Robert Frank Petersen Collection

Identity elements

Reference code

US NjMdUMCG 2716

Name and location of repository

Level of description

Collection

Title

Robert Frank Petersen Collection

Date(s)

  • 1876-1906 (Creation)

Extent

2.88 cubic feet

Name of creator

(1921-2007)

Biographical history

Robert Frank Petersen, D.M.D., (1921-2007), United Methodist Church missionary to India, was a skilled dentist born in Portland, Oregon, on January 2, 1921. He graduated from the University of Oregon Dental School in 1943, and served as a dental officer in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1946. In 1951, Robert and his wife, Mary B. Petersen, went to India to work in dental medicine at Clara Swain Hospital in Bareilly, U.P., and remained there until 1954. After completing his dental missionary work in India, Robert and Mary returned to Oregon, and Robert continued his dental practice. Dr. and Mrs. Petersen had three children. Petersen died on January 15, 2007 in Medford, Oregon.

Content and structure elements

Scope and content

There are two items in this collection. The first is a Seth Thomas Clock that was built in 1876. The clock was removed from what is known as the William Butler bungalow in Bareilly, UP, India around 1970 by Dr. Robert Petersen at the suggestion of Dr. Stanley Thoburn, deceased. Due to the patent date, it is highly probable that some other early Methodist missionary actually owned it.

The second item in this collection is a book written by William Butler entitled THE LAND OF THE VEDA. The book is autographed in the front by Clemetina Butler who was William's third wife.

System of arrangement

The collection is arranged by record type.

Conditions of access and use elements

Conditions governing access

There are no restrictions on this collection.

Physical access

Technical access

Conditions governing reproduction

Detailed use restrictions relating to our collections can be requested from the office of the archivist at the General Commission on Archives and History. Photocopying is handled by the staff and may be limited in certain instances. Before using any material for publication from this collection a formal request for permission to publish is expected and required.

Languages of the material

  • English

Scripts of the material

    Language and script notes

    Finding aids

    Acquisition and appraisal elements

    Custodial history

    Immediate source of acquisition

    1997-027

    Appraisal, destruction and scheduling information

    Accruals

    Related materials elements

    Existence and location of originals

    Existence and location of copies

    Related archival materials

    Microfilm Edition of the Mission Biographical Reference Files.

    Missionary Files Series.

    Related descriptions

    Notes element

    General note

    The purpose of this finding aid is to help you understand the nature of this collection and to assist you in the retrieval of material from this collection. The following pages contain a brief biographical history of the person, or persons, who created or collected these papers, followed by a general description of the collection in the scope and content note. If more detailed information is warranted then series descriptions also appear. The container listing appears last and is the listing of material in each box, or container, of this collection. To request material you need to turn to the container listing section. It is essentially a listing of file folders, or artifact items, in the collection. Each folder, or item, has a call number associated with it. Each folder also lists the inclusive dates of the material in the folder. On the material request form list both the call number and the folder, or item, title. Use a different line for each folder, or item, requested. When your request sheet is complete, or full, bring it to the archivist and the material will be retrieved.

    General note

    Preferred citation: When citing material from this collection please use the following format: Direct reference to the item or its file folder, Robert Frank Petersen Collection, United Methodist Church Archives - GCAH, Madison, New Jersey. Do not make use of the item's call number as that is not a stable descriptor.

    Specialized notes

    Alternative identifier(s)

    Description control element

    Rules or conventions

    Sources used

    Archivist's note

    Daisy Wiggins King, Student Assistant and Mark C. Shenise, Associate Archivist

    Access points

    Subject access points

    Place access points

    Name access points

    Genre access points

    Accession area