Archives West Finding Aid

The Thompson family papers span the dates 1797-2013, with the bulk of materials ranging from 1900 to 1965. The collection contains individual and family correspondence, personal and family papers, photographs, publications, and an oral history. The papers document three generations of Thompson family members, providing insight into life on the San Juan Islands during the first half of the twentieth century and first hand accounts of family experiences during World War II. The collection documents the career of Thomas G. (Thomas Gordon) Thompson, who coordinated the establishment of the University of Washington’s Oceanographic Laboratories. The collection also contains records pertaining to June and Farrar Burn, long-time friends of the Thompson family.

Correspondence dates from circa 1900-1997 and contains letters to and from various members of the Thompson family, their relatives, friends, and colleagues. Much of the correspondence comprises letters written by the family to each other during World War II. This correspondence provides rich detail into the life and military experiences of a Seattle family during the war, including accounts of air raid drills coordinated by Thomas G. Thompson at a baseball field in Seattle. The collection also contains a number of letters between members of the Thompson family and June Burn.

Personal papers span the dates 1797-2013 with the bulk of materials dating from 1906-1965. Thomas G. Thompson's papers include documents from his early childhood and education, personal journals, and records reflecting his professional career and travels. The collection contains a number of stamps and empty envelopes possessing philatelic value that Thomas collected and saved. General family papers include Thompson family property and financial records, some of which document the family’s purchase and sale of McConnell Island, part of the San Juan Islands in Washington State. General family papers contain poems and other writings by various Thompson family members.

Photographs are dated circa 1900s-1971, and mostly depict Harriet G. and Thomas G. Thompson. These images document Harriet and Thomas' early lives and education, as well as other significant events and members of both the Thompson and Galbraith families. The collection includes images of Harriet G. Thompson and June Burn on Waldron Island and Johns Island.

Publications dated 1918-1997 include articles about Thomas G. Thompson and his career, and materials regarding long-time family friends June and Farrar Burn. The publications also include pamphlets, newspaper articles, and one book.

The oral history was obtained through a 2007 interview with the donor of the collection, Harriet Thompson (daughter of Thomas G. and Harriet G. Thompson). In the interview, Harriet reflects on her childhood in the Pacific Northwest. She tells of her mother’s work as an instructor with the American National Red Cross Nurses' Aides program, and her father’s involvement with the Chemical Warfare and Civilian Defense Departments during World War II. Harriet describes air raid drills coordinated by her father at a baseball stadium in downtown Seattle. The oral history also contains anecdotes about the Burn family, with whom Harriet spent time as a child.