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Apiculture

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60 linear feet of material from 1857 to the present

The collections include papers and photographs of other early California apiculturists who made significant contributions to the field, archival records of beekeeping associations and organizations at the state and national level, and material on history and methods of beekeeping, with specific information on pollination, hive construction, diseases, and pesticides.

Though collections tend to highlight the history of beekeeping in California, there are no geographical or chronological exclusions. All materials are in English; formats include manuscript material, photographs, and realia. Related information can be found under the subject heading of Entomology.

Collections

  • American Beekeeping Federation Archives

    (D-074)
    Records, including correspondence, financial records, printed materials, membership cards. The American Beekeeping Federation succeeded the National Federation of Beekeepers Association in 1949. It was created to establish target prices and a comprehensive marketing program for honey, to control the theft of apiary equipment and bees, and to advance the study of apiculture in higher education.

  • Apiculture Subject File Collection

    (D-077)
    Manuscripts, photographic images, and printed materials relating to pollination, hives, diseases, and pesticides.

  • Apiculturists Collection

    (D-076)
    Manuscripts, photographic images, and printed materials relating to 19th century apiculturists and apiaries.

  • Beekeeping Supply Catalog Collection

    (O-002)
    Supply catalogs and other publications offering for sale a manufacturer's or retailer's apicultural line; some ephemeral material.

  • California State Beekeepers Association Records

    (D-075)
    Meeting minutes, correspondence, financial records, annual conventionprograms, publications, realia and photographs. The California State Beekeepers Association was organized in 1889 toserve the beekeeping industry in California.

  • Eckert, John E. (1895-1975). Papers.

    (D-079)
    Correspondence on subjects such as ants, bee diseases, honey marketing, and queen bees, among other topics. Also included are Eckert's writings, research materials, and some photographs on apiculture subjects. Professor of Entomology, University of California, Davis (1931-1962).

  • Harbison, John S. (1826-1912). Papers.

    (D-080)
    Daybooks documenting Harbison's beekeeping activities; correspondence to and from his brothers, his patent representatives, and business partners; and deeds, business receipts and patent grants. One of the first beekeepers to import bees into California and inventor of innovative beehives and new methods of rearing queen bees; author of An improved system of propagating the honey bee (1860) and The beekeepers' directory (1861).

  • Laidlaw, Harry Hyde (1907-2003). Papers.

    (D-081)
    Correspondence, writings, research materials, course materials, and photographs relating to bees and bee keeping. Professor of Entomology, University of California, Davis (1947-1990).

  • McCubbin, John C. (1863-1957). Papers.

    (D-082)
    Business correspondence with other beekeepers, honey customers, and equipment suppliers throughout the west and midwest. Also included are photographs of his apiaries and other beekeepers, as well as materials relating to the California State Beekeepers Association and the California Honey Producers Cooperative Exchange. Early California beekeeper in the San Joaquin Valley.

  • Mussen, Eric C. Collection.

    (MC082)
    Fourteen programs for the state beekeepers' conventions. Extension apiculturist, University of California, Davis.

Many collections are stored offsite and should be requested at least 7 business days in advance of your visit.

How to Access Materials

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