College of Veterinary Medicine Records (RG 175)
1923-1929; 1948-1976
1 cubic foot and 1 reel of microfilm
Scope and Content Note
The College of Veterinary Medicine Records contains two subgroups: 1. School of Veterinary Medicine; and 2. Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. The first subgroup consists of papers written for Veterinary Medicine Classes, and translations of veterinary medicine papers from German to English. The second subgroup, Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory contains reports, correspondence and other administrative records. Included are annual progress and final reports on various research projects, annual reports of the lab, monthly clinical necropsy records compiled in cooperation with the State Wildlife Commission; correspondence pertaining to test results; press releases; inspection reports of the lab; fee scales; and equipment specifications. The administrative correspondence includes requests for office and medical supplies, advice to prospective veterinary students, travel arrangements, thank you notes, and requests for payment of travel expenses.
Historical Note
Veterinary Science courses were taught at Oregon State Agricultural College as early as 1892. In 1910, the Department of Veterinary Science was established within the School of Agriculture. In 1914, a veterinarian, Dr. Bennet T. Simms, was employed and the department name was changed to Veterinary Medicine.
In 1952 the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory was built; it was enlarged in 1961. The Veterinary Isolation Facility was constructed on campus in 1973 to provide an environment for effective research into the complex and costly diseases that affect Oregon's domestic animals and wildlife. In 1975 the School of Veterinary Medicine at Oregon State University was established by the State Legislature. Magruder Hall, named for the state representative that was responsible for securing the funding for the construction of the building, opened in 1980, and in the fall of 1981, the Veterinary Teaching Hospital opened. The School was changed to a college in 1983 when most other schools at OSU were designated as colleges.
Department heads of Veterinary Medicine over the years, in addition to Dr. Simms (who stayed until 1938), have included: James Niven Shaw from 1938-1955; and Ernest Milton Dickinson 1955-1970. The first dean of the School in 1975 was Dr. E. E. Wedman, followed by Loren Koller from 1985-1995. Norman Hutton served as interim dean in 1995 and 1996 until Robert C. Wilson was named dean in June of 1996. He served as dean until his retirement in June, 1999. The present dean, named in 1999, is L. J. Koong.
Related Materials
There are two folders in the Memorabilia files (MCs), College of Veterinary Medicine, that contain a history of this subject, and a folder on James Niven Shaw. Two related publications include College of Veterinary Medicine (PUB 401), which includes the Veterinary Journal, the alumni newsletter; and Oregon Animal Health News,( PUB) 7-15a. College of Veterinary Medicine Photographs (P 184) contain photographs of diseased animal carcasses, and pages from an album documenting the inadequate facilities used before Magruder Hall was constructed, plus a photograph of Senator Packwood visiting the new facilities. Harriet's Collection #940 contains four photos of animals and facilities used for Veterinary Medicine during the 1920s and 1930s.
Inventory
Prepared by: Janet Wendt
