Robert L. Mullen Photographs

Collection

Identifier: CP SP 66

Scope and Content Note

This collection consists of 18 images showing Tempe and the Salt River Valley, including a train wreck, the Tempe Merchant Band, the Tempe Normal School, Carl T. Hayden, construction at the Bartlett Dam, and an encampment described as workers' quarters during the construction of Granite Reef Dam. The majority of these images are silver gelatin photographic prints.

Dates

Creation: circa 1890-1938

Language of Materials

Material in English

Access Restrictions

To view this collection, make an appointment at least five business days prior to your visit by contacting Ask an Archivist or calling (480) 965-4932. Appointments in the Wurzburger Reading Room at Hayden Library (rm. 138) on the Tempe campus are available Monday through Friday. Check the ASU Library Hours page for current availability.

Copyright

Arizona State University does not own copyright to this collection. Distinctive Collections recognizes that it is incumbent upon the researcher to procure permission to publish information from this collection from the owner of the copyright.

Biographical Note

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Robert Lionel Mullen was born in Concow, California on October 10, 1871. His family relocated to Tempe, Arizona in 1886 and Mullen attended the Arizona Territorial Normal School in 1888. He married Charlotte Ruth Gibson (d. 1963), an 1895 Normal School graduate, in 1897. The Mullens had six children, of whom three survived to adulthood: Thelma Beryl (Mullen) Clymer Folcka (1901-1996), Gladys Claire (Mullen) Lake (1903-1992), and Robert Lionel (1907-1970).

Farming and ranching activity propelled Mullen to a position as state cattle buyer and cattle inspector as well as to memberships in the Tempe Landowners Association, the Arizona Cattle Growers Association, and the Associated Farmers of Maricopa County. He was also an investor in the Tempe Irrigating Canal Company.

Mullen was active in the Republican Party and served as a Precinct Councilman and election judge. He served on the Tempe City Council for four years and served two terms as Trustee of the Tempe Union High School District. Mullen died on January 12, 1963.

Full extent

18 Photograph(s)

Full extent

0.1 Linear Feet

Additional description

Abstract

Arrangement

This collection consists of eighteen images.

Provenance

Archives and Special Collections acquired these images in 1977 (Accession #1977-00059B).

Related Materials

Interested researchers may also wish to consult MSS-160: Robert L. Mullen Collection (guide available at http://www.azarchivesonline.org/xtf/view?docId=ead/asu/mullen.xml.