Guide to the Donald F. Culver papers
1942-2008
Collection number: HMC-1211.
Creator: Culver, Donald F.
Title: Donald F. Culver papers.
Dates: 1942-2008; bulk 1942-1943.
Volume of collection: 0.7 cubic feet.
Language of materials: Materials in this collection are in English.
Collection summary: Papers and photographs of a man who worked on the construction of the ALCAN Highway for the U.S. Army.
Biographical note:
Donald Culver was born in 1915 in Shelbyville, MI. He was a member of the 74th Army Engineer Company, which took part in the construction of the ALCAN Highway. He was trained at Evinrude Outboard Motor School in Wisconsin. After working on the ALCAN from March 1942 to July 1943, Culver served in Europe. He married Dorothy Culver upon his return to the United States. Donald Culver died in 2003.
Collection description:
The collection includes photographs and a photograph album with images taken during the construction of the ALCAN, two birch bark letters and a birch bark wallet made by Culver, and a scrapbook, which was made by Zola Beckwith Culver, Donald Culver’s mother, and a portrait with first and last name identifications of 74th Engineer Company. The scrapbook contains news clippings relating to the construction of the ALCAN. The collection also contains information regarding the 74th Engineer Company, including rosters, reunion information and photographs, and a booklet of personal information, facts, and biographies of the men who served in the company.
Arrangement: The collection is arranged in original order.
Digitized copies: This collection has not been digitized. For information about obtaining digital copies, please contact Archives and Special Collections.
Rights note: Archives holds copyright to materials created by Donald Culver. The collection contains items not created by Culver, which may be subject to copyright.
Preferred citation: Donald F. Culver papers, Archives and Special Collections, Consortium Library, University of Alaska Anchorage.
Works used in preparation of inventory: Biographical information provided by Maribeth Culver-Lammas, Donald Culver’s daughter.
Acquisition note: The collection was donated to the Archives and a deed of gift signed by Maribeth Culver-Lammas in 2015.
Processing information: This collection was described by Veronica Denison in 2015.
Location of originals: The collection contains copies of some material, which is noted in the container list below. The originals have been retained by the donor.
Container list:
| Box/Folder | Description | Dates |
| 1/1 | 74th Engineer Company information | undated, 1980-2008 |
| 1/2 | Culver’s notes and diagram of a demonstration motor circuit; Copies of originals: Separation Qualification Record, Certificate of Achievement cards from U.S. Engineers School, memo to men going on leave and furlough | undated, 1942-1945 |
| 1/3-5 | Photographs | undated, 1942-1943 |
| Box 2 | Birch bark letters sent by Culver to his mother, birch bark wallet, service ribbon pin, photograph album, scrapbook | circa 1942-1943 |
| Oversize Folder 1 | Portrait of 74th Engineer Company | circa 1942-1945 |