THOMAS A. DICKSON PAPERS

Collection

Identifier: TMD54

Staff Only

SCOPE AND CONTENT NOTE

Letters written by Dickson to his wife, Barbara, during and immediately following World War II comprise the bulk of the collection. Limited personal papers, including military records and applications for a military ski instructor position also form part of the collection. Photographs, which document Dickson's participation in the 10th Mountain Division's Italian Campaign, complete the collection.

SERIES 1 PAPERS 1929-1990 BOX 1

The bulk of the series consists of Dickson's correspondence with his wife, Barbara, during World War II. Limited military records and personal papers also form part of the series.

SERIES 2 PHOTOGRAPHS 1944-1945 BOX 1

Thirteen black and white photographs, primarily from Italy, comprise the series.

Dates

1929-1990

Language of Materials

Materials are in English.

ACCESS:

The collection is open for research.

PUBLICATION RIGHTS:

All requests for permission to publish, reproduce, or quote from material in the collection should be discussed with the appropriate librarian or archivist. Permission for publication may be given on behalf of the Denver Public Library as the owner of the physical item. It is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which also must be obtained by the customer. The Library does not assume any responsibility for infringement of copyright or publication rights of the manuscript held by the writer, heirs, donors, or executors. Reproduction restrictions are decided on a case-by-case basis.

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE

Thomas Alden Dickson was born October 10, 1912 in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, the son of Morris H. and Isabella J. Dickson. Shortly thereafter, the family moved to Denver, where Dickson attended Dora M. Moore Elementary School. Later, he attended Morey Junior High School and graduated from Denver's East High School in 1931. Following graduation, Dickson worked as a clerk at Denver's Kenmark Hotel. In October 1933, he was hired by the J. Brown Mercantile Company, where he remained until 1937. He worked for Western Beauty Supply from 1937 to 1941, when he became supervisor of the Statistical Department at the Gates Rubber Company.

Prior to World War II, Dickson was an active ski enthusiast. In 1929, he and his brother designed a ski jump for the Twin Forks resort in Turkey Creek Canyon. In 1937, Dickson helped organize the first ski club in the Denver area, the Colorado Ski Runners. During the next several years, he assisted in laying out numerous ski trails. He competed in the first downhill ski race in the Denver area in 1936.

Dickson enlisted in the Army January 8, 1944 at Denver, Colorado. He began his service at the Medical Replacement Training Center, Camp Barkeley, Texas and finished his basic training at Camp Wolters, Texas. Upon completion of basic training, he was assigned to the 10th Light Division (Alpine), which was then stationed at Camp Hale, Colorado. Initially, he was a member of the 87th Infantry Regiment's Service Company and later transferred to Company E. He also served at Camp Swift, Texas and during the 10th Mountain Division's Italian Campaign. Dickson received his discharge April 19, 1946 at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. His military service included assignments as a rifleman, supply clerk and general clerk. He received the Combat Infantryman Badge, March 2, 1945.

Following the war, Dickson returned to Denver to resume his position with Gates Rubber Company. He retired from Gates in 1975. Dickson married Barbara Moor May 4, 1940. The couple had two children. Dickson passed away December 16, 1980.

Extent

1 Boxes

Additional Description

Other Finding Aids

For location information, refer to the Denver Public Library Catalog.

PROVENANCE:

Gift; Barbara Dickson; 1987.

SELECTION OF RELATED MATERIAL

The Western History/Genealogy Department has additional collections with material related to Thomas A. Dickson including:

10th Mountain Division Records

TMD1 10th Mountain Division Database Records

TMD2 National Association of the 10th Mountain Division Records

TMD40