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University of Michigan Bentley Historical Library

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Fred Dustin papers, 1884-1975

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Restrictions:
The collection is open for research, with the exception of the Archaeology series and select items from the Correspondence series that contain culturally sensitive information. In 2024-2025,...

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Summary

Creator:
Dustin, Fred, 1866-
Abstract:
Fred Dustin was a Saginaw, Michigan, building contractor, deputy state oil inspector, 1903-1905, and archaeological surveyor and writer on Michigan archaeology and history. The papers include correspondence, newspaper clippings, sketches, diaries, and record books concerning his interest in the archaeology of Michigan, including the archaeological survey of Isle Royale, 1929-1930, and the survey and mapping of the Ogemaw County Earthworks in 1931; also material relating to the history of Saginaw and to Dustin's interest in the archaeology of the Michigan Indian; and photographs. Correspondents include Wilber M. Brucker, Fred L. Crawford, Woodbridge N. Ferris, William B. Mershon, William A. Smith, Albert W. Tausend, Charles E. Townsend, Arthur J. Tuttle, Arthur H. Vandenberg, and Murray D. Van Wagoner.
Extent:
4.5 linear feet
1 oversize volume
Language:
English.
Call Number:
851146 AC Aa 2
Authors:
Finding aid prepared by: Michigan Historical Collections staff

Background

Scope and Content:

The Fred Dustin Papers contain correspondence, diaries, record books, writings, field notes, photographs, and other materials that document Dustin's life and interests in Michigan archaeology and history. The papers consist of seven series: Autobiographical and Biographical, Correspondence, Archaeology, Papers and Miscellaneous, Diaries, Record Books and Ledgers, and Photographs and Scrapbook.

Biographical / Historical:

Fred Dustin was born Frederick Greene O'Donnell on October 12, 1866, in Glens Falls, New York. After his mother died while he was still an infant, he was raised by his aunt and uncle, Sarah and Ira Dustin, and took their last name. He attended school through the eighth grade, then began working, taking jobs in sawmills and lumberyards.

In 1887, Dustin moved to Saginaw, Michigan. After several years working in various jobs in the lumber industry, Dustin started his own carpentry business in 1890, building small items such as a hand washing machine called the Florin Washer. This business lasted until about 1900. From then on, Dustin tried his hand at a number of different types of employment, including stints as a census taker, mail carrier, weigh boss at a coal mine, building contractor, deputy state oil inspector, employment manager for a shipping plant, and Masonic Temple custodian. In his later years he ran a small bookshop out of his home and authored a book on General George Custer The Custer Tragedy, that was published in 1939. Health problems made regular employment difficult, but Dustin remained active most of his life.

Dustin had a great interest in the archaeology of Michigan. He began collecting Native American artifacts around 1903 and continued for the rest of his life, amassing over 10,000 pieces. Most of his collection was eventually donated to the University of Michigan's Museum of Anthropology. In 1929, he was appointed by the university to make an archaeological survey of Isle Royale; the work lasted about seven weeks, followed up with a four-week return visit in 1930. In 1931, the Cranbrook Institute hired Dustin to survey the prehistoric earthworks in Ogemaw County, Michigan. He also served as W.B. Hinsdale's assistant in the compilation of the Archaeological Atlas of Michigan, published in 1931.

Dustin was a charter member of the Michigan Archaeological Society and served a term as its vice president. He also published a number of articles on Saginaw archaeology and history in local newspapers in the hopes of generating interest in establishing a historical museum. In 1955, the Regents of the University of Michigan conferred a Citation of Honor upon Dustin for his contributions to the archaeology and history of the state.

Dustin married Mary Stoker in 1888. Dustin died on May 15, 1957, in Saginaw, Michigan.

Acquisition Information:
The papers were received in several accessions from Ralph Stroebel (donor no. 3977 ) and Geneva Kebler (donor no. 3199 ).

Contents

Using These Materials

Info for Visitors

How to Request

Ordering Reproductions

Download PDF Finding Aid
RESTRICTIONS:

The collection is open for research, with the exception of the Archaeology series and select items from the Correspondence series that contain culturally sensitive information. In 2024-2025, Gideon Goodrich and Krystel Anderson, in consultations with Eric Hemenway (Director of Repatriation, Archives, and Records for the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians of Waganakising) reviewed the collection for materials requiring restrictions based on NAGPRA guidelines and cultural protocols. During this process, select materials containing specific details about archeological digs, locations of burials, and other culturally sensitive information were removed and closed for research.

USE & PERMISSIONS:

Copyright status is unknown. Patrons are responsible for determining the appropriate use or reuse of materials.

PREFERRED CITATION:

item, folder title, box no., Fred Dustin Papers, Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan

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Collection

Fred Dustin papers, 1884-1975
Call Number 851146 AC Aa 2
Total components 45
Last indexed 2025-05-13