Beschreibung:

Title: Important archive of diaries and other writings, photographs, ephemera, and other material by or collected by frontier photographer Frank Bennett Fiske Author: Fiske, Frank B. (1883-1952) Place: Dakotas Publisher: Date: c.1880-1950 Description: Large archive housed in two banker’s boxes, comprising five original manuscript diaries, typed transcripts of many other diaries, original photographs and photographic negatives, manuscript records of Dakota legends and tales gathered by Fiske, ephemera and manuscript material from the Dakota frontier, and more. Important and historically valuable archive of original manuscript material and early transcriptions of Fiske’s writings, with other materials, preserved and passed down by Fiske’s close friend and associate Bill Lemons, with whom Fiske traveled extensively and engaged in numerous projects – consigned now by a member of the Lemons family. Frank B. Fiske was born on the Dakota frontier, the son of a soldier who later worked as a civilian wagon master at Fort Yates, North Dakota, on the Standing Rock Agency. The younger Fiske’s life was ever intertwined with the frontier and the Sioux Indians, attending school with members of the tribe, and eventually making extensive records of their history and legends. When, as a teenager, he started to study under post photographer Stephen T. “Dick” Fansler, Fiske made the Sioux the primary subject of his images. This was to continue for the rest of his life and career as a photographer. In 1900, the young Fiske took over for Fansler as the post photographer at Fort Yates, continuing in that position until the post was abandoned in 1903. Justly recognized for his superb photographs of the Sioux at a time of transition, as the warriors who fought Custer were setting into middle and old age, Fiske was also a keen student of Sioux history and culture. His diaries and writings include many records of native legends and lore, traditional stories, and more, including mundane but insightful accounts of daily events of life on the reservation. There are also narratives relating to the advance of Euro-American civilization, and historical events in the occupation. But primarily the diaries record his life in the Dakotas in the early part of the 20th century, half frontier, half civilized, an America at the crossing point. Among the items: Manuscript “History of the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation by Frank Bennett Fiske,” photocopy of the original typescript. Approx. 275 pp. Manuscript “History of the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation by Frank Bennett Fiske (Part II)” a working draft consisting of photocopies of several hundred pages of typescript, as well as of numerous letters (both handwritten and typed), documents, etc. Two original sepia-tone photographs on matte paper, "Mrs. Yellow Eyes" (pencil identification on verso), and two Indians seated on the bank of a river, each 8x10", framed. Nine original silver photographs by Frank B. Fiske, most with his inked imprint, 8x10” or a bit smaller. Includes: Scene at the Standing Rock Indian Agency, with buildings, many wagons, Indians, etc.; Grave of Sitting Bull; Agency School 1900 (captioned in ink); Block House & Magazine Old Fort Yates, N. Dak. (captioned in pencil on verso); Officer’s Row, Fort Yates, N. Dakota (captioned in pencil on verso); the “first school (Indian) in Fort Yates…” with 11-line pencil description on reverse; Parade Ground Old Fort Yates, N.D. (captioned in ink); etc. Plus 7 additional silver photographs by Fiske, apparently later printings, without captions or imprint. Five pencil manuscript diaries/notebooks, covering various intervals, four from 1905 to 1917, the last from 1947. In addition to being a record of events and activities, and Fiske's philosophical meanderings, they also serve as account books and list photographs taken and sold. Approximately 18 folders containing early typed transcripts of Fiske’s diaries, covering va