Casey Adams Collection

Identity elements

Reference code

US WaBuPNRA D0255

Level of description

Collection

Title

Casey Adams Collection

Date(s)

  • 1947-1986 (Creation)

Extent

14 boxes

Name of creator

(1923-April 3, 1997)

Biographical history

"Casey" Adams was raised in Minot, North Dakota, where his father was stationmaster of the Great Northern depot. After service in the United States Army and Air Force, he received a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering from Oregon State University and joined the Boeing Company in 1951, eventually becoming head of the patent-engineering program. He was a railroad photographer, who frequently sold photographs to the public and made presentations to railway historical societies.

Content and structure elements

Scope and content

The Casey Adams Collection includes an extensive collection of railroad related negatives and 35mm slides starting in the late 1940's through the 1970's. Geographically the photos range between North Dakota and Washington State. Subjects include Great Northern Railway, Burlington Northern, Northern Pacific, Milwaukee Road, and Union Pacific and Amtrack. The collection also includes miscellaneous railroad-related ephemera.

System of arrangement

Conditions of access and use elements

Conditions governing access

Please see Section VII of the Pacific Northwest Railroad Archive Collection Management Policy for further information.

Physical access

Technical access

Conditions governing reproduction

Please see the Pacific Northwest Railroad Archive Reproduction Policy for further information.

Languages of the material

  • English

Scripts of the material

    Language and script notes

    Finding aids

    A finding aid spreadsheet is in the accession folder.

    Acquisition and appraisal elements

    Custodial history

    Ownership resides in the Pacific Northwest Railroad Archive.

    Immediate source of acquisition

    The Casey Adams Collection was donated by his son, James Adams. Accruals W2018-12, W2023-22, and W2025-77 were received between 2018 and 2025.

    Appraisal, destruction and scheduling information

    Accruals

    W2018-12, W2023-22, W2025-77

    Related materials elements

    Existence and location of originals

    Existence and location of copies

    Related archival materials

    Related descriptions

    Notes element

    Specialized notes

    Alternative identifier(s)

    Description control element

    Rules or conventions

    Describing Archives - A Content Standard (DACS) 2nd Edition 2013

    Sources used

    Access points

    Subject access points

    Place access points

    Name access points

    Genre access points

    Accession area