Curtis F. Smith Research Papers, 1858-2004

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Smith, Curtis F.
Title
Curtis F. Smith Research Papers
Dates
1858-2004 (inclusive)
Quantity
.5 linear feet, (1 box)
Collection Number
XOE_CPNWS0331smithc
Summary
A collection of research notes, photographs and other background materials for Curtis F. Smith's book, "The Brothels of Bellingham".
Repository
Western Washington University, Center for Pacific Northwest Studies
Goltz-Murray Archives Building
808 25th St.
Bellingham, WA
98225
Telephone: (360) 650-7534
cpnws@wwu.edu
Access Restrictions

The collection is open to the public.

Languages
English

Biographical NoteReturn to Top

Dr. Curtis F. Smith was born in Bellingham, Washington. He graduated from Bellingham High School in 1953 and the University of Washington School of Dentistry in 1960. Dr. Smith’s book, "The Brothels of Bellingham" was published by the Whatcom County Historical Society in 2004.

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

The Curtis F. Smith research papers at the Center for Pacific Northwest Studies are a collection of research notes, correspondence, photographs, audio recordings and transcripts of interviews, and other background materials used by Dr. Smith to write his 2004 book, ‘The Brothels of Bellingham’. The collection contains hand-written notes by Dr. Smith, copies of newspaper articles, student papers and archival records relevant to the subject of prostitution and brothels in the towns of Whatcom, New Whatcom, Bellingham and Fairhaven, Washington. This collection also contains letters from readers, notes from books used for background information, recordings and transcripts of interviews from eye-witness accounts. Also included in the Curtis F. Smith papers are lecture notes and a printout of a PowerPoint presentation used by Dr. Smith.

Use of the CollectionReturn to Top

Preferred Citation

Curtis F. Smith Research Papers, Center for Pacific Northwest Studies, Western Libraries Archives & Special Collections, Western Washington University, Bellingham WA 98225-9123

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Arrangement

The Curtis F. Smith papers are organized in accordance with the following series arrangement:

  • Series I: Research files, 1858-2003
  • Series II: Correspondence, 2003-2007
  • Series III: Lecture notes, 1997
  • Series IV: Photographs, 1908-1970
  • Series V: Audio recordings and transcripts, 1986-1988

Custodial History

Curtis F. Smith donated the papers to the Center for Pacific Northwest Studies in 2012.

Processing Note

Eric L. Mastor processed the collection in December 2012

Processing Note

About Harmful Language and Content

To learn more about problematic content in our collections, collection description and teaching tools (including how to provide feedback or request dialogue on this topic), see the following Statement About Potentially Harmful Language and Content

Bibliography

Smith, Curtis F., The Brothels of Bellingham, Whatcom County Historical Society, 2004.

Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top

Series I:   Research files,  1858-2003Return to Top

Container(s) Description Dates
Box/Folder
1/1
Joy M. Stokes
1967-2003
1/2
The Northern Light (reprint)
July 3, 1858
1/3
Fairhaven history
undated
1/4
Houses/War years
1920-2000
1/5
Whatcom County Historical Society newsletter, v. 8, no. 4
2003
1/6
Red lights
1903-1998
1/7
Whatcom, WA
1890-1909
1/8
Fairhaven, WA
1986-1993
1/9
Other news stories
1905-2002
1/10
Municipal associations
1899-1911, bulk 1910
1/11
Houses - detailed information of 9 houses
1860-1959
1/12
Middle years
1905-1941
1/13
City ordinances
1903

Series II:   Correspondence,  2003-2007Return to Top

Container(s) Description Dates
Box/Folder
1/14
Letters from readers
2003-2007

Series III:   Lecture notes,  1997Return to Top

Container(s) Description Dates
Box/Folder
1/15
Notes
1997
1/16
PowerPoint presentation
undated

Series IV:   Photographs,  1908-1970Return to Top

Container(s) Description Dates
Box/Folder
1/17
Photographs (31) of Bellingham, WA and Fairhaven, WA
1908-1970s

Series V:   Audio recordings and transcripts,  1986-1988Return to Top

Container(s) Description Dates
Box/Folder
1/18
Audio interviews on cassette tape of Clem Wallace, George Hunsby, Ed Brown
1986-1988
1/19
Interview transcripts of Clem Wallace, George Hunsby, Ed Brown
1986-1988

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • Prostitutes--Washington (State)--Bellingham--History--Sources.
  • Prostitution--Washington (State)--Bellingham--History--Sources.

Personal Names

  • Smith, Curtis F.--Archives. (creator)

Geographical Names

  • Bellingham (Wash.)--History--Sources.

Form or Genre Terms

  • Records (Documents)