Alaska Pacific University Records
Guide to the APU photographs
1954-1980
Collection number: APU-0014.
Creating office: Alaska Pacific University.
Series title: APU photographs.
Dates: 1954-1980.
Volume of series: 1.5 cubic feet and 24 GB.
Language of materials: Materials in this series are in English.
Series summary: APU and Alaska Methodist University photographs and slides.
Administrative history:
Alaska Pacific University’s History began in 1955, when 242.5 acres of land were purchased by the United Methodist Church Division of National Missions for the purpose of founding an academic institution. The university was chartered in 1957, and during the planning phase was referred to as Alaska Methodist College. By 1960, when the first classes were held, the name had changed to Alaska Methodist University (AMU). The school closed temporarily in 1976 due to financial difficulties but reopened again in 1977. In 1978, AMU changed its name to Alaska Pacific University, though it retained its Methodist affiliation.
Agency functions:
Unavailable at this time.
Series description:
This series contains photograph negatives and prints as well as slides. Subjects of the images include aerial photographs of campus and surrounding area, surveying of land before university construction, building construction and dedication ceremonies, exterior and interior views of buildings, commencement ceremonies, employees and trustees, students and student activities, concerts in Sydney Laurence Auditorium, donation ceremonies and banquets, the library, student registration, and basketball games.
Arrangement: The photographs are arranged into the following subseries:
Subseries 1: Numbered Ward Wells negatives and prints; 1955-1968
Subseries 2: Unnumbered prints; 1954-1970
Subseries 3: Slides; 1971-1980
Digitized copies: All of the negatives in the collection have been digitized for preservation, and selected images are available on Alaska’s Digital Archives. For information about obtaining digital copies, please contact Archives and Special Collections.
Use restrictions: Materials may be subject to copyright.
Preferred citation: APU photographs, Archives and Special Collections, Consortium Library, University of Alaska Anchorage.
Works used in preparation of inventory:
“About APU.” Alaska Pacific University. https://www.alaskapacific.edu/history/
Agni, Claire. “A Short History of Alaska Pacific University.” UAA/APU Consortium Library Archives & Special Collections. https://archives.consortiumlibrary.org/collections/university-records/aputimeline/
Custodial history: These items were transferred to the Archives by Alaska Pacific University.
Processing information: This series was described by Jason Sylvestre in 2011. The guide to the series was updated by Veronica Denison in 2017. Additional material was added to the series by Gwen Higgins in 2019. The series was divided into subseries and additional description was added by Gwen Higgins in 2024. At that time, the negatives were scanned and removed from the series for preservation purposes.
Subseries 1: Numbered Ward Wells negatives and prints; 1955-1968. 0.4 cubic feet.
This subseries consists of negatives and prints taken by photographer Ward Wells, which document the early history of Alaska Methodist University. The subseries is organized by order numbers, which are roughly chronological. The negatives have been digitized and transferred to the freezer for preservation. Please consult an archivist for access to digital copies of negatives.
