Re: E. R. Lake, Prof at Oregon State University 1889
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In reply to:
E. R. Lake, Prof at Oregon State University 1889
Patricia Hennage 7/22/08
As you found, he was a charter member of the Oregon Universities:
From: http://www.cof.orst.edu/cof/clubs/forestry/http://www.cof.orst.edu/cof/clubs/forestry/
The date was November 16, 1906 at the Oregon State College (NOW Oregon State University), Professor E.R. Lake met with five forestry students and established a Forestry Club.A four-year course in Forestry was first offered in the fall of 1906.
http://www.actahort.org/books/124/124_0.htmhttp://www.actahort.org/books/124/124_0.htm identifies the Oregon Agricutural Experiment Station was established in 1888 and the first bulletin on pear and fruit culture was published by E.R. Lake in 1889.
http://osulibrary.oregonstate.edu/archives/archive/pho/p093_inv.htmlhttp://osulibrary.oregonstate.edu/archives/archive/pho/p093_inv.html identifies photos of Professor E.R. Lake exist in archives at OSU, photo's #66, 67, and 68.Number 68 identifies his visit to Corvallis about 1950.The other two are circa 1946.So, this person lived may years after his period as professor to OSU.
There are many other sites that describe his work in botany for apples, grapes, nuts, etc.
The Polk Directories are great references but... First, if they extend back in time in Corvallis to the 1880's to 1910, during that period of time, the Polks only listed head of household and an address, perhaps an occupation.That will not tell you any information about him.The spouse was not added until the 1920's in most area's.So, the Polk Directories are only good to possibly identify that he lived in Corvallis.You've already established that, and the Internet has many articles that show he was there.
I visited the Benton Co Genealogical Society; and, while you could try it, you would probably have much better luck in finding about Professor Lake from OSU itself.
The OSU Archives Department http://osulibrary.oregonstate.edu/archives/http://osulibrary.oregonstate.edu/archives/
would be my suggestion.If you can identify his relative date and place of birth, or at least the relative date, that would help in finding him in the US Census.The US Census would identify any family members and where he lived.Try the "Ask an Archivist".
OSU might also be the place to send the medallion, on loan if you will until a family member is found.
The School records would probably be more detailed than any local genealogy records.
Ron Bestrom