Vasco M. Tanner professional papers, approximately 1890-1989

Series — Multiple Containers

Identifier: MSS 2306 Series 2

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

Contains Vasco M. Tanner's professional correspondence, research and publications for The Great Basin Naturalist, and student files and class papers relating to biology and zoology classes taught by Vasco M. Tanner at BYU. Also includes wooden stamps with ichthyology images and collected publications on environment, conservation, and wildlife relating to Vasco M. Tanner's professional research and interests. Dated approximately 1890-1989.

Dates

approximately 1890-1989

Creator

Tanner, Vasco M. (Vasco Myron), 1892-1989 (creator, Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Open for public research.

Conditions Governing Use

It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain any necessary copyright clearances. Permission to publish material from the Vasco M. Tanner papers must be obtained from the Supervisor of Reference Services and/or the L. Tom Perry Special Collections Coordinating Committee.

Biographical History

From the Collection:

Vasco M. Tanner (1892-1989) was an entomologist and zoology and entomology professor at Brigham Young University.

Vasco Myron Tanner was born on October 29, 1892 in Payson, Utah to John Myron and Lois Ann Tanner. Tanner graduated from Brigham Young University in 1915 with a B.A. in biology. After completing coursework for a Master’s degree in Geology from the University of Utah, he taught high school for a year in Moroni, Utah and taught two years at Dixie Junior College, before officially graduating with his Master’s in 1920. During this time he met Annie Atkin at Dixie Junior College, whom he married on June 5, 1917. Tanner returned to his teaching position at Dixie Junior College, where he remained until 1924. During the summers of 1921 and 1923 he pursued a PhD at Stanford University, befriending David Starr Jordan who convinced him to study entomology. He earned his PhD in 1925 in zoology and entomology, with his dissertation on the morphology of the genitalia of female beetles. In the same year, he accepted a position as teacher for and chairman of the zoology and entomology department at Brigham Young University. He was chair until 1958 and teacher until 1970.

Tanner founded The Great Basin Naturalist in 1939 which he published and edited. He was awarded the Karl G. Maeser award for teaching excellence in 1972. He was chairman of the forestry and flood control committee in Provo’s chamber of commerce for thirty-five years and chairman of the city utilities board for twenty years. Tanner also spent time as a member of the Utah state parks and recreation commission, as president of the Sons of the Utah Pioneers, and as secretary and editor for the Utah Academy of Arts and Sciences. In 1964, he was a Democratic state congressman candidate.

With his wife Annie they had five children, Carol, Marilyn, Carmela, Gloria, and Jordan, and helped raise Ahmed Shayesteh from age ten. Tanner passed away on April, 25 1989 in Utah.

Extent

54 cartons

219 folders

26 boxes

7 media boxes

1 oversize box (0.9 linear ft.)

1 oversize box (0.2 linear ft.)

Language of Materials

English

Contact:
1130 HBLL
Brigham Young University
Provo Utah 84602 United States

BYU Library - Special Collections