
           Army Corps of Engineers 
     13. Laurel Resevoir Topographic Map
     14. KY and Southwest Territory Map reproduction 
     15. London, KY Topographic Map 
     16. Nine Counties formed by Virginia before 1792
     17. Reproduction of 17th century North America
     18. Streams of KY 

1971

1962

1794
1952
 

1967


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