Identity elements
Reference code
Name and location of repository
Level of description
Collection
Title
Elmer Smoak Collection
Date(s)
- 1917-1990 (Creation)
Extent
75 books, 1 box
Name of creator
Biographical history
Elmer Smoak was born in Anthony, Florida in 1922. He completed his elementary and high school education in Florida. After two years at the University of Florida he drove across the United States to work the summer on a Forest Service crew in the Blue Mountains of Oregon. On December 8, 1942 he enlisted in the US Navy. He served on the USS Luzon (ARG-2) repairing ships and landing craft. The diesel mechanic skills he acquired in the Navy served him well for the rest of his working years. In the spring of 1947 Elmer accepted a position with the Northern Pacific Railroad at the time of transition from steam to diesel engines. He worked for the railroad in Livingston, Montana, St. Paul and Brainerd, Minnesota, Tacoma, Washington and then back to Livingston, Montana. He finished his railroad career as the Round House Foreman in Missoula, Montana in November of 1980.
Content and structure elements
Scope and content
The Elmer Smoak Collection consists mainly of operating manuals for railroad locomtoives and their components. Additional materials on railroad operations, principally by the Northern Pacific Railroad Company, are included.
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 on access.
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
- Latin
Language and script notes
Acquisition and appraisal elements
Custodial history
Ownership resides in the Pacific Northwest Railroad Archive.
Immediate source of acquisition
Donated by Barbara Smoak, executor of the Elmer Smoak estate. Accrual W2013-16 received 06/05/13.
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling information
Accruals
W2013-16
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
- Northern Pacific Railroad Company (Subject)
- Other Railroads (Subject)