Dr. Edna V. Tavlin Photograph Collection, ca. 1925-1970 (bulk 1929-1933)
Scope and Contents
The collection primarily includes photographs, drawings, paintings, and postcards. Correspondence, a biographical sketch, clippings and certificates comprise the remainder of the collection. Photos and drawings are primarily based on Dr. Tavlin’s Alaska experiences. The collection spans the years from 1925-1970; the bulk of the collection includes 1929-1933 during Dr. Tavlin’s Alaska service. Artifacts, e.g. baskets and dental equipment are housed in the Alaska State Museum. A totem pole was donated to the Alaska State Museum in 1969.
Dates
- Majority of material found within ca. 1925-1970 ( 1929-1933)
Conditions Governing Access
The photographs may be viewed, however, the images may not be photocopied.
Conditions Governing Use
Request for permission to publish or reproduce material from the collection should be discussed with the Librarian.
Biographical
Dr. Edna V. Tavlin was the first woman Dental Supervisor of Indian Affairs in Alaska from 1928-1933. Known as “Dr. Teddy,” she spent several years traveling Alaska and the Yukon Territory by boat, dog sled, and plane to reach the remote native villages. She worked on the Yukon Hospital Ship Martha Angeline.
Dr. Tavlin was born in Kenosha, Wisconsin in 1892. She practiced dentistry with her husband in Missoula, Montana. In 1928 she took her young son Carlos Van Wald to Alaska. Dr. Tavlin studied painting with Sydney Laurence and painted in his style. Dr. Tavlin also entertained those living along the Yukon as a pianist and organist. Besides working in Montana and Alaska, Dr. Tavlin practiced dentistry in Seattle and Burien, WA; she died in October 1944. She had one son, Carlos Van Wald who died in 1970.
Extent
60 items : 7 folders: 60 images, papers
Language of Materials
English
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Ida Van Wald, daughter-in-law of Dr. Tavlin, donated the collection to the Alaska State Library in December 1999, Acc. no. 00-03.
Existence and Location of Copies
Photographs digitized and available for viewing via Alaska's Digital Archives: #023
Processing Information
The original order of the images was retained; pages from the photo album remain intact. Papers accompanying the images were organized according to format and chronologically when possible.
- Title
- Finding aid for the Dr. Edna V. Tavlin Photograph Collection, ca. 1925-1970 (bulk 1929-1933)
- Status
- In Progress
- Author
- Processed by: Gladi Kulp July/August 2000 ; ArchivesSpace finding aid by: Sandy Johnston
- Date
- 2019 June
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- Undetermined
- Script of description
- Code for undetermined script
- Language of description note
- English
Repository Details
Part of the Alaska State Library - Historical Collections Finding Aids Repository
PO Box 110571
Juneau AK 99811-0571 US
907-465-2920
907-465-2925
907-465-2151 (Fax)
asl.historical@alaska.gov