Apache Trail: Superstition Mountain: Bluebird Mine

This collection houses a variety of color photographs taken by Herb and Dot McLaughlin between 1940 and 1986. The majority of these images are positive transparencies ranging in size from 2" x 2" to 8" x 10"; some color prints are also included. Most of the photographs were taken in Arizona, but Alaska, Montana, Utah, Colorado, and Mexico are also represented prominently.

Series I: Images Measuring 5" x 6" and Larger houses images measuring between 5" x 6" and 8" x 10". The majority of these photographs are 4" x 5" Ektachrome transparencies mounted in two-piece paper housings that bring their final measurements to 8" x 10". Most of these transparencies were developed using either the E-1 or E-3 processes, neither of which produced stable images. As a result, many of have faded and/or shifted substantially to the magenta over time. Color photographic prints and 8" x 10" transparencies are also included.

Series II: Images Measuring 4" x 5" and Smaller houses images measuring either 2" x 2" or 4" x 5". As is the case with their mounted counterparts, most of the 4" x 5" images are Ektachrome transparencies that have faded and/or shifted substantially to the magenta over time. The 2" x 2" images, however, were made using the more stable E-6 process and are in excellent condition. Some of the 2" x 2" transparencies, apparently those that the McLaughlins considered good, have been mounted. This mounting involved placing the image in a plastic sleeve and taping it to 4" x 5" card made of heavy paper with a 2" x 2" opening cut into it. The McLaughlins frequently used the back of the housing to make notes describing the attached image. Some color prints and negatives are also included in this series.

Series III: Supplementary Materials houses such items as maps, brochures, draft and final newspaper articles, press releases, notes, and captions found with the photographs during processing. These materials have been organized alphabetically by subject.