Research collection, 1835-1968

The Robert M. Gatke “Chronicles of Willamette” research collection is organized in two series and contain the documents, records, and other historical materials that Gatke collected in his research on the history of Willamette University and the Mid-Willamette Valley. Series I, the majority of the collection, is arranged in alphabetical order by subject. Folders contain typed or handwritten notes and chapters of the Chronicles as well as research materials. Gatke often covered the outside of the folder with a detailed outline of the information inside the folder. The folder list below contains specific details of each folder's contents.

Series II contains correspondence and statements relating to the search for the Cyrus Shepard diary. Cyrus Shepard was the first teacher in the Indian School established in the Willamette Valley in 1835. This school was the precursor of Willamette University. While once in the possession of Willamette University, the diary was mistakenly given to a retired Methodist minister in 1920 or 1921. Gatke spent the next two decades unsuccessfully trying to recover the diary for the Northwest History Collection.