| Box/Folder | Order number | Description | Date |
| Box 2 | 1393 | Alaska Methodist College presentation of deed (2 negatives) | 1955 March 15 |
| Box 2 | 1578 | Alaska Methodist College erecting sign on campus (2 negatives) | 1955 February 18 |
| Box 2 | 1604 | Methodist College check presentation (2 negatives) | 1955 March 10 |
| Box 2 | 1611 | Alaska Methodist College cup presentation for best team | 1955 March 17 |
| Box 2 | 1612 | Alaska Methodist College workers in office | 1955 March 17 |
| Box 2 | 1618 | Anchorage Methodist College committee meeting at YMCA for News & Times | 1955 March 21 |
| Box 2 | 1629 | Anchorage Methodist College Dr. Know, Dr. John, Rev. Gould at News office (1 negative) | 1955 March 24 |
| Box 2 | 1635 | Alaska Methodist College second wave (4 negatives) | 1955 March 28 |
| Box 2 | 1640 | Alaska Methodist College Dr. Quick at pulpit (1 negative) | 1955 March 31 |
| Box 2 | 1649 | Alaska Methodist College directors meeting at YMCA (1 negative) | 1955 April 5 |
| Box 2 | 1650 | Alaska Methodist College 30-Division Leaders (1 negative) | 1955 April 5 |
| Box 2 | 1669 | Alaska Methodist College final meeting: Art Waldron, Fred McGinnis & unknown (1 negative) | 1955 April 13 |
| Box 2 | 1825 | Alaska Methodist College check presentation (2 negatives) | 1955 July 9 |
| 1/1, Box 2 | 1933 | Alaska Methodist College surveying college land Hewitt Lounsbury (2 negatives, 1 print) | 1955 September 27 |
| 1/2, Box 2 | 1969 | Alaska Methodist College Dr. Gould, etc. (2 negatives, 1 print) | 1955 October 19 |
| Box 2 | 2227 | Alaska Methodist College group of 3 in studio: Peggy, Art Waldron & Bill (2 negatives) | 1956 April 30 |
| 1/3, Box 2 | 2244 | Alaska Methodist College group with Methodist car at high school (3 negatives, 2 prints) | 1956 May 11 |
| Box 2 | 2339 | Alaska Methodist College Architects at Manley-Mayor office (4 negatives) | 1956 July 19 |
| 1/4, Box 2 | 2364 | Alaska Methodist College Mr. Grant and group at Olivera’s (3 negatives, 2 prints) | 1956 July 30 |
| Box 2 | 2430 | Alaska Methodist College group at site of college (2 negatives) | 1956 September 13 |
| 1/5, Box 2 | 2471 | Alaska Methodist College Methodist delegate group at Thompson’s Restaurant (2 negatives, 1 print) | 1956 October 9 |
| Box 2 | 2473 | Alaska Methodist College Besser family at college for donation (2 negatives) | 1956 October 9 |
| 1/6, Box 2 | 2585 | Alaska Methodist College group of students sending out mailers (2 negatives, 2 prints) | 1956 December 26 |
| 1/7, Box 2 | 2763 | Alaska Methodist College groups of directors (3 negatives, 2 prints) | 1957 May 10 |
| 1/8, Box 2 | 2767 | Alaska Methodist College meeting of board at KENI studios (4 negatives, 4 prints) | 1957 May 11 |
| Box 2 | 2910 | Alaska Methodist College studio group around relief map (2 negatives) | 1957 August 23 |
| Box 2 | 2923 | Alaska Methodist College group of teachers looking at relief map of college (1 negative) | 1957 August 31 |
| Box 2 | 2938 | Alaska Methodist College Mrs. Burnselle & family in studio (5 negatives) | 1957 September 9 |
| Box 2 | 2952 | Alaska Methodist College group in studio with relief map, including Rev. McGinnis (1 negative) | 1957 September 26 |
| Box 2 | 2952 | Alaska Methodist College Senator Cotton & Frank Barton with Bill Reasonover (1 negative) | 1957 October 1 |
| Box 2 | 3319 | Alaska Methodist College general views of tract before dedication (4 negatives) | 1958 June 18 |
