ABSTRACT: The Jim Swift Collection consists of significant amounts of waterways related materials, including personal research, periodicals, correspondence, ephemera, and more. The collection represents the professional and personal work of the noted waterways researcher James (Jim) V. Swift.
SCOPE: Research materials include biographies of past and present river people, river organizations,river museums, river sites, and river excursions. Mr. Swift compiled an index of The Waterways Journal on note cards.
EXTENT: This collection continues to be added to, and at present consists of 120 linear feet of papers, note cards, books and clippings. The numerous periodicals have been incorporated into the Herman T. Pott National Inland Waterways Library holdings, and are at present the most significant contribution. An initial finding aid can be accessed here.
HISTORY: For many years Jim Swift shared his interest in the waterways past and present through his "Old Boat Column" of The Waterways Journal. Swift was a longtime columnist for the Journal, as well as a business and advertising manager, serving for a time as the Vice President. His personal energy was spent on river research as well. He also supported The Golden Eagle River Museum, and various other river organizations. His memory is commemorated through the James V. Swift Medal, presented by the Herman T. Pott National Inland Waterways Library every other year to individuals who significantly contribute to the field of inland waterways research and/or art.
ACCESS: This is collection P-004. This collection is available for on-site use only in the Rare Book and Manuscripts Reading Room. Some of the collection may be photocopied, digitally scanned or photographed, depending on condition. Researchers are advised to call ahead concerning changes in hours due to University intersessions and holidays. The St. Louis Mercantile Library is located on levels one and two of the Thomas Jefferson Library building. More information about conducting research with the archival collections of the Library, including current building hours and reading room policies, can be found on our Research page.
This collection is in an on-going state of processing. All inquiries regarding use of this collection may be directed to the Curator of the Herman T. Pott National Inland Waterways Library.
Preferred Citation note: The preferred citation for this collection is "From the Collections of the St. Louis Mercantile Library at the University of Missouri-St. Louis.”
