Dr. Eugene and Julia Mather Collection
Click here to view a photo gallery of the Mather collection!
DONOR:
Dr. Eugene (Cotton) and Julia Mather
SIZE:
39 cubic feet
SCOPE & CONTENT:
Papers: Professional geographical papers and manuscripts
Photos: Professional and personal photographs, primarily geography and travel. Photos include all U.S. states with an emphasis on the American Southwest; Central and South America; Japan; Canada; Europe.
Artifacts: Sculpture, art work, flags
BIOGRAPHY:
Dr. Cotton (Eugene) Mather was an internationally distinguished geographer whose professional career spanned more than 55 years, including four in WWII service, fourteen in visiting professorships in the U.S., Canada and overseas, and over a quarter century with the Department of Geography at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Mather received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Illinois and his Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin.
Dr. Mather was a member of the International Geographical Union. He, together with Dr. John Fraser Hart, led tours to the Southeast U.S. when the IGU met in the U.S.A. in 1948 and 1992. He established the Pierce County Geographical society in Wisconsin, which met at the Mather Gallery for supper, programs, concerts and regional tours from 1969-1980.
When the Mathers retired to Southern New Mexico, Dr. Mather established the New Mexico Geographical Society which had Fall programs and suppers in their guest house in Mesilla, NM. He organized and led annual tours throughout the Southwest. These societies published several books which are available through IHSF. (see Publications)
Dr. Mather and his wife, Julia, owned an art gallery in Prescott, Wisconsin. They traveled extensively throughout the world, collecting artifacts for the gallery. The museum pieces primarily reflected the American Southwest and Central America. The photographic collections at IHSF reflect their world travels and Dr. Mather’s professional work. Dr. Mather died in 1999 at 81 years old.
Julia Mathers holds a B.S. degree from the University of Wisconsin. She currently resides in Las Cruces, NM.