Fritiof Melvin Fryxell papers

Fritiof Melvin Fryxell was a geology professor at Augustana College from 1929 to 1968. Fryxell was born in Moline, Illinois in 1900. He attended Augustana College, and graduated in 1922 with degrees in biology and English. He later returned to the school as a teaching assistant for biology and English. He took a leave of absence from the college to earn his doctorate in geology, and returned to the school in 1929 as the founder and chair of the geology department. Fryxell also did professional work outside of the college, especially in the Grand Tetons in Wyoming and for the National Park Service. He was the author of 20 publications, and the recipient of several honorary degrees. Fryxell officially retired in 1968, but continued to teach part time until 1973. He died in 1986 at his home in Rock Island. Materials in the collection include educational records (including report cards, diplomas, transcripts, etc.), genealogical materials, biographical materials, health documents (vaccination papers, insurance forms, etc.), awards, personal correspondence, personal notes, articles, news releases, obituaries, scrapbooks, news clippings, photographs, negatives, sheet music, artwork, business records, professional correspondence, cassette tapes, research notes, field notes, research data, maps, financial records, pamphlets, programs, bulletins, reports, published materials (by Fryxell and other family members), manuscripts, drafts of manuscripts, Augustana College teaching materials (notes, assignments, field trip materials, etc.), speeches, and materials concerning his membership in various professional organizations (membership documents, notes, correspondence, constitutions, reports, etc.).