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Bachelder (Jay A.) family papers, Nome, Alaska, 1882-1969

 Collection
Identifier: MS 82

Scope and Contents

The papers are comprised mainly of the personal correspondence and reminiscences of Dell Bachelder. A close correspondent was Alaska Representative and Senator Charles D. Jones; he was one of the three who cast Alaska's first electoral ballots for U.S. president in December 1960. Also included are the correspondence of Jay Bachelder and Marian Bachelder Williams, newspaper clippings and family legal documents (including Alaskan stock certificates). Miscellaneous materials include an Eskimo catechism from the Seward Peninsula, and a 1946 map of Nome showing building lots. The Bachelder photographs are located in PCA 218.

Dates

  • 1882-1969

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is unrestricted.

Conditions Governing Use

Request for permission to publish material from the collection must be discussed with the Librarian. PHOTOCOPYING DOES NOT CONSTITUTE PERMISSION TO PUBLISH.

Biographical Note

Jay A. Bachelder was cashier and assistant manager, for the Nome Bank & Trust Company in June 1907. His wife Dell Reilly Bachelder and 2-3 month old daughter Marian Agnes joined him in January 1908. Life in Nome was an adventure and many of their friends were those who helped to shape Alaska: Jafet Lindeberg, Leonhard Seppala, Alaska legislator Charles D. Jones and the Lomen family.

In October 1909, Dell, Marian and other family members returned to Brainerd, Minnesota. Jay joined them in the fall of 1910. The family returned to Nome in 1911, where Mr. Bachelder was cashier for Miners & Merchants Bank and assistant secretary of the Blue Goose Mining Co. In late 1921, the family left Alaska. Jay went to work for a wholesale grocer in Minnesota. Dell later lived with her daughter and son-in-law, Robert P. Williams, on the East coast.

Extent

0.2 Linear Feet (1-2.5 inch manuscript box)

Language of Materials

English

Immediate Source of Acquisition

The papers were part of the estate of Mr. Robert P. Williams of Florida (husband of Marian Bachelder), bequeathed to the library in early 1983.

Related Materials

PCA 218: Bachelder-Williams Family Photograph Collection, ca. 1907-1921

Processing Information

The Bachelder papers were separated from the photographs, which were numbered Photograph Collection Album 218. The papers were organized by type and family member and arranged chronologically.

Title
Finding aid for the Bachelder (Jay A.) family papers, Nome, Alaska, 1882-1969
Status
In Progress
Author
Processed by: Marilyn Kwock, August 1993. Revised by: MLK, September 1993. ArchivesSpace Finding Aid by: Freya Anderson
Date
2019 May
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

Contact:
PO Box 110571
Juneau AK 99811-0571 US
907-465-2920
907-465-2925
907-465-2151 (Fax)