Velma Johnston ("Wild Horse Annie") papers, 1955-1977

Format:

Book

Series:

Environmental History: Conservation and Public Policy in America, 1870-1980.

Environmental History: Conservation and Public Policy in America, 1870-1980

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Johnston, Annie Bronn--Archives.

Johnston, Annie Bronn.

Mustang--Conservation--History--20th century--Sources.

Mustang.

Wild horses--Conservation--West (U.S.)--History--20th century--Sources.

Wild horses.

Wild burros--Conservation--West (U.S.)--History--20th century--Sources.

Wild burros.

Public lands--West (U.S.)--20th century--Sources.

Public lands.

Wildlife conservationists--West (U.S.)--Archives.

Wildlife conservationists.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (230 manuscripts)

Other Title:

Velma Johnston

Place of Publication:

Gale, a Cengage Company

Summary:

Velma Johnston, also known as "Wild Horse Annie," devoted a large part of her adult life to the protection of wild horses and burros in the American West. She served as advocate for these previously neglected animals and worked for the passage of legislation to protect them. After seeing the roundup of wild horses, and the treatment of these animals on the ranges in the 1950s, Velma Johnston devoted herself to allowing these animals to live in the wild without the threat of being captured by pet food producers. Johnston was founder and president of the International Society for the Protection of Mustangs and Burros, which later became Wild Horse Organized Assistance. Through these groups and her personal efforts, Johnston raised public awareness for the protection of wild horses and burros. Politics were also part of Johnston's strategy. She participated in lobbying efforts that led to the legislation in the state of Nevada that outlawed the use of motorized vehicles in the pursuit (known as "mechanized pursuit") of wild horses. She was also part of the campaign that led to the 1959 and 1971 federal ban on mechanized pursuit. The 1959 law was given the unofficial title of "The Wild Horse Annie Law" to reflect her efforts on its behalf. The items in this collection provide in-depth information not only on Johnston's efforts to protect wild horses and burros but also her personal life. Her correspondence, scrapbooks, and notes provide a glimpse into her thoughts during the height of her interest and influence. Johnston's clipping files and scrapbooks also provide information on those who opposed her views, including those arguing for the elimination of wild horses.

Contents:

Series 1: Correspondence Sent, 1957-1976

Series 15: Photographs

Series 2: General Correspondence, 1958-1975

Series 3: Correspondence Received, 1957-1976

Series 4: Meeting Minutes and Proceedings, 1967-1976

Series 5: Notes, 1955-1976

Series 6: Unpublished Reports and Manuscripts, 1955-1976

Series 7: Reference Material, 1960-1977

Series 10: Legal Documents, 1955-1976

Series 11: Government Documents, 1955-1976.

Notes:

Date of documents: 1955-1977.

Reproduction of the originals from Denver Public Library.

OCLC:

1419557223