San Luis Valley (Colo. and N.M.)

Abstract Colorado State University's strength in groundwater research evolved naturally from the state's early residents needing information on irrigated agriculture. The data, maps, charts, drafts, correspondence, photographs, final reports, and reference materials that were produced by or collected for these groundwater studies over the years are what comprise the Groundwater Data Collection. Materials relate to the groundwater studies that CSU researchers conducted primarily in eastern Colorado...

Abstract

The Irrigation Photograph Collection contains lantern slides and glass plate negatives related primarily to irrigation and agricultural subjects in Colorado and around the world. Colorado locations include the Colorado Agricultural College campus, Long's Peak, the San Luis Valley, and the Eastern Plains. Other countries significantly represented through irrigation or cultural sites include Egypt, Algeria, France, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Mexico.

Abstract In 1911, the Irrigation Investigations Unit of the U.S. Department of Agriculture was established in Fort Collins in conjunction with Colorado Agricultural College (now Colorado State University). Scientists within the unit, including Ralph Parshall, Carl Rohwer, Victor M. Cone, and William E. Code, conducted irrigation-related research. They studied and designed apparatuses to measure water flow through canals and diversion structures, investigated various irrigation projects, and conducted...

Abstract For over 50 years, Ival V. Goslin (1911-1991) worked in water resources. This collection contains records from throughout his career. The bulk of the collection contains records from the Colorado Water Resources and Power Development Authority where Goslin served as the first Executive Director and later as a consultant. The Authority (est. 1981) has conducted water project feasibility studies and created and implemented financing programs for water and wastewater infrastructures. The...

Abstract William A. Braiden (1865-1955) was a successful banker, rancher, and businessman in Colorado's San Luis Valley. Among his holdings was the T-Bone Ranch in Antonito, Colorado. The collection documents the T-Bone Ranch with a videocassette and DVD copy of an original film by Braiden. Also included is a biography of Braiden from The San Luis Historian. Braiden financially contributed to the construction of Braiden Hall, a dormitory named in memory of his son...

Abstract Ralph Parshall contributed significantly to the field of irrigation engineering with the development of a flow-measuring device that became commonly known as the Parshall flume and continues to be widely used. Materials in the collection include Parshall's patent on his "Venturi flume water stage recording instruments," awards that Parshall received, publications, copies of talks he presented on KOA radio in Denver, and a number of lantern slides depicting flumes, weirs, plans, and various...

Abstract

Based in San Luis, Colorado, the Land Rights Council was formed in 1978 as a grassroots advocacy organization to protect the community's rights originally received under the Mexican land grant system. The Council has been committed not only to regaining historic rights to the mountain tract called La Sierra, but also to maintaining its ecological health. The collection primarily consists of administrative records, research files, and court case files.

Abstract

The San Luis Valley Irrigation District formed in 1908 to deliver water to farmers in Southern Colorado's San Luis Valley. The collection contains some records from the Farmers Union Ditch Company and the Farmers Union Irrigation Company but mostly encompasses records pertaining to district operations. Materials include meeting minutes, financial records, engineering reports, correspondence, legal documents, annual reports, election notices, contracts, clippings, maps, and photographs.