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Orson Pratt Huish papers

 Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: MSS 6920

Scope and Contents note

Collection contains materials relating to Huish's careers as a photographer and composer. This includes the correspondence of Orson Pratt Huish (including letters from Heber J. Grant), various posthumous biographies of Huish, and Huish's writings and poetry. Included are three notebooks, along with typed transcripts, of lyrics. The collection includes Huish's sheet music, both in unpublished and published form. Four of Huish's cameras are included: a late nineteenth century portrait camera, a 1909 Kodak Folding Brownie Camera, a 1915 Autographic Kodak Jr., and a 1917 Autographic Kodak Jr. The 1915 and 1917 cameras have leather cases. Also included are four stereo negative plates, four packs of Kodak film (two are unopened), and a package of photographic dry plates. Nine photographs and eighteen negatives, mainly detailing Utah landscapes and events, are also included. The collection dates from circa 1885 to 1966.

Dates

  • 1885-1966

Creator

Conditions Governing Access note

Open for public research.

Some items kept in cold storage; access requires 24 hours advance notice.

Conditions Governing Use note

It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain any necessary copyright clearances. Permission to publish material from Register of Orson Pratt Huish papers must be obtained from the Supervisor of Reference Services and/or the L. Tom Perry Special Collections Board of Curators.

Biographical History

Orson Pratt Huish was a photographer, writer, and musician in Utah. He was born 5 September 1851 in Blaenavon, Wales. His family came to the United States in 1860 and settled in Payson, Utah. Huish married Ann Pickering in 1872. In 1880 Huish formed the Huish Band with siblings Edward, Joseph, Frank, James Jr., Frederick and Florette, and traveled around Utah Territory performing. He played the cornet with the band, but was also self-taught on the french horn, piano, guitar, and bass viola. He is most well-known for composing three hymns included in the 1948 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints hymnal. He was a prolific writer, composing hundreds of poems and musical compositions over his lifetime, many of which were never published. He also wrote ballets, anthems, and the accompanying music for others' poems. As well as being a celebrated composer, Orson Pratt Huish took many photographs over his lifetime. Trained in commercial photography, he formed the Huish and Hinshaw firm with T.E. Hinshaw, and photographed the Payson community and surrounding areas. He continued to compose and photograph up to his death 4 December 1932.

Extent

2 folders (0.2 linear ft.)

1 oversize box (1 linear ft.)

1 folder (.1 linear ft.)

2 cartons (2 linear ft.)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

Collection contains materials relating to Huish's careers as a photographer and composer. The collection includes cameras and photographic equipment as well as Huish's sheet music and poetry. The collection dates from circa 1885 to 1966.

Custodial History note

Donated by Helen Chapman in 1989.

Immediate Source of Acquisition note

Donated; Helen Chapman; 1989.

Appraisal note

Utah and the American West and LDS cultural, social, and religious history (19th and 20th Century Western and Mormon Manuscripts collection development policy 5.VI).

Processing Information note

Processed; Mary Downs; 2009.

Title
Register of Orson Pratt Huish papers
Status
Completed
Author
Mary Downs, student processor and John Murhpy, curator
Date
28 May 2009
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid written in English in Latin script.

Repository Details

Part of the L. Tom Perry Special Collections Repository

Contact:
1130 HBLL
Brigham Young University
Provo Utah 84602 United States