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George Roberts collection

 Collection
Identifier: MG 5793

Content Description

A collection of holiday themed letters sent each year during the winter to Arnold and Gladys Goldsmith. Includes the original letters hand-written by both George and Macky, some written on hand-made or decorated cards. The letters were later transcribed by Arnold Goldsmith, and are housed with the originals. They range from Idaho politics, family highlights, to a moose eating Macky Robert's garden. Also included in the collection is an introductory letter from Arnold Goldsmith, discussing the Goldsmith's and Roberts' relationship and notable topics and lines from the letters.

Dates

  • Creation: 1942-1999

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research.

Biographical / Historical

George Roberts was born in Madison, Wisconsin on 10 June 1927. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin with both his Bachelors and Masters of Science degrees. He and his wife Macky moved to rural Idaho when George took a position at the University of Idaho teaching art in 1957, where he stayed until he retired in 1992. George was Chairman of the Art Department at the U of I from 1963-1977 and was such a beloved professor he received an Outstanding Teacher Award in 1992.

George and Macky were both artists who together created a University Medallion first worn at the inauguration of Ernest Hartung, worn with official univeristy attire and is now a regular element of the president's academic attire. Macky was also known for her jewellery creations. George was an award-winning artist, known for his sculptures and pottery. He received the Idaho Governor's Award and Medal of Excellence and the Excellence in the Arts Lifetime Achievement award from the City of Moscow. His sculptures can still be seen on the U of I campus, including the iconic Vandal statue in the Pittman Center and a metal eagle sculpture still hanging in the Library.

George Roberts passed away in Moscow, ID on 11 March 2012.

Extent

0.25 Cubic Feet

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

Correspondence to Gladys and Arnold Goldsmith from Goerge and Macky Roberts, biographical information and introduction to the letters written by Arnold Goldsmith, and a copy of Atticana, a journal put together by the University of Idaho Department of Art and Architecture.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Materials received from George Roberts in 1998 (MA 1998-04).

Existence and Location of Copies

Another copy of the 1942 Atticana journal can be found in the Idaho Collection in Special Collections: https://alliance-uidaho.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/01ALLIANCE_UID/2vsn7u/alma996813701851.

Bibliography

Sources:

George Roberts Obituary, Daily News, March 28, 2012: https://dnews.com/obituaries/george-roberts-84-of-moscow/article_159e758d-cf56-5f8d-9db7-94899b365ad4.html

Faculty Staff Handbook, 4990-Academic Regalia, Amended August 2010: https://www.uidaho.edu/governance/policy/policies/fsh/deleted-policies/4990
Title
Guide to George Roberts collection
Author
Finding aid prepared by Logan Romans and Amy Thompson
Date
2023
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the University of Idaho Library, Special Collections and Archives Repository