| 1/9, Box 2 | 3334 | Alaska Methodist College dedication service (37 negatives, 34 prints) | 1958 June 29 |
| 1/10 | 3453 | Alaska Methodist College Dr. Ebright, Miss Kellogg & Lewis Simpson with John Manley of Manley & Mayor (1 print) | 1958 October 9 |
| Box 2 | 3476 | McGinnis, Fred (3 negatives) | 1960 November 1 |
| 1/11 | 3741 | Alaska Methodist College signing contract (2 prints) | 1959 May 5 |
| 1/12 | 3746 | Alaska Methodist College pouring first forms (2 prints) | 1959 May 11 |
| Box 2 | 3766 | Alaska Methodist College Mrs. Ebright & both with prog[ress] of building (4 negatives) | 1959 May 26 |
| Box 2 | 3846 | Alaska Methodist Univ. cornerstone laying (17 negatives) | 1959 July 12 |
| Box 2 | 4151 | Alaska Methodist University general office scans & buildings (8 negatives) | 1960 February 12 |
| Box 2 | 4185 | Alaska Methodist Univ. luncheon & $5000 check presentation at Chuck Wagon (2 negatives) | 1960 March 4 |
| Box 2 | 4237 | Alaska Methodist Univ. ground clearing for dormitory (2 negatives) | 1960 April 4 |
| 1/13, Box 2 | 4341 | Alaska Methodist Univ. library shots (3 negatives, 3 prints) | 1960 June 21 |
| 1/14, Box 2 | 4343 | AMU: progress of Univ., dorm & housing (8 negatives) | 1960 June 22 |
| 1/15, Box 2 | 4489 | Alaska Methodist Univ. student registration (14 negatives, 8 prints) | 1960 September 30 |
| 1/16, Box 2 | 4516 | AMU banquet, art recital, trustee group (12 negatives, 1 print) | 1960 October 12 |
| 1/17, Box 2 | 4518 | AMU building dedication (10 negatives, 3 prints) | 1960 October 13 |
| 1/18, Box 2 | 4519 | AMU. Pres. McGinnis ceremony at Sidney Laurence Auditorium (Installation of President McGinnis) (17 negatives, 6 prints) | 1960 October 13 |
| 1/19, Box 3 | 4626 | Formal photo of chorus group, also Frank Brink & general interior (1 negative, 2 prints) | 1960 December 16 |
| 1/20, Box 2 | 4628 | Kiwanis presentation of check to Bill Dunsworth (2 negatives, 3 prints) | 1960 December 13 |
| Box 2 | 4632 | AMU Mrs. Louise Brown presenting check for Loussac Foundation (1 negative) | 1960 December 16 |
| Box 2 | 4946 | A.M.U. 14 copy neg of personnel: Yaw, Schuler, Gay, Fitch, Locklin, Schaff, Frederick, Freese, Shafer, Dancer, Shear, North, Brink, Voth, Harrison (15 negatives) | 1961 August 14 |
| Box 2 | 5043 | AMU chamber music rehearsal (3 negatives) | 1961 October 28 |
| Box 2 | 5046 | AMU Trustee meeting (1 negative) | 1961 October 25 |
| 1/21, Box 2 | 5048 | Trustees meeting (5 negatives, 1 print) | 1961 October 27 |
| Box 2 | 5065 | AMU formal photo of chamber musicians on stage (1 negative) | 1961 November 4 |
| 1/22, Box 2 | 5066 | AMU Hon. Edwin M. Martin, Assist. Sec. of State for Economic Affairs (4 negatives, 5 prints) | 1961 November 6 |
| 1/23, Box 2 | 5104 | AMU basketball team (1 negative, 1 print) | 1961 December 5 |
| Box 2 | 5114 | AMU Christmas Chorus at Methodist church (1 negative) | 1961 December 15 |
| Box 2 | 5242 | A.M.U. copy, Mr. Schapero w/ Mr. Harrison (1 negative) | 1962 March 15 |
| 1/24, Box 2 | 5314 | AMU morning baccalaureate & graduation incl. Sat. evening dinner & theater (69 negatives, 76 prints) | 1962 May 20 |
| Box 2 | 5315 | AMU Trustees-’62 (1 negative) | 1962 May 19 |
| Box 2 | 5472 | AMU Sec. Udall speaking (4 negatives) | 1962 September 28 |
| 1/25, Box 3 | 5503 | AMU visitors punch & dinner (20 negatives, 4 prints) | 1962 October 23 |
| 1/26, Box 3 | 5530 | AMU basketball team & game (2 negatives, 22 proofs) | 1962 November 14 |
| Box 3 | 5548 | AMU Basketball at field house-Elm (21 negatives) | 1962 November 30 |
