Fonds UAA Fonds 0363 - William Rowan Fonds

Title and statement of responsibility area

Title proper

William Rowan Fonds

General material designation

  • Textual record

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Level of description

Fonds

Reference code

UAA Fonds 0363

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Issuing jurisdiction and denomination (philatelic)

Dates of creation area

Date(s)

  • 1908 - 1957 (Creation)
    Creator
    Rowan, William

Physical description area

Physical description

5 metres of textual material.

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Archival description area

Name of creator

(1891-07-29 - 1957-06-30)

Biographical history

Zoologist, Ornithologist, 1891-1957. Swiss-born ornithologist and naturalist William Rowan immigrated to Canada in 1919; in 1920 he became the first professor of the Department of Zoology, which he headed until his retirement in 1956. He pioneered research into avian migration patterns and studied the cyclical population fluctuations of birds and mammals through banding studies. Dr. Rowan was a strong proponent of wildlife conservation and active in fish and game associations. He was also an artist whose works were exhibited in Canada and England. His drawing of a whooping crane was selected for the design of a Canadian postage stamp.

Custodial history

Scope and content

William Rowan's papers consist of correspondence, field diaries, sketches, research notes, teaching materials and observations in Zoology (especially in ornithology) from 1908 to 1957. The manuscripts of his published and unpublished books, and of his speeches and writings on scientific and social matters, are an important part of the papers. Professor Rowan pioneered research in migration patterns and corresponded with major scientific figures across North America, Great Britain, and the European Continent. Recognized as a talented scientific artist he designed the whooping crane stamp for the Canada Post Office in 1954. His zoological designs also originated from his work in the Canadian and international conservation movement. His speeches, radio talks and writing reflect his interest in world political matters and the nuclear age. The Rowan family members wrote often and at length to each other. Their letters include their observation of local, national and international affairs from 1908 to 1957.

Notes area

Physical condition

Immediate source of acquisition

Arrangement

The fonds contains 16 series:

  1. Personal Material
  2. Correspondence
  3. Art
  4. Music
  5. Model Railway
  6. Public Affairs
  7. Career
  8. Research
  9. Conservation
  10. Projects
  11. Publications
  12. Major Manuscripts
  13. Speaking Engagements
  14. Radio Talks
  15. Miscellaneous Published Material
  16. Graphic Material

Language of material

  • English

Script of material

    Location of originals

    RCRF

    Availability of other formats

    Restrictions on access

    All the William Rowan material is open to researchers. Researchers should request the file(s) required by indicating the Accession Number (69-16) and the Archives file number, which appears on the left side of the pages in the Guide.

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    AEU

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    Dates of creation, revision and deletion

    Finding aid written by F. M. Salter and Raymond Frogner. Finding aid encoded by Raymond Frogner and Scott MacDormand in July, 2004. Updated by M. Fraser on 26 March 2020.

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      Script of description

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        Accession area