Stanley G. Palmer and Prouty Family Papers

Collection

Identifier: NC1409

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Stanley G. Palmer and Prouty Family Papers contains photographs from Stanley G. Palmer of the University of Nevada campus, the Reno area, Cornell University, and other travels. Included are prints, negatives, real photo postcards and one glass plate negative. Additionally, the collection includes a postcard album belonging to the Prouty Family. The album may have been kept by either Ethel Grace (Prouty) Palmer's sister, Anna (Annie) Estella Prouty Lasher, or mother, Dora (Mrs. James Davis).

Dates

1894-1960s

Creator

Palmer, Stanley G., 1887-1975 (Creator, Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research. Materials must be used on-site; advance notice suggested. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.

Biographical / Historical

Stanley Gustavus Palmer was born on September 18, 1887, in Waterville, Maine to Mary Elizabeth Stanley and Gustavus Stewart Palmer. Palmer came to Nevada in 1889 with his mother and two brothers. He graduated from public school, and, in 1905, Palmer entered the University of Nevada, completing his degree in science in 1909. He then attended Cornell University, graduating in 1910 with a Master's Degree in electrical engineering.

Palmer returned to the University of Nevada in 1915, beginning his 42-year service. During that time, he served as an instructor in electrical engineering (1915-1918), professor (beginning in 1918), and dean of the College of Engineering (1941-1957). Palmer retired from the University in 1957.

Outside of the university, Palmer served as the president of the National Council of State Boards of Engineering Examiners for one year as well as served on the Nevada State Board of Register Professional Engineers as secretary from 1941-1965. He was active in the Masonic Lodge and was given the 33rd degree in the Scottish Rite.

In 1912, Palmer married Ethel Grace Prouty. Prouty was born on November 8, 1887, in Keokuk, Iowa to Dora Emma Fleming and James Davis Prouty. By 1910, the Prouty family, including sister Anna (Annie) Estella, was living in Reno. Ethel attended local schools and graduated from the University of Nevada. She was a member of the Nevada Chapter, No. 13, Order of the Eastern Star and active in the Reno community. The Palmers had two children, Robert and Ruth.

Ethel died on March 7, 1947, and Stanley on October 31, 1975.

[Biographical note written using information found in FamilySearch.org as well as obituaries in the Nevada State Journal and Reno Evening Gazette, both accessed July 29, 2021.]

Extent

0.41 Linear Feet (1 box)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Stanley Gustavus Palmer (1887-1975) and Ethel Grace Prouty (1887-1947) were residents of Reno, Nevada and attended the University of Nevada. Stanley was an instructor, professor, and dean of the College of Engineering at the University of Nevada from 1915-1957. The collection contains personal papers and photographs taken by Stanley as well as postcards from the Prouty family.

Arrangement

Arranged without hierarchy.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Donated by Wendell W. Huffman on behalf of the Nevada State Railroad Museum in July 2021.

Processing Information

Processed by Jessica Maddox and Maggie Cornish in 2021 and 2022. During the course of processing the collection, standard archival preservation measures were taken to ensure the longevity of the materials. This includes rehousing into appropriate acid free containers and photographic sleeves.