Collection: Archie Wright French Papers | Georgetown University Archival Resources

Scope and Contents

The Archie Wright French Papers consist of 13 scrapbooks and 1 photo album with some loose clippings and pamphlets all regarding the Panama Canal and Canal Zone. An article by French in a loose clippings folder tells of a local festival he attended in Ocu, Panama, and a photo album consists mostly of photos of native (Indian) Panamanians in both Western and traditional dress. Of particular interest are accounts of the San Blas Indians in several articles and pamphlets. Public works projects and health conditions were also the interest of many in the Canal Zone, and many articles on Malaria and other tropical diseases are also in the collection. Of special interest are some souvenirs from Admiral Richard E. Byrd's Antarctic Expedition to the South Pole, whose boat passed through the Panama Canal in 1928. Included in this is a flattened paper cup which was signed by Byrd and many of his companions on the voyage, as well as a photo of Byrd.

Dates

1904-1945
Majority of material found within 1930-1945

Creator

French, Archie Wright (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Most manuscripts collections at the Georgetown University Booth Family Center for Special Collections are open to researchers; however, restrictions may apply to some collections. Collections stored off site require a minimum of three days for retrieval. For use of all manuscripts collections, researchers are advised to contact the Booth Family Center for Special Collections in advance of any visit.

Conditions Governing Use

Researchers are solely responsible for determining the copyright status of the materials being used, establishing who the copyright owner is, locating the copyright owner, and obtaining permission for intended use.

Biographical Note

French arrived from the United States into Panama to help work with the construction of the Canal as a white collar worker in 1905 and stayed on with his family after the Canal was completed as a clerical worker in Gorgas Hospital in Ancon, Canal Zone. French worked for the Hospital until sometime in the 1930s, but appears to have remained in the Canal Zone until at least 1945. French had at least two sons, A. W. French, Jr. and John Cecil French, who attended Carnegie Institute in Pittsburgh in the early 1930s.