Robert Earley Marsh papers

Collection

Identifier: 2009-018

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Robert Earley Marsh Papers include photographs of Marsh, group photographs, pencil sketches of two physicians, several of Robert Marsh’s diplomas and degrees, and a biography of Dr. Marsh, written by his son, Timothy J. Marsh. The collection dates from 1926 to 2009.

Dates

Creation: 1926-2009

Creator

Marsh, Robert Earley, 1907- (Creator, Person)

Conditions Governing Access

There are no restrictions on access. This collection is open to the public.

Conditions Governing Use

OHSU Historical Collections & Archives (HC&A) is the owner of the original materials and digitized images in our collections, however, the collection may contain materials for which copyright is not held. Patrons are responsible for determining the appropriate use or reuse of materials. Consult with HC&A to determine if we can provide permission for use.

Biographical Note

Robert Earley Marsh was born in Washington in 1907, and moved with his mother to Portland, Oregon in 1920 after his father was lost to the influenza pandemic of 1918-1919. He began taking classes at the North Pacific Dental College in 1929 after a great deal of struggle and effort to raise tuition funds for himself. Marsh took up a variety of work and led a frugal life to make his way into dental school. This included truck driving and part delivery, factory and manufacturing jobs, working on freight ships, and as a fireman for Alaska’s fishing canneries. After completing dentistry school, Marsh had no trouble finding patients with which to build a practice but was faced with the challenges of the Depression economy. After trying to start up two practices and finding that patients had trouble paying dental bills in such hard times, Dr. Marsh served in the Civilian Conservation Corps with his dentistry services and then worked for the Veteran’s Administration (VA), where he served as assistant and chief dental officer. He continued his career with the VA for 30 years, until his retirement in 1970.

Extent

.46 Linear Feet (one half box and one flat box)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Robert Earley Marsh was a student of the North Pacific Dental College and practiced with the Civilian Conservation Corps and the Veteran’s Administration. These papers include several photographs, pencil sketches, several of Marsh’s diplomas and degrees, and a biography of Dr. Marsh, written by his son. These records provide insight into the life of a Great Depression era working professional.