| Box 3 | 5549 | AMU Christmas concert Sidney Laurence Auditorium (3 negatives) | 1962 November 29 |
| Box 3 | 5595 | AMU liberal education meet (5 negatives) | 1963 January 16 |
| Box 3 | 5675 | AMU dress rehearsal at Sidney Laurence | 1963 April 8 |
| 1/27, Box 3 | 5705 | AMU Commencement (79 negatives, 51 prints) | 1963 May 17-19 |
| 1/28, Box 3 | 5782 | AMU press of Civic Orchestra w/Mayor and Building Committee looking over new project (6 negatives, 1 print) | 1963 August 1 |
| 1/29 | 5817 | AMU exterior (4 prints) | 1963 September 12 |
| 1/30, Box 3 | 5850 | Orchestra practice at Sydney Laurence Auditorium (6 negatives, 6 prints) | 1963 September 25 |
| 1/31, Box 3 | 5876 | Dr. Murry North formal practice of Civic Univ. Orchestra (3 negatives, 3 prints) | 1963 October 23 |
| Box 3 | 5903 | AMU orchestra at Sydney Laurence (8 negatives) | 1963 November 24 |
| Box 3 | 5917 | AMU chorale at AMU auditorium (1 negative) | 1963 December 12 |
| 1/32, Box 3 | 6025 | Sydney Laurence Auditorium (8 negatives, 3 prints) | 1964 March 11 |
| 1/33 | 6072 | Copy of artist rendering-student union and residence (1 print) | 1964 April 16 |
| 1/34, Box 3 | 6114 | AMU Land Officer-receiving land patents (4 negatives, 3 prints) | 1964 June 2 |
| 1/35 | 6117 | AMU Opera set (2 prints) | 1964 May 26 |
| 1/36, Box 3 | 6282 | Sears Foundation check deposited with AMU (15 negatives, 15 prints) | 1964 October 14 |
| 1/37, Box 3 | 6285 | Bishop Grant (1 negative, 1 print) | 1964 October 14 |
| 1/38, Box 3 | 6292 | Mayor [Rasmuson] conducting (8 negatives, 6 prints) | 1964 October 21 |
| Box 3 | 6310 | AMU Civic Symphony at Sydney Laurence | 1964 November 11 |
| 1/39, Box 3 | 6514 | AMU various view for Amulet (83 negatives, 21 prints) | 1965 |
| Box 3 | 6710 | AMU concert at Sydney Laurence (1 negative) | 1965 November 17 |
| Box 3 | 6750 | AMU Christmas concert at Sydney Laurence (1 negative) | 1965 December 3 |
| 1/40 | 7188 | Alaska Review cover (1 print) | 1966 November 29 |
| Digital storage | 7883 | AMU Dr. McGinnis & 4 men donating over $5000 to AMU for their company | 1968 |
| 1/41 | Order sheets for Ward Wells negatives | 1955-1965 |
Subseries 2: Unnumbered prints and slides; 1954-1970. 0.5 cubic feet.
This subseries consists of prints and slides related to the history of AMU and later APU. The photographs are organized by subject.
| Box/ Folder |
Description | Date |
| 1/42-43 | Board of Trustees photographs | 1964-1970 |
| 1/44 | Commencement photographs | 1969-1970 |
| 1/45 | District Superintendents Breakfast, Chicago | 1954 November 23 |
| 1/46 | Event photographs: picnic at future site of AMU, fundraising events | undated, 1954 |
| 1/47 | Facilities and construction photographs | |
| 1/48 | General Conference photographs | 1956 |
| 1/49 | Group photographs | 1956-1957 |
| 1/50 | Individual portraits | undated, 1962 |
| 1/51 | Library photographs | undated, 1960-1961 |
| 1/52 | Methodist Men’s Conference display photographs | 1957, 1962 |
| 1/53 | Student life photographs | undated, 1961-1962 |
| 1/54 | Affiliated Alaskan Engineers Alaska Methodist University area aerial photographs | 1957 |
| Oversize folder | Matted portrait of Samuel J. Emmanuel commemorating his donation of 15,000 volumes to the APU library | undated |
Subseries 3: Slides; 1971-1980. 0.1 cubic feet.
This subseries consists of slides related to the history of AMU and later APU.
| Box/ Folder |
Description | Date |
| 1/55 | Slides | 1971-1980 |