Richard E. Nichol papers

Collection

Identifier: 2019-010

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Richard E. Nichol papers houses the personal papers of Dr. Richard E. Nichol. This collection, which dates from 1947 to 1949, consists of class notes and drawings from his education at the University of Oregon Dental School. These meticulously kept notebooks and the drawings within evidence the work of medical students during the mid-20th century. This collection is invaluable in showcasing the change in study habits over the years as technology advanced and the importance of artistic abilities for medical students fell to the wayside. These notebooks show the student artist at the peak of ability.

Dates

Creation: 1947-1949, undated

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

Dr. Richard E. Nichol, born June 30, 1928 in Portland, Oregon was the son of Colonel Ernest Ray Nichol, D.M.D. and grandson of Dr. Walter Scott Nichol, a family doctor. After attending Multnomah Elementary and then Benson Polytechnic High School, where his studies enabled him to win the National Model Airplane Championships, he pursued a pre-med program at Vanport College.

After the the flood of 1948, where he is reported to have been in the last car out of Vanport, he attended the University of Oregon Dental School where he graduated from in 1955. His severe dyslexia prevented him from effectively taking class notes and because of this, his mother, Mabel Nichol, diligently transcribed his class notes into a series of notebooks alongside his drawings.

Post-graduation, Nichol went to work for the Public Health Department in Chicago, Illinois and then as a dentist at the McNeil Island Corrections Center near Steilacoom, Washington. He later opened a private practice in Springfield, Oregon, but frustrated with his inability to provide full care for patients lacking in funds, he joined the Army Active Guard Reserves where he served in Korea during the 1960s, specializing in prosthodontics. After retirement from the Army in 1973, he helped to set up dental clinics for the Teamsters Union until he and his wife, who worked as a hygienist, opened their own practice on SE Division and 45th in Portland. Dr. Nichol passed on January 17, 2016.

Extent

.42 Linear Feet (1 Hollinger document box)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Dr. Richard E. Nichol attended the University of Oregon Dental School, graduating in 1955. He went on to serve in Korea and later opened a private practice in Portland, Oregon. This collection, which dates from 1947 to 1949, consists of class notes and drawings from his education at the University of Oregon Dental School.