Marvin N. Shearer Papers, 1918-1995

Title: Marvin N. Shearer Papers, 1918-1995

Predominant Dates: 1950-1990

ID: MSS Shearer

Primary Creator: Shearer, Marvin N.

Extent: 4.5 cubic feet. More info below.

Languages of Materials: English [eng]

Abstract

The Marvin N. Shearer Papers consist of materials created or assembled by Shearer documenting his research in irrigation technology and involvement in the professional community as well as water resource issues in the Northwest. Shearer was an Irrigation Specialist with the Oregon State University Extension Service from 1952 until his retirement in 1982.

Scope and Content Notes

The Marvin N. Shearer Papers consist of materials created or assembled by Shearer documenting his research in irrigation technology and participation in the professional community of irrigation researchers. The collection also includes materials pertaining to water resource issues in Oregon and the Northwest. The Papers include articles written by Shearer, Extension Service publications, committee records, conference proceedings, industry magazines and journals, newspaper clippings, photographs, reference materials, speeches, and technical reports. Materials pertaining to water resources in Oregon, including a series of reports on Oregon's long-range water requirements; a soil survey of Umatilla County; and materials from the Willamette Basin Project Committee are also included. The collection includes a list of Shearer's publications.

The photographs depict various aspects of irrigation, including images of sprinker systems; dams and reservoirs in Oregon; equipment demonstrations; and professional conferences. The photographs are primarily b/w prints; some 4x5 camera negatives are included.

Biographical / Historical Notes

Marvin N. Shearer earned a BS degree in agricultural engineering at Oregon State College in 1948. Two years later, in 1950, he began his Oregon State career as the Assistant County Extension Agent in Jefferson County. In 1952, he was appointed as the Extension Irrigation Specialist, a position he held until his retirement in 1982. Shearer completed an MS degree at Michigan State University in 1961. Shearer's research focussed on irrigation technology; he designed sprinkler irrigation equipment and systems and was instrumental in development of the research program on irrigation optimization at Oregon State. He served as a consultant for irrigation projects in the United States as well as internationally.

Administrative Information

More Extent Information: 350 photographs; 6 boxes, including 1 oversize box

Statement on Access: Collection is open for research.

Acquisition Note: The papers were donated to the Archives by Shearer in 2002.

Related Materials: The Special Collections and Archives Research Center collections include the papers of many Extension Service faculty and staff and the Extension Service Records (RG 111), which include the Extension Irrigation Specialist's reports for 1952-1966. Other collections with materials pertaining specifically to irrigation are the Emery N. Castle Papers (MSS Castle), Arthur S. King Papers (MSS King), Kenneth A. Rykbost Papers (MSS Rykbost), Bioresource Engineering Department Records (RG 001), Bioresource Engineering Department Photograph Collection (P 106), and the Agricultural Experiment Station Records (RG 025).

Preferred Citation: Marvin N. Shearer Papers (MSS Shearer), Oregon State University Special Collections and Archives Research Center, Corvallis, Oregon.

Processing Information: This collection is not fully processed; this guide is preliminary.

Creators

People, Places, and Topics

Agricultural extension work--Oregon.
Agricultural extension workers--Oregon.
Irrigation--Oregon.
Irrigation efficiency--Oregon.
Microirrigation--Oregon.
Natural Resources
Shearer, Marvin N.
Sprinkler irrigation--Equipment and supplies.
University History
Water resources development--Oregon.
Water use--Oregon.
Willamette River Watershed (Or.)