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S.T. Vann Papers

 Collection
Identifier: UNMA-105

Scope and Content Note

This collection contains the personal and professional papers of Samuel Thomas (S.T.) Vann, one of the first UNM students and an important early resident of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Included are scrapbooks detailing the family’s athletic activities, a baby book, news clippings, photographs, correspondence, sports and opera programs, legal documents, travel memorabilia, and issues of the New Mexsigan - the newsletter of UNM’s Sigma Chi fraternity - from when Vann’s son Richard attended the University in the 1920s. Also included are awards, newsletters, and other memorabilia from civic and professional organizations Vann belonged to including the Lion’s Club, the Kiwanis, and the New Mexico Optometric Association.

Dates

  • 1905-1971

Creator

Language of Materials

English

Access Restrictions

The collection is open for research.

Copy Restrictions

Limited duplication of print and photographic material is allowed for research purposes. User is responsible for compliance with all copyright, privacy, and libel laws. Permission is required for publication or distribution.

Biographical Note

Dr. Samuel Thomas (S.T.) Vann was born in Coventry, England, on June 9, 1879. His family moved to the United States when he was three and then moved from Rockford, Illinois, when he was 12. Vann was one of the first students to attend UNM in its early years at the end of the 19th century. After leaving UNM, he passed the Territorial Pharmacy Board test and started working with his father, Samuel Vann, as a pharmacist and jeweler. In 1902, he earned his doctorate of optics from the Philadelphia Optical College and returned to Albuquerque to practice optometry. He co-wrote the territorial law governing the optometry profession and became the second person licensed to practice under it. Vann’s sons Richard and Lee also became doctors of optometry and joined him at his Albuquerque practice. He belonged to many professional and civic organizations including the New Mexico Board of Optometry, the Lions Club, the Odd Fellows, and the Kiwanis Club. He died in an Albuquerque hospital on March 24, 1971, at the age of 91.

Extent

1.5 Cubic Feet (2 Boxes)

Abstract

This collection contains the personal and professional papers of Samuel Thomas (S.T.) Vann, one of the first UNM students and an important early resident of Albuquerque. Included materials include scrapbooks detailing the family’s athletic activities, news clippings, photographs, correspondence, and issues of the New Mexsigan—the newsletter of UNM’s Sigma Chi fraternity—from when Vann’s son Richard attended the University in the 1920s.
Title
Finding Aid of the S.T. Vann Papers, 1905-1971
Status
Completed
Date
© 2012
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid is in English

Revision Statements

  • Monday, 20210524: Attribute normal is missing or blank.

Repository Details

Part of the UNM Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections Repository

Contact:
University of New Mexico Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections
University Libraries, MSC05 3020
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque NM 87131
505-277-6451