Abstract
Biographical Information
Scope and Content of the Collection

Title

Charles Bloom Slide Collection

Contact Information

The University Library, Special Collections
Cal Poly Humboldt
One Harpst Street
Arcata, California 95521

Processed By

Joan Berman, Katie LaSala

Date Collection Processed

2010

Language

English

Collection Creator

Charles Bloom

Dates Covered by Collection

1952-1989, bulk 1960s-1970s

Size of Collection

Approximately 6,900 slides (3 cubic feet)

Abstract

Charles Bloom was a librarian at Humboldt State University from 1952 until 1983 when he retired. The Charles Bloom Slide Collection consists of photographic slides he took while in northwestern California or traveling. His role as Faculty Advisor for the Boot and Blister Club, as well as an interest in conservation and the natural resources, led him to make extensive photo-documentation of his trips.

Access

The collection is open for use by appointment.

Copyright

Copyright has been assigned to Cal Poly Humboldt.

Acquisition Information

The collection was gifted to the Library when Bloom died in 1998.

Biographical Information

Charles (“Charlie”) Bloom was an avid outdoorsman and an excellent photographer. He enjoyed fly-fishing and gardening. After receiving MA and MLS degrees from the University of California at Berkeley, "Charlie" came to Humboldt State College in 1952 as a reference librarian, providing knowledgeable assistance in English and music. With the growth of the curriculum into the natural resources, he gained expertise in these fields and the other sciences and guided and assisted many of the growing number of students. He retired from the Library in 1983.

Scope and Content

The slide collection documents northwestern California from 1952 to 1989. Slide content reflects Bloom’s interest in the natural resources; the majority consists of landscapes and local plant life, particularly flowers. Because of the extent of the time frame, Bloom frequently re-shot areas that he had previously visited. Humboldt State University retained the slide boxes that contain images pertaining to northwestern California. Bloom dated and titled each slide, usually in reference to the geographical location of the image. Bloom labeled the slide boxes according to general content. Slide boxes are housed in 18 3x5 index card boxes and arranged chronologically.

Subjects include:

Animals

Beaches

Boot and Blister trips

Dedications

Fishing

Flowers

Homes/Ranches

Humboldt State University (e.g. events, picnics, students/faculty, campus shots)

Humboldt State University Library (e.g. construction, staff/faculty)

Lakes/Lagoons (e.g. Big Lagoon)

Landscapes/Scenic (e.g. mountains, valleys, rivers/streams, forests, sunsets)

Towns (e.g. Trinidad, Arcata, Eureka, Crescent City)

Container List

Box 1: 1952 – 1957
Box 2: 1957 – 1960
Box 3: 1960 – 1961
Box 4: 1961 – 1963
Box 5: 1963 – 1964
Box 6: 1964 – 1965
Box 7: 1965 – 1967
Box 8: 1967 – 1968
Box 9: 1968 – 1969
Box 10: 1969 – 1970
Box 11: 1970 – 1972
Box 12: 1972 – 1974
Box 13: 1974 – 1976
Box 14: 1976 – 1977
Box 15: 1977 – 1979
Box 16: 1979 – 1981
Box 17: 1982 – 1983
Box 18: 1984 – 1989

Subject Headings

Humboldt State University – History – Pictorial Works
Humboldt County (Calif.) – History – Pictorial Works